RIT Wrestler Josh Harkless Advances to NCAA Division III Championship Semifinals

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – RIT senior Josh Harkless is making a strong push for a national title at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships, advancing to the semifinals after winning two matches on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Harkless, the No. 3 seed in the 285-pound weight class, began his championship run with a pin of Benjamin Katz (Springfield) at 1:41. He continued his success in the quarterfinals, defeating No. 11 Andrew Vanscoy (Baldwin Wallace) with a decisive 11-2 victory .

Harkless will now face No. 2 Carl DiGiorgio (Coast Guard) in Saturday’s semifinal round.

Whereas Harkless remains in contention, sophomore Jack Lamson’s championship journey ended on Friday. Competing in his first NCAA Championship at 174 pounds, Lamson lost to No. 12 Zach Needles (8-2) in his opening bout and then fell to No. 7 Thomas West (Baldwin Wallace) in the consolation bracket.

The championships resume on Saturday, March 14, at 12:00 p.m. EST .

This year’s Division III Wrestling Championships are being held at Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and are expected to see at least eight new national champions crowned due to the graduation of numerous high-performing wrestlers from the 2025 season .

Ben Katz (Springfield) also competed at 285 pounds, but was defeated by Harkless .