Sweet Home's Dominic Crouse has been on a magical run on the mats the last few weeks.
He became the program's first state qualifier in 10 years, and tied two school records in his sectional championship victory with his 76th career pin and 42nd win this season.
"It feels amazing, just the fact that I've been wrestling since I was six years old and to have every single thing I did come into play, exactly what I came in to win," he said. "It worked out really nice."
"With the records that he has now tied, or about to break, we knew that one was in reach. 42 wins in a season just kind of happened as the season progressed. He just kept racking them up."
But those numbers don't tell the whole story of just how dominant the 160-pounder has been. After starting the season with a 2-2 record, the senior has gone 40-4 the rest of the way.
He also hasn't allowed an opponent to score a point in his last 11 matches.
"We had a goal from the beginning of the season to not only win the section, but to dominate," Head Coach Don Lilly said. "That's was kind of my thing, Dom is going to dominate and be the dominator on the team. He's proven that all season."
"I knew I was going to have to give it everything I had. I wrestled my best all season. For me to give it up at the end wouldn’t have been acceptable."
While he'll be heading to Albany to compete with the state's best for the first time, Dominic says the job isn't done just yet.
"I put my foot down in Sweet Home history and I'm glad I left my mark. I'm looking forward to being more than just the first Section VI Champ in 10 years," he said.
The state wrestling meet began Friday morning in Albany.
***SUPER 7 COUNTDOWN***
#1 – Dominic Crouse, Sweet Home Wrestling
In the Section VI Championship tied the Panthers’ single season records for wins with 42 and pins with his 76th, in securing the 160 pound title and earning a spot at the state tournament in Albany.
#2 – Rachel Senek, Wilson Basketball
Became the second player in program history to eclipse the 1,000 point mark in her career.
“She is a 4 year player who has lost only 1 league game in 4 years and was part of a 62 game Niagara Orleans League win streak. Rachel leads the team in points, assists and blocks.” – Brian Baker, Head Coach
#3 – Anton Kunna, North Tonawanda Track & Field
Set a Section VI record in the pole vault, clearing 15-feet 3-inches.
“Anton is as dedicated as they come. He comes to practice every single day with the intention of improving, this is uncommon. Anton came to North Tonawanda for the school year from Finland where he was training with their youth national team. Unfortunately for Anton, we don't have the resources to provide an indoor pole vault runway and pit, but that hasn't stopped him from breaking the Section VI record last weekend at Fredonia. On the flip side, Anton has been working very closely with volunteer assistant coach Lou Anastasi, who previously held NT's school record in the pole vault and is one of the most knowledgeable vault coaches in Western New York.” – Kevin Wartinger, Head Coach
#4 – Sarah Golas, Alden Rifle
Won three individual events to help power the Bulldogs to the Section VI rifle title.
“Sarah has showed potential over the years and has recently begun to truly excel. At the end of our season she was consistently in the top 5 shooters during a match and ultimately helped to secure some of our victories which lead to our undefeated season. During sectionals she walked away as an individual with the high score for 3 position aggregate score as well as high individual target for offhand and kneeling during the competition. She has proven that she has more that she can do. I can’t wait to see what she will be able to accomplish next year!” – Arthur Eggink, Head Coach
#5 – Pat Sisler, Niagara Falls Hockey
Made 49 saves in the Section VI semifinals in a 3-1 upset victory over Orchard Park, and made another 43 in the semifinals against Williamsville North.
“Beyond a phenomenal goaltender, Pat is a phenomenal young man. Our team motto is together and Pat lives that motto day in and day out. This post season Patrick has been spectacular, leading the Wolverines over a tremendous Orchard Park team making 49 saves for the win. In the semifinals, Pat made 43 saves keeping the game competitive vs an outstanding Williamsville North team. Patrick is the model student-athlete earning honors in the classroom. The NFHS Hockey family is proud of Patrick not only of his accomplishments this post season but the character he displays daily as a student athlete. Patrick has a very bright future.” – Stan Wojton, Head Coach
#6 – Tyler Arndt, West Seneca East Hockey
Scored the game-winning goal in an upset double overtime victory against Williamsville East in the Section VI semifinals.
"Tyler is a phenomenal athlete, and an even better kid. He exemplifies what Trojan Hockey strives to be. He's a sophomore assistant captain who acts, plays, and leads like a senior captain. He made the team as a freshman last year and through hard work, dedication, and a love for hockey, has developed into a super-star who is deserving of praise and accolades beyond what I could even describe -yet he wants none of that. He'd be the first one to deflect credit to his goalie and teammates." - Phil Prynn, Head Coach
#7 – Tyree Edwards, Emerson Basketball
Powered Emerson past Alden in the opening round of the Section VI playoffs with 30 points, in an upset win over the Bulldogs. It was also Emerson’s first victory of the season.
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