The Shenendehowa wrestling team was rarely pushed in winning its own dual meet tournament last Saturday.
The Plainsmen eased past four out-of-area schools Sachem, Plainedge, John Jay and Waverly to take first place in the tournament. Shen’s closest match was a 48-26 victory over Sachem. The Plainsmen then beat Plainedge 60-18, John Jay 54-19 and Waverly 60-15.
Several Shen grapplers went undefeated in the tournament, led by a dominating performance from two-time state champion Austin Meys. The senior light-heavyweight scored four pins in the 189-pound weight class, three of which came within the first 32 seconds.
Mike Almaviva (215 pounds) and Adam Geleta (285) each scored three pins for Shen. Almaviva also had a 4-0 victory over John Jay’s Pat Sweeney, while Geleta received a forfeit to finish 4-0 in the tournament.
Nick Kelley (103) recorded three pins and a forfeit to lead Shen’s lightweight contingent. Two-time state finalist Luke Popolizio (119) went 4-0 with two pins, and John Belanger (125) added three pins as part of an undefeated run.
Mike Soricillo (96) finished 3-1 with three pins, while Dave Almaviva (112) scored a pair of pins for the Plainsmen. Seth Hazelton (130) won three of his four bouts, as did Lee Smith (152).
Shenendehowa is back in action Saturday when it goes north to the Hudson Falls Tournament. Saratoga Springs is also in the field. Meanwhile, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake hosts the Lee Van Slyke Tournament.“
