Congratulations to BNL Wrestling’s Tallulah Powers (Junior NL), who is the New York State Runner Up for her wrestling division!!! BNL is so proud of you!
Coach Recap:
BNL’s Tallulah Powers was Runner Up at 165 pounds in the inaugural NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational held at Onondaga Community College. She was one of only three finalists from Section 2, and the only Runner Up. The meeting of 204 of the state’s top female wrestlers is the first of its kind in New York State. Just this year New York sanctioned Girls Wrestling giving it an Emerging Sport status. Powers was selected as Section 2’s top entry at the 165 pound class and was seeded first in her 16 girl bracket.
In the opening round of wrestling Powers pinned Ava Bragg of Lockport, the eventual 3rd place finisher with a throw in the first period. She then met Jade Cook of Corning who went on to place 4th in the quarter final round also pinning her in the first period. In the semifinals she had a defensive battle with 6th place finisher Leylani Wiltshire of Oneonta edging her out 6-2. In the finals Powers met Renne Kinikin of Mexico NY. Knowing her to be a thrower, Powers defended a headlock from Kinikin well, but missed her footing on the mat return and ended up caught on her back. She was pinned midway through the first period.
The showing by Powers is the only State appearance let alone placement of any wrestler boy or girl from the Berlin – New Lebanon Wrestling team ever. Making it even more impressive is that Powers is only a first year wrestler. She had never stepped on a wrestling mat before November. An all-around athlete she is an accomplished Soccer player and throws the shot put and discus in Track and Field. On her own time, she lifts weights in her off seasons. All of which, made her transition into wrestling a smooth one. Her coaches see her as the most dedicated athlete in the wrestling room, boy or girl. Powers finishes out this season with a 21-4 record. Only a junior, Powers will have another shot to climb that one more step up the podium for a State Championship next year. -Coach Prather and Coach Giumarra
Photo credits Vivienne Powers and Wade Prather