NATIONAL HS SENIORS WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Cleveland, Ohio
New York State won the 16th annual National HS Seniors Wrestling Championship at the Public Hall Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, for their first ever team title as they amassed 222 points to defeat defending team champion Ohio who tallied 210.5 points. The Buckeye State had won the past three HS team crowns.The Empire State crowned one National Champion,five-time state champion Troy Nickerson (219-6) of Chenango Forks. Long Island's Alton Lucas (160-6), a two-time state king from West Babylon dominated his opponents but lost in double overtime in the 160-pound final to Travis Hammons(Illinois). Nickerson defeated Jayson Ness (Minnesota), 6-4, in the championship bout. Nickerson whose tattoo on his left arm symbolizes his name "Troy", which in the Chinese language means "loyal warrior", according to his Dad, and that he certainly has become, as he powered through his weight class and defeated six opponents en route to the 125-pound title. Nickerson in the past five years has elevated the wrestling in the state and led the Empire State to their team championship. He commented on winning the national title, "It feels good and now I'm relieved its over." Lucas held a 3-0 after opening the scoring with a lightning quick duck under takedown but Hammons responded with an escape and an inside trip takedown to knot the match at 3-3. In the second overtime stanza, Lucas nearly escaped and was attempting a reversal when Hammons stepped over and placed Lucas on his back for the decisive points and a 6-3 double overtime victory.The Empire State had a great showing as they produced a record 15 HS All-Americans and showed great team depth as they garnered two All-Americans in three different weight classes; 103, 112 and 171 pounds. Other New Yorkers that earned All-American status were; Peppy Cabrera(3rd), Danny Morreale(4th), both at 103, Shaun Farnham(3rd) and Dan Bishop(5th), both at 112, Tom Magnani(7th at 119), Steve Brown(4th at 135), Derrick Smith(8th at 140), Gregor Gillespie(3rd at 145), Jon Bonilla-Bowman(7th at 152), Ricky Scott(3rd) and John Barone(5th), both at 171, and the Jones brothers; Jon(4th at 189) and Arthur(7th at 275)...
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