LIBERTY, NY — On Thursday, January 31, Liberty High School hosted a Section IX varsity tri-wrestling meet that showcased the grappling prowess of matmen from three programs: Onteora versus Rondout Valley, followed by the combined squad of Eldred/Liberty/Sullivan West (ELS) versus Onteora, and to close out the three-pronged attack, Eldred/Liberty/Sullivan West battled Rondout Valley.

To kick off the event, peewee wrestlers from the local parks and recreation department took center stage under the watchful eye of the meet’s referee.

After the kids left the arena, it was time to recognize the seniors on the combined varsity wrestling team.

Home town grapplers: Andrew Bendy, accompanied by his mother Melanie Bendy; Caesar Santiago, accompanied by his folks Belyan and Elizer Santiago; and Keegan Campbell, accompanied by his grandmother Susan Keller.

Nate Edwards, a student at Sullivan West was greeted at the center of the mat by his parents Mary and Neal Edwards, while fellow Sullivan West student athlete James DeAverio presented a bouquet of flowers to his folks Mary and James DeAverio.

Eldred’s Nicholas Curreri was accompanied by his parents Denise and Matthew Curreri.

Before the matches, Liberty’s veteran wrestling coach John Lennon was honored for his 39th year at the helm of varsity wrestling at the home of the Indians.

At the announcer’s table, Liberty’s own Ralph Bressler sang the National Anthem for his 35th time in the hometown gym, adding his ever-mellifluous tones to the patriotic voice of freedom.

The final tallies: first match Rondout Valley 39, second match Onteora 30; ELS 54, Onteora 30; third match ELS 58, RondoutValley 28.

To view a special album of seniors at this event visit bit.ly/2TwViKC