Staff Reports
The Lewiston-Porter wrestling team won its second in-season tournament on Saturday. Led by Bashar Srouji’s title at 215 pounds, the Lancers edged Niagara Frontier League rival Niagara Falls for the team championship at their annual Pete Rao Tournament. Lew-Port had 155.5 points, followed by NFHS at 153 and Lockport at 137.5.
D.J. Marshall (96) and Dan Reagan (125) were also finalists for Lew-Port, while third-place finishers included Joe Melcher (112), Matt Jones (125), Nick Paul (130) and Kevin McMurray (285). Lancers in fourth were Ryan Kromer (96), Jason Kromer (119), Dan Raybon (145) and Pete Cianchetti (160).
“It was a full team effort today,” Lew-Port coach Jon Hoover said while noting that standout 189-pounder Joe Hill was sidelined with an ankle injury. “The wrestlebacks really won us the tournament. Those guys coming back and clawing for third, fourth and fifth place were the key.”
Lockport led the way with four champions — Anthony Orefice (96), Ivan Cruz (112), Mike Feeney (130) and Zach Nuhn (160). North Tonawanda had three winners, including Most Outstanding Wrestler Wally Maziarz (145). Ryan Drass (125) and Tyler Bruce (152) were the others. Jemone Carter (103) and Sjuhr Dennis (171) were champions from the Falls, while Joe Giambelluca (Grand Island) won at 119 and Jack Cambria (St. Joe’s) took the title at 285.
Local runners-up included Brad Feeney (Lockport, 103), Eric Weigold (Grand Island, 135), Joe DiFrancesco (Niagara Falls, 140), Erik Stopa (Niagara Falls, 160), Dan Swiatkowski (Niagara Falls, 171), Tyler Beresford (St. Joe’s, 189) and Billy Gee (Niagara Falls, 215).
Falcons capture Salamanca Tournament
Niagara-Wheatfield placed 12 out of 15 wrestlers, including three champions, to win the Salamanca Tournament with 224 points. Wayne (205.5), Palmyra-Macedon (194.5), Midlakes (163) and defending champion Canisteo-Greenwood (154.5) rounded out the top five; the tournament included 24 teams.
Angelo Malvestuto took home the title at 189 pounds. He also won the aggregate pin award, pinning four opponents in a combined 3 minutes, 39 seconds, and was named the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler.
Joe Malvestuto won the title at 125 and Jim Donner earned the championship at 285.
Wheatfield’s other place finishers include: 96-Mark Popp, third; 103-Ricky Schweickhard, fifth; 125-Steve Swanson, fourth; 130-Angelo Schildhauer, fifth; 135-Joe Cardibuono, fifth; 160-Zack Antone, third; 160-Antonio Ventry, fourth; 171-Jake Kelly, fifth; 215-Adam Donner, fourth.
Niagara-Orleans Tournament
WILSON — Led by a quintet of individual weight class champions, Roy-Hart took top honors at the annual Niagara-Orleans All-League Tournament to capture a second straight league title.
Roy-Hart advanced seven wrestlers to the finals and came away with five champions, including Zach Bickle (96), Greg Johnston (125), Matt McCauley (130), Casey Manicki (171) and Theo King (285).
Medina emerged with a quartet of champions including Dustin Wells (103), Evan Wells (135), Dominic Montesanti (145) and Tristan Hamner (152). Montesanti was named most outstanding wrestler.
Albion had three champions — Jim Mapes (112), Azael Tapia (140) and Jesus Vallejo (215).
Rounding out the 15 league champions were Newfane’s David Ciaramella (119), Wilson’s Brandon Culverwell (160) and Barker’s Josh Jackson (189).
Roy-Hart finished with 211 points, 24.5 better than runner-up Medina (186.5). Newfane finished in third place with 169, Albion fourth at 156.5 and Wilson fifth at 144.
Becoming a three-time N-O champion, McCauley, made his title victory a memorable one as the 6-0 decision win over Wilson’s Mitch Thrust was his milestone 100th career victory.
