Hudson Falls’ Mullis impresses in final win
Bobby Thomson clubbed the “Shot Heard Round the World” in a famous 1951 National League pennant-winning contest for the New York Giants against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Saturday evening, Jesse Mullis fired the “Shot Heard Around Cool Insuring Arena” when he lifted and quickly planted Catskill wrestler Daniel Forbes.
Mullis slammed the No. 1 seed in the Division II sectional final at 172 pounds and seconds later registered the pin in just 23 seconds. Mullis was the only wrestler among the 26 champions from Division I and II not to be seeded No. 1. The Hudson Falls junior improved to 38-6 with the win against Forbes, who entered the title match at 30-0.
“Yeah, I didn’t think I was going to win in (23) seconds,” Mullis said.
“He was a state representative last year (at 160 pounds) and didn’t have any losses. Jesse was ready for him,” Hudson Falls coach Mike Prendergast said.
For his efforts, Mullis has been selected as the Times Union’s Boys’ Athlete of the Week for the period Feb. 6-12.
Mullis split two matches during the regular season against Jonathan Cranker (Fonda/johnstown). In the semifinals, Mullis notched a convincing 13-2 decision.
“I definitely think that match helped me. Cranker is a tough opponent,” Mullis said. “I definitely worked off those matches with him. They made me better.”
“We didn’t want to overlook our semifinal opponent,” Prendergast said. “A couple of our coaches were watching Forbes in case we had to face him. It looks like he had a tough day being on his back a couple of times before the finals. We knew we had a shot. He wasn’t invincible.”
In the title match, Forbes went for a big move and got caught.
“When Forbes shot in on him, I’m sure it was like hitting a brick wall. I am sure he felt it,” Prendergast said. “Jesse is probably the strongest kid I have ever coached. I am super proud of him. He has worked hard and put a great deal of time during the offseason. He was ready for that match.”
Mullis got plenty of love in school Monday.
“A lot of people were saying, ‘good job’ and congratulating me,” Mullis said.