Scott survives head butt, wins
By Sal Interdonato
Times Herald-Record
[email protected]
Loch Sheldrake “Ricky Scott stood over Matt Tricarico of Danbury, Conn., in the top position.
Scott, the undefeated Valley Central senior and defending state champion, led 9-0 with 1:15 left in a rematch of last year’s Eastern States Classic 171-pound title match.
What ensued in the next few seconds was mayhem.
Tricarico, the defending Connecticut champ, jumped the start and hit the back of his head square on the bridge of Scott’s nose.
Scott stumbled a few steps across the mat and then his legs gave out. He fell to the ground outside of the wrestling circle.
Referee Greg Tufano ruled an unsportmanslike penalty point against Tricarico and Valley Central staff and team members rushed to Scott’s side. Scott shouted that he couldn’t feel his legs. He stayed on the ground after the two-minute recovery time and was awarded the win by injury default.
After more than five minutes down, Scott made it to his feet under his own power. He walked to the circle and his hand was raised. Scott and Tricarico continued to exchange words.
Tricarico was escorted into the locker room. Then, a scuffle started in the stands between Wayne and Section 9 fans.
Scott was taken to Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris for evaluation. Valley Central coach Paul Cummings said Scott could have a concussion.
“You saw the match and you know how dirty (Tricarico) is, “Cummings said. “We beat the kid fair and square and he used a blatant head butt. We don’t need that in our sport. Ricky was up 9-0 and he’s got to do that to get back in the match.”
Scott and Tricarico (15-2) have a history. Tricarico punched Scott (26-0) in the head in last year’s Eastern States Classic final, that Scott won 12-4.
“I knew that it was intentional, “Tufano said. “I asked the assisting referee if it was flagrant and he said, ‘No.’ ”
Valley Central won the team title with 218.5 points. Valley Central junior Lou Ruggirello edged Monroe-Woodbury’s Andy Franco 1-0 in the 112-pound final. Valley Central senior Ed Bordas remained undefeated (27-0), beating Zach Zdrada of Timberlane (N.H.) 7-3 at 215 pounds.
Wrestling Gear
