Veteran quartet leads Albion matmen

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 November 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Mike Wertman
Leading the Albion wrestling squad into the upcoming season will be this veteran foursome of, from left, Tyler Nashburn, Jordan Wolcott, Aaron Burnside and Blake Aina.

Anchoring the lineup for the Albion High wrestling team this season will be a quartet of returning starters including senior Aaron Burnside (138, 145), junior Jordan Wolcott (120) and sophomores Blake Aina (138, 145) and Tyler Nashburn (152,160).

Burnside went 25-10 last season and placed second at the Niagara-Orleans League Tournament and third at the Section VI Class B Tourney while Aina was 16-13 and placed third at the N-O Tournament.

The Purple Eagles smaller than normal squad, which numbers in the low 20’s, is also counting on juniors Tim Drake (170, 182), Israel Florintino (170, 182) and Merlin Moyer (195) along with freshman Preston Flugel (106, 113) and eighth grader Cade Aina (106, 113).

"It’s lean and extremely inexperienced," said Coach Keith Piccirilli of his small squad. "We’ve only got one senior so for many of them this season will be a learning experience. We’re just working to get better every day."

Albion, which went 2-3 in N-O action and 10-16 overall last season, will open the season against Lyndonville at home on December 1. The Purple Eagles N-O opener will be at Medina on December 10.

Albion’s Schedule
Dec. 1 – Lyndonville, 6 p.m.
Dec. 3 – at Alexander, 6 p.m.
Dec. 6 – at Depew Tournament
Dec. 10 – at Medina, 6 p.m.
Dec. 11 – Kendall, 6 p.m.
Dec. 17 – Newfane, 6 p.m.
Dec. 30 – at Holley Tournament
Jan. 7 – Barker/Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Jan. 10 – at Victor Tournament
Jan. 14 – at Akron, 6 p.m.
Jan. 15 – at Attica, 6 p.m.
Jan. 21 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 31 – All-League Tournament at Newfane, 9 a.m.