GCC Roadrunners Take UMBC Tournament Trophy

Deptford Twp.  – The Gloucester County College wrestling team won the Retriever Duals tournament hosted by the University of Maryland Baltimore College on Saturday, Dec. 14, prompting an overall 9-0 season record. 

The Roadrunners defeated UMBC 43-3 and Apprentice School 42-7 to take home the tournament trophy. Both matches — against quality competitors — were one-sided victories for the College. According to head coach Jason Bilinksi, this is the first team in the GCC wrestling program’s history to win Retriever Duals. 

“It was a total team effort. All of our athletes wrestled tough,” said Bilinksi. “The guys all stepped up to the challenge and did a great job maximizing bonus points in every match. As a coach, I am really proud of their efforts.”

Bilinksi took the helm of the program, which has a long legacy of excellence in Division III non-scholarship wrestling, in August. The Roadrunners have captured six NJCAA National Championship titles since 1996. Although in his first year at GCC, he brings prior experience both as a high school coach and college wrestler. His primary goal has been to assemble a quality lineup. 

“Many teams see a dip in the first season under a new head coach so I wanted to build a roster that could compete right away,” he said. “Assistant coach Hugh Nawn is a great asset. He has a great relationship with all of our guys and has helped our lightweights tremendously.” 

The Roadrunners’ next challenge will be the Wilkes Open on Saturday, Dec. 28. 

“To be undefeated right now with the schedule we have is really exciting and something to build upon,” said Bilinksi. “Right now we have a lot of positive momentum to carry us forward into 2014.”

Gloucester County College’s 250-acre campus is located at 1400 Tanyard Road in Deptford, right off Exit 56 of Route 55.