2024 Star Match Preview: Army West Point vs Navy

Friday night is the setting for one of the most unique and storied traditions in college wrestling, the Star Match. The Star Match pits Army West Point against their rival the Naval Academy. As is the case in all sports, this is a rivalry with larger implications in mind. These squads will go head-to-head and want to crush the opposition, yet years from now, they could be cooperating in serious combat. 

With the wrestling community might be focused on a matchup between Big Ten powers, graduates from both institutions are very interested in this results, even if they’re not wrestling fans. About five years ago, I visited the West Point campus and head coach Kevin Ward told me how his inbox is filled with emails of congratulations after a win over their rivals. Oftentimes, he may not recognize the sender, as it may not be a wrestling alum, just someone with a vested interest in having bragging rights in another sport over their rival. 

Navy comes into this dual with a 52-10-5 advantage over Army. This year’s edition of the Star Match will be held in Annapolis on Navy’s campus, a place where they have 28 times, against only three losses (and one tie). Since Cary Kolat took over the Navy program in the spring of 2020, the Midshipmen have won three straight against Army. That being said, Ward has been very good against Navy during his tenure. His teams won five of six before this current three-match losing streak. 

If you can't make it to Annapolis, you can watch along on ESPN+ at 7:30 pm (EST). 

Here's our preview and predictions for the 2024 edition of the Star Match.
 

125 lbs - #32 Ethan Berginc (Army West Point) vs. Dayton DelViscio (Navy)

Right off the bat we’ve got an All-Pennsylvania match with Ethan Berginc (Hempfield Area) versus Dayton DelViscio (Malvern Prep). Berginc was a two-time PA state placer (1,3), while DelViscio was a National Prep third place finisher as a senior. 

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