Springville-GI wrestling closes league schedule

SPRINGVILLE — The Springville-Griffith Institute wrestling team collected its first dual match win, this season, when it traveled to Holland on Jan.16.

Springville had a 0 – 7 record, heading into that contest, but pulled out a 30 – 18 win, during its final league game. In addition to the season schedule, Springville participated in the Erie County Interscholastic Conference Tournament on Jan. 18 and 19, as well as a tournament in Kenmore, on Jan. 26.

During the Holland match, Springville’s Jake Smith broke the single season escape record, getting his 31st of the year, when he won by pin, at 132 pounds. The record was previously held by Kellen Feltz, who set the mark in 2000.

Ian Baker pinned at 138 pounds and Bryant Brandy, dubbed “the most dangerous man on his back” by Coach Gary Feltz, won by pin, at 145 pounds. Pat O’Brien and Kyle Odom won by forfeit, at 195 and 220, respectively.

Zack Swank and Bryce Szudzik “turned in some hard-nosed wrestling,” according to their coach, and earned 3-point decisions.

The tournaments closed out the wrestling team’s season. Springville finished 1 – 7, in league play.