As the winter sports season unfolded, members of the Ardsley Varsity Wrestling Team proved their determination and motivation, as they continued to push themselves. There were two notable top dogs: Geoge Lebberes and Billy Fon who were named captains of the Varsity team. Throughout the season, these two senior wrestlers served as role models to their teammates. When it came to the Section 1 Division II Section Championships, Ardsley swept with seven place finishers, three finalists, two champs, and a sixth place team finish. Lebberes secured his third straight section title, and Fon earned his first section title winning the 220-pound crown. Josh Cohen placed second and finished with All-Section honors. Additionally, Christian Dash and James Donnelly finish in third place, Sam Lowson in fourth place, and Kyle Matsen in fifth place.
Lebberes and Fon advanced to the NYSPHSAA state championships. Lebberes is a three-time Section 1 champion. This year, he had a 37- 4 record, including numerous wins over other wrestlers in the large-school division. He entered the weekend of States as the No. 1 seed in the Division II 285-pound bracket. For Fon, this was only his second year of varsity wrestling, and this was his first advancement to States. He held a 16 - 5 record and stood as the No. 14 seed in the 220-pound bracket. Fon dedicated his Section 1 Division II 220-pound title in honor of Eric Goldberg and Jordan Wachtell.
Before this year, only one Ardsley wrestler has ever won a state title: 2010 graduate Penn Gottfried. Lebberes and Fon were eager to represent Ardsley at states. They were specially set on making their friends, family, and community proud. At the end of February, Lebberes and Fon headed to the 2020 NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships at the Times Union Center in Albany. Lebberes placed 3rd in New York State. He had the most falls in the least amount of time (4 in 3:36) and 101 career victories. The hard work, leadership, and compassion of Lebberes and Fon make them admirable Ardsley athletes and are true signs of their strength.
Comments