Cover photo: Two-time NYS champion Willie McDougald from Niagara Falls HS
The 15th Annual ‘Luncheon of Champions’ was held on Sunday, March 8th at Lake Erie Italian Club in Lackawanna. Over 200 guests attended the awards ceremony which brought the 2019-2020 high school wrestling season to a conclusion.
The WNY state tournament champions, place winners, and qualifiers were all introduced and recognized for their efforts this season as were area coaches and contributors. The seventeenth class of the WNYWCA’s Hall of Fame were inducted as well.
The WNYWCA was organized to help support WNY area high school wrestling. The Association hosts fundraising events like the Nickel City Duals and its annual golf tournament to raise money in support of its efforts. Sunday’s banquet was catered by Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant. Starpoint head coach and WNYWCA co-president Steve Hart hosted the event.
The awardees in order of introduction:
2019-2020 New York State Dual Meet Champion (Division II)
Falconer Golden Falcons
2019-2020 New York State individual champions
Justin McDougald – Niagara Wheatfield – 138-pounds, Division I
Willie McDougald – Niagara Falls – 145-pounds, Division I
Jaden Heers – Newfane – 285-pounds, Division II
League champion teams
Lancaster Legends – ECIC I
Pioneer Panthers – ECIC II
Iroquois Chiefs – ECIC III
Niagara Falls – Niagara Frontier League
Newfane – Niagara-Orleans League
Falconer – Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Div. I
Portville – Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Div. II
St. Joe’s – Msgr. Martin High School Athletic Association
League Coach of the Year
ECIC I – Ron Lorenz – Lancaster
ECIC II – Chris Edwards – Pioneer
ECIC III – Jim Kloc – Iroquois
NFL – DJ Giancola – Niagara Falls
N-O – Pat Uveino – Albion
CCAA I – Drew Wilcox – Falconer
CCAA II – Matt Milne – Portville
MMHSAA – Brad Devlin – St. Joe’s
Rookie Coach of the Year
Jim Kloc – Iroquois HS
Assistant Coach of the Year
Brandon Becker – Lancaster HS (Division I)
Jude Gardner – Fredonia HS (Division II)
Media Award
Khari Demos, Greater Niagara News
Ilio DiPaolo Family Commitment to Wrestling Award
“In recognition for your continued promotion and commitment to Section VI wrestling.”
Mike Luick – Starpoint HS
Al Feuz Memorial Contributor’s Award
“In recognition of your unselfish dedication, commitment, and work for the betterment of wrestlers and wrestling, on all levels, in Western New York.”
Willie Morales
Jon Vesper Award
“In recognition of your passion for the sport of wrestling and your tireless and unselfish efforts as a coach in supporting and promoting wrestling and wrestlers in Western New York.”
Drew Wilcox – Falconer HS
WNYWCA Hall of Fame Class of 2019-2020
Al Duquette – Contributor, New York Super Six and All Around Wrestling
New York Super Six – Contributor
Angelo Malvestuto – Wrestler, Niagara Wheatfield HS
Joe Smith – Coach, Franklinville HS
Chris Stevens – Wrestler, Fredonia HS
Female Wrestler of the Year
Maddie Wadsworth – Maple Grove HS
Division I Champion of Champions
Willie McDougald – Niagara Falls HS
Division II Champion of Champions
Jaden Heers – Newfane HS
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