Competing with a bit of a heavy heart, Medina junior Matt Montesanti claimed the Section VI 285 lb. Division II (small schools) title Saturday earning a berth in the upcoming state championships.
Montesanti, who dedicated the tournament to his grandfather, Dominic Montesanti, who passed away Friday, decisioned Derek Wise of Cassadaga Valley 6-2 in the title bout.
“I’m just really proud of Matt,” said his father Sal Montesanti. “After giving up a first period takedown he really controlled the match. He dedicated it to his grandfather and this is something I will always remember.”
Montesanti, who captured Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class C titles in route to the state qualifier, advanced to the title bout with a narrow 2-1 win over Colin Dolling of Cattaragua/Little Valley.
“Matt really stepped up,” Medina coach Eric Gross said. “He wrestled some great matches and really out conditioned his guy in the finals. His conditioning really played a big factor.”
Medina also had Tristan Hamner finish second at 152 dropping a wild 14-11 decision to Ben Hass of Salamanca in the finals.
Hamner, who is expected to earn a wild card berth to the state championships, decisioned Jason Kromer of Lew-Port 10-5 in the semifinals.
“Tristan is hoping to wrestle Hass again on a bigger stage in the state finals,” added Gross who noted that ironically last year’s state 152 lb. final did feature a rematch of the Section VI finalists.
Roy-Hart’s Drew Hull also earned a second place finish at 145. The Rams also had Garrett Baugher (99) and Matt McCauley (138) finish third, Cameron Swick (99) fourth and Zach Bickle (120) fifth.
Barker’s Austin Blackley won the 220 lb. title.
Newfane has Max Russell finish second and Jason Jolley, Steve Lakes and Darius Matalavage all place third.
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