Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant in Blasdell was the setting Thursday night for the 15th annual Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Awards dinner, honoring the best high school wrestlers in Western New York.
Over 200 family, friends and organizers were in attendance, including Hall of Famer quarterback Jim Kelly, original Buffalo Bills trainer Ed Abramoski and former professional wrestler Dick “The Destroyer” Beyer.
These scholarships are awarded to individuals who excel in academics as well athletics, while contributing to their family and community.
This idea to create an Award and Scholarship in the name of Ilio DiPaolo was through the efforts of Bud Carpenter, Randy Ribbeck, Kelly and the entire Buffalo Bills Organization.
The five scholarships award winners were as follows:
Ilio DiPaolo Award: Dominic Montesanti/Medina High School
Dominic is truly a scholar athlete earning a 96.9 average at Medina High School and finishing his wrestling career with a record of 206-40. Montesanti was a two time Div II state place finisher and a four time section Six state representative. Dominic is a member of the National Honor Society, a Soup and Stations volunteer at Holy Trinity Church and an American Legion Boys State representative.
Montesanti has applied to Cornell, Binghamton, Virginia Tech, RIT and Clarion University.
Gary Castanza Award: Kyle Colling/ Pioneer High School
Kyle Colling is a two time, 215 lb. New York State wrestling champion, the first to earn titles in both Div I and Div II. Colling is a 2009 National champion at the 215 lb. weight class and finished his high school career with a record of 159-34. Colling served as a Prestige Wrestling Camp Counselor and a Pioneer Kids Wrestling Club coach for five years. Kyle has earned a Division I scholarship to Oklahoma University.
Colling had the best line of the night, sarcastically thanking his mother for scheduling a dentist appointment just two hours before the awards dinner so he didn’t have to talk.
The “Destroyer” Wrestling Award: Angelo Malvestuto/Niagara Wheatfield
The “Destroyer Award” recognizes the best pure wrestler and Angelo Malvestuto is certainly that. Malvestuto had a career won loss record of 225-39 and is a four time NYS Div I top four place finisher, winning the 189 lb. State title his senior year. The Niagara Wheatfield standout is also a former National Champion and three time national place finisher. Malvestuto earned a Div I scholarship to Virginia Tech University.
A funny moment came when Beyer presented Malvestuto with one of his trademarked masks, which Malvestuto promptly put on to pose for pictures.
“Bill Hein” Dedicated Wrestler Award: Joseph Kalinka/Iroquois
Joe Kalinka is an outstanding all around wrestler and student earning a 94.8 average at Iroquois High School and finishing with a 145-40 career won loss record. Kalinka is a two time Section Six Champion and a three time AAA class Champ. Kalinka hopes to attend the West Point Military Academy in the fall.
Cauliflower Ally Club Wrestling Award: James Donner/Niagara Wheatfield
James Donner is an outstanding student/athlete at Niagara Wheatfield High School. Donner is a two time Section Six Champion at the 285 lb. class and a state place finisher his Junior year. Donner has a 91 average in the classroom and was also an all league football and track star at NW. Donner will be attending University at Buffalo.
The St. Francis football Captain’s Award was presented to Adam Pasnik.
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!