Ryan Higgins Named NEWA Rookie Wrestler of the Week

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University freshman heavyweight Ryan Higgins has been selected as the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Rookie of the Week.

A native of Billerica, Massachusetts, Higgins captured the heavyweight title at the Scott Viera Open hosted by Roger Williams University this past weekend as he went 4-0 at the tournament with a pin.

Higgins opened the day with a 6-3 victory over Tim Nagosky of LIU Post. He then pinned Adam Krieger of Mount Saint Vincent in the second period (4:07) to advance to the heavyweight semifinals. After knocking off Daryl Bagley of AIC, 5-3, in the semifinals, Higgins won by medical forfeit against Adam Patsun of host Roger Williams to capture the title. Patsun entered the tournament ranked sixth in New England for the heavyweight class, while Higgins was ranked seventh.

Among the top heavyweights in New England, Higgins continued his outstanding wrestling in Wednesday’s home match against Western New England University as he earned a win by fall (4:17) over Akhmet Azizov.

In 22 bouts this season, Higgins sports a 17-5 (.773) record with five pins, 39 takedowns, four reversals and 14 escapes. He leads the team in wins and takedowns and ranks second on the squad in pins.

The season continues for Higgins and the BSU wrestling team on Saturday (Jan. 12) as the Bears compete at the Jim Aguiar Invitational hosted by Plymouth State University.