Congratulations to Goshen junior Ryan Ellefsen and Middletown senior Joe Humphrey for being selected to represent Team NY for the 2016 Pinning Down Autism All-Star Weekend! Ellefsen, who finished 2nd at 220 in NYS this year, will wrestle at 225 while Humphrey, the 3rd place finisher at HWT in Albany, will compete at 285 for Team NY. Now in it’s 6th year, the Pinning Down Autism dual has become one of the premier post-season all-star showcases in the nation. The event takes place this Saturday, April 23 is being held on the campus of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. Wrestling begins at 9:00 AM. All proceeds from the event go to Pinning Down Autism as well as other affiliated local charities in the Lehigh Valley area.
It is a huge honor to be selected to compete in this event! Ellefsen and Humphrey join a select group of Section 9 wrestlers who have received the nod including Kyle Diesel (2011, Minisink Valley), Josh Bonneau (2013, Minisink Valley), Dan DeCarlo (2014, Port Jervis), and Michael Racciopi (2015, Minisink Valley).
Ellefsen, Humphrey, and the rest of Team NY will take on all-star teams from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio. Team NY will be extremely competitive at this year’s event – their roster is loaded! The PA roster is just insane though! Take a look at the studs from all four teams who are scheduled to compete. A few of the weights are not listed as they are still waiting for confirmation.
Team New York
99: Greg Diakomihalis (State Champ)
106: Trey Wardlaw (State runner-up)/Trent Svingala (State 4th)
113: Orion Anderson (State champ)
120: Theo Powers (State champ)
126: #2 at 132 Vitali Arujau (3X State champ, Fargo champ)
138: Matt Grippi (State runner-up)
145: Jon Errico (NHSCA runner-up)
152: #6 at 145 Frankie Gissendanner (2X State champ)
160: Ricky Stamm (State runner-up)
170: #13 Lou Deprez (2X State champ)
182: Alex Melikian (State runner-up)
195: Mike Dinardo (State runner-up)
220: Ryan Ellefson (State runner-up)
285: Joe Humphrey (State 3rd)
Team Pennsylvania
99: Kaden Cassidy (Youth State champ)
106: #16 Jaret Lane (State runner-up)
113: #8 Julian Chlebove (State champ)
120: #8 Austin Desanto (State runner-up)
126: #12 Brian Courtney (State champ)
132: #5 at 138 Mickey Phillipi (State champ)
138: #6 Sammy Sasso (State 3rd)
145: #17 at 152 Jimmy Saylor (State runner-up)
152: #2 Hayden Hidlay (State champ)
160: #4 Jake Wentzel (State champ)
170: #17 at 160 Trent Hidlay (State runner-up)
182: #20 Garret Hoffman (State runner-up)
195: #16 Gavin Hoffman (State champ)
220: Seth Janney (National Preps champ)
285: Michael Rogers (National Preps champ)
Team New Jersey
99: Dylan Weaver (Youth State champ)
106: Mitch Polito
113: Lucas Revano (State 6th)
120: Anthony Croce (State qualifier)
126: Dan Ortega (State 4th)
132: Zack Firestone (State champ)
145: JoJo Wilson
152: Darwin Pena (State 4th)
160: Tyler Mullen (State 5th)
182: Peter Acciardi
195: Joe Soreco (State 5th)
285: #20 Eric Chakonis (State champ)
Team Ohio
99: Kyle Peterson
106: John Kuhmer (State qualifier)
113: Nick Bugard
120: Lukus Stricker (State 3rd)
126: Logan Kissel (State 6th)
132: Anthony Rice
138: Will McGee
145: Austin Cefferati
152: Sam Roczella
160: Gary Wokojance (State qualifier)
170: Anthony Kaplovic
182: Kade Marker (State qualifier)
195: Jake Burns (State 4th)
220: Parker Meaney
285: Luciano Cunningham
