New coach guiding Albion wrestling squad

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 17 November 2016 at 5:33 pm

Photo by Mike Wertman – New Albion varsity wrestling Coach Pat Uveino meets here with veteran members of the Purple Eagles squad. In front are Cade Aina, Blake Aina, Tim Wells and Jacob Delamarter. In back are Donamic Farley, Sam Slick, Preston Flugel, Myles Brewer and Jessy Cruz.

Anchored by a good returning nucleus, Albion is prepping for the upcoming wrestling season under the leadership of new Coach Pat Uveino.

“I’m excited. We’ve got a good group of hard working kids and I’m looking to continue what Coach Pic started,” said Uveino who served for the past 15 years as assistant to Coach Keith Piccirilli who retired at the end of last season. “Coach Pic gave me a lot of good direction and I’m looking forward to the season.”

Two defending Niagara-Orleans League champions, senior Blake Aina and junior Preston Flugel, head Albion’s veteran contingent which also includes senior Sam Slick, junior Tim Wells and sophomores Jessy Cruz, Donamic Farley, Cade Aina, Jacob Delamarter and Myles Brewer.

Flugel went 35-8 and Blake Aina 31-9 last season.

Cade Aina and Delamarter both placed third at the N-O All-League Tournament. Aina went 16-8 on the season.

“We’ve got a few returners but overall we’re young,” said Uveino. “We’re working hard but our focus is on having fun and promoting the sport. We’ve also got a real good turnout for the modified team so hopefully that bodes well for the future.”

Albion is slated to open the season with a non league match at Alexander on December 1 and then begin N-O competition by hosting defending champion Newfane on December 7.

The Purple Eagles went 3-2 in N-O dual match competition last season.
Albion’s Schedule
Dec. 1 – at Alexander, 6 p.m.
Dec. 7 – Newfane, 6 p.m.
Dec. 10 – at Depew Tournament, 9 a.m.
Dec. 14 – Barker/Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Dec. 20 – Lyndonville, 6 p.m.
Dec. 28 – at Holley Tournament, 10 a.m.
Jan. 4 – at Akron, 6 p.m.
Jan. 7 – at Victor Tournament
Jan. 11 – at Medina, 6 p.m.
Jan. 18 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 21 – All-League Tournament at Akron, 3:30 p.m.