A Newburgh Free Academy wrestler has become Newburgh’s first state finalist in 13 years.
Cooper Merli, a freshman at the NFA Main Campus, clinched first place in the state semi-finals this morning.
Merli secured a 7-0 win over Carthage High School’s Ryan Munn in the 107 pound division, earning him the first place title in the NYSPHSAA state semi-finals. He is now advancing to the state championships and will compete in his next match tonight.
Merli joined teammates Joseph Ponesse and Will Soto in the state championships today. As a team, Newburgh finished in 10th place in Division 1 with a score of 41.0.
Ponesse bowed out to Liverpool High School’s Owen Atchie in the 172 pound division during the Round of 16 with a fall at 5:57.
Soto won the 102 pound division in the Round of 16 with a 44-6 victory over Colonie High School’s Vincent Mastrianni. He advanced to the quarterfinals, where he lost to Longwood High School’s Anthony Lagala-Ryan in a close 10-8 decision.
The Newburgh Wrestling program is coached by Christopher Leggett, William Parks, and Frank Dinnocenzio.
