Author: Mike Carey

15 Section 9 Wrestlers Advance to Day 2! 

Congratulations to the 11 Division 1 and 4 Division 2 Section 9 wrestlers who have advanced to Day 2 of the NYS Wrestling Championships.  Section 9 advanced 6 D1 and 1 D2 wrestlers to Saturday morning’s semifinal round.  The remaining 8 wrestlers (5 D1, 3 D2) are still alive for placement in the consolation bracket.

Action will begin at 10:00 tomorrow.  The Saturday morning round is usually the most exciting round of the tournament.  The center mats will hold the semifinal matches while the consolation quarter finals – the blood round – will take place on the outer mats!   SectionIXWrestling.com will continue to post live updates on all of our Section 9 wrestlers.  Good luck boys…Let’s bring home some hardware!!!

Division 1 – Semifinals
152 – Ryan Ferro (War) vs Tristan Almeter (S6)
160 – AJ Aeberli (MV) vs Adan Santoro (C)
182 – Kendall Elfstrum (MW) vs Alex Melikian (S1)
220 – Nick McShea (MW) vs Ryan Ellefsen (Goshen)
285 – Joe Humphrey (Midd) vs Edwin Rubio (S11)

Division 2 – Semifinal
152 – Noah Curreri (ELSW) vs Dakota Gardner (S6)

Division 1 – Blood Round
126 – Kevin Kelly (MW) vs Jake Shore (S1)
138 – Charlie Johnson (War) vs Matt Swanson (S8)
145 – Evan Barczak (MW) vs Charlie Spada (S8)
170 – Mike Fekishazy (Wall) vs Stephen Lauro (S1)
195 – Garrett Betcher (Wall) vs Alex Bowen (S3)

Division 2 – Blood Round
160 – Liam Heslin (Chester) vs Josh Farrar (S3)
182 – Theo Chazkel (NP) vs Will Thompson (S5)
195 – Kevin Morgans (ELSW) vs Kevin Digney (S8)

Division 1
99: Matt Griffen (S3) pin Oscar Lainez (Midd)
106: Kevin Meloni (S11) dec Tyler Lynch (MV) 3-1 sv
106: Zayne Benedict (S4) med fft Marco Vespa (MW)
113: Michael DaBramo (S1) dec Connor Greiner (MV) 5-3 sv
113: Kevin DePalma (S8) dec Anthony Stramiello (MW) 5-4
120: Randy Earl (S1) Jarred Greiner (MV) 7-1
126: Kevin Kelly (MW) dec Kiernan Shanahan (S2) 2-1 2ot
138: Charlie Johnson (War) dec CJ Archer (S11) 5-0
145: Evan Barczak (MW) dec Tyler Brazinski (S4) 7-0
170: Mike Fekishazy pin Chris Eams (S4)
195: Garrett Betcher dec Russell Kohler (C) 3-2

Division 2
113: AJ Putt (S6) dec Nick Conetta (Chest) 9-5
120: CJ Walz (S3) pin Chris Massaro (NP) :58
138: Mike Galton (S5) maj Dillon Ross (Ont) 10-2
145: Jordan Kayes (S6) dec Taylor Benson (RH) 9-2
160: Liam Heslin (Chest) dec Nick Bushey (S7) 5-2
182: Theo Chazkel (NP) dec Chance Lapiere (S7) 8-3
195: Kevin Morgans (ELSW) dec Braxton Howell (S4) 1-0
220: Bruce Goodeau (S7) pin Will DePaolo (ELSW)

Division 1
99: Oscar Lainez (Midd) pin Devin Woodworth (S4)
113: Anthony Stramiello (MW) dec Eli Sims (S5) 4-2
120: Jarred Greiner (MV) pin Greg Panteleone (P)
126: Kevin Kelly (MW) pin Derek Osman (S4)
132: Gianno Silba (S4) dec Dom Vetrano (MV) 8-4

Division 2
99: Marcus Evans (S6) pin Wade Harris (RH)
106: Keith Kassar (S8) maj Luke Jones (ELSW) 13-1
113: Nick Conetta (Chester) dec John Cantwell (S8) 5-2
120: Chris Massaro (NP) dec Adam West (S5) 2-1
126: Noah Kelvas (S1) dec Ian Houck (RV)
132: Brett Frole (S11) maj Mark Castellanos (High) 16-6
160: Liam Heslin (Chester) dec Austin Carr (S4) 4-2
170: Geoff Hargrave (S5) dec Ben Cuppett 6-5
285: Spencer Matthaei (S8) pin Travis Coon (RH)

Division 1
106: Michael Gonyea (S2) dec Tyler Lynch (MV) 5-3
106: Mitchell Seaver (S6) med fft Marco Vespa (MW)
113: Anthony Sulla (S1) dec Connor Greiner (MV) 3-2
138: Matt Grippi (S1) dec Charlie Johnson (War) 5-4
145: Connor Melbourne (S1) dec Evan Barczak (MW) 5-2
152: Ryan Ferro (War) tech Jordan Wallace (S1) 18-1
160: AJ Aeberli (MV) dec Kyle Pittman (S5) 7-0
170: Louie Deprez (S5) pin Mike Fekishazy (Wall)
182: Kendall Elfstrum (MW) dec Evan Frank (S1) 4-3
195: Dylan Dubuque (S2) dec Garrett Betcher (Wall) 6-1
220: Nick McShea (MW) pin William Bolia (S5) :22
220: Ryan Ellefsen (Gosh) pin Mason Mastrangelo (S6) 2:20
285: Joe Humphrey (Midd) dec Mike Larm (S1) 5-4

Division 2
138: Brad Dietz (S3) dec Dillon Ross (Onteora) 6-2
145: Joey Bush (S10) dec Taylor Benson (RH) 8-6
152: Noah Curreri (ELSW) dec Sawyer Overhoff (S6) 2-1 2OT
182: Aaoron Paddock (S5) pin Theo Chazkel (NP) :59
195: Jake Kubala (S6) dec Kevin Morgans (ELSW) 3-2 utb
220: Aaron Mann (S5) maj Will DePaolo (ELSW)

99 Division 1                           D1 & D2 Brackets
Oscar Lainez 31-1
Middletown, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Jarad Altan, S8
Record Against The Field: 5-1
Wins: Sciotto, Robin, Svingala, Kropman, Nunez
Loss: Ryder

99 Division 2
Wade Harris 21-11
Red Hook, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Chris Hansen, S8
Record Against The Field: 0-2
Losses: Bruno, Rodriguez

 

106 Division 1
Tyler Lynch 40-3
Minisink Valley, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Ryan Brown, S10
Record Against The Field: 3-2
Wins: Vespa, Lopez, Traub
Losses: Vespa, Gonyea

106 Division 1
Marco Vespa 34-5
Monroe Woodbury, Freshman
1st Round Opponent: Joe Simons, S8
Record Against The Field: 2-2
Wins: Lynch, Traub
Losses: Lynch, Meloni

106 Division 2
Luke Jones 21-9
Eldred/Liberty/Sullivan West, 8th
1st Round Opponent: Sam Wolf, S5
Record Against The Field: 0-2
Losses: Robinson 2X

 

113 Division 1
Connor Greiner 41-3
Minisink Valley, Sophomore
1st Round Opponent: Michael D’Onofrio, CHSAA
Record Against The Field: 2-2
Wins: Stramiello 2X
Losses: Cox, McKenna

113 Division 1
Anthony Stramiello 33-9
Monroe Woodbury, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Justin Vines, S8
Record Against The Field: 0-6
Losses: Greiner 2X, Cirillo, Vines, DaBramo, Sulla

 

113 Division 2
Nick Conetta, 19-3
Chester, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Chris Cirigliano, S4
Record Against The Field: 0-0

 

120 Division 1
Jarred Greiner, 38-6
Minisink Valley, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Tito Colom, CHSAA
Record Against The Field: 0-2
Losses: Silverstein, Bourne

 

120 Division 2
Chris Massaro, 25-9
New Paltz, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Jacob Nolan, S7
Record Against The Field: 0-0

 

126 Division 1
Kevin Kelly, 32-3
Monroe Woodbury, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Vince Falvo, S6
Record Against The Field: 2-3
Wins: Shanahan, Gibbons
Losses: Tepperman, Seitz, Venosa

126 Division 2
Ian Houck, 29-7
Rondout Valley, Sophomore
1st Round Opponent: Hunter Dusold, S8
Record Against The Field: 0-1
Loss: Kelvas

 

132 Division 1
Dominic Vetrano, 26-8
Minisink Valley, Sophomore
1st Round Opponent: Hector Colom
Record Against The Field: 0-2
Losses: Eckles, Gold

 

132 Division 2
Mark Castellanos, 24-7
Highland, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Zach Lawrence, S2
Record Against The Field: 0-0

 

138 Division 1
Charlie Johnson, 36-4
Warwick Valley, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Jonah Cavallo, S3
Record Against The Field: 0-3
Losses: Grippi 2X, Diakomihalis

 

138 Division 2
Dillon Ross, 30-9
Onteora, Sophomore
1st Round Opponent: Colin Hogan, S7
Record Against The Field: 1-2
Win: Handy
Losses: Wood, Bressette

145 Division 1
Evan Barczak, 41-4
Monroe Woodbury, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Chris Ponce, S8
Record Against The Field: 1-3
Win: Busiello
Losses: Melbourne, Taddeo, Gissendanner

145 Division 2
Taylor Benson, 29-5
Red Hook, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Jason Fallon, PSAL
Record Against The Field: 0-1
Loss: Bush

 

152 Division 1
Ryan Ferro, 26-3
Warwick Valley, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Garrett House, CHSAA
Record Against The Field: 2-0
Wins: Wallace 2X

 

152 Division 2
Noah Curreri, 37-3
Eldred/Liberty/Sullivan West, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Bel McFarlane, S11
Record Against The Field: 0-1
Loss: Garrehy

 

160 Division 1
AJ Aeberli, 44-2
Minisink Valley, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Jake Logan, S1
Record Against The Field: 2-2
Wins: Stamm, Mahon
Losses: Santoro, Stamm

160 Division 2
Liam Heslin, 20-5
Chester, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Cameron Swick, S6
Record Against The Field: 0-0

 

170 Division 1
Mike Fekishazy, 39-1
Wallkill, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Justin Morel, CHSAA
Record Against The Field: 0-0

 

170 Division 2
Ben Cuppett, 27-2
New Paltz, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Matt Gaiser, S5
Record Against The Field: 0-1
Loss: Cuffey

 

182 Division 1
Kendall Elfstrum, 38-5
Monroe Woodbury, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Martin Jensen, CHSAA
Record Against The Field: 2-2
Wins: Chee, Bromley
Losses: Frank, Spallina

182 Division 2
Theo Chazkel, 22-8
New Paltz, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Bryce Dusold, S8
Record Against The Field: 0-0

 

195 Division 1
Garrett Betcher, 2-7
Wallkill, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Matt Burge, S4
Record Against The Field: 0-0

 

195 Division 2
Kevin Morgans, 33-5
Eldred/Liberty/Fallsburg, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Tim Baumer, S5
Record Against The Field: 1-1
Win: Hills
Loss: Zagarino

 

220 Division 1
Nick McShea, 33-2
Monroe Woodbury, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Thomas Siller, PSAL
Record Against The Field: 2-2
Wins: Bello, Ellefsen
Losses: Ellefsen, Robinson

220 Division 1
Ryan Ellefsen, 36-5
Goshen, Junior
1st Round Opponent: Macguire Horl, CHSAA
Record Against The Field: 3-1
Wins: McShea, Wilson, Bello
Loss: McShea

220 Division 2
Will Depaolo, 23-11
Eldred/Liberty/Sullivan West, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Jacob Gregory, S2
Record Against The Field: 0-1
Loss: Dawkins

 

285 Division 1
Joe Humphrey, 39-4
Middletown, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Jared Crucitti, S3
Record Against The Field: 1-2
Wins: Warren
Losses: Curiel, Larm

285 Division 2
Travis Coon, 31-6
Red Hook, Senior
1st Round Opponent: Zach Gifford, S4
Record Against The Field: 1-0
Win: Schwamborn

Congratulations to former VC coach Bob Zifchock who has recently been selected for induction into the Upstate NY Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.  The induction ceremony will be held on September 18, 2016 at the Double Tree Hotel in Syracuse, NY.  Below is a brief bio of Coach Zifchock’s incredible career provided by Carl Koenig, President of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame – Upstate NY Chapter. Congrats Coach Z…This is a well deserved honor!

Bob Zifchock

Bob has had an illustrious career in all aspects of the sport wrestling from wrestler, to official, to coach and to athletic administrator. Bob was a standout wrestler at Lansing High School and followed up with a strong career at Tompkins-Cortland Community College and Ithaca College.  At Ithaca, he was a two-time qualifier for the Division III NCAA wrestling championships and placed third in the 142-pound weight class at the New York State Collegiate Wrestling Championships. 

Coach Zifchock started his coaching career at Candor Central and then later moved on to Valley Central High School in Section IX.  The Zifchock-led teams had a 163-89-3 dual meet record.  While at Valley Central, Bob’s teams won six consecutive Orange County League titles.  Coach Zifchock’s teams also won five Section IX Tournament Team championships and enjoyed a 48 consecutive dual match win streak within Section IX. In 1988, his Valley Central High School team won the New York State Wrestling Tournament team championship. During his tenure at Valley Central, he coached 25 individual Section IX champions, 11 all-state wrestlers and two individual New York State champions – Lou Ruggirello, Sr. and David Hardwick.  In addition, he received recognition and honors by being named the 1995 USA Wrestling Man-of-the Year Award, honored with the 2010 Section IX Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2013 he was inducted in the New York State Wrestling Coaches Association’s Hall-of-Fame.

His officiating career ran from 1974 to 1992 and included officiating in ten Empire State Games, two New York State Wrestling Cups held at West Point and serving as the Orange-Sullivan Rules Interpreter for four years. Bob’s administration career incorporates being Athletics Director at several schools, serving on several state committees (New York State Athletic Administrators, Council of Administrators and New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) and coauthoring state-level guidance documents.  As well as the work that he performed on a daily basis to enhance physical education programs in his schools and sections.  Bob’s credentials speak for themselves and exemplify excellence in all aspects of the sport of wrestling. The Upstate Chapter honors Bob with his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Location
Times Union Center
51 South Pearl Street
Albany, NY

Dates
Friday 2/26 – Prelims & Quarters
Saturday 2/27 – Semis & Finals

D1 & D2 Brackets

Division 1 Preview 
Division 2 Preview 

Qualifying Tournament Results

Division 1

99 Pounds – The top 5 finishers from the 2016 Eastern States Classic are in this bracket! Section 11 sophomore Dylan Ryder was the ESC champion at this weight and has to be considered one of the favorites here.  Ryder’s ESC finals opponent was Section 5’s Greg Diakomihalis who will be looking to avenge his 3-2 loss to Ryder.  Middletown’s Oscar Lainez defeated Section 2’s Trent Svigala and finished 3rd at the ESC and is perhaps the most dangerous wrestler in the weight.  PSAL’s Brandon Nunez can factor here as well as Sectio 11 wildcards Anthony Sciotto and Preston Maucere.

106 Pounds – No mystery here…Section 11’s Adam Busiello is ranked #1 in the nation by InterMat and FloWrestling and is the clear favorite here.  Busiello was last year’s 99 pound NYS champ and  is undefeated this season including a dominating performance at the Eastern States Classic.  Even without Busiello, this would be a great weight and it will be hotly contested for top 6 placement.  Last year’s NYS #3 at 99 is Mitch Seaver from Section 6 and he will definitely be in the hunt here as well as ESC placers Justin Lopez (S1), Michael Gonyea (S2), Kevin Meloni (S11), and Alex Samson (S5).  Let’s not forget about the Section 9 champ from Minisink Valley, Tyler Lynch, who beat Lopez at ESC as well as Monroe Woodbury freshman Marco Vespa who earned a wildcard and notched a win over Lynch earlier in the year.

113 Pounds – This weight boasts 3 wrestlers who have held national rankings this year.  Section 11’s Tommy Cox finished 3rd in NYS last season and was an ESC finalist this year.  Anthony Cirillo, also from Suffolk County, placed 3rd at ESC by defeating Section 3 champ Kellan McKenna.  McKenna is a former NYS champ. Minisink Valley’s Connor Greiner finished 4th at ESC and has a good chance at medaling as well as well at Section 1’s Anthony Sulla who finished 6th at ESC.  113 also has two wrestlers who finished the season undefeated in Section 2’s Trent Nadeau (45-0) and Section 8’s Justin Vines (39-0).  Section 9 has a second entry here as Monroe senior Anthony Stramiello grabbed one of the at large bids!

120 Pounds – Year after year, the 120 pound weight class is loaded – this year is no exception.  Section 11’s Anthony Sparacio will be the top seed and has finished the season undefeated.  In the S11 finals Sparacio defeated 2015 state finalist Jake Silverstein.  Other returning state placewinners at 120 include Tito Colom (CHSAA), Austin Hertel (S5), Anthony Argentieri (S5), and Kyle Mosher (S8).  Randy Earl from Section 1 placed at ESC this year and Section 9 is well represented by a very scrappy Jarred Greiner from Minisink Valley. Long Beach (S8) has two entries here in Matt Maquet and Josh Bourne – both can contend for a medal in Albany.

126 Pounds – 2X NYS champ from Section 8 Jacori Teemer is the favorite here – but not by much!  This weight is loaded!  Section 11 champ John Arceri was the NYS champ at 113 last year and, like Teemer, is undefeated this season. Section 8 wildcard Alex Vargas is tough as nails and will also contend for a title here as will ESC placers Ben Tepperman (S11),  Matt Seitz (C), Mike Venosa (S5), and Monroe Woodbury’s Kevin Kelly.  Kelly saw limited action this year due to a preseason injury however the Section 9 senior seems to be peaking at the right time!

132 Pounds – This weight has 2 nationally ranked wrestlers and they are both from Section 8!  2X NYS champion Vito Arujau from Syosset is ranked 2nd in the nation by Intermat and would have to be considered the heavy favorite here.  Peter Pappas lost to Arujau in the S8 finals and he is currently ranked 20th in the nation by Intermat.  An all Section 8 final is likely here. Catholic school champ Hector Colom is as dangerous as they come and should do very well in Albany. Section 9 is represented by Minisink Valley sophomore Dom Vetrano. Vetrano only started wrestling last year and is loaded with talent.  His lack of experience may put him at a disadvantage up at states but his raw athleticism may surprise an opponent.  This will be a great experience for him.

138 Pounds – One name will do – Yianni!  Yianni Diakomihalis from Section 5 is a 3X NYS champion and is currently the #1 ranked 138 pound wrestler in the country.  There are definitely some very tough wrestlers in this bracket but if

Yianni doesn’t win it will make national headlines.  Perhaps his toughest competition will come from Section 1 stud Matt Grippi.  Grippi’s only loss this season has been Yianni at ESC.  Section 5 wildcard Parker Kropman is also a returning NYS placewinner and will make noise here.  Section 9 is very well represented at 138 in Charlie Johnson from Warwick.  Johnson is a transfer from PA where he placed 5th in the AA tournament last year.  A few others to watch here include Section 11 champ Brett Brice and Section 4’s Isaiah Colgan.

145 Pounds – Returning NYS champion Frankie Gissendanner from Section 5 is nationally ranked and is definitely the favorite at 145 … he will not have a cakewalk though!  Section 1 champ Brady Robin took Gissendanner to OT at the Eastern States and is definitely ready for a rematch!  Section 1 also has another contender at 145 in Connor Melbourne who lost a hotly contested 8-7 decision to Robin in their state qualifying tournament. Section 11 has two studs entered here in John Busiello (S11 champ) and Jack Taddeo (wildcard).  One of Busiello’s losses this season was to Section 9 champ Evan Barczak from Monroe Woodbury.  Barczak is looking to improve upon his 6th place NYS finish from last year.

152 Pounds – Section 9 Champion Ryan Ferro finished 3rd in NYS last year and is definitely one of the favorites here at 152. Ferro, a 3 sport athlete, took 2nd at this year’s ESC  is usually just hitting his wrestling “stride” in February.  He has three losses this year and none of the losses are to a wrestler from this bracket. Section 11 champ Chris Mauriello was a NYS champ two years ago and placed 6th at 160 last year.  He will be a force at 152.  Section 1’s Grant Cuomo is as tough as anyone and will contend here. Justin Klein (S5), Tristan Almeter (S6), and Tyrese Byron (S8) are a few others to watch at this weight.

160 Pounds – This is another weight where a Section 9 wrestler has a legitimate chance to capture a state title.  Minisink Valley senior AJ Aeberli placed 5th at this weight last year and came in 4th at this year’s ESC.  However, in order to get to the top step of the medal stand Aeberli will have to defeat a few very tough wrestlers.  Adam Santoro (C) was this year’s ESC champ and defeated Aeberli along the way to his title, plus we have Ricky Stamm from Section 8 who has split decisions with Aeberli this season.  Section 5 champ Tristan Ierlan is an awesome athlete and has only been defeated once this year – he will definitely contend for a title.

170 Pounds – Four of the top six finishers from this year’s Eastern States Classic are in this bracket but the heavy favorite to win here is definitely Hilton junior Louis Deprez (S5).  Deprez is a returning NYS champion and is currently ranked #8 in the nation by InterMat.  Tyler Barnes (S2), Nunzio Crowley (S1), and Marcus Bisono (S11) are all very tough and will likely find their way to the medal stand.  Section 9 will be represented by Wallkill junior Mike Fekishazy who is 39-1 this season and his only loss came at 182 pounds.  Fekishazy is a grinder and we should not be surprised if we see him on the medal stand on Saturday.

182 Pounds – The 182 pound weight class is as deep as it has ever been for the NYS tournament.  There is a clear favorite in nationally ranked, Princeton bound Kevin Parker (InterMat # 14) from S2, but there are several wrestlers in the bracket that will definitely give him a handful.  Two of those who will be looking to take down Parker are from Section 1 in Alex Melikian and Evan Frank.  Section 5 also has two entries here and both have the potential to place.  Mike Spallina from Hilton was the Section 5 champ and Cam Calderelli from Brockport received a wildcard.  Section 9 champion Kendall Elfstrum should not be overlooked here!  The Monroe Woodbury junior has had a great season including a 7th place finish at the ESC where he defeated Tyreek Bromley (S8) while Section 4 champ Tom Mackay placed 5th at the ESC and will definitely be in the medal hunt here as well.

195 Pounds – At the 195 pound weight class we have another Princeton-bound, nationally-ranked, returning state champion as the favorite in Section 11’s Christian Araneo.  He is ranked #6 in the nation by Intermat and has finished the season at a perfect 38-0.  One of Araneo’s biggest challenges this year came at the ESC when he defeated Section 1 champ Mike Dinardo by a 5-3 margin.  A rematch in Albany could possibly be the state final! Another undefeated wrestler, Dylan Dubuque from Section 2, as well as Section 5 champ Jacob Sweet will definitely contend for medals.  Section 9 is once again very well represented in Wallkill senior Garrett Betcher.  He, along with Paul Brachfield from S8, are definitely worth keeping an eye on!

220 Pounds – Our second to last weight class is very solid this year and Section 9 has two entries here that could be in the mix for the top prize!  S9 champ Nick McShea from Monroe Woodbury finished 2nd in NYS last year at 195 but has decided to bump up to 220 this year for the post season.  McShea has split decisions this season with Goshen junior Ryan Ellefsen who seems to get bigger, stronger, and better every time he steps onto the mat!  McShea’s other loss this season came at ESC to Section 11 champ Terron Robinson who is the top seed here.  Section 5 champ William Bolia is 40-1 this season and should definitely place high in Albany.  Section 2 also has two very capable wrestlers at 220 in former NYS placer Joe Messare and 2016 ESC placer Garreck Golish. Section 8’s Arjuna Bello is also an ESC placer and could make some noise here.

285 Pounds – Section 11 champ Edwin Rubio finished 2nd in NYS last season at this weight and he is currently ranked #10 in the nation by InterMat.  While certainly the favorite on paper, few people expect the undefeated Rubio to run away with the crown here.  Section 5 champ Cameron Rohr is also undefeated and has been dominating this season recording 24 first period pins! One of Rubio’s closest wins came over Section 8 champ Michael Curiel at ESC where Rubio squeaked out a 3-2 win.  Section 9 champ Joe Humphrey from Middletown pushed Curiel to the limit at ESC eventually dropping a 3-1 sv decision.  Section 1 champ Mike Larm notched a win over Humphrey at Eastern States and will also be in the mix here as well!

Divsion 2

99 Pounds – This should prove to be an exciting, wide open weight class in Albany!  Perhaps the most intriguing entry here is Section 5 7th-grader Ethan Ferro from Pal-Mac.  Ferro only has two losses at 99 this season and they both came at Eastern States to the 1st and 4th place finishers.  A few others to keep an eye on here include Jon Charles from Section 3, John Worthing from Section 4, and the Section 2 entry Matt LaPorte.  Section 9 is represented by returning champ Wade Harris from Red Hook who is 21-11 this year.

106 Pounds – This weight class is loaded but we will start with looking at Section 2 champ Orion Anderson.  A state finalist last year, Anderson’s only loss this year was in the ESC finals to the nation’s top 106 pound wrestler Adam Busiello.  The wrestler who defeated Anderson, AJ Burkhart from S4, is is in this bracket and hopes to make it back-to-back titles.  Drew Schafer from S5 is a returning state placewinner and Cahal Donovan from S3 is an ESC placewinner.  Luke Bokina from S11 and Kevin Spann from S3 will also be in the hunt while Section 9’s Luke Jones from Eldred Liberty Sullivan West has been improving all season!

113 Pounds – This weight class has 6 returning state medalists in the bracket!  Section 4 champ Chris Cirigliano is undefeated this season and is probably the favorite going into the weekend.  In order to reach the top step of the podium however Cirigliano will need to top 2015 NYS placers AJ Putt (S6), Trey LaFlamme (S3), Jack Bokina (S11), Carson Dobozy (S7), and S3 wildcard Austin O’Reilly. Section 5 has 3 very good entries here in Connor Wilkins, Matt Caccamise, and Nick Young. Section 9 is represented by Chester’s Nick Conetta who has been very impressive this season sporting a 19-3 record heading into states!

120 Pounds – Division 2 120 pounds is stacked – it’s that simple!  Jonathan Gomez (S8), Dane Heberlein (S5), and Theo Powers (S3) are all former state champions!  Dillian Palaszewski (S2), Jacob Nolan (S7), CJ Walz (S5), and Dean Raymond (S4) are all former state placewinners.  Ryan Hetrick (S6) placed at ESC this year and S1 champ Satoshi Abe and S3 wildcard Derrick Spann are as tough as nails.  New Paltz junior Chris Massaro is the Section 9 entry at 120.  He is 25-9 this season against a very good schedule – he might notch a win or two here!

126 Pounds – How about a second straight weight class with three former state champions in the bracket! Matteo Devincenzo (S11), Hunter Dusold (S8), and Derrick Spann (S3) have all made the top step of the medal stand in Albany.  With his 2016 Eastern States title and victory over nationally ranked Jack Davis from Wyoming Seminary we have to consider Devincenzo the favorite here. Section 5 has three entries here and two of them, Nick Gaiser and Joe Sliwoski, have placed in NYS previously.  We should also keep an eye on Ty Rifanburg (S4), Zach Burke (S3), and Noah Kelvas (S1).  Rondout Valley sophomore Ian Houck is the Section 9 represntative here and he has a 29-7 record heading into states.

132 Pounds – There are three undefeated wrestlers in this bracket and none of them are the favorite at 132.  Kellen Devlin from Section 6 is a 2X NYS champion and his only loss this year was a 4-1 decision to national #2 Vito Arujau in the ESC finals. The unbeaten wrestlers here are Ryan O’Rourke (S3), Brandon Gould (S4), and Brett Frole (S11).  All three will be incontention for a medal while we must also keep an eye on Emerson Block (S5) and Zach Lawrence (S2).  Highland senior Mark Castellano is the Section 9 representative here.  He is making his first trip to the state tournament and sports a 24-7 record this season.

138 Pounds – This is shaping up to be a wide open weight!  Section 1 champ Jake Kurzhalz was a state finalists last year and Brad Bihler (S6) and Brad Dietz (S3) are also returning placewinners.  Dietz needed a wildcard to get to the state tournament after dropping a decision in the S3 finals to Tanner Cook.  Adam Wagner from S5 has only one loss this year and Section 4 champ Dylan Wood is tough as nails.  Section 9’s entry shouldn’t be overlooked either.  Onteora sophomore Dillon Ross is 30-9 this year but has been getting better every week of the season!

145 Pounds – Section 3 champion Hunter Richard was the state champion at 138 last year and he is having another great season.  All three of his losses came at the ESC where he finished 6th – none of the losses where to anyone in this bracket. Section 4 champ Nate Grubham is 40-1 this season  with his only loss coming at the hands of Richard.  Section 9 has a great chance to medal here with Taylor Benson from Red Hook taking the mat.  Benson has looked very tough all season and is 29-5 on the year.  Others to keep an eye at 145 include former placewinner Joey Bush (S10), Austin Trombley (S7), Jordan Kayes (S6), and Damian Marchetti (S5).

152 Pounds – Section 4 senior Kobe Garrehy caught everyone’s attention when he captured the 2016 Eastern States Classic title with wins over D1 studs Chris Mauriello and Ryan Ferro.  Garrehy has finished the regular season undefeated and is definitely considered the favorite here.  This is by no means a race for second place though as wrestlers such as Noah Grover (S5), Dakota Gardner (S6), Zack Beirfelt (S6), and Madison Hoover (S4) will be right in the mix.  Let’s not forget about Section 9 champ Noah Curreri from Eldred Liberty Sullivan West!  Curreri is 37-3 on the season and has only lost to Garrehy from this bracket.  Still only a junior, Curreri could definitely place here!

160 Pounds – This weight will very competitive with a couple of wrestlers having a legitimate shot at capturing the title.  Section 2 champ Jason Hoffman is no stranger to the medal stand in Albany and he placed 2nd at this year’s ESC.  Section 6’s Cameron Swick is a perfect 31-0 this season and will definitely challenge here as will Hammond Raes (S5) and Austin Carr (S4).  Section 9’s rep at 160 is Liam Heslin from Chester.  This is his second trip to the state tournament and has had a very impressive year thus far posting a 20-5 record.

170 Pounds – West Point bound Alex Herringshaw, the Section 3 champ, is a returning state champ and is definitely the favorite at D2 170.  Herringshaw is 42-2 thsi year with both of his losses coming at the ESC.  James Hoeg from S11 and Will Marcil from S7 are both top notch and will definitely challenge Herringshaw as will S1 champ Clifton Wand and S2’s Tyler Green. Section 9 is reresented by New Paltz junior Ben Cuppett who is not making his first trip to Albany!  Cuppett is scrappy and could contend for a medal here!

182 Pounds – With six wrestlers with two or fewer losses, 182 D2 can prove to be one of the most hotly contested weights in the tournament.  Section 5 champ Aaron Paddock is no stranger to the state tournament – I’m guessing he’s either been competing in the tournament himself, or cheering on one of his brothers, for about the last 10 years or so!  Paddock is 46-2 this year and one of his losses is to one of the other wrestlers in the bracket – Jake Peru from Section 6! Peru’s only loss this season has been to PA hammer Dakota Geer who is ranked #2 in the nation at 182. Others to watch here are Ian Chedzoy (S4), Joe Hennessey (S3), Davis Ingrahan (S2), and Jordan Artrope (S1).  New Paltz senior Theo Chazkel is 22-8 on the season and will represent S9 at D2 182.

195 Pounds – A case can be made for a few different wrestlers here but Section 3 champ Jack Buell has to be considered the favorite.  He finished 3rd in NYS last year, 3rd in ESC this year and his only loss was to an out of state wrestler (at ESC) which he avenged in the medal round!  Luke MacIntoch (S5), Jake Kubala (S6), Kevin Digney (S8), Joe Benedict (S3), and Tyler Zagarino (S11) all have impressive records and will be in medal contention.  Also in the hunt for place on the medal stand will be Section 9 champ Kevin Morgans.  Morgans is making his 3rd trip to the state tournament and was one win away from placing last year!

220 Pounds – Another very solid weight with two Eastern States Classic and one NYS placewinners in the bracket.  Section 3 champ Riccardo Dawkins finished 3rd at ESC and placed 5th in NYS last season and is probably the favorite here.  Aaron Mann from Section 5 finished 6th at ESC and Garyn Huntley from S4 was 5th at this weight in NYS last year.  We should also keep an eye on Jacob Gregory from S2 who is 38-1 and Charles Beach from S6 who is 33-1.  The Section 9 representative at 220 D2 is Will Depaolo from Eldred Liberty Sullivan West.  He is making his first trip to the state tournament and has a 23-11 record on the season.

285 Pounds – The D2 heavyweight bracket is very solid this year!  There are two undefeated wrestlers in Keith Houghtaling (S2) and Jacob Cupp (S5).  Zach Gifford from Section 4 will be in the mix as will the S4 wildcard Kordell Huntley.  Laith Alsous from S6 and Jacob Beckwith from S3 have both had great years and will contend here.  The wrestler that Alsous defeated in the S6 finals, Nick Jones, placed at this weight last year – he is in this year’s tournament via wildcard. Section 9 is represented by Red Hook senior Travis Coon who is 31-6 this season.  Coon has the potential to place in Albany.