2023 WIBN Philadelphia's Wrestlers of the year

The Philadelphia Chapter of Wrestlers in Business Network announces its two Wrestlers of the Year for 2023. This award honors college athletes who performed at the highest level athletically, academically, and in their community. A prerequisite for consideration is membership and activity in WIBN.

Brian Bonino:

Brian Bonino completed his first year in the Graduate School at Drexel University. He is studying for his MBA in Finance with an expected graduation date of December 2023. Brian maintained a 4.0, the highest of any athlete competing at the EIWA Conference tournament, while competing at 184 pounds for the Dragons. Brian qualified for the NCAA National Tournament placing 4th at the EIWA tournament. 

Competing at the NCAA Tournament in Tulsa he had victories over 8th seed Matt Finesilver and defeated two EIWA opponents, David Key of the Naval Academy and the EIWA Champion Tate Samuelson of Lehigh. Brian finished in the round of 12, one round from placing as an All American when he was defeated by the eventual third place finisher Kaleb Romero of Ohio State. Finishing his season with a 24-10 record, Bonino was a leader for Drexel’s team and the highest finisher of any male wrestler in the Philadelphia area under the guidance of Head Coach Matt Azevedo.

Brian’s academic excellence has earned him recognition as an NWCA Academic All American along with six other wrestlers on the Drexel squad. He was also recognized by the EIWA Conference with the Academic Achievement award.his excellence in the classroom has been matched by his dedication to service to his community. Brian has volunteered with Beat the Streets New York City and the Beat the Streets Nationals to empower underserved communities and individuals.  

Brian is currently interviewing with various companies to start his career after graduation. Brian will be attending future WIBN Events to network and build his career post-graduation.

Joceyln Lass:

Joceyln Lass finished her freshman year at Ursinus College as the highest finishing female wrestler in the Philadelphia area. She finished her season with a record of 23-9 and qualified for the National College Women's Wrestling Championships. Finishing in the round of 12 at the NCWWCs she was one match away from being named an All American.

She saw tremendous success in her first season for the Ursinus Wrestling team under the tutelage of Head Coach Joe Jamison. Enroute to the postseason, Jocelyn was runner up at both the Will Abele Open and the PA Collegiate Championship where Ursinus College finished 7th. Her victories on the mat include a win over All American Emily Klein of East Stroudsburg University and she was ranked as high as 8th during the season.

Academically Joceyln excelled in the classroom with a 3.9 GPA and is majoring in Psychology with minors in Sport Science and Classics. At the end of the 2022- 2023 season she was named an NWCA All American along with three of her teammates. Jocelyn is a leader on campus participating as a school tour guide, athletic videographer, athletic color commentator, member of the rugby club team, all while serving her student government as Class Treasurer. This coming school year she will serve as a Bonner Leader for a community service organization, the Captain of the wrestling team, will complete research for a Sports Psych Internship, and serve on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

Joceyln looks forward to three more seasons to compete at Ursinus and lead Philadelphia’s newest women’s collegiate program to further successes.