John Simmons controls this match handily. 15 GC Grapplers youth wrestlers. One snowstorm. Many delays. One State Champion. Two Champion Runner-ups. Six other "place" finishers. This was the Annual NY State Kids Folkstyle Wrestling Championship, Feb. 29th- March 2nd in Liberty, NY, where 15 Grapplers who qualified at the Nassau County tournament went up against over 800 of the most fiercely competitive, "best-of-the-best" youth wrestlers in New York State.

Age brackets for the States are: "Midget," born 1998-99 "Novice," born 1996-97; and "Schoolboy," born 1994-95, with weight divisions in 5-lb increments. To "place," a wrestler has to finish 1st through 6th in his bracket, and with brackets having between 16 and 30 boys each, the odds for victory were tough from the get-go.

Timmy Schmelzinger, CHAMPION, 70-lb. Midget, won the Final in an exciting overtime, with every Grappler and Grappler parent cheering. Jack Reina, 80-lb Novice, plowed through his bracket easily and proudly took 2nd, after a tough Finals match. Liam Miller, 95-lb Midget, made it to the Finals, and proudly took 2nd as well.

James Sullivan pins easily. 6 other Grapplers emerged with "Place" finishes: James Sullivan, 4th Place 100 lb. Novice; Louie Hernandez, 4th Place 95-lb Novice; John Simmons, 5th Place 65-lb. Novice; Lex Pinkiert, 5th Place 85-lb. Novice; Kyle Quinn, 5th Place, 60-lb. Novice, and Anthony Cerrone, 5th Place 80-lb. Midget.

EVERY Grappler gave it his all and wrestled his heart out, and they will always take pride in their efforts: Thomas Reina and Andrew Toback in the Novice division, and Danny Simmons, Timmy Halaby, Quinni Knauer, Tom Cozier, and Mike Cerrone in the very difficult Schoolboy division.

Thank you to our outstanding coaches, Paul Gillespie and Jon Masa; the boys owe so much to you! Many thanks to Kathy & Ron Lofrese, whose behind-the-scenes administrative and managerial work made it all happen; Kathy & Ron, you are the best!

Finally, a BIG thank you to the GC Grapplers sponsor, Donnelly Mechanical, who provides the boys with T-shirts, shorts, and warm-up pants! The Grapplers wear them with pride. Thanks!

Kyle Quinn holds his opponent on his back.

Louie Hernandez is all over this guy! Timmy Schmelzinger waits for the start signal in referee's position. Timmy Schmelzinger pinned this opponent in less than 30 seconds. Tom Reina breaks his opponent down Anthony Cerrone goes at it. Jack Reina makes a tight headlock. Jack Reina pins for the win! Quinn Knauer roll his opponent swiftly onto his back. Timmy Halaby man-handles his opponent. Danny Simmons shoots. Tom Reina holds this guy with an arm-bar Tom Cozier gets wrist control. Another victory for Lex Pinkiert!