Spencerport finishes second at Teike/Bernabi wrestling tournament
James Johnson . Staff writer . December 31, 2009
www.rochesterdandc.com

Joe Inzana put himself in a place Wednesday night that Spencerport wrestlers are proud to reach.

Inzana was on the top step of the awards podium as champion of the 160-pound weight class of the Teike/Bernabi Wrestling Tournament at Spencerport.

"It feels good to have my first tournament win be in front of the home crowd," said Inzana, a junior.

The Rangers however, could not win them all last night, or enough matches to beat out Shenendehowa for the team title. Shenendehowa, which totaled 204.5 points, became the first team other than Spencerport to win the Teike/Bernabi in four years, when Shen's 2005 team finished on top. The Rangers came in second with 186.5 points, despite Inzana's 9-2 victory over Clarence's Brett Mahoney and runner-up finishes for Enzo Zagari and Paul Morabito.

"(Shenendehowa) is a strong team," first-year Spencerport coach Tony D'Ambra said. "They really chase bonus points and pins. "

"It created a lead that was a little bit too much to overcome." The Rangers have won their own event eight of the last 11 years.

"We've got a rough stretch," D'Ambra said. "This week, it's this tournament. We're going to the U-E Duals on Saturday, then we wrestle Brockport on Wednesday. "It's pretty much trial by fire. Things are going well. It feels like the same as usual. They have responded well. I'm a little disappointed with the lack of consistency, but it's a long season." Inzana said that "it's definitely different" not having former Spencerport coach Bill Jacoutot around.

"We still have some adjusting to do," Inzana said. "But with the kids we've got, we should pull through (at the league and sectional championships)."

Wayne junior Bobby Dierna turned a 7-5 deficit into the tournament's 130-pound title, when he snapped a headlock on Gates Chili's Chester Demanchick during the third period of their match.

"He has the same style as I do, and it's hard to wrestle against it," Dierna said. "It's quick, about speed and the technique is good, mainly wrestling fast.

"He wrestled to win, he wasn't defensive. You have to keep your head. That's when you mess up, when you know (or act as if) you are down."

Wayne senior Vinny DiGravio, a state champion in 2009, edged Spencerport's Paul Morabito, 3-2 in the 145 final. DiGravio scored the only takedown during the first period.

He fought off and avoided takedown attempts by Morabito during the final 45 seconds, something that didn't sit well with Spencerport fans.

"It's a big win," DiGravio said.

JAMESJ@DemocratandChronicle.com