The Newark Valley wrestling team achieved a significant milestone on Jan. 25, by winning the IAC Wrestling Championship for the first time since 2017. The event, held in Watkins Glen, showcased the team’s impressive skills and determination as they claimed the top spot with 191.5 points, outpacing Tioga, which finished second with 183 points.
The Cardinals crowned three individual champions: seniors Trevor Middendorf (124 pounds) and Austin DeBolt (285 pounds), along with junior Marcos Escalante (152 pounds). The team also celebrated three runner-up finishes by senior Gabe Merrill (170 pounds) and juniors Logan Woodin (160 pounds) and Titus Callahan (190 pounds).
Sophomore Andrew Lelik secured a third-place finish, while sophomore Jacob Shipman and freshman Chance Spoonhower placed fourth. Freshman Kenny Slater earned fifth place, and freshman Leland Houston finished sixth.
Highlights of the Championship Performances:
- Trevor Middendorf (124 pounds): Middendorf secured his title with a dominant performance, including a 19-4 technical fall in the quarterfinals and an 11-8 sudden-victory win in the semifinals before receiving a medical forfeit in the finals.
- Austin DeBolt (285 pounds): DeBolt, the top seed, showcased his strength with two first-period pins, including a 42-second fall in the semifinals and a 1:48 pin in the championship match.
- Marcos Escalante (152 pounds): Escalante displayed grit, earning a technical fall in the quarterfinals, edging his semifinal opponent 10-9, and claiming the title with a 9-3 decision in the finals.
Other standout performances included Lelik, who battled through the consolation bracket to secure third place at 101 pounds, and Woodin, who advanced to the finals at 160 pounds before falling in a hard-fought 7-2 decision.
A Team Effort
The Cardinals’ success was a true team effort, with several wrestlers contributing points across weight classes. Freshmen and underclassmen also made their mark, gaining valuable experience and delivering key wins throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead
The team will continue its season this week with dual meets at Ithaca on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and at home against Moravia and Corning on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 30, respectively.
Congratulations to the Newark Valley wrestling team on this historic achievement and for representing the Cardinals with pride and excellence!