WASHINGTON - Over 600 days since last competing as a full team, American University wrestling is back in action and ready to start the 2021-22 season at home in Bender Arena on Saturday, Nov. 6. The Eagles, under the leadership of first-year head coach Jason Borrelli, will host Sacred Heart at 6 p.m. and Virginia at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased HERE, and are good for both duals. Students are admitted free with a valid AU Student ID.

Proof of Vaccination Required for Entry into Bender Arena

• In the interest of public health and in accordance with American University's commitment to maintaining a vaccinated community on campus, AU Athletics will require proof of vaccination for all spectators 12 and older when attending sporting events inside Bender Arena.
• This policy is effective October 21, 2021. Proof of vaccination can be achieved by showing one's vaccine card, a photo of one's card or a digital vaccine record.
• Due to AU's requirement that current students and faculty/staff be vaccinated, those with a current AU ID will not need to show further proof of vaccination.
• Read the full policy HERE.

Mask Policy at AU Athletics Events

• Individuals are required to wear masks to all American University athletics events, per current AU guidelines.  
• We also encourage social distancing at all of our venues.  

Enhanced Bender Arena Concessions for 2021-22 Home Duals

• AU Athletics has partnered with Gregorio's Trattoria to provide an enhanced concessions menu for all home wrestling duals this 2021-22 season in Bender Arena.
• Fans can enjoy Gregorio's favorites  including menu selections of pizza, Italian sausage and peppers, hot and cold sub sandwiches and wraps, chicken fingers, hot dogs, chips and more, as well as a full selection of refreshing Pepsi products. 
• Credit cards and cash accepted. 
• No outside food or beverages permitted into Bender Arena.

Additional Meet Information

• AU and Sacred Heart are planning to wrestle up to four individual exhibition matches that will take place both before and after team dual.
• The exhibitions will not count in the team scoring, but are countable towards an individual's season record.
• There will be a short, 12-minute break between the two team duals, with the Virginia dual not starting before 7:30 p.m.

What to Know About American

• American is back for a traditional season just over 600 days since the Eagles' full team was last in action on March 6-7, 2020 at the EIWA Championships.
• Borrelli is in his first season after 13 years at Stanford. His staff includes associate head coach Alex Tirapelle, assistant coach Joey Dance and volunteer assistant coach Ganbayar Sanjaa.
• The team captains for 2021-22 are redshirt juniors Tim Fitzpatrick and Patrick Ryan along with junior Will Jarrell.
• American went without a dual match in 2020-21 due to a variety of factors including health & safety protocols and team readiness. Three wrestlers competed at the EIWA Championships and two of those advanced to the NCAA Championships.
• Redshirt senior Gage Curry (125 pounds) and then-redshirt sophomore Fitzpatrick (174 pounds) both competed at NCAAs. Ryan (141 pounds) competed only at EIWAs. Curry has since transferred to Pitt.
• Of the 25 wrestlers on the roster this season, just seven have ever competed collegiately. Ten are true freshmen, and another eight joined the team last season but did not see action on the competition mat.
• American will host two teams in Bender that are beginning the season ranked in the NWCA Top 25. The Eagles will welcome #19 Rutgers on Dec. 3, and #10 Ohio State on Jan. 3. This weekend's opponent, Virginia, is receiving votes and was ranked 20th in the final poll of 2020-21.
• Overall, the Eagles are hosting 10 opponents over eight home dates in 2021-22 after being unable to have a home meet last year. The eight home dates are the most for American since the 2016-17 season, and span nearly four months.

Season Tickets on Sale Now -- Save Big (Over 30% Off)

• Cheer loud and proud for the AU Wrestling team in Bender Arena with friends, family, and colleagues by purchasing your season ticket to all 10 home duals!
  • Adult: $45
  • Youth (17 and below): $20
  • Senior (65+): $20
  • Pricing subject to 6% DC sales tax
• Click here to purchase your tickets online at AUeagles.com/TIckets
• Require Accessible Seating? Interested in group tickets of 10+, or renting out the Bender Arena Skybox to watch a match in style? Email clawed@american.edu or call 202.885.TIXX.

How to Watch ESPN+

• A subscription to ESPN+ is available for purchase via ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com, or the ESPN App. Fans can access ESPN+ content only after they have subscribed. To subscribe, click here. It costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year. 

Stay Connected

• For more information on AU Wrestling, follow the team on Twitter @AU_Wrestling, Instagram @au_wrestling and Facebook @AU.Wrestling.
• To receive email updates, home dual previews and special offers from AU Wrestling throughout the season, please fill out this interest form.