Letchworth Indians 66, Livonia Bulldogs 12

LCAA Dual Meet
@ Letchworth High School
Thursday, January 27, 2005

Indians win another division title
By Brian Hillabush, Daily News Sportswriter
The Daily News, Batavia, NY
Friday, January 28, 2005

Full Text: Copyright © 2005 The Daily News.
Reproduced with the permission of The Daily News.

GAINESVILLE ― One of the area's biggest dynasties moved up a class, and cpatured another league title.

The Letchworth wrestling team wrapped up the Livingston Conference Division II title with a 66-12 win over visiting Livonia Thursday.

"We only have two seniors on the team," Indians coach Chad Wittenrich said. "The kids are excited about wrestling and they put in the extra time before and after school. And they put in the extra time during the summer."

The Indians have 42 consecutive league wins and had won won five straight Division II titles before this year. This year's championship was not easy.

Letchworth only beat Bath by a point, Le Roy by four points, and Wayland-Cohocton by five.

"We've had some really close matches," Wittenrich said.

With the program peaking, the coach had to give credit to former coach Matt Wilkens, who coached the first three title winners.

"In Letchworth, wrestling is a community sport," Wittenrich said. "I've been here for years. Matt built a super program."

Leading the Indians was Bucky Hendrickson, who pinned Tim Coughlin in 2:22 at 103 poundsearing (140 pounds) pinned Mike Dale in 4:36 and Matt Hendrickson (145) made quick work of Tyler Schwertzer, pinning him in 50 seconds. Letchworth won eight matches by forfeit.

Mike Nevinger and Weston Weaver have more than 25 wins apiece this season.

The next step is to get a Livingston Conference Tournament title, something Letchworth has never done.

"There are some tough schools," Wittenrich said. "Hornell, Bath, Le Roy, and Warsaw all have quality programs. It is going to be nip-and-tuck with four or five schools. It will be exciting."