COLLEGE WRESTLING: TIOGA'S WELCH JOINS FLEDGLING ST. JOHN FISHER PROGRAM (2022-05-06)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — Senior Mason Welch helped lift the Tioga wrestling program into the New York State elite, and after signing a National Letter-of-Intent, he will have the same opportunity with the fledgling St. John Fisher College program.

Welch wrestled on five Section IV championship teams, and was part of four state title teams, including one State Duals championship team.

“He had quite an impressive career,” said Tioga coach Kris Harrington during a brief letter-signing ceremony in the high school foyer Tuesday afternoon.

“We’ve talked about where he started and where he ended,” noted Harrington. “He was just there to have fun for a while, but when he decided ‘hey I’m pretty good at this,’ and dedicated himself, he became very successful and became a leader for our program.

“He also helped change (the team) culture from ‘maybe, we’re good’ to ‘we’re really good,’” added Harrington. “He has that quiet confidence in himself, and we’re going to miss him quite a bit, but we’re super-proud of him.”

Welch was a four-time Section IV place-finisher, a two-time state qualifier, a one-time Section IV champ, and an 8th-place finisher at States in 2020. He finished his career with 156 wins.

Welch said St. John Fisher had the degree he wanted.

“They have a great nursing program, so that’s what drew me there.

“And, I loved coach (Ryne) Morrison when I met him, and I figured I’d fit right in,” he said.

“I had a chance to walk the campus …. I liked the campus,” noted Welch. “It’s small, it’s what I’m use to here (at Tioga), and it was really pretty.

“It’s not far from things, but it’s far enough that I’m not getting into trouble in the city,” laughed Welch.

Harrington has often described Welch’s style of wrestling as “funky,” but he has no doubt Welch will be successful at the next level.

“The only adjustment he’s really going to need to make is to keep himself out of the danger count on takedowns, but that’s just an adjustment more than a change in style,” said Harrington. “Yianni (Diakomihalis) does is pretty well, I think (Mason) will figure it out.

“As long as he gets in the weight room, and commits to getting stronger, he’ll be just fine at the next level.

“He has some intangibles,” noted Harrington. “I think he’s going to be a career 125-, 133-pounder and that’s huge.

“Most guys are smaller, then they have to adjust to getting bigger,” added Harrington. “When you’re not adjusting to weight changes, that’s a huge advantage.”

Welch is hoping to start on Day 1 for the Cardinals, who will be fielding a wrestling program for the first time since 1983. They will wrestle in the rugged Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference with Cortland, Brockport, Oneonta, Oswego, Ithaca College, RIT, and Alfred State.

“I’m hiding to be in the line-up right away,” said Welch. “I know I’ll have to wrestle for the spot, but I’m confident I can win it.”

Welch is hoping to use his degree to see a bit of the country.

“I’m hoping to get my BSN, sign a contract with a hospital and get some of that college debt paid off,” he said. “In the long term, I’d like to travel, and do some travel contracts.”

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IN PHOTO 1: Tioga senior Mason Welch. IN PHOTO 2: Mason Welch is flanked by his parents — Paul and Molly Welch. IN PHOTO 3: The Welches are joined by Tioga coach Kris Harrington. … PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.