Wrestling announces incoming freshman class
9/4/2022
Marvin Wilenzik '56 Head Coaching Chair for Brown Wrestling Jordan Leen has announced the incoming group of freshmen that make up the Class of 2026.
The class features a number of different weight classes. The six-member class is made up of Jared Brunner, Jonathan Conrad, Jacob Gonzales, Michael Joyce, Nicholas Olivieri, and Alex Semenenko.
Scroll to find an in-depth look at all of the newcomers.
Jared Brunner
5'5 | 125 | Eastern Regional | Cherry Hill, N.J.
- Wrestled for four years at Eastern Regional
- Also a member of the Seagull Wrestling Club
- Compiled a 113-24 record throughout high school
- Four-time all-conference, three-time all-region, two-time district champion, and one-time state finalist
- Honor Roll member
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of the close knit team, the great coaches, and the dual aspect of being at a great academic and athletic school.”
Jonathan Conrad
5'11 | 165 | Carrollwood Day School | Tampa, Fla.
- Wrestled for four years at Carrollwood Day School
- Also a member of the 2021 NHSCA National Team Duals - Young Guns Black club team
- Four-time state champion and 2021 national finalist
- Honor Roll Member
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of its unique open curriculum that will allow flexibility when choosing classes without being constrained to a core curriculum. I thought that the diverse culture at Brown created a community that would fit me best, and the coaching staff would give me the best opportunity to succeed in academics and athletics.”
Jacob Gonzales
5'10 | 165 | Holly | Davisburg, Mich.
- Wrestled for four years at Holly High School
- Also a member of the Michigan, Great Lakes, and School Boy national teams
- Compiled a 175-3 record throughout high school, going undefeated during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons
- Three-time team captain
- Three-time state champion
- Also a member of the football and track and field teams
- Honor Roll member
Why Brown: “I chose Brown because of the overall feel of the wrestling team and coaches. I also am excited about the academic opportunities it will provide.”
Michael Joyce
5'6 | 125 | Ponaganset | Glocester, R.I.
- Wrestled at Ponaganset High School
- Also a member of the Bears Wrestling Club team
- Compiled an 88-7 in-state record
- State champion, New England finalist, and three-time state finalist
- National Honor Society member
Why Brown: “Throughout the recruitment process, I was attracted to and eventually chose Brown because of its open curriculum, its pre-medical program, and decorated coaching staff.”
Nicholas Olivieri
6'0 | 184 | Delbarton School | Florham Park, N.J.
- Wrestled for four years at the Delbarton School
- Also a member of DC Trained and Buxton ATC club teams
- Regional finalist in 2019-20, second in 2021-22, and fourth in 2020-21
- National merit scholar
Why Brown: “I believe the open curriculum will allow me to thrive academically as it allows me to focus on my interests while also allowing me to focus on my athletic goals.”
Alex Semenenko
6'2 | Heavyweight | Poly Prep | Brooklyn, N.Y.
- Wrestled at Poly Prep
- Also a member of the Judo world team
- Compiled a 92-15 record in high school
- Greco-Roman National Champion, state finalist, and third at Prep Nationals
- Ranked as high as No. 6 in the world in Judo
Why Brown: “I really loved the campus and atmosphere during my visit. My parents and I decided that Brown was the right place to help me reach my academic goals as well as attempting to become Brown's first national champion.”
