Several River Valley youth wrestlers enjoyed success at the Empire Nationals in New York. The tournament drew approximately 1,800 athletes from throughout the United States. River Valley competitors earned nine individual medals.

The two-day event was held in two gymnasiums on the sprawling campus at Brockport State University.

Brandon Gill placed third and did it the hard way with two come-from-behind wins in the final seconds. This included battling back through the consolation bracket after having lost his first match, 2-1.

The Mountain Valley freshman was trailing by four points with 12 seconds left consolation semifinals, when he secured an ankle for reversal and a spladle for a three-point near fall to win by one-point. A similar fate had occurred in the consolation final, but Gill reached up for his opponent’s head, utilizing the momentum to execute a throw to the mat. Gill, who placed fourth in the Class B state meet last February, stuck the opponent as time expired.

In the cadet division, Caleb Austin also wrestled back to place fifth. The seventh-grader suffered a 10-0 loss to the eventual champion in the semifinals, but he refocused and won his final match.

Kyle Cote placed fifth at 170 in the cadet division. Jake Thornton had three pins and placed sixth at 120 in cadet.

Bryce Whittemore and Nelson Pepin placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Whittemore, who attends T.W. Kelly Middle School in Dixfield, lost to the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds. Pepin, a Dirigo High School junior, stuck three opponents. Zach White was sixth at 220.

Dan and Peter Delgallo of Gardiner each had outstanding performances. Dan, a sophomore, won a championship in the high school division. The two-time Class B state champion recorded a 3-2 decision in the final. Younger sibling Peter placed third in middle school competition. Delgallo was unbeaten this past winter en route to winning a Pine Tree Wrestling League championship.