Evening Sun Report

Wrestling

Norwich 43, Oneonta 39

NORWICH – Norwich kicked off the second half of the season with an upset victory over Oneonta Wednesday night at Norwich High School.

Previously winless in six prior dual meets, Norwich clinched its win over Oneonta (11-5 overall) in the 220-pound matchup when first-year wrestler, Jared Wilber, earned a 6-1 decision over the ‘Jackets’ Chris Walrath. “Jared has never wrestled before, and I told him this is something he will never forget,” said Norwich coach Joe Downey, who said Wilber came out for the team in early December.

NHS dominated the lower weights with a string of wins that created a 40-9 lead with six matches remaining. Ty Rifanburg (99), Cole Rifanburg (106), Carter Hubbard (113), and Trey Muserallo (120) were particularly effective at the outset from the top position, and all four ran the arm bar to perfection to earn back points. “In the past, you used to choose bottom and it was a sure thing to get out and get your one point,” Downey said. “We have guys that are very good on top, and they do a good job with their tilts and armbars.”

Tristan Rifanburg (132) was impressive with technical fall over Oneonta’s Mel Ackley, Nick Murphy (138) won by pin late in the third period, and Josh Meyers (145) saved Norwich team points when he took Oneonta’s well regarded James Longo the distance losing by decision. Norwich sophomore Frank Garcia (152) returned from a four-week absence to gain a first-period pin of Sam Sherrill.

“Oneonta has a very good dual meet team, we’re just a bad matchup for them,” Downey said.

Norwich competes in the Leo J. Sammon Memorial Tournament at Ilion this weekend.