Walton’s Club Anarchy Sends Six to Podium at NYWAY State Championships

SYRACUSE - Club Anarchy of Walton turned in a strong showing at the NYWAY State Wrestling Championships, placing six wrestlers on the podium during the March 14–15 tournament at the Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Competing against more than 190 teams from across the state, the Walton-based club showcased depth across age groups, highlighted by a state title in the girls division.

Brooke Robinson, a 7-year-old from Walton wrestling at 50 pounds, captured first place in her first-ever state tournament, leading the team’s efforts. In the same division, Hannah Barnes of Downsville placed fourth at 122 pounds.

In the boys competition, Jaxson Backus of Walton earned a third-place finish in the high school division at 175 pounds, while Cooper LaFever of Oneonta placed third in the 12U division at 112 pounds.

Additional podium finishes included Max Robinson of Walton, who took fourth at 62 pounds, and Malachi Miller of Bainbridge, who finished fifth at 70 pounds.

Club Anarchy brought 14 wrestlers to the event, competing across youth, girls and high school divisions. Saturday’s 12U lineup included Sawyer Bessemer (Walton), Jack Hamilton (Oneonta), Giovanni Izzo (Delhi), LaFever, Miller, Max Robinson, Caden Smith (Delhi), Johnny Taggart (Walton) and Case Whitehill (Unadilla).

Sunday’s competition featured Linkin Backus (Walton), Jaxson Backus, Barnes, Trystan Haywood (Walton) and Brooke Robinson.

Coaches described the weekend as a reflection of the athletes’ dedication. Wrestlers demonstrated “hard work, grit, and heart” throughout the two-day tournament, holding their own against one of the state’s largest youth wrestling fields.