By Mike Wertman
HOLLEY — Bolstered by the experience gained at the state tournament year ago, the Holley High duo of eighth grader Quinton Murphy and junior Tim Banks is set to compete for top honors in Division II (small schools) at the state wrestling championships this Saturday and Sunday at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester.
“Last year’s experience helped me get better,” said Murphy who placed sixth a year ago at the state meet which was held at Albany.
“The experience showed me you really have to step up,” said Banks. “I’m definitely excited.”
Murphy, who is 41-1 on the season, earned a second straight trip to the states by capturing the Section V 103 pound title.
Banks, who is 43-2, placed second at the sectionals at 119 pounds and advanced to the states for the second straight year as a wild-card entrant.
“I’m hoping that both Quinton and Tim can get in the top three,” Holley coach John Grillo said.
Murphy and Banks both advanced to the Section V state qualifer after winning Class BBB titles which helped the Hawks claim the BBB team championship.
“Quinton has definitely done his homework by doing everything he can in the off season and it certainly is paying off,” Grillo said. “He is very poised and doesn’t really get rattled out there and he is smooth. He has matured a lot in the last year both mentally and physically.”
“Tim is a tournament wrestler. He loves the thrill of tournaments and is really focused on what he needs to do at the state tournament I can see it in his eyes. “He is in a tough weight class but he has wrestle some great kids this year so he is not afraid to do that. He has learned how to handle tough situations.”
Murphy is scheduled to face Teddy Kyreakedes, a junior from Dobbs Ferry (Section 1) and Banks will take on Brian Borst, a senior from Duansburg (Section 2) in the opening round on Saturday morning.
Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with the quarterfinals at 2:30 p.m. The semifinals are slated to 10 a.m. Sunday with the finals at 6 p.m.
