Norwich’s Dante Geislinger (red) fights off a late shot by Bayport-Bue Point’s Max Gallagher in the 113 pound Division-II finals match of the New York State Championship tournament. The Purple Tornado came away with a 3-2 decision win, capturing his third state title of his career. (Photo by Keith Lanfear)

Five county wrestlers place in state tournament

ALBANY – While Norwich was looking for a trio of state titles, Purple Tornado senior wrestler Dante Geislinger capped off his high school by capturing his third straight New York State Championship with a 3-2 win in the 113 pound Division-II final.

Geislinger was a perfect 12-for-12 at the New York State tournament for the last three years after and became the program’s second wrestler to have three state championships on his resume.

When asked what he was feeling after his finals win, the Norwich senior said, “The first one was a great feeling. You never think that this dream you have as a little kid is going to come true then it does. Then after you win one, you work harder to make sure you stay on top.

“It takes six days a week and at least two hours a day if not more,” continued Geislinger in his post-match interview. “The time in effort you put in is what you get out.”

Teammate’s Mikey Squires and Tyler Rice were attempting to join their fellow senior at the top of the podium. Squires reached the finals against a familiar foe – Matt Campo of Mount Sinai – while Rice fell in the semifinals bout to Canastota’s Mike Leibl in an overtime pin.