SPORTS

Wrestlers in Business network wants to get busy raising the sport's profile

James Johnson
@jjdandc
Fairport coach John Martin Cannon talks to Patrick Unger during a dual meet versus Victor last season. Wrestlers in Business Western New York Chapter president Steve Sanko said that "the sacrifice that coaches make for the kids is just tremendous."

Steve Sanko said that years ago he wandered away from wrestling.

When Sanko's sons put on headgear, singlets and stepped on to mats, he found himself drawn back to the sport of his youth.

His next move is to lure back individuals who once were involved with the centuries-old sport as well as draw in newcomers, while also giving area high school wrestling a boost.

Sanko, a physician who resides in Pittsford, is president of Wrestlers in Business Western New York Chapter, a group that hopes to raise its profile on the local scene with events May 12-13.

Ohio State University wrestling coach Tom Ryan is the headline guest Friday during the chapter's kickoff social, 7 p.m. at Lyric Theater, 440 East Ave., Rochester.

The three-time national coach of the year, who led the Buckeyes to the team's first NCAA national championship two years ago, will then run a two-session wrestling clinic Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. at Rush-Henrietta High School.

"This guy is a great speaker,'' WIBWNY vice chairman and Rush-Henrietta graduate Geoff Selleck said. “I don’t think you have to be a part of the sport of wrestling to take something away from this.''

Registration for the clinic is open online until Friday night.

Admission can also be gained at the door for each event.

There are 11 members of the Wrestlers in Business Western New York Chapter, including Sanko, 63, who wrestled in high school while he lived in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

Hilton's Greg Diakomihalis taking on CJ Lee of Webster Thomas during the 2017 Wrestling SuperSectionals The College at Brockport.

"Part of the goal is bring the people who have the business mindset that can help the sport,’’ Sanko said. "One of the issues is not quite enough participation (at area high schools).

"We really want to augment some things that are already in place. I think we can do more if we get together (with other wrestling advocate groups) and work as a team."

JAMESJ@Gannett.com

Another honor for Dierna

Wayne graduate Bobby Dierna, a two-time NCAA Division III 157-pound wrestling champion at Cortland State, is the New York State College Wrestling Coaches Association's wrestler of the year.

Dierna completed his career at Cortland as one of three four-time All-Americans in team history. He won 106 of his 115 matches, including all 21 this past season.