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NEW YORK STATE WRESTLING: OWEGO'S BUNDY AGGRESSIVE IN FIRST-ROUND WIN (2020-02-28)

BY TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
ALBANY — Owego's Cam Bundy is seeking a podium spot at the NYSPHSAA Division II Wrestling Championships, here which eluded him a year ago.

The No. 3 seed took a step in the right direction in the 170-pound first round at the Times Union Center here Friday, winning a hard-fought 6-3 decision over 14th-seeded Mason Watkins of Pawling.

"All these kids are drawn in and it's a New York State tournament. Everyone's good," said Owego coach Nick Rodgers. "He did what he needed to do, got the job done and now he's moving to the right."

Bundy lifted Watkins off the mat with a single-leg takedown attempt early in the bout, but was unable to score and the first period ended in a scoreless tie.

Thirty-three seconds into the second period, Bundy broke free following a stand-up for a 1-0 lead. He would never trail and increased his lead to 3-0 with a takedown midway through the period.

Watkins fought back, posting a reversal with 32 seconds left in the period to cut the lead to 3-2, but Bundy tacked on his second escape 15 seconds later to carry a 4-2 advantage into the final period.

Bundy was unable to keep Watkins down in the third period and what appeared to be a reversal on the edge of the mat was overturned and awarded as an escape, making it 4-3 just 22 seconds into the final period.

Both wrestlers battled diligently for the next 1 1/2 minutes until Bundy clinched the victory with a takedown with eight seconds remaining in the match.

"He stayed aggressive and that's what he needed to do," Rodgers said. "That's what he needs to continue to do, stay aggressive and get in on the legs. I think he can take anyone down in this tournament if he stays aggressive."

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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR

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