NY STATE WRESTLING: NEWARK VALLEY’S CREELEY SEEKS HIGH FINISH AT CHAMPIONSHIPS (February 26, 2026)
By TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
ALBANY — Newark Valley’s Cadin Creeley had a taste of victory at the state tournament in 2024. That experience is now driving him to excel at the 2026 NYSPHSAA Division II Wrestling Championships which will be held Friday and Saturday at MVP Arena here.
“My expectation for this tournament is to earn a top-three finish,” the senior said.
Just like two years ago, Creeley will represent the Cardinals alongside classmate Titus Callahan.
The No. 6 seed at 165 pounds, he brings a 32-3 record and the memory of winning a couple of bouts on the big stage.
“Having competed in this event previously has made the experience less overwhelming.” he said. “The familiarity with the environment has helped reduce most of the pressure and nerves that naturally come with competing in a large arena in front of a significant crowd.”
As a sophomore, Creeley went 2-2 at 152, posting a pair of 4-0 shutouts along the way. Both of his losses came via fall, including one to top seed and eventual runner-up Caden Bellis of Tioga.
This time around, Creeley will receive a first-round bye to start the tournament. He will open against the winner of 11th-seeded Grady Collins (29-7), the Section IX champion from Our Lady of Lourdes, and No. 22 Connor Fabian (26-8), the Section XI runner-up from Mount Sinai.
“My expectation for each of our wrestlers is to be proud of themselves for qualifying for the state tournament and to compete at a level that they are satisfied with,” coach Larry Kasmarcik said. “I have maintained high standards for our team throughout the entire season, and those expectations remain unchanged as we head into this weekend.
“Both Titus and Cadin have previously qualified for the state tournament, so they understand the nerves, intensity, and experience that come with competing at that level.
“Over the past few weeks, we have had outstanding practices and have worked with excellent partners who have helped us prepare for this weekend. We are confident in the work we have put in and look forward to the opportunity to compete.”
Among those to keep an eye on are Ryker Cox (42-2) from Coxsackie-Athens in Section 2. The top seed, he’s a four-time state qualifier and placed fourth at 160 last year.
Other contenders are Brody Heckman (40-1), the No. 2 seed from Alexander/Pembroke and third-seeded Peter Thompson (31-7) of Dansville/Wayland/Cohocton. The duo finished first and second, respectively, in the Section V tournament.
Windsor’s Anthony Weaver, who edged Creeley, 3-2, for the Section IV title, is seeded fifth.
Friday’s opening ceremonies start at 9:30 a.m. with the first round of wrestling beginning at 10 a.m. On Saturday, wrestling starts at 9:30 a.m. The consolation finals will begin at 2:15 p.m. The championship finals opening ceremony starts at 5:50 p.m., followed by the championship finals at 6:05 p.m.
The tournament will be streamed live on www.nfhsnetwork.com/associations/nysphsaa/wrestling. Subscriptions are offered for $13.99 per month or you can purchase an annual pass for $79.99. Both subscriptions renew automatically until you cancel them.
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