Joining the Pack: Carthage's Shayne Brady Chooses North Carolina State

Shayne Brady was the first Carthage wrestler to ever make the state finals last year when he was the runner up at 170 pounds as a junior to Dan Spurgeon of Plainedge.

While he recognized the significance of the achievement, especially for his school’s alumni, he wasn’t totally satisfied.

“It meant a lot to all the former Carthage wrestlers because they know it takes a lot to get to the finals,” Brady said. “They were really to happy to see someone get that far.  But I really didn’t expect anything less than getting to the state finals.”

His run to the title bout didn’t go unnoticed.  Brady was recruited by a number of college wrestling programs and earlier this week gave his verbal pledge to North Carolina State, where he anticipates competing at 184 pounds.

“[NC State] has very good coaches and it is an up and coming program.  I really liked the team and the campus is a really nice place in a good location,” Brady said, explaining his decision to choose the Wolfpack over schools such as Maryland, Virginia and Brown as well some Division III programs.

Photo by Boris V

Since his silver medal showing in Albany, Brady has stayed active on the mat, participating in events such as the Journeymen Classic in late September and the prestigious Super 32 Challenge in October.

More than 50 New York wrestlers competed at the Super 32 in the high school division but Brady was the only Empire State representative to make the podium, as he took eighth at 182 pounds.

“I thought I had an up and down tournament,” he said. “I was recovering from mono so it made my matches a little more interesting.  I wasn’t really ok with my performance because my goal going in was to be at least top six and I fell short. But it was a good time and a tough tournament.”

Brady will remain at 182 for the upcoming campaign, where he has set his goals high.

“I want to be an undefeated state champion,” he said.

To get there, Brady said he has been focusing on a number of things.

“I’ve worked a lot on power and strength,” he said. “And also perfecting my technique and the moves that I do well instead of trying to add many more moves.”

He believes those improvements plus the experience he gained at the Times Union Center in February of 2012 will assist him his senior campaign in Section 3 and beyond.

“I was pretty happy with my performance last year at the state tournament,” he said. “But I was really nervous being in the state finals and it took a little bit of time to get over that.  I think that made the difference in that finals match.  I’ll be ready this year.”

 

Minnesota Tops Hofstra in Season Opener

Courtesy of Hofstra Athletic Communications gohofstra.com

Minneapolis, MN – The Pride won back-to-back matches at 141 and 149 pounds but the Golden Gophers captured the rest as third-ranked Minnesota rolled over 16th-ranked Hofstra, 32-6 in the season opener from both teams at the UM Sports Pavilion Friday night. Minnesota, the NCAA Championship finalists in 2012, is 1-0 while the Pride of Hofstra are 0-1.

The top 16 match-up, according to InterMat’s latest Tournament-Strength Rankings, opened up with a top 15 match-up at 125 pounds between Pride senior Steve Bonanno (Wantagh, NY) and 11th-ranked Minnesota junior David Thorn. Leading 4-1 in the first period, Thorn turned a takedown into a pin as the first period ended. A Top-15 match-up followed at 133 pounds between Golden Gopher sophomore Chris Dardanes, ranked sixth, and Pride junior Jamie Franco (Monroe, NY). After two scoreless periods, Dardanes exploded for three takedowns, a reversal and the riding time points for a 9-5 victory over Franco and a 9-0 lead in the match.

Hofstra scored their first points of the season at 141 pounds as Minnesota native son Luke Vaith (Hastings, MN), ranked 13th, edged seventh-ranked sophomore Nick Dardanes, 6-4. It was the Hofstra junior’s highest-ranked victory. Pride senior Matt Spataro (Garfield, NJ) downed junior Tom Giamo, 5-4 on the riding time point to close the Hofstra deficit to 9-6.

But that would the last victory the Pride would get as the Golden Gophers would win the next six matches to win going away. At 157 pounds in the battle of the unranked, Minnesota sophomore Seth Lange edged Pride senior Tyler Banks (Griswold, CT), 3-1 on a takedown in the fourth overtime period. Senior Cody Yahn, ranked 10th at 165 pounds by InterMat, jumped all over Pride sophomore Nick Terdick with five near-falls in the first five minutes on the way to a 15-0 technical fall.

At 174 pounds, Minnesota sophomore Logan Storley, ranked sixth by InterMat, posted a 12-1 major decision over Hofstra sophomore Jermaine John (Brooklyn,NY) for a 21-6 advantage. Minnesota’s fourth-ranked junior Kevin Steinhaus blanked junior Taras Luzhnyy (Kiev, Ukraine) in a 10-0 major decision in the Hofstra wrestler’s Pride debut at 184 pounds for a 25-6 advantage. At 197 pounds, 11th-ranked sophomore Scott Schiller defeated Pride freshman Victor Pozsonyi (Roselle Park, NJ) by major decision, 14-4 to end the run of four bonus point wins for the Golden Gophers.

In the match finale at 285 pounds, defending national champion and top-ranked Tony Nelson sandwiched a pair of takedowns around an escape and collected 2:17 of riding time in a 6-3 victory over Hofstra senior Paul Snyder (Greensburg, PA).

The Pride return to action on Sunday (Nov. 11) when they face the 25th-ranked Badgers of the University of Wisconsin at the UW Field House. Match time is 2 p.m. (ET).

#3 Minnesota 32, #16 Hofstra 6
125 – #11 David Thorn (UM) WBF #4 Steve Bonanno (HU), 3:00
133 – #6 Chris Dardanes (UM) dec. #15 Jamie Franco (HU), 9-5
141 – #13 Luke Vaith (HU) dec. #7 Nick Dardanes (UM), 6-4
149 – Matt Spataro (HU) dec. Tom Giamo (UM), 5-4
157 – Seth Lange (UM) dec. Tyler Banks (HU), 3-1 in SV
165 – #10 Cody Yohn (UM) tech fall Nick Terdick (HU), 15-0
174 – #6 Logan Storley (UM) maj. dec. Jermaine John (HU), 12-1
184 – #4 Kevin Steinhaus (UM) maj. dec. Taras Luzhnyy (HU), 10-0
197 – #11 Scott Schiller (UM) maj. dec. Victor Pozsonyi (HU), 14-4
285 – #1 Tony Nelson (UM) dec. Paul Snyder (HU), 6-3

Cornell Wrestle-Off Results and Link to Watch Replay

 

 

UPDATE: To watch the replay of the Cornell wrestle-offs, follow this link:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/26857579

Results:

125- Nahshon Garrett (W) maj. dec. vs. Logan David (R), 16-2
133- Nick Arujau (R) dec. Josh Kennedy (W), 8-1
141- Joe Stanzione (R) dec. Mike Nevinger (W), 9-2
149- Chris Villalonga (R) dec. Ryan Dunphy (W), 3-2 OT
157- Jesse Shanaman (W) inj. Def. Craig Eifert (R)
165- Kyle Dake (R) win by fall Patrick Sullivan (W), 1:18
174- Marshall Peppelman (W) dec. Duke Pickett (R), 2-1
184- Craig Scott (R) dec. Pete Mesko (W), 9-4
197- Jace Bennett(R) dec. Billy George (W), 7-4
285- Jacob Aiken-Phillips (W) dec. Stryker Lane (R), 1-0

Photo by Bori

 

Results of Preliminary Wrestle-Off Bouts

125: Nahshon Garrett over Logan David, 13-0

141: Joe Stanzione over Connor David, 7-3

149: Ryan Dunphy over Scott Bosak, 6-0

157: Jesse Shanaman over Chris Dowdy, 9-2

165: Patrick Sullivan over Casey O’Malley, 7-4

174: Duke Pickett over Michael Alexander, 5-2

174: Marshall Peppelman over Matt Cunningham, 5-2

197: Jace Bennett over Lukasz Stala, 5-3

The Big Red returns to action on Sunday at the Binghamton Open.

Binghamton Lands Another Top NY Wrestler as Two-Time State Champ Kyle Kelly Commits to the Bearcats

Kyle Kelly, Photo by Boris V

Kyle Kelly took visits to schools like Bucknell, North Carolina State and the University of North Carolina, but in the end, he decided there was no place like home.

The two-time state champion and Fargo All-American committed to Binghamton on Thursday, joining a star-studded recruiting class that includes a number of the Empire State’s top seniors, such as Zack Zupan, Nick Kelley, Nick Tighe and David Almaviva.

“I don’t know most of those guys personally, but it’s like being on a New York All-Star team,” Kelly said.  “It’s pretty cool to be a part of it.”

But that wasn’t the only reason that the Chenango Forks standout chose the Bearcats.

“It’s a great wrestling program and a great school,” Kelly said.  “It’s close to home and the distance is a pro for me, because my dad’s health is a factor.”

Kelly’s father, Mike, has had a significant impact on Kyle’s life and wrestling.

“My father raised me with that wrestling mentality to be tough,” he said. “He took me to tournaments every weekend in my youth career and raised me to be the wrestler I am today.  I couldn’t have done it without him.”

He isn’t the only relative to influence Kelly on the mat.

“I feel really lucky to have [Cornell NCAA champion and five-time New York state champion] Troy Nickerson in my family,” he said. “Watching a great wrestler like him compete and accomplish so much was great.  I’ve been surrounded by great wrestlers.”

Kelly said he is looking to implement one of the keys to Nickerson’s success as he embarks upon his senior campaign.

“I’m starting to work a lot more on my front headlock series,” he said.  “Troy worked that a lot in high school and college and I’m studying his matches and talking to him about it.  I want to have it in my arsenal.”

Judging from his success, there’s already plenty in Kelly’s arsenal.  He took fourth place as a freshman and won the state championship as a sophomore and junior at 96/99 pounds.  This year, he’s looking for the same end of year result, but at a higher weight class.

“I definitely want to get back to the top of the podium,” he said.  “That’s my main goal and what I’m working for all the time, but I also want to improve my technique and get mentally tougher for college. Certifications are next week and I’m still thinking about what I’ll do.  I may certify at 106, but I’m thinking that I’ll go 113.”

If Kelly does wrestle at that weight, he may have a rematch with Ward Melville’s Nick Piccininni, a state champion at 106 last year who is now nationally ranked.  Piccininni’s last high school loss was in the semifinals at the Times Union Center in 2011 – to Kelly.

“I would definitely like to have another shot with Piccininni,” Kelly said. “He’s a great opponent who has been doing really well.  It would be a fun one and the kind of great match up at states that you want to see.”

Kelly knows a lot about great matches in Albany.  In each of the past two years, he has trailed in the title bout only to win by earning late back points.

“The first time [in 2011 against Dylan Realbuto] I was losing 4-1 at the end of the first period and I thought to myself that I’d worked too hard and wasn’t going to lose,” he said.  “At that point, I turned it around and wound up turning the kid in the third to win the match. The same thing happened in the third period last year [against Wantagh’s Jose Rodriguez].  My strongest point as a wrestler is definitely on top.  I feel like I’m in control all the time.”

With the help of many people, he’ll look to continue his dominance as a senior, after a 37-0 campaign in 2011-12.  He especially wanted to thank his family, Chenango Forks coach Rick Gumble and training partner Jake Green.

The future 125-pounder will be able to see those individuals often as he moves just 15 minutes down the road to the CAA campus.

“I’m really excited about Binghamton,” he said.  “The guys on the team have that work ethic to them that brings success.  I really want to be a part of that.”

 

Somers State Champion Dylan Realbuto Selects Cornell

Dylan Realbuto, Photo by Boris V

The 2012-13 Cornell wrestling roster has three sets of brothers – the Bosaks, the Davids and the Scotts.  In the future, there will be at least one more to add as state champion Dylan Realbuto committed to join his brother Brian with the Big Red.  (Brian is currently taking a greyshirt year with the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club).

“Having Brian there was a big factor for me,” Dylan Realbuto said. “He never pushed me towards Cornell – he let me make my own decision.  But he always made sure to tell me that he would like if I came to Cornell too.  There were a lot of reasons for my decision.   I really like the school and the campus.  The entire feel I get when I’m there is great – it reminds me of home.  I also know that the training set up is really good.  There are so many good wrestlers between 125 and 141 to train with.”

Realbuto, who chose Cornell over Columbia and North Carolina State, said he plans to compete at either 133 or 141 pounds in college.

As for this season, Realbuto is shooting for a third straight appearance in the state finals in Albany.  As a 96-pound sophomore, he was the runner up to two-time champion Kyle Kelly of Chenango Forks.  This past February, he grabbed the gold medal at 113 pounds in what might have been the tournament’s most dramatic ending.   Realbuto earned a takedown as time expired in the third period against previously undefeated Vincent Deprez of Hilton High to capture an 8-7 victory.

“There were four seconds left on the clock and we had a restart.  I remember thinking that I just couldn’t lose,” he said. “When we got on the starting line, I was nervous but I never doubted myself.  I thought I could win that title.”

He attributes part of that belief to Max Askren, who has coached him closely over the past few years.

“Max has helped me tremendously,” he said. “Before he got here, I talked about winning a state championship, but he made me believe it was really possible.  He inspired me to take my wrestling to the next level.”

He’s now striving to make it two titles in a row, either at 126 or 132 pounds.  Then, he looks forward to moving up to Ithaca.

“I’ve gone to visit Brian a couple of times,” he said.  “I was actually there this past weekend and then went up to Buffalo with him [for the Buffalo Invitational, where Brian took third, dominating in his victories and losing only to champion Josh Demas of Ohio State in multiple overtimes].  I think he wrestled well. Brian’s style hasn’t really changed much, but he’s improved so much over the past few months.”

Dylan Realbuto feels that he’s improved as well.  He looks to prove it not only at the Times Union Center in late February but at several events in the spring and summer.

“I want to win states again this year,” he said.  “But I also want to go to NHSCAs in Virginia Beach for the first time and win a title there.  Then I want to go and win Fargo.  I want to end my career ranked and as an All-American before I go to Cornell.”

For more on Dylan Realbuto, see this story, from earlier in the fall.

Watch Cornell Wrestle-Offs LIVE on Friday Night at 6:30 p.m.

Photos by Boris V

On Friday, November 9, Cornell will hold the Red and White Eliminations at 6:30 p.m.

If you can’t be in Ithaca, you can watch the wrestle-offs streaming live at this link:

http://newyorkwrestlingnews.com/cornell-red-and-white-eliminations/

The lineup will be finalized later in the week, but the tentative matchups provided by the Cornell staff are:

125: Nahshon Garrett vs. Bricker Dixon

133: Nick Arujau vs. Josh Kennedy

141: Mike Nevinger vs. Joe Stanzione

149: Chris Villalonga vs. Ryan Dunphy

157: Craig Eifert vs. Jesse Shanaman

165: Kyle Dake vs. Patrick Sullivan

174: Duke Pickett vs. Marshall Peppelman

184: Craig Scott vs. Peter Mesko

197: Jace Bennett vs. Billy George

285: Stryker Lane vs. Jacob Aiken-Phillips

Results of Preliminary Wrestle-Off Bouts

125: Nahshon Garrett over Logan David, 13-0

141: Joe Stanzione over Connor David, 7-3

149: Ryan Dunphy over Scott Bosak, 6-0

157: Jesse Shanaman over Chris Dowdy, 9-2

165: Patrick Sullivan over Casey O’Malley, 7-4

174: Duke Pickett over Michael Alexander, 5-2

174: Marshall Peppelman over Matt Cunningham, 5-2

197: Jace Bennett over Lukasz Stala, 5-3

Videos from the Buffalo Invitational, Including Paddock, Stieber, Kilgore, Lewandowski and More

The Buffalo Invitational included a pair of NCAA champions (Logan Stieber and Dustin Kilgore) as well as several other wrestlers who have gone deep into the postseason in their careers.  One of the highly anticipated matches took place in the 141-pound finals between a pair of Ohio State wrestlers – returning All-American Hunter Stieber and New York native Ian Paddock.  The former Warsaw High star defeated Stieber at the Buckeye wrestle-offs last week.

You can see that match and others, including bouts featuring Kilgore against Andrew Campolattano, the 125-pound and 174-pound finals and a number of others below, courtesy of Laura White.

 

141 Pounds: Ian Paddock (Warsaw HS, Ohio State) vs. Hunter Stieber (Ohio State)

 

197 Pounds: NCAA Champion Dustin Kilgore (Kent State) vs. Andrew Campolattano (Ohio State)

 

174-Pound Championship Nick Heflin (Ohio State) vs. Jake Waste (Buffalo) – Buffalo Invitational

 

184 Pounds: Kenny Courts (Ohio State) vs. Tony Lock (Buffalo) – Buffalo Invitational

 

125-Pound Championship Max Soria (Buffalo) vs. Kory Mines (Edinboro) – Parts 1 and 2

 

165 Pounds: Taylor Simaz (Finger Lakes Wrestling Club) vs. Mark Lewandowski (Buffalo)

 

197 Pounds: Angelo Malvestuto (Buffal0) vs. Cody Magrum (Ohio State) – Parts 1 and 2

 

Former MAC Champion Andrew Schutt (Buffalo) vs. Randy Languis (Ohio State) – 141 Pounds

 

125 All-New York Bout Between Soria (Buffalo) vs. Hunter Wood (Army) – Buffalo Invitational

 

Special thanks to Laura White for all her work!

Unstoppable: Vinny Vespa Wrestles Again After Confronting Cancer

When Vinny Vespa was first diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, doctors told his mother Lisa Vespa that he could need treatment for up to a year.

Instead, five months later, almost to the day, Vinny Vespa returned to live wrestling with his teammates at Monroe Woodbury High School.

“I’m working really hard,” he said. “I definitely missed it. I’m really happy to be back on the mat.”

The truth is, he never really left.  While Vespa wasn’t allowed to go live during the treatment process, partially because of a port he had in his chest, he never stopped training and lifting.

And he certainly never lost connection with the wrestling community.

Vinny and his mother Lisa were amazed by the many contributions and well wishes they received, not only in Section 9 but throughout New York State and even beyond.

While they appreciated everything that was done for them, the Takedown Tournament held at Monroe Woodbury High School on June 30 was the highlight.  Over 350 wrestlers competed in the event, which also featured carnival games and other family entertainment.

“It was really fun to watch everyone come out that day not only to wrestle but also to support me,” Vinny Vespa said. “I even got to see my brother Michael wrestle again, which was really cool to watch.  I was surprised that people came from all over.  I knew there were a lot of people supporting me, but I didn’t expect that many people to be there.  I was really grateful.”

“It was surreal for me,” Lisa Vespa added. “It was so heartfelt and it showed the tremendous commitment that the wrestling family has.  I was taken aback by the level of support and I was so appreciative.  It was amazing.”

It was a high point, followed by a summer filled with treatment regimens and hospital visits.  A few days receiving chemotherapy.  A few days at home.  More chemotherapy.  Then a few weeks off and the process started all over again.

“The whole summer was a blur,” Lisa Vespa said. “It was definitely rough, but Vinny was an amazing patient.  He never complained.  He just did what he needed to do.  He was never looking for pity or praise.”

In September, even when in the midst of radiation treatments (and attending school again), Vinny felt like he had turned a corner.

“I really started to feel better,” he said. “I felt less nervous about things – like I knew I was going to be alright.  I started thinking about wrestling and getting back to it as soon as possible.”

A few weeks later, in October, Vinny had a PET scan and the doctors shared good news.

“I’m grateful to say that he’s in remission now,” Lisa Vespa said.  “We know it’s a long haul.  He’ll have another PET scan in January.  But we don’t have to go back to the doctor until then.  There aren’t any restrictions on him now, he just has to listen to his body to figure out what he can and can’t do.”

It took no time at all for Vinny to join Monroe Woodbury practice.  In fact, he participated the same day he was cleared.

“I started right away,” he said. “It’s been really cool, being around the team and wrestling with my teammates.  I think I’m starting to get fully back into it, but I’m definitely already better than last year because of how I feel.”

How he felt last year during matches was tired and out of breath.  He was unable to do what he wanted to late in matches and he was often unable to escape when he was in the down position.

“We couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t get out on bottom when he wrestled,” Lisa Vespa said. “I actually took him out of practice on a Saturday morning in January and asked his coach’s permission to send him to a clinic focusing on that.  Looking back now, it was insane.  Vinny had been wrestling since he was three or four years old — of course he knew how to do it. We were just grasping at straws, trying to come with any reason why he was having trouble.  I knew something was wrong, I just couldn’t figure out what.”

The Vespa family explored a number of options, including a new mouthpiece, asthma and bronchitis.  In addition, Lisa Vespa said she considered cancer back in November of 2011 when Vinny complained of terrible itching, which was the only symptom a friend of the Vespa family had when diagnosed with cancer.  However, after a doctor’s visit and some blood work, the Vespas came home with cream for the itching and went back to the drawing board.

It was months later, after Vinny struggled while winning the New York State Freestyle championship in May, that a tumor was found in his lungs that indicated that he had Stage 4 Lymphoma.

Having overcome so much, some people would be satisfied with simply putting on a singlet and getting on the mat again.  Not Vinny Vespa.

“My plan is to wrestle every chance my coach gives me to wrestle,” said the 2012 state qualifier. “As long as it benefits the team, I will go out and wrestle, even I have to bump up a weight.  But for Sections and the end of the year, I’m planning to go 99 pounds again.  I’m still light.  I was at the state tournament and I want to be there again.  This time I want to get to the finals and try to win it.”

That would be a fitting ending for a wrestler who has already won significant battles.

“For me, the most important thing is to look at him and know that he feels 100% again,” Lisa Vespa said.  “Because it was obvious last year that he didn’t feel anywhere near 100%.  Getting back on the mat five months after starting treatment says so much about Vinny.  But I also attribute a lot of it to the tremendous support from the wrestling community and to the sport of wrestling itself.  From wrestling, Vinny has learned an inner strength and perseverance.  He learned that you don’t give up and you dig deep when things get tough.  Wrestling gives you a level of confidence that no other sport can give you. I have no doubt that wrestling has helped him get where he is now.”

 

More Season Preview Articles:

Section 1 Preview

Section 3 Preview

Section 4 Preview

Section 7 Preview

Section 8 Preview

Section 9 Preview

CHSAA Preview

Features:

Section 1 Feature:  Aslanian and Realbuto, All-State Wrestlers and Workout Partners, Seek to End Their Careers on Top of the Podium

Section 4 Feature: Looking for “Number Nine”: Reggie Williams Aims to Make History at Johnson City

Section 5 Feature: The “Miracle” Continues: The Return of Aaron Paddock

Section 11 Feature: Nick Piccininni Looks to Continue Winning Streak

Post Hurricane Sandy — Free Workouts Week of Nov 4

 

A Message from John Gaglione Following Hurricane Sandy:

First things first. I sincerely hope everyone in the wrestling community is safe and no one was severely harmed during this disaster. During these tough times make sure you let your friends and family know how much you care about them and lend a helping hand whenever possible. Some people get hit worse than others so be considerate and understanding whenever possible and do your part to help others in need especially your loved ones.

I am sure the hurricane has sidelined many of your from being on the mat and getting your training in to get ready for the season.

For those local athletes who have the ability to drive I am also offering free workouts for the next week to help out those athletes in need who do not have access to a gym or training facilities. No questions asked. Just want to lend a helping hand to the wrestling community.

The free workouts will be specifically designed to improve your strength and conditioning on the mat and get you in shape for the upcoming season.

I can only fit so many people at my facility during each time slot while still accommodating my current members so this offer is limited to the first 10 wrestlers who take action and e-mail gaglionestrength@gmail.com to sign up for each session.

Here are the details:

November 4th through November 9th at Gaglione Strength

32 Allen Boulevard Unit D

(Off Route 110 near White Castle, Same lot as TJA Auto Collision)

Farmingdale NY, 11735

Sunday at 12pm

Monday-Friday at 9am and 4pm

E-mail gaglionestrength@gmail.com to sign up

Keep training hard everyone

Stay Safe and Stay Strong

John Gaglione

Results from the First Weekend of the Season: Buffalo and Ithaca Invitationals, NUWAY Southwest Kickoff and More

Things got off to a good start for New York wrestling on Saturday night when Cornell’s Kyle Dake earned a 2-1 victory over Penn State’s David Taylor at the NWCA All-Star Classic at American University.  In the “Match of the Century”, the wrestlers traded a pair of escapes in regulation to send the contest to overtime.  After a scoreless minute in neutral, Dake rode Taylor for the full 30 seconds of the first rideout period and then escaped when it was his turn on bottom to get the win at 165 pounds.

That was just the start of the weekend, however, for New York wrestling.  The following provides some of the results from action on Saturday and Sunday, including the Buffalo Invitational which saw some strong performances from the host school, Army and the Finger Lakes Wrestling Club.  In addition, several New York natives placed at the Hokie Open on the campus of Virginia Tech as well as at the Ithaca Invitational.  And we didn’t forget about the young wrestlers who went to Vegas to compete at the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff Classic, representing New York and NYWAY.

 

Buffalo Invitational

Championship Results

125 Pounds: Max Soria (Buffalo) over Kory Mines (Edinboro), 8-3

133 Pounds: Logan Stieber (Ohio State) win by forfeit Johnni DiJulius (Ohio State)

141 Pounds: Hunter Stieber (Ohio State) over Ian Paddock (Ohio State), 3-2

 

149 Pounds: Michael DePalma (Edinboro) over David Habat (Edinboro), Fall 4:12

157 Pounds: Josh Demas (Ohio State) over Ian Miller (Kent State), 5-3

165 Pounds: Mark Lewandowski (Buffalo) over John Greisheimer (Edinboro), 6-3

174 Pounds: Nick Heflin (Ohio State) over Jake Waste (Buffalo), 4-1

184 Pounds: Casey Newburg (Kent State) over Victor Avery (Edinboro), 4-2 SV2

197 Pounds: Dustin Kilgore (Kent State) win by forfeit Cody Magrum (Ohio State)

285 Pounds: Peter Capone (Ohio State) over Keith Witt (Kent State), 2-0

Other New York Placers

Buffalo

Mike Soria, fourth at 125

Erik Galloway, third at 133

Andrew Schutt, sixth at 141

John Northrup, fourth at 149

Blake Ruolo, fifth at 149

Justin Lozano, third at 165

Jeff Palmeri, fourth at 174

Angelo Malvestuto, fifth at 197

Justin Heiserman, fifth at 285

Army

Hunter Wood, sixth at 125

Jordan Thome, fourth at 133

Daniel Young, sixth at 149

Chris Marchetti, fourth at 157

Paul Hancock, fifth at 157

Collin Wittmeyer, third at 184

Travis Mallo, sixth at 184

Bryce Barnes, fourth at 197

Stephen Snyder, fourth at 285

Finger Lakes Wrestling Club

Brian Realbuto, third at 157

Mark Grey, fifth at 133

Other – Ernest James (Edinboro, Longwood HS), sixth at 285

 

Ohio State won the team race (148 points), with Kent State second (111) and Buffalo third (108).

Full brackets can be found: here

 

Hokie Open (at Virginia Tech)

Quinton Murphy, Photo by Boris V

A number of Hofstra wrestlers as well as wrestlers who competed in the Empire State in high school took the mat at the Hokie Open in Virginia on Sunday.  Those who made the medal stand include Nick Gwiazdowski (Duanesburg) of NC State, who won the championship at 285 pounds with a pin over Indiana’s Adam Chalfant.  Also making the finals was Indiana’s Ryan LeBlanc (Morrisville-Eaton), who took second at 165 pounds behind All-American Peter Yates of Virginia Tech.  LeBlanc’s Hoosier teammate Quinton Murphy (Holley) also made the podium, taking fifth at 133 pounds.

 

Ithaca Invitational – Championship Results

125 Pounds: Ricardo Gomez (Ithaca, Brentwood HS) over Tom Casper (Springfield College)

133 Pounds: Alex Gomez (Ithaca, Brentwood HS) over Derek Adams (Springfield College)

141 Pounds: Michael Gentilcore (Oswego, Greece Olympia HS) over Abubakarr Sow (Oswego, Brooklyn International HS)

149 Pounds: Kevin Collins (Ithaca, Randolph HS) over Dylan Foley (Springfield College)

157 Pounds: Derek Brenon (Ithaca, Immaculate Heart Central HS) over Everet Desilets (Johnson & Wales)

165 Pounds: Frank Marotti (Johnson and Wales) over Blake Fisher (Oswego, Seaford HS)

174 Pounds: Jules Doliscar (Ithaca, Trinity HS) over Jerrold Roosa (Thiel College, Randolph Central HS)

184 Pounds: Jacob Lowry (Thiel College) over Michael Labell (Johnson and Wales)

197 Pounds: Shane Bartrum (Ithaca, Oswego HS) over Blake McNulty (Johnson and Wales)

285 Pounds: Humphrey Swift (Johnson and Wales) over John Garbordi (Springfield College)

 

NUWAY Southwest Kickoff (“The Freak Show”)

A group of elementary school wrestlers took a trip to Vegas for the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff.  Team New York competed well against top talent from the West Coast, boasting three finalists and a number of other strong performances.

Champion: Carter Schubert (7/8 year old) 55 pounds

Second Place: Carson Alberti (7/8 year old) 55 pounds

Second Place: Michael Gonyea (11/12 year old) 70 pounds

Fourth Place: Andy Lucinski (9/10) 61 pounds

Fifth Place: Jason Hoffman (13/15) 145 pounds

Eighth Place: Justin Hoffman (9/10) 100-110 pounds

Also competing:

Jakob Lucinski (5/6) 37-40 pounds

Garrett Skeens (7/8) 52 pounds

Josh Gill (11/12) 70 pounds

Caiden Mondore (11/12) 80 pounds

AJ Burkhart (13/15) 89 pounds

Mitch Seaver (13/15) 89 pounds

(More results may be added as available.  Feel free to send results to newyorkwrestlingnews@gmail.com)