SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 9, 2026) – Western New England men's wrestling junior James Linder has received the first weekly honor from the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) organization of the season, being named Wrestler of the Week, following his performance at the Tonee Ellis Invitational this weekend. 

Linder took first place in the 149 lb. weight class to continue his undefeated season, and picked up a win over a nationally ranked opponent to close out the victory. Linder opened the event with an 18-3 technical fall victory over Dennis Forbes of Rowan College, quickly advancing to the second round. There, Linder earned a decision victory over Isisah Womack of Eastern University, picking up the first takedown of the match and never looking back, completing a 7-3 decision victory to earn a spot in the quarterfinal round. The quarterfinal match saw Linder pick up a 16-4 major decision victory over Albright College's Joshua Gray to advance to the semifinal match. The semifinal round needed overtime as Linder battled back from a 4-0 deficit against Eastern University's Ryan Mansueto to tie the match at 5-5 after the third period. Linder then got the takedown quickly into the overtime session to advance to the weight-class championship match. Linder fell behind 1-0 in the championship match after two periods, but earned the escape point in the third period and got the takedown with just 11 seconds remaining, sealing the victory over Gettysburg College's Jake Mitchell, who is ranked 14^thnationally at 149 lbs. Linder claimed the 4-2 victory to win the weight class. 

Linder is now a perfect 8-0 in the 149 lb. weight class to start the season, earning three fall wins, two decision wins, a major decision win, a technical fall win, and a sudden-victory on the year. Linder and the Golden Bears will face rival Springfield College this Friday, November 13, at 7:00 PM inside the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center in dual action.