Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Head Wrestling Coach Jamie Franco today announced that Ryan Arbeit, Jurius Clark, Chase Liardi, and Jake Slotnick have been elected team captains for the 2025-26 season. 

Arbeit, redshirt sophomore, is in his third season at Hofstra. The Wantagh, New York native was a red-shirt last season and competed mainly as an unattached entrant. He won the 133-pound weight class at the New York State Championships and placed second in his bracket at the Journeymen Classic. 

"Ryan is the epitome of leading by example," said Coach Franco. "His work ethic and selflessness are unmatched, and they are recognized and respected by all of his teammates. He embodies the type of leader every program hopes to have."

Clark, a redshirt junior, is in his fourth year at Hofstra. The Blackwood, New Jersey native won 13 matches last season and placed seventh at the EIWA Championships at 157 pounds. He also placed third at the Mat Town Open II, fifth at the Journeymen Classic, and sixth at the Patriots Last Chance Open. 

"Jurius has grown more than any of our wrestlers over the past year," commented Coach Franco. "He has elevated his commitment to the team, Hofstra athletics, and the University, and he's played a huge role in setting the standard in our workouts for the effort and dedication it takes to reach our goals. His involvement with Hofstra's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has also helped him grow as a leader, and that growth has been noticed by his teammates, coaches, and peers across campus."

Liardi, a graduate from Massapequa, New York, is in his fourth year at Hofstra and returns as a team captain. He won 12 matches last season and was a third-place finisher at the Patriots Last Chance Open at 133 pounds. He also placed sixth at the Journeymen Classic. 

"Chase's dedication to Hofstra wrestling, Hofstra University, and his teammates proves why he was chosen again as a team captain," said Coach Franco. "He represents everything we want in this program - hard work, accountability, and an unselfish commitment to the team. Chase is a perfect example of what a well-rounded student-athlete embodies, and his leadership will continue to set the tone for our culture moving forward."

Slotnick, a redshirt sophomore, is in his third season with the Pride. After seeing extensive action as a freshman and winning nine matches, the Williamstown, New Jersey native wrestled unattached in several tournaments last season. He won eight matches and had a second-place finish at 165 pounds at the New York State Championships.

"Jake has made tremendous growth during his redshirt season, not only in his wrestling but in his leadership," Coach Franco said. "He has stepped up in a big way and become an important leader in our program. His intensity in practice and commitment to extra workouts gets everyone around him motivated. We are excited to see Jake's impact on and off the mat this season."

Hofstra begins the 2025-26 season Sunday, November 2 at the Princeton Open. The Pride will hold their annual Blue-Gold matches Friday October 24 at 7 p.m. at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center.