Lilly Burrows took first place at the girls wrestling championship for the second consecutive year at the New York Wrestling Association for Youth (NYWAY) State Championships. The competition was held at the Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse this past weekend.

“I’ve never been prouder,” said her father, Nathan Burrows.

Lilly Burrows, a third-grade student at Brocton Elementary School, is a member of the Wolfpack Wrestling Club on Bennett Road in Dunkirk. Among the coaches who have helped in her development is former Fredonia star wrestler Dakota Gardner, a family friend who helped spark the Burrows family’s interest in enrolling Lilly as a wrestler with the Wolfpack Wrestling Club.

“She just said she’d like to give it a try, so she did, and she absolutely shined at it ever since she started,” Nathan Burrows said.

Lilly Burrows took first place at the New York Wrestling Association for Youth (NYWAY) State Championships earlier this month.

Lilly, nicknamed “The Beast”, competed in the 70-71 pound weight class at ages 8-10. She won all three matches at the state competition to claim her second title in as many years.

“She showed up with a positive attitude and just shined throughout all of her matches,” Nathan Burrows said.

Wolfpack coaches Nick Jones and Robbie Dando were in attendance at the NYWAY Tournament to support Burrows, along with her parents, Michelle and Nathan.

“To watch her overall growth is impressive for someone at such a young age. Special thanks to all the coaches who took the time to work one-on-one with her to watch her thrive,” Nathan Burrows said.

Lilly also received support from Fredonia Lady ‘Billies wrestlers in attendance, who cheered Lilly on as she earned a second state title in only three years as a wrestler. They also cheered on a group of their own, as three Lady ‘Billies finished on the podium.

The Fredonia Lady ‘Billies welcomed wrestlers from the Wolfpack Wrestling Club to a practice earlier this season.

McKella Hodkin won the 122-pound title for the 12-14 girls age group, as she went 4-0 at the tournament. Braelynn and Bryleigh Wicks also each finished on the podium with top five finishes.

The Fredonia Lady ‘Billies girls wrestling team, which just wrapped up its second season as a varsity sport, is coached by Ross Conti and Julie Sanders. The team welcomed members of the Wolfpack Wrestling Club to a practice earlier this year. Now both groups can say they feature a NYWAY State Champion.