Buoyed by a pair of runner-up finishes, Norwich's wrestling team finished seventh out of 15 teams in this weekend's Southern Tier Athletic Conference tournament.

Brady Smith (145) and Ashton Jenkins (160) each earned finals appears with Smith falling to Ithaca's Daniel Parker, and Jenkins losing a close decision to Corning's Ethan Hart.

Helping Norwich move up the standings were the strong performances of Maverick Beckwith (102) and Rob McIntyre (285). Both Purple Tornado matmen wrestled back for third-place finishes in their respective weight classes.

Also garnering a podium finish was Nate Murphy, who was fifth at 138 pounds.

Norwich only sent six wrestlers to the tournament, said head coach Bob Hagenbuch, which proved the point of quality over quantity.

"The guys wrestled really tough, and they competed every second against very good competition," Hagenbuch said. "We competed against section champions, state place-winners, and guys ranked in the state. Very proud; they wrestled the Norwich way:  Gutsy, with intensity, and never let up. By far, we're one of the best in-shape teams in the section."