Medina grapplers best rival Albion at Gary Gross Memorial Tournament

Newfane claims tourney title

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Elijah Sones works toward a decision win over Albion’s Sam Slick during the Mustangs win over the Purple Eagles today during the Gary Gross Memorial Tournament.

Medina bested visiting rival Albion 45-36 to highlight the action of today’s second annual Gary Gross Memorial Wrestling Tournament.

The tournament is named in memory of Medina Coach Eric Gross’ dad who was a long time, very avid supporter of the Mustangs wrestling proegram.

Pins by Joe Velez (126), in 2:32, and Hunter Freeman (138), in 1:11, along with decision win by Elijah Sones (170), led the way for Medina which also benefitted from four forfeit wins.

Velez, Ian Joseph (182) and Colby Petrie (106) all went 5-0 on the day for the Mustangs.

Medina’s Joe Velez in route to scoring a win over Albion’s Jordan Wolcott.

Albion was sparked by a quartet of pins, two of the sub minute variety. Tim Drake (195) registered a pin in only 21 seconds and Israel Florentino (160) in just 58 seconds to lead that Purple Eagles foursome as Ricky Monroe (132) notched a fall in 1:27 and Preston Flugel (120) in 5:08.

Monroe, Florentino, Flugel and Blake Aina all went 5-0 and Drake 4-1 on the day for the Purple Eagles.

Albion’s Israel Florentino works towed a win over Medina’s Tim Roy.

Newfane captured the tournament championship by going 5-0. The Panthers defeated Churchville-Chili 40-37, Lockport 45-34, Medina 44-36, Albion 48-29 and Wilson 59-17.

Medina finished in a three-way tie for the runner-up spot at 3-2 with Lockport and Churchville Chili. The Mustangs also defeated Wilson 52-27 and Churchville-Chili 47-36 but lost to Lockport 42-36.

Albion went 1-4 as the Purple Eagles win came over Wilson 51-6.

Albion’s Preston Flugel in route to posting a win over Medina’s Bobby Geiger.