Albion’s Wilson is Most Outstanding Wrestler at Medina’s Gary Gross Memorial Tournament

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 25 January 2020 at 6:49 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Cody Wilson works toward a title round win over Ryan Bitka of Amherst during Medina’s annual Gary Gross Memorial Tournament today.

Albion High senior Cody Wilson earned the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the upper weight classes at Medina’s annual Gary Gross Memorial Wrestling Tournament today.

Wilson decisioned Ryan Bitka of Amherst 4-0 in the 285 lb. championship bout. He advanced to the title bout by pinning Mitchell Silversmith (Medina) in 1:04 in the quarterfinals and Tyree Orange (Amherst) in 4:38 in the semifinals.

Medina’s RaShawn Bloom in route to a semifinal win over Lack Lacy of Pioneer.

The Most Outstanding Wrestler for the light weight classes was Caden Barrientos (99) from Lew-Port.

Two other local wrestlers, Medina’s RaShawn Bloom and Lyndonville’s Mario Fidanza, earned second place honors.

Bloom pinned Jack Lacy of Pioneer in 5:41 in the semifinals but was then pinned by Sean Cullen (Spencerport) in the title bout in 3:25.

Fidanza pinned Andrew Shae (Akron) in 1:30 in the quarterfinals and decisioned Alex Christy (Fredonia) 3-2 in the semis but then was pinned in the title bout by Blake Bielec (Grand Island) in 2:57.

Gavin Ciarfella of Roy-Hart/Barker earned a third place at 99 while five other area wrestlers earned fourth place finishes including Bruce Rasmuson (Holley-Kendall) at 99, Brett Ricker (Roy-Hart/Barker) at 113, Travis Salas (Newfane) at 120, James Lojek (Akron) at 152 and Dayne Aina (Albion) at 170.

Spencerport, which is ranked No. 2 in the state, captured the team title with a total of 262 points.

Rounding out the top five teams in the 18 team field were Niagara-Wheatfield 173, Fredonia 126, Grand Island 125.5 and Amherst 120.5.