SOURCE: www.trackwrestling.com

September 30, 2023

Cameron Catrabone

Congratulations to Cameron Catrabone, the #2 overall athlete on NY Wrestling News' 2024 Big Board, for his impressive victory at the 2023 Grappler Fall Classic! Catrabone, a 4-time NYS medalist and defending NYSPHSAA DI State champion representing Williamsville North, dominated the 145-pound Elite bracket where he was seeded 1st. He secured a flawless 5-0 record throughout the tournament.

In a thrilling championship showdown against a familiar rival, Catrabone, who is set to become a Michigan Wolverine, sought redemption for his loss in the 2022 Powerade finals. He succeeded in a closely contested match, clinching a 2-1 victory over Jaydon Robinson. Catrabone's advantage came from a 1:21 riding time, with the only other points in the match coming from escapes in the 2nd and 3rd periods, Catrabone's escape at :13 in the 2nd and Robinson's at :26 remaining in the 3rd. Catrabone nearly secured near-fall points with about 1:11 left in the match, nearly sealing a more substantial lead.

In addition to his championship triumph, Catrabone defeated two other talented state champions and medalists during the tournament. In the quarterfinals, he demonstrated his prowess on the mat, amassing a commanding 13-0 lead. This was achieved through a takedown and two sets of near-falls in the 1st period, followed by a reversal and another set of near-falls before ultimately pinning Draven McCall, a 2-time Florida State Placer and 2022 Fargo 16U Greco-Roman 4th placer, in just 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

The semifinals saw Catrabone execute a well-timed dump for a takedown with :51 remaining in the 1st period. He followed this up with a reversal in the final 40 seconds of the 2nd period, securing a 4-0 lead over Ayson Rice, a 3-time South Dakota State Champion and 2021 Fargo 16U Greco-Roman Bronze Medalist. Rice managed to score a late takedown to avoid a shutout, but Catrabone emerged victorious with a 4-2 decision, earning his spot in the championship match.

Ranked as the nation's #7 wrestler in his weight class, Catrabone made a strong start to his tournament on Saturday. He pinned his opening opponent, Bryan Martin from Florida, in just 1 minute and 20 seconds. In his subsequent match, Catrabone dominated Ayden Mosher, a 2023 Michigan State Qualifier, with a commanding 16-1 technical fall victory.



Casper Stewart

Huge congratulations are in order for Casper Stewart, NYWN's 2024 class, as he secured a momentous victory at the 2023 Grappler Fall Classic. Stewart achieved this feat by pinning the #4 ranked wrestler in the nation in the 152-pound weight class, earning himself the coveted brass ring.

In a thrilling showdown against Vince Bouzakis, a formidable opponent boasting an impressive resume, including being the 2023 PIAA State Champion, 2022 NHSCA National runner-up, and 2022 Super 32 Runner-up, Stewart displayed his lethal skills on the mat. Despite trailing 2-1 early in the 2nd period, Stewart executed a remarkable pancake maneuver, turning the tables on Bouzakis and securing a 2+3 point advantage. The match concluded with the referee's hand hitting the mat at the 2:49 mark, signaling Stewart's well-deserved victory.

Stewart's triumph marked a back-to-back achievement for the Evil Empire at consecutive weight classes, following in the footsteps of Catrabone's victory at 145 pounds. In his storied scholastic career, which includes numerous significant wins, this victory may very well be the pinnacle for the future U.S. Military Academy/Army Black Knight.

In the semifinals, Stewart relied on his exceptional takedown skills in the first two periods, building a 5-1 lead. Despite a late rally from his opponent, 2022 GFC Bronze medalist Hunter Sturgill, a 2-time Tennessee State Champion and 2022 Fargo 16U Greco-Roman National runner-up, Stewart managed to hold on for a narrow 6-5 decision.

In the quarterfinals, Stewart secured a pivotal reversal in the final 8 seconds of the 3rd period against 2023 Illinois State 4th placer William Denny, clinching a 5-3 triumph.

Stewart's journey to the gold medal began with two nearly identical victories, both by 6-1 and 6-0 decisions, over 2023 Wisconsin and Illinois State Qualifiers Logan DeFilippo and Liam Kelly, respectively.