Kieran Coffey

Sun Sports Contributor

NORWICH – A nine-year-old wrestler from the Gladiator School of Wrestling (GSW) – based out of Norwich – and living in Gilbertsville-Mount Upton, is taking the country by storm.

John Drapaniotis earned his 300th career win at the Terminator Championship on Saturday, March 11.

Drapaniotis, who started wrestling at the tender age of four, has worked his way up to being ranked number one in the 85-pound bracket for 9-10 year old’s in New York State. On the way to that immense accomplishment, he has won many major tournaments, including four New York State Championships, and becoming the Pop and Flow National Champion.

Last October, Drapaniotis won the National United Wrestling Association for Youth Freak Show of amateur wrestling, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur wrestling. Drapaniotis took first place in the under 8, 78-pound bracket. He became just the second New York State youth wrestler to ever accomplish the feat.