Cranford Wrestler Named Hofstra Captain

CRANFORD, NJ - A Cranford native will be one of four captains of the Hofstra University wrestling squad according to Coach Dennis Papadatos.

Serving as captains for the Pride will be Cranford's Ryan Burkert, senior 149 lbs., Nezar Haddad from Orefield, Pa., redshirt senior 197 lbs., Sage Heller from Riverwoods, Ill., junior 174 lbs. and Jacob Martin from North Franklin, Conn., junior 125 lbs..

“I am happy to name Ryan, Nezar, Sage and Jacob our captains this season,” Papadatos said. “All four have been picked by their teammates to lead the program. They have demonstrated leadership qualities and work ethic during their careers and I am confident they will all be tremendous influences on our entire program this season and in the future. Congratulations to all four and I can’t wait to watch them lead our team.”

Burkert is in his fourth season on the Pride roster and has 38 victories during his career. He had 10 wins a season ago, including starting the year with a 4-1 record. Burkert, who won two matches during the EIWA Championships, picked up six of his wins in dual matches. Burkert wrestled for St. Peter's Prep of Jersey City in high school with twin brother Connor.

For more information, ticket information visit HofstraTickets.com or call (516) HOF-TIXX.

(Photo courtesy of Hofstra University)

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter by clicking here. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading our Apple iOS app here, or by visiting the Google Play store for the Android app here.