Leading off today: It says a lot about the Title IX era in which we live that a pretty noteworthy achievement for a female wrestler became almost an afterthought last night during the Section 6 state qualifier meet.
Carlene Sluberski of Fredonia became Section 6's first female overall champion when the junior captured the 96-pound title with an 11-6 decision over Ben Haas of Salamanca at Jamestown Community College. The feat earned her Most Outstanding Wrestler honors for the meet, which served as a qualifier for next weekend's state tournament in Rochester.
But there was an even more impressive accomplishment turned in by Niagara-Wheatfield's wrestlers. That team will send four wrestlers to the state meet for the second straight year, including brothers Joey, Angelo and Bob Malvestuto. It matches Iroquois’ 2006 performance when Matt, Lucas and Reece Mariacher all qualified. Joey, a 103-pound freshman, and 171-pound sophomore Angelo are repeat-performers. They’ll be joined by Bob, a 152- pound junior.
State wrestling meet: If you're visiting Rochester next weekend for the NYSPHSAA wrestling tournament, you'd be well-advised to check out www.nysphsaawrestling.com, which I stumbled across this morning.
There are a lot of restrictions on spectators — including photographic equipment and laptops — so be prepared.
I didn't see it on the site but I'll through in a warning of my own: You're going to get gouged on parking. The Civic Center garaage across the stree from Blue Cross Arena typically charges $10 per day for event parking (which is unconscionable by the way, but completely out of control of the NYSPHSAA and event officials) and surface lots within walking distance aren't likely to be much better.
Rice wins again: Rice scored a convicing 78-59 win over St. Raymond in the New York Archdiocesan title game
