Port Chester's Rodriguez Places at Eastern States

LOCH SHELDRAKE, N.Y. - In his first trip to the Eastern States Wrestling Classic, Port Chester’s Kevin Rodriguez walked away a place-finisher.

The junior finished eighth in the 10th annual event at Sullivan Community College, Saturday. The Eastern States had a record 101 teams and more than 580 wrestlers.

Rodriguez, who had to win an out-bracket match, lost in overtime to second-seeded Gerard Daly of Minisink Valley in the first round. Rodriguez rebounded to win three consecutive matches, earning a top-eight finish.

“This was a good experience for me,” Rodriguez said. “It will help prepare me for later in the season and show me what I need to work on to be at this competitive level.”

Following a 6-4 loss to Daly, Rodriguez beat C.J. Archer of Rocky Point (L.I.), 9-4, pinned Parker Kropman of Longwood (L.I.) in 45 seconds, and posted an 8-0 major decision over Mike Coiro of MacArthur (L.I.).

“I am glad that I made it to the top eight,” Rodriguez said. “I wrestled some good, tough matches.”

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