Coming into the 2019 NYSPHSAA Championship Wrestling Tournament as a sixth seed seems like an uphill battle to fulfill the dream of becoming state champion. But Iroquois senior Cory Day proved that he wanted it more than the other wrestlers in his bracket (Div.2, 160lbs.). In the quarter finals, Day pinned third seed Jack Chessman (Section 12). In the semifinal that went to the ultimate tie breaker against number 2 seed Charlie Grygas (Section 2), Day escaped to earn his place in the finals. First seed Jacob Null who beat Day twice previously was not ready for the tenacity he was about to endure. Day dominated the match for an 8-3 victory and his dream of winning a state title was realized.
Robbie Penhollow (Falconer, 195lbs) and Mike Rigerman (Pioneer, 220lbs) also won titles in division two. Coming in second place were Andy Lucinski (Newfane, 99lbs), Willie McDougald (Niagara Falls, 138lbs.), Zach Braddell (Tonawanda, 138lbs.) and Warren McDougald (Niagara Wheatfield, 152lbs). Warren McDougald’s final went to the ultimate tie breaker where he was seconds away from riding out his opponent. After losing control and the match, Warren earned respect from all who watched as he rose up with dignity and applauded his opponent.
Western New York also had a pair of third place finishers in Johnny Putney of East Aurora at 145lbs (Div. 2) and Dominik Thomas if St. Francis at 182lbs (Div. 1).
Seven other section 6 wrestlers finished on the podium.