Wrestlers Open up Season

The Alfred State wrestling team opened up the 2017-18 season with a strong showing at the Brockport Open. Four Pioneers earned top five finishes.

George Van Valen (Ithaca) led the way with a perfect 4-0 day. He won the title in the 184 lb. weight class with a pin of Armando Arce (Jamestown CC), a tech fall (18-0) over Thaddus Jeffries (Brockport), a major decision (11-2) over Jacquan Mcpherson (Lackawanna), and tech fall (18-1) over Travis Race (Brockport).

Brandyn Whitacre (Jamestown) finished 2nd at 197 lbs. He won 15-10 over Dillon Knoll (Brockport), pinned Carson Kinney (Lackawanna), pinned J.R. Miller, and pinned Samuel Slick (Buffalo Wrestling Club). In his final match he fell to Triston Engle (Brockport).

Jeffrey Gress (Lyndonville) and Casey Connor each earned 5th place finishes. Gress was 5th at 133 lbs after finishing the day 3-2. He pinned Jake Lehr (Cornell Unattached), won 16-0 over Kitan Salk (RPI), and defeated Patrick Lehman. Connor was 2-2 on the day and earned 5th at 141 with a pair of pins of Ryan Dimarco (Buffalo Wrestling Club).

Ryan Mattison (Brockport) and Kyle Fitzgerald (Turin/South Lewis) both picked up three victories in the heavyweight competition.

The Pioneers are in action next Sunday when they compete in the Ohio Open at Case Western.