Eckles wins NYS championship

Niagara County Community College freshman Freddy Eckles became just the second wrestler in school history (Justin James, 2008) to bring home a New York State Intercollegiate Championship this past weekend at Cornell University. The 133-pounder pinned Hofstra's Vinny Vespa in the finals. He also won via pin in the semifinals. The event featured grapplers from NCAA Div. I, II, III and NJCAA.

Another freshman, Troy Keller, took sixth at 165 pounds after dropping tight matches to NCAA Div. I Top-25 opponents from Cornell and Columbia. Keller earned All-NYS honors for his finish. Classmate Zach Burke also took home All-NYS accolades after turning in an 8th-place finish at 125 pounds.

The Thunderwolves finished in seventh place at the event - only behind five NCAA Div. I schools and NCAA Div. III power Ithaca College. Next up for NCCC is its annual Niagara Duals set for 6 p.m. Dec. 2.