On a fourth-down play, with everything on the line, Wesleyan’s head coach Dan DiCenzo wasn’t thinking about taking the safe route with a field goal. Instead, he thought about his players and the unwavering belief he had in their ability to pull off the win they’d worked so hard to achieve. Rather than settling, he went for it, opting to play for a victory that would seal the deal in one of the most meaningful games of the season.
DiCenzo’s senior quarterback, Niko Candido, faced an intense moment—seemingly trapped by Trinity defenders, with nowhere to go. But as if by sheer will and skill, Candido managed to break free. Even as he was falling, he spotted an opportunity and released the ball into the tightest of spaces. Sophomore Blake Newcomb was ready, catching it for a touchdown that cemented Wesleyan’s 27-17 victory. Reflecting on the play, Newcomb described it as nothing short of surreal. "It didn’t feel real," he said. "My teammates surrounded me, and I knew we did it. I was like, ‘Where’s my ring at?’"
The win wasn't just any victory; it was a historic milestone for Wesleyan. This game meant more than numbers on a scoreboard—it meant pride, achievement, and a place in Wesleyan history. Athletic Director Michael Whalen joined the celebration, promising the team championship rings big enough to mark this unforgettable feat: Wesleyan’s first New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) title. This victory wasn’t just about beating an opponent; it was about claiming their place in a rivalry where Trinity had been a dominant force, even defeating Wesleyan 58-6 the previous season.
The team’s energy after the game was electric. In the midst of their celebration, the importance of the win was palpable. Wesleyan had triumphed over an opponent that has historically held control over the NESCAC, and this time, the underdog had finally come out on top. This was their version of a world championship, considering NESCAC schools don’t participate in national playoffs. For many on the field, this game represented their last hurrah, and they weren’t about to let the moment pass quickly.
This victory capped a season for Wesleyan that was packed with dedication and grit. For players like Luke LaSaracina, who had a hand in a critical touchdown earlier in the game, this win was the culmination of years of effort and a season of building momentum. "We knew it was a new year, a new group," said LaSaracina. "We put a chip on our shoulder, and we stepped up." And step up they did, overcoming both past defeats and a powerhouse opponent on their own turf.
The journey to this championship moment was built on camaraderie and the genuine love for the game that makes small college football so special. At Wesleyan’s Jessee-Miller Field, surrounded by fall leaves and over 5,000 fans, the setting was reminiscent of a classic football era. It was football as it was envisioned in the 19th century, with a timelessness that feels rare in today’s sports landscape. Wesleyan’s storied history adds to this timeless appeal, with the program once even led by Woodrow Wilson in 1888.
For Coach DiCenzo, the victory wasn’t just a win; it was a testament to the dedication and aspirations of his players, many of whom were balancing demanding academic goals with football. "I’ve got a great job," DiCenzo shared. "I’m coaching a lot of great kids who want to get a good education that’s going to pay off for 40 years of life and do amazing things here and when they’re done. And fortunately, we’re really good at football."
DiCenzo's players come from all walks of life and experiences, each bringing their unique backgrounds to the team. LaSaracina, for instance, originally came to Wesleyan to play baseball, eventually joining the football team after asking for a shot. He started out as a receiver, switched to defense, and finally ended up back on offense. It’s all part of his willingness to adapt to whatever the team needed.
And then there’s Candido, a senior quarterback from Studio City, California. He left the warm weather behind for New England and hasn’t looked back since. An economics major with his sights set on making an impact beyond the field, Candido has fully embraced the league and all it stands for. "This league is everything," Candido said. "Every game’s a playoff game. It’s such a special league with alumni who care. Even though we’re not making NIL (name, image, likeness) money, there’s love everywhere. There’s passion."
The story of Wesleyan’s victory is more than just a football game; it’s a narrative about a team that poured its heart into every down, every play, and every moment. Candido, who faced relentless pressure from Trinity’s defense and was sacked five times, didn’t waver. He delivered three touchdown passes and rushed for 90 yards, giving everything he had for the win. In his eyes, this game was about redemption and setting things right after the painful loss to Trinity last year.
Late in the game, Candido connected with LaSaracina once more for a pivotal touchdown, a 23-yard pass that put Wesleyan up 20-17 with just over six minutes remaining. Then, freshman Matt Diaz broke free for a 52-yard run, positioning Wesleyan for a score that could solidify the win. With only 1:27 left and a 4th-and-goal situation on the 15-yard line, DiCenzo again showed his trust in Candido, choosing to go for it rather than opting for the field goal.
LaSaracina, reflecting on Candido's determination, shared his admiration. "He’s the best quarterback in the league," LaSaracina said. "There’s always confidence in him, no matter what." That confidence proved to be well-founded as Candido once again delivered under pressure, connecting with his team for a play that sealed the victory.
Trinity, led by their standout quarterback Zander Zebrowski, fought hard, but Wesleyan's defense dominated in the second half. Zebrowski, who had been stellar all season, was met by a relentless Wesleyan defense that sacked him five times and kept him from finding the end zone in the final quarters. Despite a valiant effort, including a 27-yard touchdown pass to Nolan O’Brien in the first half, Trinity couldn’t overcome Wesleyan’s momentum.
In the end, Wesleyan’s players lingered on the field, savoring the moment. For many seniors, this was likely their last time donning the jersey, making the victory even more bittersweet. They had carried the memory of that 58-6 loss for a year, and now, they had transformed it into a championship win and a lasting legacy. "Couldn’t ask for a better way to go out," LaSaracina said, summing up the emotions of the day. "It’s the greatest feeling I’ve ever had."
Ultimately, this game wasn’t just about football; it was about trust, resilience, and the passion that fuels small college teams. Candido summed it up perfectly: "It matters if you trust your players. I knew they’d get open. It’s just about trust at the end of the day." And in that trust, Wesleyan found a championship.
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