OBSERVER Staff Report

WEBSTER — The Fredonia Hillbillies wrestling team took ninth place out of 19 teams at the Matthew Marino Wrestling Tournament at Webster Schroeder High School on Saturday, despite only sending six wrestlers.

Jake Skinner finished first overall at 220 pounds with a 5-1 record, with all five wins as pins. Dalton Gardner finished third at 145 pounds with a 5-1 record, while Gio Russo finished fourth at 138 with a 5-1 record. Russo’s only loss came to a two-time New York State runner-up. Ceric Kristan was 2-3 at 170 — a division where a defending state champion finished fourth at the tournament, Luke Green went 3-3 at 145 pounds, while Yanni Acevedo was 8-1 with seven pins, good for second among heavyweights.

“We had a really nice showing,” said Fredonia coach Joe Santilli. “It is an extremely difficult tournament that really sets the tone for the rest of the season.

Santilli said that teams from Sections 3-6 all competed, while many teams brought as many as 20 wrestlers. Fredonia’s ninth place finish with only six wrestlers left Santilli feeling “extremely pleased.”

Sam Grey, of Catt./Little Valley, finished third place at 152 with a 7-1 record. Santilli was “very impressed” with how Grey competed at the tournament.

“It was a great way to start the beginning of the year,” said Santilli.