Wrestling: U-E Dual tourney attracts some of New York's best
Top-ranked Spencerport returns to defend title
BY MIKE MANGAN
Press & Sun-Bulletin

One of Johnson City wrestling coach Pete Capone's greatest strengths is his ability to keep his team from looking too far ahead.

But with Spencerport -- the top-ranked large-school team in the state according to the New York State Sports Writers Association -- among the teams competing in Saturday's Union-Endicott Dual Meet Tournament, even Capone is salivating at the possibility of facing the Rangers in the finals.

"We've been waiting for this all year," said Capone, whose team is ranked fifth among large schools in the state. "We knew we were going to have a good team this year, and we want revenge (for losing last year in the U-E Duals' championship match).

"It's not going to be easy. It's going to take three tough matches to win it."

That should be the case Saturday, as JC joins four other state-ranked teams in the 10-team tournament Saturday, which begins at 9:30 a.m. with two first-round matches. The finals will take place at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 for the full day, $3 for just the finals.

In addition to JC and Spencerport, state-ranked teams Valley Central (No. 8), Iroquois (No. 9) and Wayne (No. 10), as well as highly-regarded teams Mexico, Fulton, and Queensbury, are among the teams competing.

Host U-E and Owego are the other Section 4 schools.

Spencerport, which beat JC, 29-22, in last year's title match en route to a second straight large-school state team title, is the top seed, with JC second.

Valley Central is the third seed and Wayne is the fourth seed.

"It should be an exciting weekend," U-E coach J.J. Stanbro said. "We try to put the best teams in the state in the gym on one day, especially when teams are in a situation where they are trying to capture a state title. I think all top four seeds feel they can stake their claim."

Capone hopes to have a full lineup for Saturday. Nolan Robinson, his 189-pounder, has been out the last few weeks with an injured elbow, and 140-pounder Joel Galindo has been battling some injuries as well.

Both could ready by Saturday, but whether they are or not, Capone feels his team will be ready.

"We're not overlooking anybody," Capone said. "We know the road to the state title is going to go through Endicott this weekend."

In addition to the U-E Dual Meet Tournament, the Ross Cordell Tournament in Oneonta and the Stan Elinsky Tournament in Deposit will also take place.

The two-day Ross Cordell Tournament will begin 4:30 p.m. today. Niskayuna is the defending champion.

Other teams expected to contend for the team title in the 15-team tournament are Chenango Forks, which placed third last year, and East Meadow, runner-up last year.

Chenango Valley is the three-time defending champion at the Elinsky Tournament, but a depleted lineup means the Indians will be hard-pressed to win a fourth title.

Newark Valley is a strong contender, though Harpursville should also fare well.

In addition to host Deposit-Hancock, Marathon, Sidney, Binghamton and Duanesburg make up the rest of the Elinsky field.