By Desiree Mathurin
?Newsday Feb. 11, 2018

At the start of the match, Nicholas Greer found himself in an undesirable position.

The St. Anthony’s wrestler was tossed on his back by his opponent, Kellenberg’s Chris Scholz, who took a 4-0 lead in the 285-pound final match. Greer regained a dominant position and added two points for himself.

Greer knew one thing, he wouldn’t let that happen again.

Greer took Scholz’s back, pinned his arm and earned the win by fall in 1:06, making Greer a CHSAA state champion at 285 for the second year in a row.

“I knew I had to fight and get off my back instantly, so Scholz’s wouldn’t get the extra points,” Greer said. “As soon as I had his arm around his back, I said to myself ‘I got this.’ ”

Greer started off the tournament, which took place Sunday at Monsignor Farrell in Staten Island, by pinning his first two opponents in a combined time of 3 minutes, 12 seconds.

With the win Greer qualified for the NYSPHSAA Tournament in Albany, a place he is familiar with.

“This win is a stepping stone toward public states,” Greer said. “I’m proud of myself but I’m looking forward to Albany. I went 0-2 last year and that was a learning experience. It’s time to go back up there and get to work.”

St. Anthony’s won the team championship for the fifth time in a row, scoring 369.5 points. The Friars are sending seven champions to Albany, including 220-pounder Maguire Horl.

Horl defeated Luke Tobia from Iona via decision, 4-1. He won the 220-pound CHSAA title his sophomore year but couldn’t compete last year because of injury.

For Horl, getting the opportunity to compete at the state tournament is part of what inspired him.

“It was depressing not to be back last year to defend my title,” said Horl, who defeated his first three opponents via pin in a combined time of 2:37. “It’s good to get my second title but the bigger picture is in two weeks in Albany.”