NEW YORK STATE WRESTLING: DUNCANSON BECOMES FIRST THREE-TIME STATE CHAMP IN TIOGA PROGRAM HISTORY (15 PHOTOS) (2024-02-24)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
ALBANY — Senior Ousmane Duncanson scored a technical fall in the 160-pound finals to become the first three-time state champion in the storied history of the Tioga wrestling program here Saturday night at the New York State Division 2 Championships at the MVP Arena.

“It’s definitely special with the amount of athletes that have come out of our school,” said Duncanson. “Even the guys there right now, a legendary class ... it’s an incredible accomplishment.”

“The first three-time state champ in school history, that’s impressive,” said Tioga coach Kris Harrington.

“What a tournament — two falls and a tech fall, that’s a good weekend.

“He’s a good kid, and we’re going to miss him,” added Harrington.

Duncanson faced sixth-seeded Jacob Stephenson of Wilson in the finals, and scored a 16-0 technical fall in 5:26.

Duncanson scored a five-point move in the opening minute of the first period, and led 5-0 heading to the second period.

Stephenson rode top in the second period, and controlled Duncanson’s legs. At one point, Duncanson took injury time, and was flexing his knee.

“(Stephenson) is funky,” said Harrington. “He had the cross body, and he’s kicking out the back leg, and (Ousmane) tweaked his knee a little bit.

“You have to fight through it, you’re going to have bumps and bruises.

“I’m sure Ousmane is OK trading that for his third straight title,” Harrington added.

In the final 10 seconds of the second period, Duncanson reversed Stephenson to his back for two near-fall points, and a 9-0 lead heading into the third period.

After a slow start to the third period, Duncanson scored a takedown, and three near-fall points for a 14-0 lead. Moments later, Duncanson stretched out Stephenson with a turk for two near-fall points to end the bout with 26 seconds remaining.

Duncanson said he had a bit of extra motivation heading into the match with Stephenson.

“Funny story, I wrestled him this summer in Buffalo, and I was up 15-1,” said Duncanson. “I chose bottom in the third period, and he caught me head-and-arm, and pinned me.

“There was a big celebration …  and I was thinking ‘wrestle me again, and I’ll tech you,” added Duncanson. “So, I made sure I made that happen.”

Duncanson joins teammates Caden Bellis and Giannii Silvestri, as well as Brady Worthing and Derak Heyman as the only three-time state finalists in program history. Silvestri is the lone four-time state finalist.

Harrington said Duncanson’s explosiveness is the key to his success.

“He’s just so dynamic. He’s explosive in all three positions. He can score in any of those positions at any time.

“It’s funny because he gets so nervous about things, and I tell him, ‘you’re just so much better than these guys, you just have to believe you are,” said Harrington.

Duncanson began his high school career at S-VE, but during Covid spent some time working out with the Tioga wrestling team.

“Brady Worthing beat me up a little bit,” said Duncanson with a laugh.

He also lost matches to Caden Bellis and Donavan Smith during a round-robin at Tioga. The next day he told his father he wanted to go to Tioga, so his father bought a house across the street from the school.

Duncanson said his time at Tioga has exceeded his expectations, which has included three state titles in football, three state duals titles in wrestling, three individual wrestling championships, and three team titles at the Division 2 state championships.

“This is not quite what I was expecting,” he said. “I was thinking maybe a state title my junior year if I was lucky, then win one my senior year.

“I never thought with football and wrestling that I would be a part of a dynasty like this,” he added. “Ive been very blessed to be a part of it, and blessed is an understatement.”


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IN PHOTO: Tioga senior Ousmane Duncanson gets his hand raised after winning his third state title. … PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY and NIKKI BIRNEY.