Dante Geislinger, Mikey Squires and Tyler Rice will look to make Norwich school history this weekend at the New York State Championships. The Purple Tornado trio are all eyeing a state title and if all three are to win, it will be the first time Norwich has three champions at the same tournament. (Photo courtsey of Norwich City Schools)

Nine Chenango County wrestlers eye state championship bragging rights

ALBANY – Looking up to Frankie Garcia and Tristan Rifanburg as role models of the high school wrestling world, Norwich’s Dante Geislinger, Mikey Squires and Tyler Rice strived to be like their older idols.

“Having Frankie and Tristan as role models and both winning a state championship in one season has always been a driving force for us to try and come away with three,” said Squires.

Like Garcia and Rifanburg did several years ago, the three Purple Tornado Wrestlers are looking to make history this weekend at the New York State Championships – three state champions from the same school in the same season.

What many don’t know about the Norwich trio is that they have been wrestling together for 12 years and with Geislinger and Squires in their final season, this is the last try for all three to win a state title.

Since a young age, the three have traveled to many places together and created a bond like no other – a brotherhood that takes place on and off the mat.

“We came up through the Norwich wrestling program together, ever since we were five and six years old,” said Squires. “This weekend is not just a testament to this season but one of all the hard work we have put in throughout our careers.”