| Syracuse- The trio of defending champions were all triumphant at the 41st annual New York State Wrestling Championships held at the Onondaga War Memorial. Sophomore Troy Nickerson (38-1, 128-6) of Chenango Forks-4 at 112, senior Ryan Needle (48-0, 240-12) of Newfane-6 at 140 and junior Chris Hand (35-2, 170-17) of Whitney Point-4 at 145 pounds were all successful for their bids at state titles. Nickerson and Needle became three-time state champions, only the eleventh and twelfth wrestlers in NYS to accomplish that feat. Nickerson stayed on track to become the Empire State's first ever five-time champion and was voted the tournament's outstanding wrestler. Needle became the second-winningest wrestler in New York history, behind the national and our state record 243 wins set by 2002 state champion Matt Herrington of Troy LaSalle. Nickerson and Needle on capturing their state crowns, Nickerson said, "It was definitely the biggest of the three," and Needle stated, "It feels good, real good and now I am looking forward to the high school nationals." Both Nickerson and Needle are amongst the nation's best prepped wrestlers in their respective weight classes and both exemplified class in winning their state championships. Section Four dominated the two day tournament as they amassed 237 points along with 11 place-winners. Also earning state crowns for the scarlet cladded squad were freshman J.P. O'Connor (33-3, 108-11) of Oxford at 96, junior Tyler Mumbolo (44-0, 91-7) of Bainbridge G/A at 103, tough Josh Glenn (46-1, 139-18) of Johnson City at 152, Sherwood Fendryk (44-1, 206-17) of Greene at 160 and sophomore Arthur Jones (31-1, 51-4) of Union-Endicott at 275 pounds. Jones had one of the more entertaining bouts in the finals as he hip tossed his opponent and secured the fall at the 3:43 mark, he received the Most Pins Award as he recorded four falls in 13:54. |
