LOCH SHELDRAKE, N.Y. - Nick Barbaria entered the 10th annual Eastern States Wrestling Classic seeded seventh and unknown to the competition in the 99-pound weight class.
By the conclusion of the tournament, the opposition knew who Barbaria was. The New Rochelle freshman went on to finish second in the 99-pound weight class at Sullivan Community College, Saturday.
Barbaria was one of three Westchester County finalists for Section 1, along with the Realbuto brothers, Brian and Steven, of Somers. New Rochelle teammate Tyler Lilly finished sixth in the 220-pound weight class.
Jose Rodriguez of Wantagh (L.I.) decisioned Barbaria, 9-0 in the final. Despite the loss, Barbaria became New Rochelles first Eastern States finalist.
I had a lot of good matches, especially the three kids I beat, Barbaria said. Coming in, as the seventh seed, I dont think anybody in the field knew who I was.
Barbaria opened the tournament, Friday, with a 13-1 major decision of Longwoods Parker Kropman. He beat second-seeded Gerard Daly of Minisink Valley, 5-3, in a quarterfinal and advanced to the final with a 7-1 win over sixth-seeded Danny Boychuck of Wyoming Seminary (Pa.).
As the matches progressed, I felt I was getting better with each on, Barbaria said. In the semis, I felt I wrestled one of my best matches. I felt offensively and defensively, everything was working.
Barbaria now has added motivation for the remainder of his season. Every single match now, I will be thinking about this match in the final, Barbaria said. The next time I see him I hope it will be in states for a rematch.
Lilly advanced to the championship semifinals, where he lost to eventual champion A.J. Vizcarrando of Wyoming Seminary (Pa.).
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