He’s only a freshman, but Cooper Merli is already the Newburgh Free Academy wrestling team’s elder statesman at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association championship meet.

At least as far as experience goes.

Merli, who reached the 102-pound quarterfinals last year, won this year’s 102-pound championship and will highlight a group of three Newburgh Free Academy wrestlers at the NYSPHSAA championships on Friday and Saturday at the MVP Arena in Albany.

Like last year, he’ll have two Newburgh teammates with him, including his wrestling partner, William Soto, who Merli defeated in the 102-pound Section 9 championship match on February 11, and Joseph Ponesse, who finished second at 172 pounds to qualify.

Section 9 had two automatic qualifiers in a system based on how many points a section scores during the tournament on a three-year average.

Last year, Merli went with his actual brother – Jackson Merli – this year, it’s his wrestling partner, Soto, who is like a brother.

“It’ going to be better for me, I think, because last year, I didn’t really have partners,” Merli said. “So, with him, I think I’ll definitely improve, so I think it will be more fun.”
It was fun for Merli at first, reaching the quarterfinals. He opened the tournament with a 12-10 win over Mohonasen’s Vincent Graulau before losing the quarterfinals to top seeded Ryan Ferrara of Chenango Forks. Ballston Spa’s Ralph Keeney then eliminated him.

His two teammates will be heading to the state meet for the first time this weekend. While Soto, an eighth grader, is hoping this is the first of five trips to the state championships, senior Joe Ponesse is getting his only shot.

He finished second at 172 pounds at the Section 9 meet and held off a true second challenge from Minisink Valley’s Mike Loundsbury to secure his berth at the states.

Despite not finishing first in Section 9, Ponesse is looking to make the most of his singular opportunity.

“It feels great going,” Ponesse said. “I anticipate going up there and winning. Anything less would be a disappointment.”

Soto is viewing his trip to states as a learning experience to see where he stacks up against the state’s best. He lost a close match to Merli in the sectional championship match and clinched his berth by holding off a true second challenge from Wallkill’s Marco Futia.

Wrestling will take place in three sessions. The first session will begin at 10 a.m. Friday with the first round. The day will conclude with the quarterfinals and Wrestlebacks. Wrestling will continue on Saturday morning. Session 2 starts at 9:30 a.m. with the semifinals and will conclude at 2 p.m. with the consolation finals.

Session 3 – the championship finals – will begin at 6:50 p.m.

NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships
MVP Arena, Albany
Schedule
Friday
Session 1

10 a.m. - First Round
12 p.m. - Second Round
3 p.m. - Quarterfinals
4:30 p.m. - Wrestlebacks

Saturday

Session 2
9:30 a.m. - Semifinals and Consolations
12:30 p.m. - Wrestlebacks and Consolation Semifinals
2 p.m. - Consolation Finals

Session 3

6:05 p.m. - Championship Finals