Westfield High senior wrestlers Brandon Affeldt, left, and Dylan Theodorakis, right, both finished runner-up in Saturday's Western Massachusetts Division I wrestling championships. (Photo by Chris Putz)
Eagles golden for sure
Central wins WMass; pair of WHS wrestlers claim 2nd
By CHRIS PUTZ
Staff Writer
WESTFIELD – The event lacked drama – Central had all but sown up yet another Western Massachusetts Division 1 wrestling championship before the finals even began – but a pair of Westfield wrestlers represented the Whip City well.
Westfield seniors Dylan Theodorakis and Brandon Affeldt both came within one victory of a title, finishing runners-up in Saturday’s championship at home. Central (271 points), West Springfield (235), Putnam (161.5), and Agawam (146) finished 1-4, qualifying for the state championships. The Bombers placed eighth with 86.5 points.
In the matchup of 126-pounders, Theodorakis held his ground nearly the entire match. The Westfield senior fell behind 7-2, but battled to within 8-5 before being pinned by Central’s Ellison Robinson at 5:15. Longmeadow’s Gary Shea defeated Affeldt, 15-0.
Chris Galven (113 pounds) and Ryan Lamagdaline (132), who each placed fifth for Westfield, will serve as alternates at the state championships.
“You always want your guys to do better,” Westfield coach Bob Coe said, “but they have worked hard all season. They’ve made some huge steps. It’s a great building block. The future looks bright for Westfield wrestling.”
At 106, Agawam’s Brennen Liebel (6-3); 113, Central’s Tyrique Dowdell (8-4); 120, Chicopee Comp’s Brandon Seibold (5:14 pin); 132, West Springfield’s Mizam Tamaradze (9-4); 138, Central’s Jonathan Viruet (12-0); 145, Central’s Richard Viruet (1:59); 160, West Side’s Kenny Line (9-1); 170, Putnam’s Alex Perez (3-1, 2 OT); 182, Putnam’s Hassan Graham (22-10); 195, West Side’s Adam Grysko (4:10); 220, Murod Usmanov (3:04); and, 285, Chicopee’s Donavan Lozada (3:13) won each of their respective weight classes.
YOUTH IS SERVED: Southwick-Tolland Regional’s eighth-grader Steve Thibault won his second straight Division 3 championship at 103 pounds Saturday in Northfield. Last season, Thibault became the youngest champ in the sport’s history to claim the crown. The Rams finished eighth (91 points).
