Ranger wrestler wins national championship

Spencerport's Bryan Bourne won the national championship at 160 pounds by going undefeated in 10 matches at the National High School Wrestling Championships July 22-29 in Fargo, North Dakota. Bourne pinned the fourth-ranked wrestler in the nation in the semi-finals and won 6-0 against a wrestler from Rhode Island and the prestigious Blair Academy of New Jersey to win the national title.

Varsity Wrestling Coach Bill Jacoutot says Bourne is the first Ranger and first from Section V to win a national championship. "He defeated the top wrestlers from around the country at his age. When you win something like this at the national level it is very exciting and it says something about our wrestling program," said Jacoutot.

Bourne was one of three Rangers to compete in the National High School Wrestling Championships. Chris Collura placed sixth in the country in the 140 pound weight class. Bourne and Collura wrestled in the Cadet freestyle division and earned high school All-American status. Chris Vigliotti advanced to wrestle in Junior freestyle division but did not place. Jacoutot says, "This is a crowning achievement."

August 6, 2006