NORTH TONAWANDA — North Tonawanda wrestler Tyler Bruce squared off against some of the toughest talent in Western New York over the weekend at Empire State Games, but the senior Lumberjack was determined to win a gold for his older brothers, Will and Rory, who currently serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Bruce, who represented the Western Region scholastic division wrestling team, stormed through the 165-pound Greco-Roman event, winning four straight matches without a single point scored against, en route to his first-ever Empire Games gold medal at the Buffalo State College Ice Arena.

“It was just an honor to represent Western New York, our home town and our home city,” Bruce said. “Taking gold was just the best.”

Although the competition was fierce, Bruce had an added obstacle following the Greco-Roman final. Following his gold medal performance, he was called to weigh in for his second event, the freestyle, but at 167 pounds, he was a mere two pounds over.

“I had to go throw on some sweats on and start running to lose some weight,” he said.

Subsequently, Bruce ran around the gym during the award ceremonies for the Greco. By the time his name was called, he was drenched in sweat, but two pounds lighter.

“Going on the podium I just felt proud of myself for taking first in Greco and it got me pumped to wrestle in freestyle,” Bruce said.

The NT standout earned a spot in the freestyle final against Spencerport’s Amon Daniels, also wrestling for Western.

After a pair of tight rounds, the fight came down to the third round, where Bruce said he pinned his opponent for a 3-2 lead with just seconds left in the match.

One official, however, saw the would-be winning pin differently.

Bruce was called for an illegal scissor, a move in which one will pin an opponents head between the legs by interlocking the ankles. As a result, Daniels instead receieved two points for a 4-2 win and a crown in the freestyle.

“You can say it was controversial, but other than that, I took silver. I’m still proud of myself,” Bruce said. “I wrestled some of the toughest kids in New York at this weight class and I still came out with the silver.

“I give (Daniels) full honors for winning gold,” he continued. “He deserves it. He prevailed, so there’s nothing I can really do.”

Bruce added that he enjoyed the overall experience of the Olympic-style event. The fact that it took place 15-minutes from his own backyard made it even more thrilling.

“It was just a blast,” he said. “Being in Buffalo, I could go home, sleep, have a good night’s rest, wake up to a homemade meal, then drive ten minutes to Buff State [to compete].”

Bruce compiled a solid 31-5 overall record last year and had to overcome a shoulder injury which prevented him from going to states.

Next season, he said his ultimate goal is winning at the New York state tournament to earn a spot in the national meet in Fargo, N.D.

The Games, he said, provided ample experience going into his senior campaign at NT.

“The gold medal is really something to be proud of; not just the gold, but the silver also,” Bruce said. “It was just an experience I’ll never forget.”

Contact sports editor Brandon Koch at 693-1000, ext. 117.