The Shenendehowa wrestling team turned in its best performance at its New York Duals Saturday.
The Plainsmen defeated Plainedge, John Jay and Wayne before tying Waverly 42-42 in the final bout. Waverly was given the victory based on the most individual wins in the match, 8-7.
This is a high-level competition, and every year we question whether we’re ready, said Shen coach Rob Weeks. `The kids responded.`
The Plainsmen (4-1) dominated their opponents in the lightweight division, as Nick Kelly, Luke Popolizio and T.J. Popolizio won all their matches. Kelly (96 pounds) and T.J. Popolizio (119) finished with 4-0 records, while Luke Popolizio (103) won the three bouts he wrestled in. Juliano Pabon (112) had a 3-1 record.
The Meys brothers also proved to be too tough for their competition. Austin Meys won three bouts at 171 pounds and one at 189, while older brother Hunter Meys swept his three 189-pound bouts and defeated one opponent at 215. All of Hunter Meys’ wins were pins, while Austin had one forfeit mixed in with his three pins.
The Popolizio and Meys brothers are hoping to make another group trip to the state championships. Both Meys brothers are seeking their second state titles, while the Popolizios will be aiming to improve on last year’s efforts, when they both placed second in their weight classes.
`They’re our captains, and they’re our leaders,` said Weeks. `It’s nice to have that. I always want to have at least four guys like that in the (wrestling) room.`
Several more Plainsmen are gearing up for big seasons including Pabon, Kelly and heavyweight Adam Geleta.
Shen heads north Saturday ` along with Saratoga Springs ` to compete at the Chickanis Tournament at Hudson Falls High School. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, which recently won the Anderson Tournament at Cicero-North Syracuse, hosts its annual Lee Van Slyke Memorial Tournament Saturday, while Ballston Spa competes at the Tri-Valley Tournament.“