- Mike Zummo
The Newburgh Free Academy wrestling team finished third out of 27 teams at the Mid-Hudson Tournament over two days last week at Arlington High School.
Cooper Merli won the 102-pound bracket with a 7-2 win over Longwood’s Anthony Lagala-Ryan in the championship round. Merli also was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Freshman after going 8-0 in the tournament.
The Goldbacks’ Will Soto also competed at 102 pounds for the Goldbacks, finishing third with a 17-2 technical fall victory over Longwood’s Devin Connelly.
Matthew Mercado (126) and Kevin Segali (145) each placed second. Joe Ponesse (172) and Christopher Leggett (189) finished third.
Newburgh’s Jordan Busby finished sixth at 110 pounds.
The Goldbacks were in fourth place after the tournament’s first day with Merli, Mercado and Ponesse, each going unbeaten through the first day of competition.