Holley matmen down Lyndonville earning milestone win for coach

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley Coach John Grillo gives encouragement to Eli Stanton before the opening bout of this evening’s match at Lyndonville. Grillo earned his milestone 700th career win as the Hawks downed the Tigers.

Holley downed host Lyndonville 54-35 in a Genesee Region League match this evening earning Hawks long-time Coach John Grillo his milestone and state record 700th career victory.

“Everyone of the student/athlete wrestlers I’ve had over the years all mean a lot to me,” said Grillo who has guided the Hawks to some 20 G-R and a dozen Section V titles over the past three decades.

“I really want to thank the school administrations for believing in me,” added Grillo who also cited the importance of his assistant coaches to him over the years. “I’ve been able to surround myself with some great coaches and when you have good people like that arounf you success is going to come.”

Grillo’s career total of 700 wins surpasses the old state mark of 675 held by Joe Bena according to the New York State Sports Writers Association records. Bena, who is retired, coached a number of schools in Sections 2 and 9 including Newburgh.

Holley’s Patrick Purtell works toward a win over Alex Doran.

Patrick Purtell (160) registered a second period pin for Holley’s lone win on the mat as the Hawks other 48 points came via eight forfeit wins.

With the victory Holley concludes the G-R season at 5-1.

Lyndonville took the other five matches decided on the mat on four pins and a technical fall.

The Tigers got pins by Reese Ledford (106) in 3:40, Jeff Gress Jr. (120) in 2:28, Garren Bayne (126) in 3:59 and Dustin Joy (138) in 1:40 as Tom Follman (152) had the technical fall win by a score of 16-1.

Lyndonville’s Tom Follman works for a takedown against Dalton Moyer.

Jeff Gress Jr. of Lyndonville in route to a win over Eli Stanton.