HOLLEY —
Senior Quinton Murphy (138), who is seeking his fourth title, heads Holley’s contingent of four wrestlers who will be competing at the state championships this weekend in Albany.
Seniors Kacee Sauer (285) and Mike Silvis (220) along with junior Andrew Flanagan (99) round out the Hawks delegation.
Murphy and Sauer both captured Section V titles to advance to the states while Flanagan and Silvis both earned wild-card entries.
Murphy, who is also seeking his milestone 300th career victory, is headed to the states for the sixth time. Boasting a 55-0 record this season and a total of 298 career wins, Murphy, who is the No. 1 seed at 138, has captured a state title in each of the last two years and three of the last four. He placed second and sixth in his other two trips to the states.
“I wish Quinton the very best of luck in earning that fourth state title and his accomplishing his goal of 300 wins. It’s been an honor to coach him,” Holley coach John Grillo said.
Murphy’s toughest competition is expected to be No. 2 seed Anthony Finocchiaro of Canastota who finished third at 130 last year.
“He’s coming on strong,” Grillo said of Finocchiaro. “Quinton has to keep his eye on everyone though as every match is important. A key, as always, is to keep him healthy.”
Murphy’s opening round match on Friday is against Matt Dillion of Nanuet.
Sauer is truly looking for the third time to be the charm after suffering narrow heartbreaking losses in the state title match each of the last two years.
“Kacee was a warrior the last two years but he was just kind of snake bit in the finals,” Grillo said. “Hopefully he can win it this time. The key for Kacee is to stay in good position and to score when he gets the opportunity as his matches are going to be close and low scoring.”
Sauer, who is 34-3 and the No. 1 seed at 285, will face Anthony Tufano of New Paltz in the opening round.
Flanagan, who is 42-5, is also making a return trip to the states. Interestingly, if they both win their first match, Flanagan will face Tony Recco of Lyndonville in the quarterfinals in a rematch of the recent Section V finals won by Recco 3-1.
“Andrew has a tough seed and his second round match will be tough but he has the ability with his offense to beat anybody,” Grillo said. “We’re expecting him to place.”
Silvis, who is 48-4 on the season, is making his debut at the state championships. His opening round match is against Travis Conklyn of Canastota.
“He is very athletic and hopefully that will carry him to a place finish,” Grillo said.
Austin Blackley of Barker is seeded No. 4 at 220 and will face Chris Durazzo of Petrides in the opening round.
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