Lightweights lead NCCC to historic finish at NYS Championships

On the strength of six top-eight finishes, Niagara County Community College finished in sixth place at this past weekend's New York State Championships hosted by Cornell University. NCCC accumulated 72.5 points. The United States Military Academy Preparatory School won the tournament with 99 points. It was the Thunderwolves' highest ever finish at the event, which features all of the state's top intercollegiate wrestlers regardless of class or division.

At 125 pounds, sophomore Matt Genau took third and freshman Greg Quinn was fourth. Genau went 3-1 at the meet on the strength of two decisions and a pin, while Quinn was 2-1 after a major decision and technical fall.

Sophomores C.J. Walz and Jacob Bell took fifth and eighth respectively at 133 pounds. Walz finished 4-1 with two pins and two major decisions. Bell was 3-2 with a pin and two major decisions.

Sophomore Freddy Eckles continued his strong start to the season at 141 pounds, going 5-2 at the event. He had two wins by decision and one each via pinfall, technical fall and forfeit.

Freshman Katrell Jackson ended up eighth at 149 pounds after racking up a 3-2 mark. He had two pins and a major decision. 

Next up for the T-Wolves is the annual Niagara CCC Duals (6 p.m. Nov. 30) and NCCC Thunderwolves Open (9:30 a.m. Dec. 1).