Congratulations to Wallkill freshman James Faison, Minisink Valley junior Joey Yanis and Goshen senior Ryan Ellefsen for taking home titles at the NYWAY State Championships this past weekend. Faison pinned his opponent in the finals while both Yanis and Ellefsen needed to knock off NYS placewinners in order to capture the top spot!
Faison won hard fought matches in the quarters and semis by scores of 2-1 and 3-0 respectively before imposing his will in the finals and pinning Matt McKewin in 2:46! Faison was a Section 9 finalist this season at 120 pounds.
Yanis was crowned champion at 184 pounds after recording a resounding victory over Matt Cicco by a 13-3 margin. Cicco finished 3rd in D1 NYS this past season at 182 pounds. Yanis also defeated Cicco earlier this season at the Eastern States Classic.
Ellefsen squared off in the 220 pound finals against 2X NYS D2 finalist Joe Benedict and when the final whistle blew, the Clarion bound Goshen native was the 4-0 victor. Ellefsen finished 3rd in NYS this season and was a finalist at 220 last year.
Minisink Valley JV wrestler Grace Pauls also took home gold! The Warrior freshman notched a pair of first period pins in capturing the 128-141 pound girl’s division!
There were several other Section 9 wrestlers who competed at NYWAY states – all ages, boys and girls. Congratulations to everyone who competed – special congrats to those who won or placed at their weight.
2017 NYWAY States Placewinners
Full tournament results can be found at www.trackwrestling.com …. Events … 2017 NYWAY State Championships.