Wheatfield's Griffin LaPlante became the first St. Francis and Monsignor Martin wrestler to win a state title, while Hamza Merrick was the first Wilson wrestler to become a state champion. Eleven Niagara County wrestlers placed at states.https://t.co/lvMO0UGAKE
— Greater Niagara Sports (@GNN_Sports_) March 2, 2025
Only 26 wrestlers can step to the top of the podium and call themselves state champions. Two Niagara County wrestlers can now say they are the first in their schools' history to do so.
Griffin LaPlante, who transferred from Starpoint a year ago, not only became the first St. Francis state champion, but the first wrestler from the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association to win a NYSPHSAA championship when he defeated Farmingdale’s Eric Wolf by major decision in the 152-pound Division I final.