by Ryan Mosher
The Hoosick Falls wrestling team traveled to Clifton Park to compete in the Shenendehowa Invitational on Saturday against several local teams as well as other teams from across the state. The Panthers had eight wrestlers compete at the meet, including two who made it all the way to the tournament finals.
In the 145 pound weight class, Matt Fogarty won his first two matches to earn a spot in the final. In the quarterfinals Fogarty defeated his opponent from Edgemont 7-4. In the semi-finals he recorded a 14-8 victory to set up the final against Lee Smith of the host school Shenendehowa. Fogarty struggled against the Shenendehowa senior and lost the final match 17-5. His record for the year now stands at 11-5.
Taylor Robichaud entered the day in the 160 pound weight class with 11-1 record this season. Robichaud drew a bye in the first round and had little problem dispatching his opponent from Fonda midway through the second period of the quarterfinal bout. In the semi-finals he won a 9-2 decision over Adam Fleming of Lansingburgh. In the finals
Robichaud took on Ray Wang of Edgemont. Early in the final, with the score tied 2-2 and Wang in control, Robichaud scored a single point on an escape. With the score 3-2, neither wrestler was able to score another point in the match, and Robichaud took home the title.
Jacob Pearson, the Panthers’ 125 pound weight class wrestler, went 2-2 on the day, reaching the semi finals of the consolation bracket.