O’Mara pays tribute to Tioga HS wrestling champions: Senate-Assembly Resolutions presented at school ceremony

Tioga Center, N.Y., June 12--State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today visited the Tioga Central School District to pay tribute to the school’s state and national champion wrestlers.

At a ceremony earlier today at Tioga Central High School, O’Mara presented an official Legislative Proclamation (J883/K418) honoring senior wrestler Emily Sindoni on her national and state championship victories earlier this year.

At the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Girls National Wrestling Tournament in Virginia Beach in March, Sindoni captured her second consecutive, 126-pound National title. In January, Sindoni also won the 132-pound wrestling title at the inaugural New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) Girls Wrestling Invitational at Onondaga Community College. Sindoni was also the recipient of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s prestigious “Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award” recognizing her outstanding wrestling success, scholastic achievement, and community service.

In addition to Sindoni, O’Mara also recognized the other individual team members who captured state titles this year: Ousmane Duncanson (160-pound Division II title, who ended his season with a perfect overall record of 37-0) and Caden Bellis (138-pound Division II Title, who ended his season with a 33-1 record). 

O’Mara also presented an official Legislative Proclamation (J889/K417) to the entire Tioga High School wrestling team on their overall state championships. In January, the Tigers captured their second consecutive NYSPHSAA Division II Dual Meet Wrestling Championship at Onondaga Community College. The team followed up that championship in February by winning their fourth 2023 NYSPHSAA Division II Wrestling Championship at the MVP Arena in Albany, where the Tigers broke the New York State scoring record with 157.5 points.

Proclamations were presented to team members Austin Babcock, Deakon Bailey, Kali Bailey, Caden Bellis, Levi Bellis, Logan Bellis, Trent Browne, Kadin Cole, Jayden Duncanson, Ousmane Duncanson, Max Dydynski, Garrett Godfrey, Bradley Guiles, Drew Macumber, Tate McCauley, Brayden Macwhinnie, Kaya Nelson, Tyler Roe, Conner Streeter, Gianni Silvestri, Brennan Sindoni, Emily Sindoni, John Woodcock, and Jordan Young. Head Coach Kris Harrington, and coaches Jason Bellis, Jon Martin, and Ryan Macwhinnie were also recognized.

All of the proclamations were co-sponsored by State Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C-Big Flats).

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Friend said, “We welcome and look forward to these opportunities to pay tribute to dedication, excellence, hard work, and success throughout our school communities. Emily Sindoni has been a stellar high school student-athlete and her amazing wresting career was crowned this year with national and state titles. Emily and all of her state champion teammates have brought great pride, excitement, and success to their school, their families and friends, and to the entire Tioga community at large. We are proud to help celebrate their achievements.”

Tioga Central School District Superintendent Joshua Roe said, “The Tioga Wrestling team defended their state title in dominant fashion in 2023.  This was certainly impressive, but pales in comparison to the commitment these athletes have shown to being the best they can be on and off the mats.  The team has earned the NYS Scholar Team award (14 athletes with averages greater than 90) and consists of high quality student-athletes that represent our district well.  This team’s accomplishments are due to the drive and determination of our athletes as well as the many coaches who have guided them through their development."

Tioga Varsity Wrestling Coach Kris Harrington said, "We had such an amazing season. Our students have built a culture to expect success. It's also a testament to our community. We are so lucky to have the total support from our community and school district. It starts with our parents and the youth program, it's really something special to be a part of! I'd also like to thank Senator O'Mara for taking time out of his busy schedule to stop by and speak with our athletes. It's truly an honor."