Dill cherishes wins at states
Angie Dill did not win a sectional wrestling title this season as she finished second in both Class D and Division II. The senior from Salem/cambridge competed at the 2023 New York State Public High School Athletic Association tournament at MVP Arena. Even though she did not win a state title or even earn a medal as a top eight finisher at 110 pounds, Dill made a lasting impression.
Dill, the only female competitor among the 52 wrestlers that competed from Section II Friday and Saturday, won her first and third matches and finished 2-2 to complete her senior season with a record of 24 wins and 8 losses. It was just Dill’s second season wrestling in high school competition.
When asked Saturday about her performance in her first and only state tournament appearance, Dill said, “As always, I could have done some things better. I did come here not really expecting anything, but I am glad I won two matches and went 2-2. My last match against Section V (wrestler Garry Mcdowell). I feel as though I could have wrestled that one a lot better if I just came at it at a different angle. If I wrestle that kid again, I really think it may have been closer.”
For her efforts, Dill has been selected as the Times Union’s Girls’ Athlete of the Week for Feb. 20-26.
Dill, seeded No. 14 in the Division II 110-pound bracket, opened her state tournament by pinning Peru’s Caleb Starke in the second period. She then lost by technical fall against third-seeded Gavin Mangano in four minutes.
In her win and loss to open the tournament, Dill competed with remarkable poise and handled the raucous atmosphere from the large crowd well.
“When stepping out on the MVP Arena floor for the first time, I wasn’t as intimidated as I thought I would be,” Dill said. “The night before our coach (Frank Fronhofer) tried to acclimate us to the chaos that usually occurs by having us practice on the arena floor with the other athletes. I was still nervous, though. I wasn’t sure what to expect from my opponent. My match started off rough. I wasn’t able to get my ties nor get him to move forward. When I finally was able to pin my opponent, I felt a huge sigh of relief and excitement, as I would be moving forward in my bracket.”
In the consolation round, Dill registered her second victory with an 11-5 verdict over Adirondack’s Cole Cronsier.
The senior has vastly more experience as a wrestler competing in the disciplines of freestyle and Greco-roman. She said adapting to folkstyle, the one used in high school competition, is one that at times proved difficult. Reaching the state tournament and winning two matches is something Dill will cherish.