By Nate Beutel
SANBORN — Excuse Rick Sweney if he sounds like Billy Fuccillo, but he can’t hold back his excitement.
“This is huge,” the Niagara-Wheatfield wrestling coach said of sending three wrestlers to this weekend’s state championships at Times Union Center in Albany. “This is the first time we’ve had a chance at having three place finishers. To have three would be just huge for this program. To have a state champion or two would be even more huge.”
Sweney credits the Falcons’ success to not only the group’s dedication to three-hour practices six days a week, but also the support the program receives from family, friends, administrators and the community.
“This place is phenomenal,” he said. “That’s why we want to represent our section well and bring home some hardware.”
Here’s a look at Wheatfield’s state triumvirate, from biggest to smallest.
Jim Donner
The senior heavyweight is looking to improve on his fifth-place finish from a year ago. He’s currently 33-1 on the season, with his only loss coming to an out-of-state opponent in the finals of the Southern Tier Wrestling Officials Association Tournament.
The third seed will begin his quest for a state title Friday with an opening round match against wild card entry Ryan Jump of IV-Vestal.
“He’s got a real good draw,” Sweney said. “He’s heavier and stronger than last year. He’s a little more aggressive, too, which hopefully won’t let his opponents stall as much.”
Donner, who has narrowed his college choices down to the University of Maryland and the University at Buffalo, added: “I’m real anxious to get back out there. I feel like I’ve been wrestling great and hopefully that continues. Once you get to this level, it’s all about technique.”
Angelo Malvestuto
The 189-pound senior is hoping to improve on his third-place finishes the past two years. He also placed fourth as a freshman. He is currently 44-0 on the season with a school-record 36 pins and only four points scored on him.
Malvestuto, who is a three-time all-American and received a full scholarship to wrestle at Virginia Tech, is seeded third and will take on Section I champion Ronald Fermin of North Rockland in the first round.
“He is the greatest wrestler in Niagara-Wheatfield history, but he wants that state title to complete his run,” Sweney said. “He’s studied the guys in the bracket and he’s worked extremely hard. He’s on a mission. He’s ready for this.”
Malvestuto added: “I feel better than ever. The biggest thing this year is that I’m not sucking weight. I’m really strong. I know one mistake will screw you at this level, but honestly I don’t see anyone beating me. A state title would finish off my high school career.”
Joe Malvestuto
The 125-pound junior is making his first appearance at the event since back-to-back two-and-out performances in eighth and ninth grade. This year he is 31-3 with his only losses coming as a result of forfeits. He’s battled several injuries and illnesses throughout the season.
Malvestuto, who is unseeded, will begin the tournament against No. 4 Connor Sutton of II-LaSalle. He beat Sutton during the Niagara Frontier Wrestling Officials Association Tournament at Niagara County Community College last winter.
“He’s in one of the toughest brackets in the whole tournament, but he’s got a great draw with the Catholic or PSAL champion up next if he can beat (Sutton),” Sweney said. “Each tournament Joey has looked better and better. His conditioning is hitting its peak.”
Malvestuto added, “The last few years I’ve been scared, but this year I’m ready to wrestle the way I know I can. I want to place.”
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
