LOCH SHELDRAKE – The Eastern States Wrestling Classic returned to SUNY Sullivan’s Paul Gerry Fieldhouse last Friday and Saturday, hosting almost 500 wrestlers and 174 teams from six states.

The classic, celebrating its 19th year, returned after a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were so happy after a two-year hiatus to bring the Eastern States HS Wrestling Classic back to the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse on our campus,” said SUNY Sullivan Dean of Student Development Services and Director of Athletics Chris DePew. 

“Most everyone we were able to speak to throughout the weekend was thrilled to have it back, and we hope that their experience is what they remembered from the past,” DePew added. “It is a huge undertaking to run such a high level tournament, but I am extremely thankful for my staff and the group that we partner with “The Friends of Section 9 Wrestling” to run yet another tremendously successful event. Already looking forward to January 2024!”

Locally, two wrestlers had standout performances. Liberty’s Zoe Kip took third place in the 165-lb girls division, while Fallsburg’s Arianna Gonzalez  finished fourth in the 107-lb girls division.