Longenecker wins Regional Title

Gallaway Longenecker (Manheim, PA) was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Northeast/Region III Championships.  He was the lone Alfred State College champion as he won the 133 lb. title.

Longenecker defeated James Henderson (Mercyhurst NE) 6-4 in the semifinals and then downed Pat Hagerty (Niagara CCC) 10-4 in the finals.  With the wins, Longenecker improved to 17-2 on the season and will represent the Pioneers at the NJCAA National Championships on February 21-23 in Rochester, MN.

Cory Merchant (Cobleskill-Richmondville) and Andy Wright (Hilton) finished in 3rd place in their respective weight classes. 

• Merchant fell in his semifinal match but rebounded for a pin of Muslim Aslanov (Springfield Tech) in 2:59 in the 3rd place match of 125.
• Wright fell to the eventual champion in his first round match of heavyweight competition but rebounded to down Jesse Hanner (Jamestowon CC) 8-5 in the 3rd place match.

Mercyhurst North East took home the Championship trophy with 108 points followed by Niagara (99), Jamestown CC (36.5), Springfield Tech (31), and Alfred State (29.5).