NCCC wins 24th regional wrestling crown

Niagara County Community College, led by now nine-time regional Coach of the Year Keith Maute, won its school-record 24th Region III championship after a convincing 34-15 victory vs. host Jamestown Community College on Thursday night.

The Thunderwolves had seven individual champions at the event, including Co-Most Outstanding Wrestler Josh Thibeault. The 197-pound sophomore won his title match via forfeit, but finished the regular season with a 6-1 record that included two pins and two technical falls. His only setback was to a National runner-up. JCC's Trenton Donahue (141) shared the award with Thibeault. 

NCCC sophomore Steve Liebler moved to 9-0 on the year at 184 pounds after pinning his opponent in just over two minutes. Classmate Tommy Berner won a tight 9-6 decision at 165 pounds to improve to 4-2. Freshman Nikalis Voelker had an impressive 9-0 major decision at 149 pounds that earned him NCCC Wrestler of the Week honors and fellow first-year grappler Matt Ash won a 14-8 contest at 125 pounds. Ash is now 6-0 with two pins and two major decisions. 

Also for NCCC, sophomore David Crow (157) and freshman Zach Ash (133) won via injury default. Crow is unbeaten at 6-0 on the season. 

The T-Wolves return to the mats April 21-22 for the NJCAA Championships at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.