Close to 400 wrestlers took the mat on Saturday at Monroe Woodbury High School for the Victory 4 Vinny Takedown Tournament to benefit Crusader freshman Vinny Vespa in his battle with cancer.

One of the many highlights was a match that Vinny was able to watch between his brother Michael Vespa and his high school teammate AJ Voelker in which Michael Vespa utilized the “Flying Squirrel”, made famous by U.S. Olympian Ellis Coleman.

Below, check out videos and photos from the event and video interviews with Vinny Vespa, Michael Vespa, Hofstra starter Jamie Franco and 2012 New York State placer Johnny Stramiello.

And, check out Vespa’s version of the Flying Squirrel here:

 

Interview with Vinny Vespa: “Still Lifting, Still Working Out”

 

For photos of the event, see:

http://newyorkwrestlingnews.com/2012-new-york-state-tournament-photos/?wppa-album=6&wppa-cover=0&wppa-occur=1

 

Full match: Michael Vespa vs. AJ Voelker

 

Exhibition: Jamie Franco vs. Johnny Stramiello

 

Interview with Michael Vespa: “The Turnout is Awesome”

 

Interview with Hofstra’s Jamie Franco: “Everybody Keep Helping Vinny”

 

Jamie Franco vs. Kevin Mannix:

 

Interview with 3x Section 9 Champ and NY State Placer Johnny Stramiello: “Anything for Vinny”

 

Adam Swift vs. Warwick coach Phil Szumlaski