Jared Messina thought he had the credentials to win maybe one of the annual awards presented by the Ilio DiPaolo Wrestling Scholarship Fund, but
enough for the “big one” The Cheektowaga senior went big Tuesday night, winning the $2,500 Ilio DiPaolo scholarship during the 14th annual event at DiPaolo’s Restaurant in Blasdell. The award is named for DiPaolo, the late pro wrestler who believed as your success grows, so should the support you give your community. Each year the award recognizes and provides financial aid to a college-bound wrestler for his work on and off the mat. “It’s about making sacrifices throughout, always working hard and always being respectful to coaches and other athletes,” said Messina. “Dennis and his father are very into wrestling, and getting recognized by them is a great honor. I thought [my accomplishments] were good, but I didn’t think they were that good to win the big award.” Messina is undecided about which college he will attend. But he plans to study business and continue his wrestling career at 133 pounds. Other finalists were: Kevin Kot (East Aurora), Lee Schuster (Grand Island), Nathaniel Skiba (Kenmore West), Kyle Roosa (Allegany-Limestone), David Richter Jr. (Gowanda), Jonathan Strong (Frewsburg) and Zachary Flores (Lockport). Messina’s resume includes four Section VI championships. He became the 12th wrestler in Section VI history to win the Class AAA title five years in a row. While most wrestlers aspire to win 100 matches, Messina earned 104 pins in his career, finishing 178-24. He’s a two-time New York State Tournament place-finisher, coming in fourth this year at 130 and fifth last year at 125. Messina is a three-sport athlete who carries a 92 average and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Carlene Sluberski of Fredonia was presented the Gary Castanza Award from Buffalo Bills head athletic trainer Bud Carpenter, named for the late martial arts sokie, who worked numerous charity events with DiPaolo.