Hamburg Wins Ken-Ton Title

By Dave Ricci

Jacob Smeader is one of the most aggressive wrestlers in Section VI. That fire and focus was on display as Smeader won the 170 pound championship and led the Hamburg Bulldogs to the team title of the 29th Ken-Ton Invitational Wrestling Tournament that was held at Kenmore West Saturday.

The Bulldogs, who also saw Dillon Knoll take first place at 182 pounds, posted a total of 120.50 points in the field of 19 teams that competed.

“It’s very high and it’s continuously growing throughout the season,” Smeader said of the team’s confidence.

“I think we’re wrestling as well as we have all season.”

Orchard Park finished in second place with 102.50 while Niagara Falls rounded out the top three with 76 points.

Smeader also took the Aggregate Pin Award as he scores three pins in a total time of just 4:33.

“It’s not unusual for him,”said Hamburg coach Ken Meyer.

“He’s a very aggressive wrestler. He works hard everyday so I wasn’t surprised by the quick pins.”

First places finishes by Zach Braddell (120) and Jason Frazer (132) helped Tonawanda score 64 points for a fourth place finish.

The rest of the top 10 had Randolph with 61, Kenmore 60, Maryvale 53,

Cheektowaga 52, Williamsville South 43 and Iroquois with 42.50.

Dunkirk’s Billy Seiders, winner of the 138 pound bracket, was named Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Other champions crowned were Mickey Evans (Springville) 99, Marcus Evans (Randolph) 106, Naeshaun Rose (Niagara Falls) 113, Willie McDougal (Niagara Falls) 126, Katrell Jackson (Cheektowaga) 145, Will Gura (OP) 152, Eric Bartnik (Cheektowaga) 160, Marshall Johnson (Randolph) 195, Mason Hoose (Canisius) 220 and Nick Jones (Dunkirk) 285.

Jamestown was the only that was unable to attend due to the weather.