Mustang wrestlers end long victory drought against rival Purple Eagles in N-O opener

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 December 2021 at 7:48 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Conor Crandall works toward a pin over Albion’s Alex Hafner in the opening bout of the Mustangs win over the visiting Purple Eagles this evening.

Ending a decade long drought, Medina bested visiting rival Albion 46-27 this evening in the Niagara-Orleans League wrestling season opener.

Albion’s Bryce Froman in route to scoring a decision win over Medina’s Brody Fry.

Five pins and a major decision win highlighted the action for Medina which had not defeated Albion on the mat since the 2011-2012 season.

A come-from-behind win by Conor Crandall (160) in the opening bout set the tone for the Mustangs. Trailing 10-3, Crandall rallied to register a pin in 4:28.

Albion did answer with a decision win by Bryce Froman (172) and a forfeit win at 189 to take what proved to be the Purple Eagles only lead at 9-6.

Medina though battled back with first period pins of 1:35 by Sawyer Kingsbury (215) and of 1:41 by Bryden McEwen-Miller (285) to regain the lead for good at 18-9.

Then, following a forfeit win at 102, the Mustangs kept rolling with a first period pin of 1:52 by Liam Castricone (110), a major decision win of 12-1 by Dominick Callara (118) and a first period pin of 1:25 by Rashawn Bloom (126)to open up an unbeatable 40-9 lead.

The final four bouts were all forfeits with three going to Albion (138, 145 and 152) and one to Medina (132).

In the other N-O opener, Newfane defeated Akron 72-6.

Medina’s Bryden McEwen-Miller nears a pin victory over Albion’s Ricky Lilly.