Three HFCS wresters competed in the New York State Wrestling Championships last Friday and Saturday at the Times Union Center. [private]The three, Gabe Fisher, Matthew LaPorte and Jake Pine won their way in by having podium finishes in the Sectional Championships.
Fisher, wrestling at 106 lbs. lost his first match by decision to Len Balducci of Pleasantville, 6-2, putting Fisher in the wrestlebacks. In his wrestleback match, Fisher was defeated by decision, 5-1, by Doug Ciszak of Pioneer. The second loss eliminated Fisher from the tournament.
LaPorte, wrestling at 113 pounds, won his first match by decision over Eli Rodriquez of Norwich, 10-4. In his quarterfinal match, LaPorte was decisioned by Matt Campo (no school listed), 8-1. This loss put LaPorte in the round 2 wrestlebacks, where he won by decision over Bryce Smith of Saranac, 4-2. On Sunday, LaPorte was unable to make weight and forfeited his second wrestleback match to Keith Cassar of Oyster Bay.
Pine, wrestling at 195 pounds, was defeated by decision in his first match by Brandon Gracey of Mexico, 8-6. In the wrestleback, Pine was pinned by Jody Hermance of Granville.[/private]
These boys should be very proud. Just making it to the state championships in any sport is a major accomplishment, something only a tiny fraction of competitors are able to enjoy and look back on. [/private]