Wrestlers, Coaches, and Contributors Honored at 15th Annual WNY Wrestling Coaches Association Awards

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