VFMC Wrestling returns with dual against Williamson College of the Trades

MEDIA, Pa. — Valley Forge Military College’s wrestling program competed for the first time in nearly a decade on Thursday, January 22 in Media, Pa. After reinstating the program earlier this winter under the guidance of head coach Rob Hjerling, the Trojans took the mat against Williamson College of the Trades, falling 47-12.

“The camaraderie we’ve built coming into this today, you could really see it,” Hjerling said. “This is a proud moment. They knew coming in, they were a part of history. It’s going to be something to look back on in 3, 5, 10 years, and they can say they were the first.”

Benjamin Cournoyer ’26 was the first to take the mat for the Trojans at 149 pounds, becoming the first VFMC wrestler to compete at an official meet since the 2016-17 academic year. He lost his first match of the dual, but Cournoyer bounced back for a major decision in his second match to finish 1-1 on the night.

“It’s really great to get a wrestling program going, just bettering ourselves,” Cournoyer said. “That’s what the school’s all about. It’s great to get back on the mat, have a team and just get after it.”

Robert Young ’26 got the Trojans on the board in the second match of the night, pinning his opponent at 157 pounds in the second period. 

Young was the standout for VFMC as he went 2-0 with two pins.

“It’s great,” Young said. “I haven’t been on the mat in two years. Our program just started up this year. We’re living the motto out here. It’s Courage, Honor, Conquer. Courage to get on the mat, then we conquer, and we get the honor afterwards.”

After Young scored the first points of the dual, Chris Centeno ’26 came back to win his match at 165 pounds with a third-period pin. Centeno’s victory closed the gap to 18-12 before Williamson, a four-year institution, pulled away in the larger weight classes.

The Trojans are currently competing in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA). VFMC has applied for membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 19, Division I.

“I’m always thinking about this is going to be the first Valley Forge Military College wrestling team,” Centeno said. “I’m really looking forward to what we have coming up next.”

The Trojans will hit the mats next when they host Penn State-University Park on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.

Click here to see the full results