NCCC wrestlers roll continues

by Eric Keppeler
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, December 7, 2006
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 9, 2006

Eric Knuutila has had depth before during his lengthy coaching tenure at the helm of the Niagara County Community College wrestling team. But never like this.

NCCC flexed their mat muscles during a pair of events last weekend, splitting into two squads for a dual meet and winning both competitions on Friday. The Trailblazers then had a solid outing at the 33rd annual NCCC Trailblazer Open Wrestling Tournament a day later, posting a number of individual winners as no team scores were kept.

“We won both of the dual meets,” Knuutila said. “We broke up into two teams, and both of them won. I’ve never done that before, but that’s the kind of depth I have this year. I’m hoping that it winds up being the best I’ve ever had.”

A number of NCCC wrestlers posted wins, but Knuutila was especially happy to see freshman Brad Farfaglia (Lockport) register a pin at 149 pounds for his first collegiate victory.

The tournament Saturday featured Muskegon Community College and Mott College, both of Michigan; Seton Hills of Pittsburgh; the Ohio State Wrestling Club; the University at Buffalo Wrestling Club; Brockport, Cortland and Albany State.

“If we had kept score, it would have been close between us and Muskegon,” Knuutila said. “They’re excellent, and going up against them just makes us both better. And we went without Josh Lange, who had a sore knee, and he would have made a difference if he were healthy. But we wanted to give him time to heal. The wins are important in February, not so much right now. But the competition was great.”

The Trailblazers still had plenty of individual highlights.

Pat Hagerty is a red shirt transfer who won’t be eligible until January, although he was permitted to compete in this open tournament. He won the 133-pound weight class and was named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler. Also at 133, Derrick Adams (Medina) was fifth.

Dale DeBacco (Niagara Falls) won at 149 pounds, while Tyrell Riley was first at 157 pounds and Nate Wiseman (Niagara-Wheatfield) was fifth. Brandon Kopacz won the 165-pound weight class and Jeremy Stopa (Newfane) was second as Kopacz won on the flip of a coin.

Colin Thompson (Grand Island) won the 285-pound weight class, while Matt Bunce (Lew-Port) was fourth at 125 and Teddy VanBuren was fourth at 184.

The Trailblazers return to action Saturday at the Triton College Open in River Grove, Ill.

“More good competition,” Knuutila said. “This will only help us to keep getting better. We get to see some of the best wrestlers in the country before we see them at nationals.”