Hornet Grapplers Defeat Addison, 35-30

By: Ed Weaver  /  January 26, 2024  /  Photo: High On The Mountain Photography

Wellsboro put together a string of six straight wins to give them a 35-30 non-league win over Addison (NY) on Thursday, January 25.

The win ended a seven-match losing streak for the Hornets.

Addison took the early advantage claiming four forfeit wins at the lower weight classes (107, 114, 121, 127) and also a pin fall victory at 139 lbs. Once Wellsboro got to the middle weights, they turned the tables.

Junior Silas Mickey got things rolling with a 43 second pin over Kamdin Aloi at 152 lbs., junior Jacob Dean pinned Collin Aumick in 1:57 at 160 lbs., junior Ryder Bowen won a 17-2 tech fall in 3:41 against Spencer Westervelt at 172 lbs., junior Evan Ingerick defeated Brice Combs by injury default at 189 lbs., sophomore Hayden Stevens pinned Gavin Smith in 15 seconds at 215 lbs., and sophomore Jacob Thurstin pinned Newt Jones in 1:46 at 285 lbs.

"It was good to get a close win where the little things matter," head coach Bryce Bitner said. "I think it was great for the guys to see how falls, takedowns, and fighting through tough situations make the difference. We're depleted right now with illness and injury and it's definitely taken a toll on us and limited our ability to win some meets, so it was good to come out with a team win given our missing guys. They needed that challenge and we came out and got it tonight."

In the Junior High match Wellsboro 5-5 in their dual bouts.

The win improves Wellsboro to 5-14. The team is back in action on January 31 against Elmira for Senior Night.