Wrestling

Rays of hope

Eldred gets win over Liberty as promising signs emerge for struggling teams

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — Eldred and Liberty have been struggling. But positive signs surfaced on February 4 as Eldred defeated Liberty 36-30, after both teams lost to Burke.

“I think we had a real good night tonight,” said Eldred coach Jim Corcoran. This season was hampered by injuries and academic issues, but Corcoran believes that Eldred’s seniors, Jon Geiger (152), Justin Smith (145) and Brian Corcoran (140), will make it back to sectionals.

They may be joined by junior Miles Noss (189). All won their matches against Liberty and Burke. Eldred’s win was its second of the season. Liberty also has two wins, both against Millbrook. Hector Torres won by forfeit in his match against Eldred and pinned Burke’s Frank VanLeuwen in 32 seconds earlier in the evening.

Liberty senior Cody Skriloff (140) got his first win of the season over Burke’s Robbie Roehrich. Vincent Webbe (125) pinned Eldred’s Zach Dills in 1:49. Liberty sent six wrestlers to sectionals last year and, though numbers are good, this year there is still a lot to learn.

Corcoran noted “We’re getting it together and hopefully we’re peaking in time for sectionals. These kids were really thinking tonight.” Visit riverreportersports.com for complete results and an album of photos.