From the Binghamton (NY) Press & Sun-Bulletin
Nickerson to keep talents close to home
Cornell wins national chase for champion Forks wrestler
BY MIKE MANGAN
Press & Sun-Bulletin
TOWN OF CHENANGO — As he put on the brand new red hat with the large ‘C’ in the front, the hat signifying his long-awaited college decision, it was tough to picture a bigger smile than the one that adorned Chenango Forks senior Troy Nickerson’s face.
The possible exception, perhaps, being that of Cornell University wrestling coach Rob Koll next season.
Nickerson announced at Tuesday afternoon’s press conference in front of about 40 people at the Chenango Forks High School library that he will be attending the Ivy League school this fall, a decision that came following a six-month nationwide recruiting process that included nearly every prominent Division I wrestling program.
Nickerson, a four-time New York state high school wrestling champion, chose the Big Red over Harvard, Minnesota and West Virginia.
“I know I have a lot of support here in Section 4 and in New York, “Nickerson said. “I knew a lot of people would back me up with this decision.
“Everyone I talked to around here said ‘Go to Cornell’. I’m very happy with the decision.”
Nickerson admitted that during much of the recruiting process, Harvard was his No. 1 choice.
But a combination of factors played a role in Nickerson turning to Cornell.
The school’s wrestling team, for years a prominent Division I program, has elevated in stature over the last few seasons.
Cornell finished 11th at last season’s NCAA Division I Championships and is currently ranked 11th in the USA TODAY/National Wrestling Coaches Association Division I poll.
Also, Cornell boasted a talented group of wrestlers in the lower weight classes, including senior Travis Lee — a former NCAA champion — as well as Nick Bridge, Mike Mormile and Jordan Leen, who will provide Nickerson with stellar workout partners.
In addition, Cornell’s academic reputation and the school’s proximity to his home — Cornell is in Ithaca, less than an hour from Nickerson’s home in Chenango Forks — proved quite appealing.
“I’m real close to my family and they support me a lot, “said Nickerson, who hopes to be a doctor after his wrestling days are over. “I wanted to stay closer to home and now I know I will.
“Academically it was what I was looking for, and the (Friedman Wrestling Center) facility is gorgeous, it’s brand new and I think it’s the best in the country, and the team is really improving … It’s just a great atmosphere and all the people are easy to get along with.”
Due to NCAA rules, Koll did not attend the the press conference and could not comment on Nickerson’s decision.
But Nickerson said that Koll was pleased with his choice.
“He was just ecstatic, he was very happy, “Nickerson said, before adding with a laugh. “He’s been bugging me to get this out.”
Nickerson said the toughest part of the process was telling the other coaches of his decision, in particular, Harvard head wrestling coach Jay Weiss.
“It was especially hard telling Coach Weiss, because at the start they were my top choice, “Nickerson said. “He said he would still be there for me, and if I needed something to give him a call. That meant a lot to me.”
Ivy League schools do not give out athletic scholarships, but Nickerson would be receiving an academic-based financial package that will cover most of the costs, according to Troy’s father, Robert.
Nickerson drew immense attention from Division I wrestling programs with a five-year run during which he emerged as one of the top high school wrestlers in the country.
In addition to his four state titles — tied with former Shoreham-Wading River wrestler Jesse Jantzen for the most in state history — Nickerson has also won five national titles, six Empire State Games gold medals and two Beast of the East tournament titles.
Nickerson has also spent the better part of the last three seasons as the top-ranked wrestler in the country in his weight class according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association, including his current No. 1 ranking in the 125-pound weight class.
His success has made him a favorite of area wrestling fans, coaches and fellow competitors, which is part of the reason why Forks wrestling coach Rick Perkins thinks Nickerson has made the right choice.
“I think it’s a great decision, “Perkins said. “I know he’s had a lot of hard choices, but going to Cornell, to me, means that I’m going to be able to see him, and everybody that’s followed him in New York is going to be able to see him.
“Academically, he’s going to get what he wants, and wrestling-wise, he’ll get what he wants, too.”
Nickerson expects to wrestle in the 125-pound weight class for Cornell next season.
That is also the likely weight class where Nickerson will hope to chase a record-setting fifth wrestling state title this March in Albany, something he can now fully concentrate on now that his college decision has been made.
“I’m glad it’s over with, it’s been a tough process, “Nickerson said. “Now I can completely focus on the (Forks wrestling) team, and trying to win that fifth state title.”
Troy’s File
* Varsity record: 182-6.
* State titles: Four (96 pounds in 2001, 103 in 2002, 112 in 2003, and 119 last season).
* Other notables: Has won five national titles at the Cadet/Junior Nationals in Fargo, N.D., including Junior (age 17-18) titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman styles this summer. Was named Most Outstanding Wrestler in both freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments. … Is left-handed.
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