South wrestling records second victory of season

Some great things have been happening on the mat for the Williamsville South varsity wrestling team.

For starters, the Billies have increased its win total to two as they beat Canisius, 36-30, at home in an exciting match.

Starting out for South was freshman Spencer Biondo, who man-handled Rich Burke and pinned him in 1:06.

Getting the team and home fans really pumped was a huge 55-second pin against Casey Sheehan by senior captain Elliot Frank.

Another great prospect from Mill Middle School, seventh-grader Anthony Libatore, pinned Sean Frey in 3:30.

"I like to put Anthony at 112 and 119 sometimes because it gives him a chance to succeed at two weight classes throughout the season," said South coach Sean Leaderstorf.

Nicholas Green also recorded a win for the Billies with a big pin in the third period against Lucas Kornholz.

With the team score at 24-9 in favor of South, freshman Evan Knoer stepped on to the mat like a savage beast. Knoer had Pat Moyer on his back four separate times throughout the heart-pounding match but managed to come up just one point short of the victory, losing 23-22.

"I thought he had him a few times," said coach John Szymendera. "Knoer was nanoseconds away from being rewarded the pin but Pat Moyer managed to squeak his shoulder off the mat each time."

Junior captain Andrew Tevens, knowing the score was a little too close for comfort, pinned Zach Crawford in 1:13.

Unfortunately for Canisius, they were without their 171-pound wrestler which gave senior captain Mike Walter the forfeit and South its second team victory of the year.

"These guys are working real hard each week for this feeling," said Leaderstorf. "They earned this one."

Luke Falzone, only in eighth grade, has increased his record to 12-5 after beating a number of good quality wrestlers. Beating a tough Adelajah Dunn from Cheektowaga while the rest of his teammates endured tough losses, Falzone started proving what he is capable of on the mat.

At the Jon Vesper Memorial Team Tournament on Dec. 15 at Clarence High School, Falzone beat Ben Bebak from West Seneca East, 4-3.

Even after losing to Matt Cauley from Roy-Hart, 6-5, who happened to be seeded over Falzone at the Niagara County Community College Officials Tournament last weekend, Falzone has shown the composure to come back and win his next two team duals. Falzone beat his first opponent from Wilson, Cody Kaminsky, with a pin in 3:22. In the next round, he faced the third seed Joe Paddock from Warsaw. Falzone was spectacular, getting the first takedown of the match as well as escaping early in the second period. Winning 7-2 automatically placed him in the quarterfinals, which took place on Saturday.

"Falzone is showing real promise as an all around contender in this sport," said Leaderstorf.

Leaderstorf said his wrestlers are getting better by the day.

"With improvements in crucial technique flaws and focusing on specific talents, each member of the team is capable of going far in the sport," said Leaderstorf. "The only way our program will improve is the every day commitment to themselves, teammates and the sport. Missing just one practice could set them back either on technique review or just getting a great workout that helps the endurance needed. With competition aplenty, being the best day to day is tough to do. Everyone on the team lumps everyone up. It makes a strong wrestler when his partner is tough to beat."

South wrestles at Lake Shore on Wednesday and Pioneer on Friday. Both matches start at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the varsity team will participate in the Williamsville North Tournament while the JV grapplers will go to Lancaster.