State Champion Piccininni Looks to Continue His Winning Streak at the Super 32 Challenge

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Slowing Nick Piccininni down has proven to be a nearly impossible task for opposing wrestlers, especially in his string of undefeated tournaments over the past month.

In fact, there’s only thing that has come close to stopping him lately — sleep.

“At the Iron Horse, I had the wrong bout number for my next match,” he said.  “I thought I had time so I took a nap.  All of a sudden, I had this gut instinct and woke up, I don’t know why. I looked up and saw that my match was up and I just ran over and wrestled. I had no time to warm up or anything.  I would have wrestled much better if I was more ready.”

He was ready enough to earn a 1-0 victory over Bound Brook’s Craig DeLaCruz, who took fourth in New Jersey in 2012 and who was the champion of his bracket at the Journeymen Classic the previous week.

Photo by Boris V

It was a rare close match for Piccininni.  In his 45-0 state championship campaign as a freshman, he won all but six matches by bonus points.  More recently, he won the Super 32 Qualifier at 113 pounds in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania by a combined score of 46-3 and followed it up with a championship at the Journeymen Classic where his closest match was a 7-0 victory over New Jersey medalist Joe Trovato.  His latest triumph was a title at the Iron Horse (despite his nap).

He even went unbeaten at the Waterway Duals, including a victory over Pennsylvania state placer Zack Fuentes – while wrestling up a weight at 122 pounds.

So, what is Nick Piccininni hoping to conquer next?

For one thing, a national title.

While Piccininni specifically mentioned wanting to win the FloNationals championship next spring, he has another opportunity to make his mark at a big event this weekend when he travels to North Carolina for the Super 32 Challenge.  He said he competed at the tournament as an eighth grader but didn’t place.

However, he has made improvements since then, working with Olympian Brandon Escobar, who he calls a “brother figure who has grown closer and closer to me”, as well as coaches such as the Patrovich brothers, Chris Messina, Kurt Ferrara and Bill DeSario.  He also has spent significant time lifting and working with Eastport South Manor junior Travis Passaro.

“I’ve put in a lot of hard work and so many people have helped me,” he said. “I’m grateful for what I have and the people around me.  If not for my family and my coaches, I wouldn’t be as successful.”

His efforts are not only aimed toward showcasing himself against the nation’s best at the Super 32, but also at the Times Union Center in February on the biggest weekend of the high school season.  Before his state championship in 2012, he was third as an eighth grader.  In that tournament, Piccininni suffered a 6-4 loss in Albany in the semifinals to Kyle Kelly of Chenango Forks, who went on to win the first of his two state crowns. It’s a match the Suffolk County wrestler hasn’t forgotten.

“I definitely would like a rematch,” Piccininni said. “I would like to get revenge.  I was an inexperienced eighth grader in my first time at states.  He had been there before. Now I have a lot more experience and I have much better technique and strength than I did. I remember that match well.”

He remembers all of his varsity losses well, but that isn’t that difficult given how few there have been in his 95-3 career.  However, not included in that record is the “loss” he recalls that occurred when he never even got to step on the mat, all the way back in 2010.

“My school doesn’t allow seventh graders to wrestle on varsity,” he said. “But I went through the Board of Education and got permission to wrestle in tournaments.  I originally was allowed to wrestle at Leagues, but the day before Leagues they said I couldn’t go.  It was hard to watch.  The kid who won, I thought I could have beaten him.  It definitely put a fire underneath me.”

That fire helped lead him to the aforementioned third place finish in New York State the following year and his continued success since then.  It even has catapulted him into the national rankings – for a while at least.

“I think I was in the national rankings recently for about a day,” he said. “The next time I looked, I was out.  I’ve learned not to worry about them. They’re just one person’s perspective. But I still look at them; everyone does.  I just need to wrestle and be myself.”

The way he’s been wrestling, it’s hard to believe his name will be left out of the national rankings for long.

In Search of 'Jamel Hudson': CHSAA Looks to 2013 for the Birth of its Next Superstar (CHSAA Preview)

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By Matt Diano

Returning Placewinners (2012 Weight):

106 Pounds: Freddie Dunau, St. Anthonys – placed fifth at 96 pounds in 2011; Went 1-2 in 2012 @106 pounds despite wrestling with a 100+ degree fever the day of the state tournament

Other Returning State Qualifiers (2012 Weight):

99 Pounds: John Twomey, St. Anthony’s

120 Pounds: Blaise Rufo Monsignor Farrell

126 Pounds: Sam Melikian Fordham Prep

160 Pounds: John Vrasidas St. Anthony’s

182 Pounds: Matt Roberts Monsignor Farrell

195 Pounds: Rich Sisti Monsignor Farrell

 

Breaking Down the Top Dogs

John Twomey – Expected to be at a loaded 106-pound weight class this season, it is hardly a foregone conclusion that the Friar upperclassman will make it back to Albany in 2013.  After having a very quiet freshman year in 2011 where he was not officially listed on the St. Anthony’s roster, Twomey had a breakout year last season, winning just under 30 matches and pretty much cruising to the Catholic state crown, going unscored upon in three matches to pitch the 32-0 shutout at the championship tournament.  In Albany, Twomey, who is also an accomplished submission grappler (having won or placed high at multiple NAGA tournaments) went 0-2, having the misfortune of running into the eventual fourth (Joe Calderone) and fifth (Bryan Lantry) placewinners in back-to-back matches.

Freddie Dunau, courtesy of St. Anthony's Facebook

Freddie Dunau – While there never is a sure thing in the sport of wrestling, Friar junior Freddie Dunau may be the closest thing the CHSAA has to it.  A two-time CHSAA champion/NYS qualifier entering his junior year, Dunau has gone untested in two years in the Catholic league, routinely winning all of his matches by bonus points.  Known for his unorthodox style that combines his passion for wrestling with his other athletic interest, gymnastics, Dunau has an uncanny ability to put you on your back in the blink of an eye.  His combination of arm throws and other common freestyle-like scoring maneuvers has drawn comparisons to former U.S. standout, T.J. Hill, who spent some time on the St. Anthony’s coaching staff a few years ago. A NYS placewinner as a freshman in 2011, Dunau was expected to be on the podium last season before the flu bug bit him at the wrong time, causing him to perhaps wrestle over-aggressively to account for a compromised gas tank. When at his best, Dunau is as dangerous as any wrestler in the Empire State.  While there is still some discussion as to whether he will go 120 or 126 in 2013, the consensus is that he will be a heavy favorite regardless.  Note: Competing in the international styles, Dunau is a two-time Double Cadet state champion, having won the gold in both FS and GR the past two years.  He is also a 2010 NYS Schoolboy Folkstyle state champion.

Blaise Rufo, Photo by Philip Rufo

Blaise Rufo – Winning his first CHSAA state title last season after posting previous finishes of second at 96 (2010) and fifth at 103 (2011), the Lion coaching staff has always been high on Rufo.  The younger brother of Gunnar Rufo, who was a two-time CHSAA state placewinner from 2008-2011, the Farrell staff always knew that Blaise was going to be the better of the brothers, dating back to his time as a wrestler at the Lions Club (Farrell’s youth program). Known for his deadly headlocks, when Rufo strikes, it usually means good night for his opponents. Making his first trip to Albany last season, the 2013 Farrell captain garnered a lot of experience, going 1-2, with one of the losses coming at the hands of eventual NYS runner-up, Brady Baron of Section 5. Now, the only real question is whether or not he will get the chance to utilize this experience, as a genuine concern is that he could be destined to run headfirst into Dunau in the CHSAA finals.

Sam Melikian

Sam Melikian- Joining Dunau as a two-time CHSAA champion, Melikian is like a fine wine, getting better with age.  As a sophomore, he was not the favorite on paper to advance to Albany.  However, apparently no one told him that as one by one, he notched the necessary three victories to punch his own ticket. He beat the Nassau/Suffolk league champion in the semis, before wrapping up his tournament by avenging a loss from a few weeks earlier in the NYC league finals by pinning his opponent (4x CHSAA state placewinner, Paul Schianodicola) in the title match.  As a junior, the word “unstoppable” best described the Ram student-athlete, as he rolled through the CHSAA state tournament, dismantling the competition to the tune of a second period pin and a 25-7 tally in two lopsided semifinal and finals bouts. A regular at John Degl’s Iowa Style Wrestling Club in Section 1, Melikian brings every ounce of that Hawkeye mentality with him to the mat, attacking every second of the match and gradually wearing down his foes.  Last year in Albany, this approach witnessed him just barely miss the podium, as he came a single victory short of finishing in the top-6, going 2-2 with his defeats coming to the wrestlers who went on to finish third and fourth, respectively. Now approaching his swan song, Melikian, who is being actively recruited by several top notch academic institutions (including an official visit to the Brown University campus a few weeks ago), seems intent on ending his scholastic career on a high note, hitting every tournament under the sun in an attempt to make himself all the more prepared for one final run at the NYS crown.  Thus far this off-season, Melikian has won the Summer Heat Tournament on Long Island, finished first in his pool at the Journeymen Challenge (beating a pair of 2012 Cadet GR All-Americans), and finished second at the Iron Horse Invitational in NJ.  Melikian will be favored at either 132 or 138 pounds this season.

John Vrasidas (pronounced Ver-Side-is) – The last of the 2x defending CHSAA champions, Vrasidas seems to save his best wrestling for when it matters most.  Considered a contender, but hardly the favorite the past two years (he entered the 2012 Catholic State tournament as the #4 seed despite being a returning champion), the Friar captain just finds a way to get the job done on center stage.  Now a senior and the consensus the favorite to win the 170-pound title, he goes from the role of the hunter to the hunted. Going a combined 3-4 in his two journeys to the state capital (1-2 as a sophomore at 152), Vrasidas would have likely found himself on the podium in 2012 if not for the fact that he had the misfortune of drawing 2011 State Champion/current Columbia University freshman Connor Sutton, in the placement round.  However, despite common knowledge that he enters 2013 as a sizeable favorite to yet again ascend to the top step, Vrasidas is showing no signs of resting on his laurels.  Much like his fellow two-timer, Melikian, Vrasidas is staying active during the offseason, winning his bracket at the Journeymen Classic two weekends ago.

Matt Roberts, Photo by Philip Rufo

Matt Roberts – If NYS titles were given out for guts, Matt Roberts would be Troy Nickerson.  A kid who wills himself to win, the Farrell senior fought off his back in the 2012 CHSAA state finals, rallying from an early 5-0 deficit to gradually fatigue his opponent and emerge with the come from behind victory.  It is this ‘never say die’ attitude that makes Roberts dangerous in any match.  Like any great upset story, when you watch a Roberts match,  you cannot help but think to yourself that if the opposition allows him to stay close, it’s going to be trouble.  Roberts is that thorn in your side that you never see coming.  Because his success relies a lot on his ability to push the pace and tire his opponents, it is not unusual to see Roberts lose to a particular opponent during the regular season (while in the midst of building his cardio to full capacity), only to see him control that same foe in February.  In a way, he reminds me of a younger, albeit larger, version of former 3x Conference Champion, Jon Bonilla-Bowman (Virginia Tech/Hofstra), in that unless you come prepared, he will seize victory from you in the third period. Roberts, who took fourth as a sophomore in the Catholic League, will defend his 182-pound title in 2013.  He will look to improve upon the 1-2 record he posted last season at the NYS tournament, losing to eventual state champion, Nick Bellanza in the first round, before being officially eliminated by the wrestler who went on to take fifth in the state.

Rich Sisti, Photo by Philip Rufo

Rich Sisti – Known by Farrell insiders as the Man Child, Rich Sisti was a legend in Staten Island before he ever even stepped foot inside the school.  This young man (only a junior) is so blessed physically that rumor has it that when he was in eighth grade, he and his family were having dinner at a fine dining restaurant and the server gave Sisti a wine list because she assumed he was over the age of 21. To say that this kid is shredded would be an insult to him. A better way to phrase it must to be to tell the truth, in the decade plus that I have been involved in the sport of wrestling, I sincerely cannot recall a high school junior being this defined. Oh, and by the way, aside from his Adonis-like appearance, the kid can also do work on the mat, a revelation easily seen when Sisti pinned his way through the 2010 NYS Schoolboy state tournament.  Placing third in the Catholic league as a freshman (former 2x Catholic State Champion/current Franklin & Marshall wrestler Paul Alessandrini was in his bracket), there was no sophomore jinx for Sisti in 2012 as he streamrolled the competition, replicating his performance from 2010 by sticking all three of his opponents (all before the third period) to secure his first birth to the NYS DI tournament.  Much like his teammates Rufo and Roberts, Sisti finished 1-2 in Albany, losing to the third and fifth place wrestlers.  However, rather than sulk over what might be considered a disappointing showing in his DI tournament debut, Sisti got back to work and the results paid off as he came a single victory away from making All-American at the 2012 FloNationals.  He followed up this strong effort by winning the NYS Cadet FS title up a full weight class at 220.  In fact, he was so dominant against his peers in Binghamton that rather than wrestle the Cadet GR tournament, he opted instead to enter the Junior Freestyle competition, where he finished fourth (forfeiting his medal match) with a decision victory over Jon Babson, the #4 seed at 220 pounds at the 2012 NYS tournament.  Two weeks ago, Sisti added top honors at the Journeymen Classic to his mantel. While able to make the cut to 195 pounds if need be, the belief at this point of the offseason is that Sisti, who figures into the equation at either weight class on the state level, will ultimately remain at 220 in 2013.

Who Will Break out And Make Their Debuts in Albany (lightest to heaviest)?

Christian Briody (Chaminade) – Briody is a student-athlete who many consider the co-best Flyer prospect since 2x Catholic State Champion/2010 NYS placewinner, Troy Sampson.  Before coming to Chaminade, Briody spent seventh and eighth grade wrestling for Locust Valley, qualifying for the DI sectional tournament twice, but failing to place as an undersized junior high student.  A pupil of former World FS Champion, Vougar Oroudjov at VHW, Briody entered 2012 as the potential favorite to win the 99-pound weight class.  Unfortunately, injury ended the fab frosh’s season before it even got started.  However, since returning to the mat this offseason, the now sensational sophomore is lending credence to why those in the CHSAA wrestling community were so high on him.  A winner of the 2012 Summer Heat tournament, Briody also notched a title at the Steeplechase Open and finished third at the Super-32 regional qualifier in Shippensburg, PA.  It was at these latter two events that Briody notched perhaps the biggest wins of his career to date, as he knocked off 2012 NYS DII state runner up Nick Casella by slim margins at both the Super 32 qualifier and the Steeplechase.  Adding a bit of humor to this situation is the fact that Casella is also from Locust Valley and actually defeated Christian’s brother, Patrick, in the 2012 Nassau County DII finals. Career note: Briody took fourth at the 2011 Schoolboy state tournament.

Ben Lamantia (St. Anthony’s) – Speaking of super sophomores, one that immediately comes to mind is Ben Lamantia.  A varsity competitor at Commack as an eighth-grader, before even starting high school Lamantia proved his worth, winning close to 20 matches.  That same year, he went on to win the 2011 NYS Schoolboy crown (in the same weight class as Briody). As a freshman, Lamantia placed third at 106 pounds, finishing behind Dunau and former 2x Catholic state runner-up, Jimmy Gill, who is currently wrestling for the College of New Jersey.  The tragedy of this bronze medal showing is that in almost any other year, Lamantia likely would have won the Catholic title.  However, just like Sisti in 2012, Lamantia now finds himself in the position to taste the glory of victory if he holds serve and wrestles up to his potential.  In fact, while it isn’t anyone’s intention to put unnecessary pressure on him, it would be accurate to say that not only is a CHSAA title expected in 2013, but so is placement in Albany.  With 113 shaping up to be one of the fiercest fields in the state, Lamantia will need to bring his “A” game to achieve the objective put before him.

Joe Russ, Photo by PhotoTrens

Joey Russ (St. Anthony’s)—The sentimental favorite of the entire Catholic league as a whole, I do not think words can accurately describe the love the CHSAA has for the Russ family.  In fact, on more than one occasion, I have referred to the Russes as the heart, soul, and backbone of the league.  The fourth of four brothers to compete in the CHSAA (all four making the CHSAA state finals at least once in their scholastic careers), Joey will be looking to become the third member of his family to hoist the hardware, joining Derrick (champion in 2003 at 103 pounds for Chaminade) and 3x Catholic champ/3x NYS placewinner, Stephen, who competed for St. Anthony’s from 2004-2007).  A sectional finalist the past two years, it is far from misleading to say that the youngest Russ could easily be a 2x champion at this point of his career if not for the fact that year after year, he runs into juggernauts.  As a freshman, he played second fiddle to his teammate Dunau, losing in the 96-pound finals.  Then, last season, his luck would be just as bad as he found himself in the same 113-pound bracket as 2x Catholic state champion/2x NYS placewinner, Pat Skinner of Kellenberg, who is now wrestling on the NCAA DI level at Rider. Given past history, the question on the minds of the masses is will 2013 be the year that Joe finally gets to make the journey to Albany?  To give a condensed answer, it all depends on what Dunau does.  With talk that Dunau may elect to stay at 126, the 120 pound weight class would be Russ’s for taking.  However, should his two-time defending champion teammate reconsider and make the cut, for the third straight year, Russ may find himself playing the role of bridesmaid.

Danny Jones (Chaminade) – The runner up as a sophomore in 2012 to Rufo, before there was Briody, there was Jones (a reference to the earlier mention of there being co-top prospects walking the hallowed halls in Mineola).  Jones, whose brother Mike was a multiple-time CHSAA placewinner despite battling injuries during most of his career, came to Chaminade with a well established reputation, having placed in fourth in Nassau County as a 103-pound eighth grader for Garden City High School.  But alas, just like his sibling, staying healthy has been a major issue for Jones, who missed the majority of his freshman year because of injury and then had to compete for the better half of 2012 with a facemask after suffering a broken nose.  Despite the fact that he is a returning CHSAA finalist, it is very feasible that we have not even come close to seeing the best that this young man has to offer.   Having spent the last few years working out at Ascend (with Craig Vitagliano) and VHW, if healthy, the world, and for that matter, the Catholic wrestling scene, may prove to be Jones’s oyster.  In speaking to a person with knowledge of the situation, the strategy being discussed would call for Jones to go at whatever weight (132 or 138) Melikian doesn’t.

Declan Gray

Declan Gray (Chaminade) – Once referred to by a former member of the Flyer coaching staff as “a true student of the sport whose depth of knowledge knows no bottom,” Gray heads into his final season at Chaminade looking to win the title that has escaped him thus far.  A fifth place finisher in 2011 at 140 pounds, Gray was on the cusp of a Catholic league title last season, tied at 2-2 with defending CHSAA champion Matt Szilagyi (formerly of St. Anthony’s; currently wrestling for West Virginia) and riding tough, inching closer and closer to backpoints.  And then, in an instant, it all fell apart as Szilagyi reversed Gray to his back for the fall. When you consider that a few weeks later, Szilagyi would go on to finish one victory short of the medal stand, this close defeat demonstrates that Gray is every bit in the mix for a top-6 finish in 2013.  A runner-up at the Summer Heat Tournament to returning Nassau champion/2012 NYS qualifier, Louis Hernandez, Gray will join Dunau, Briody, and Lamantia at the Super-32 tournament later this month.

Andrew Psomas, Photo by Philip Rufo

Andrew Psomas (Monsignor Farrell) – Joining Joey Russ on the all-sentiments team, if there is one person the NYC CHSAA wrestling contingent wants to see go all the way this season, it is the 160-pound senior, Psomas. In yet another example of “all in the family”, in 2009 Psomas’s brother Christian would enter the Catholic state tournament as a heavy favorite to win the 171-pound title and go to the state tournament.  But, as a testament to the phrase “matches are not won on paper”, the elder Psomas was upset in the finals.  Now Andrew, who was a 2011 CHSAA finalist before settling for third last season (lost to Vrasidas both years) finds himself in the same scenario as his big brother; one year left to get it done.  And, perhaps in what can be called a display of God’s sense of humor, the Psomas family is going to have a strong reminder of the 2009 heartbreaking loss as the Catholic finals will be contested this year in the same gymnasium (St. Francis of Buffalo). Will there be deja vu, or will four years of cruel memories be erased once and for all? The truth is that without a shadow of a doubt, Psomas is the most talented person in the weight class.  If he does what he is capable of doing, he will be a champion.  Unfortunately, herein lies the problem; if there is one weakness to polished game of Psomas, it is that he has shown a tendency to let nerves get the best of him, turning matches he’d normally win going away into headshaking, heart wrenching losses. On the bright side, after knocking off 2012 NYS DII qualifier, Austin Weigel (Section IX) in the finals of the Hudson Valley Challenge last weekend, the hope is that Andrew Psomas is now a new man who will deliver a new result come postseason.

Danny Fowler (Chaminade) – To be fair, his return to the mat is still very much in the rumor phrase.  In fact, none of the Flyer coaches have even mentioned him as being in the projected 2013 lineup.  However, a person from within has said that in the past few weeks, Fowler, a 2010 CHSAA placewinner as a freshman at 189-pounds, has recently dropped hints at a return after electing to forego his sophomore and junior seasons to focus on football and lacrosse (he is also an elite goalie who has committed to perennial powerhouse, Duke University).  A Schoolboy champion in 2009, it was the opinion of the populace that Danny had a much bigger upside than his older brother, Brendan (a former two-time CHSAA state champion who was the recipient of the Chaminade Student-Athlete of the Year Award as a senior), who came only one win short of placing in Albany at 215 pounds in 2010. A tailback/fullback on the Flyer varsity football team since sophomore year, Fowler is that rare specimen that is successful in everything he attempts; he is a great student, immensely gifted on the gridiron and a dominant force in the cage.  It is only because of this pattern of achievement that I would even consider a guy fresh off a two year absence a contender to win it all.  Aiding Fowler in his quest to add one more honor to his resume is the fact that with Sisti (who would be favored over Fowler) talking of a move up to 220 pounds, and 2012 195-pound Catholic bronze medalist, Peter Corbett (St. Anthony’s) considering sitting the 2013 season out to focus on other athletic pursuits, the weight class is not expected to be particularly deep, making it ripe for the picking. Of course, this all hinges on the rumors of a comeback being true.

Chris Alianakian (Kellenberg) – A much more natural 220-pounder last season, with 2x CHSAA champion, Andrew Auriemma (formerly of St. Anthony’s) commanding the weight class, the Firebird made the decision to roll the dice and take his chances as an undersized heavyweight.  The gamble would come close to paying off as he navigated his way into the finals behind a pair of pins.  Unfortunately, he would be unable to conquer that final challenge, falling in the finals. Originally, the conjecture was that the senior big man would likely drop down to 220 for his final year of scholastic eligibility.  But, now that Sisti is likely going to make the move up, Alianakian’s intentions may change as he would stand a much better chance of getting to Albany by remaining at 285 in 2013.  A football player (like most high school heavyweight wrestlers), MSG Varsity lists the returning finalist as 235 on the KMHS roster.  When you consider that the biggest obstacle in his path to a title is 2012 285 third place finisher, Mazen Hassan, who if possible has actually gotten larger in the past year (currently listed at 280), one has to wonder whether or not giving away so much size will prove detrimental to lone returning finalist for the Uniondale-based school. Last season, Alianakian did pin Hassan in both of their meetings (including the CHSAA state semifinals).

Impact Newcomers

Garrett Baugher (St. Joseph’s Collegiate)—A 30+ match winner last season wrestling as an eighth grader for Royalton-Hartland, Baugher took third in the Section VI DII sectional tournament in 2012.  Now a Marauder, the gifted lightweight just might be the guy who breaks the curse of five straight years without a CHSAA champion (last accomplished by a Taylor Golba at 96 pounds).  The key to making it happen will be for Baugher to effectively cut down to 99 pounds where his past credentials would make him if not the obvious favorite, at least a very heavily slanted contender.  Should his body not cooperate and force him to go 106, his title hopes will take a major hit, but on raw talent alone, he would be a high placewinner at the higher weight.

Matt Seitz (Monsignor Farrell) – A 2012 Schoolboy state bronze medalist, Seitz has had the Farrell coaching staff excited for the past several years.  A work out warrior, the fantastic frosh routinely makes the trip across the bridge to NJ to hone his skills at the famed Apex Wrestling Club.  In addition, so committed to winning are he and his family that a little over a year ago, arrangements were made to have former Penn State wrestler/2008 NCAA All-American Mark McKnight spend time working as a private coach for the talented youngster.  An almost surefire lock to have placed at the 2012 CHSAA tournament if rules allowed for junior high students to compete for their neighborhood private school, Seitz will bring to the Lions a certain lightweight firepower that they have not had in their lineup since 2010 when both Rufo and Schianodicola were Catholic finalists at 96 and 103 pounds, respectively.  Recently, he proved he was ready to make an immediate impact when he went toe-to-toe with Casella at the Steeplechase Open, dropping a very narrow decision to the returning DII state finalist.   While 106 is hailed as a very deep weight class (Twomey and Briody leading the way), Seitz possesses the skills to make serious noise.  He is a definite top-4 guy at his weight class, and If he gets on a hot streak at the right time, could feasibly ride the wave all the way to Albany.

Laine Cammarata (Monsignor Farrell) – A fellow Schoolboy medalist, taking fourth at 112 pounds, Cammarata will be called upon to score as many points as possible at 113 pounds this season.  While coaches feel he may still be a year away from hitting his stride and becoming the monster that they think he can be, for the time being, they will be content with a solid performance, comparable to the effort they have always been able to get out of their youngsters.  A Lions Club member for a number of years, what will assist Cammarata in making the transition from youth wrestling to the scholastic level is that he has been around the program for as long as he can remember. He knows the system and has seen those that came before him go on to great things.  There is no replacement for the confidence of knowing that you are in a top program that has proven year upon year that it knows how to properly cultivate talent and turns projects into titlewinners.

Team Race:

1. St. Anthony’s – Until someone knocks the three-time defending team champions off the throne, St. Anthony’s has to be considered the team to beat heading into every new season.  A caveat to this is the knowledge that the team was hit hard by graduation in 2012, seeing the likes of NYS champion Jamel Hudson (now at Hofstra) and aforementioned fellow 2012 Catholic champs, Szilagyi and Auriemma, also move on to bigger and better things.  A fourth significant loss comes in the person of 2012 126-pound bronze medalist, Sam Ward, who after having a solid freshman campaign, elected to return to his home district of Locust Valley to finish out his scholastic career.  What the graduations and defections have resulted in is a team that has a bit of a bipolar identity with a mixture of superstars at some stops and holes at others.  Depth wise, with 11 returning All-Catholic wrestlers (not including Corbett who may or may not compete in 2013) from 99-170, the Tony Walters-led Friars look solid, anchored by Will Gutekunst (second at 99 in 2012), Twomey,  Lamantia,  Russ,  Dunau, Nick Ronan (2x CHSAA third place finisher), Kevin Jackson (former NYS Schoolboy state runner-up, who placed fourth last season at 138 pounds), and Nick Alessandrini (brother of Paul, was a 2009 NYS DII qualifier as an eighth grader for Southampton and finished fourth in 2012 at 145).   From 182-285, there is much mystery as the coaching staff will attempt to fill out the heavier weights (220 & 285) with football players.

2. Monsignor Farrell – 2013 brings with it the beginning of a new era for the Staten Island-based school as after years of quality service, head coach Louis DeStefano stepped away to focus on family and career.  Assuming the reins of the NYC Dynasty will be Rob Pavis and Phil Squatrito, who despite being assistants in name up to this point have had a hand in every iota of the success the past decade. With a trio of returning Catholic state champions to counteract that of the rival Friars, what makes Farrell so dangerous is that the team is steady, if not spectacular, at almost every weight.  It’s not always the champions or finalists that bite you, instead the squad kills you in tournament play by finding a way to put someone on the podium at all 15 weights.  This season should be no different as Rufo, Roberts, and Sisti will be complemented by presence of Ralph Maio (fourth last season at 113 pounds), 2012 132-pound runner up, Will Wilson, the previously mentioned Psomas at 160, the Big Daddy Hassan at the backend, as well as a wealth of other veterans who have either not yet made the podium, or who are expected to improve upon low finishes in 2012.  Seitz and Cammarata will headline the surge of young blood.

3. Chaminade – After an unmatched run of six straight Catholic team titles (2003-2008), the past five years have seen a bit of the changing of the guard as the Flyers, led by Hall-of-Famer George Dlugolonski, have not finished higher than third in the team standings the past five years, falling as far as sixth (2011) before rebounding a bit with a fourth place showing last year. Might 2013 be the year that the mighty return to the top?  The answer is that it all depends on how well the team fares in its attempt to remain injury free.  With its strongest group of upperclassmen in quite some time, Chaminade has every reason to believe that with a few breaks and clutch performances, it will be in contention at the end.  Setting the table for the Marianist religious order-affiliated school will be Jones and Gray, who both saw an opportunity to go to Albany slip through their fingers last season.  Joining them among those to watch will be 2x CHSAA placewinner/fourth in 2012 at 106 pounds, Matt Maffucci, as well as returning Catholic placewinners, Connor Watson (fifth at 170), and Charles Pederson (third at 220).  Factor in the return of Briody and the possible relaunch of Fowler 2.0, and all of a sudden you have a team that could crown upwards of four individual champions.  Joseph Boccardo, a title contender at 99 points in 2012, who missed the postseason after suffering an injury late in the regular season, will also be in the equation to do damage, having beaten Seitz at the Steeplechase Open.

4. Kellenberg – Another school hit hard by graduation, the Chris Alfalla-led Firebirds will have to adjust to life without Pat Skinner, as the program’s most decorated athlete has taken his talents to the college ranks.  If Skinner had been the only prominent departure, KMHS would be in solid shape.  Unfortunately, Kellenberg also lost the services of fellow 2012 champion, Matt Matouzzi (145), as well as a quartet of Catholic finalists — Chris Federlin (126), Evan Lenci (160), Matt McDaniels (182), and Dan Centeno (195). With a plethora of experience having left the stable, the onus will fall on the four returning All-Catholic wrestlers that do return, spotlighted by the lone finalist, Alianakian, and reinforced by Joe Crowley  (third at 145), Will Hallett (fifth at 138), and Tim Davison (fifth at 152).

5. St. Joe’s Collegiate – After stepping aside for a short time, ring leader Pete Kennedy is back at the helm and he is bringing with him a team that might lack the overall ammunition to win the team title, but will have the heavy guns to do damage and play a significant role in which of the teams above does claim the top spot. The landing of impact freshman Baugher does give the Marauders a serious title threat and, where there is a title, there is an abundance of points.  Adding to the spark that the rookie will bring to the lineup will be a trio of returning placewinners, Travis Berube (sixth at 126), sophomore extraordinaire Richie Jones (fifth at 145; just missed All-America honors at the 2012 NHSCA National tournament), and Mike Weilgas, who took home a solid fourth place finish at 220 in 2012. With the majority of the guys who finished ahead of them at their respective weights having graduated, there is reason to be optimistic about Baugher having some company among the potential finalists.

More Season Previews:

Section 1 Preview

Section 3 Preview

Section 7 Preview

Section 9 Preview

 

Season Preview Feature (more to come):

Section 1 Feature:  Aslanian and Realbuto, All-State Wrestlers and Workout Partners, Seek to End Their Careers on Top of the Podium

Section 5 Feature: The “Miracle” Continues: The Return of Aaron Paddock

 

Results from the Weekend of Oct 13-14: Lions Club Challenge and VHW at PA Duals

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Many of the wrestlers who will star in the CHSAA, PSAL and Long Island this season took the mat for the Lions Club Preseason Challenge over the weekend.  Among the notable winners were All-State wrestler TJ Fabian of Shoreham Wading River/X-Cel at 138 pounds and state qualifier Richard Sisti of Monsignor Farrell in the 220-pound class.  For full finals results from the high school, schoolboy and novice divisions, see below.

High School:

99 Pounds:  Christopher Martorello (VHW) win by forfeit Paco Robles (Park Ridge)

106 Pounds: Jesse Dellavecchia (631 Elite) dec John Busiello (Eastport South Manor), 8-3

113 Pounds: Salvatore Cipolla (East Islip) dec Paul Capobianco (VHW), 2-0

120 Pounds: Santo Curatolo (Tottenville) dec Kyle Quinn (Bigtyme), 5-2

126 Pounds: Mike D’Angelo (Ascend) dec Emmett LiCastri (Iowa Style), 2-0

132 Pounds: Justin Cochran (Apex) dec Donny Donnelly (RaZor), 2-0

138 Pounds: TJ Fabian (X-Cel) fall Oran Revivo (Ascend), 2:50

145 Pounds: CJ Labate (Commack) win by forfeit Anthony Rice (Brearley)

152 Pounds: Richard Luxmore (Ascend) major Jimmy Devine (NY Titans), 9-0

160 Pounds: Konstantin Purfiryev (James Madison) dec Andrew Gray (West Islip), 5-2

170 Pounds: Andrew Voelker (Apex) dec Andrew Psomas (Monsignor Farrell), 4-2

182 Pounds: Christian Araneo (RaZor) fall Devante Orosco (Truman), 1:55

195 Pounds: Roland Zilberman (Brooklyn) dec Tal Granot (Hauppauge), 4-2

220 Pounds: Richard Sisti (Monsignor Farrell) dec Kevin Tynes (Brooklyn Tech), 6-3 (Round Robin)

285 Pounds: Mark Ifraimov (James Madison) fall Joshua Ritchey (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake)

Schoolboy (Round Robin)

75 Pounds: Tyler Sung (Apex) pin Anthony Sciotto (Rocky Point)

87 Pounds: John DeRidder (VHW) dec Matt McGowan (Jackson), 6-0

95 Pounds: Nick Lombard (Rhino) dec Zach Dobson (Ridge), 6-0

99 Pounds: Nico Mattia (Barn Brawlers) dec Johnny Devine (NY Titans), 5-2

107 Pounds: Garrett Beam (Apex) major Don Albach (Rhino), 8-0

116 Pounds: Stephen Glasglow (Rhino) major Aidan Dunphy (Rhino), 10-1

127 Pounds: Zachary Kornberg (Ascend) major Dave Flynn (Farrell Lions), 9-0

Novice (Round Robin)

67 Pounds: Darren Ketcham (Rocky Point) major Joseph Dulog, 9-0

68 Pounds: Joseph Cangro (Apex) major Drew Doscher (N. Hunterdon), 11-1

76 Pounds: Tyler Sung (Ascend) tech Logan Sciotto (Rocky Point), 22-4

106 Pounds: Carson LiCastri (Iowa Style) win by forfeit Marco Gaita (Long Valley)

127 Pounds: Jacob Cardenas (One) dec Niccolo Colucci (Summit)

VHW Goes 7-2 in Pennsylvania Duals

Vougar Honors Wrestling took a team to Pennsylvania for a pair of duals events – (Bad Karma and Ragin Raisins)*.  The squad recorded an impressive 7-2 record, with the two losses coming to Team Quest, 30-14 and Ragin Raisins, 30-21. The team members were:

102 Pounds: Vitali Arujau (undefeated)

108: John Twomey

115: Ben Lamantia

121: Tim Johnson/Mike Berkowitz

128: Joe Russ

132: Mike Lanasa

140: Sam Ward

147: Brendan Dent/Matt Haenel

155: Mike Dusold

171: John Vrasidas

182: Gio Santiago

194: Dan Choi (undefeated)

220: Roman Accetta (undefeated)

No 162 or 285 pounder.

* information provided by VHW

The "Miracle" Continues: The Return of Aaron Paddock

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A New York wrestling fan wouldn’t have been faulted for a doing a double take in May at the Cadet Greco Roman New York state championships during the 182-pound third place match.

In that bout, Aaron Paddock took the bronze with a 2-1, 3-2 victory over Dakota White.

Could it be the same competitor who earned sixth at the New York state championships in a weight class 79 pounds lighter about 14 months earlier?  Could it be the same individual who wasn’t sure just a few months before whether he would ever lace up his wrestling shoes again?

It was.

The weekend represented a new chapter of the “miracle” comeback story of the Warsaw freshman, who spent significant time in a coma after a backyard accident led to severe head trauma in August of 2011.  At the time of the incident, doctors feared that he wouldn’t survive, or that if he did, he may never speak or walk again.

(For the full story, please see this link).

Aaron, Ian and Burke Paddock, courtesy of the Paddock family

However, Paddock made an incredible recovery and returned to school after a 17-week absence in January of 2012, saying he felt “back to [his] old self.” He even put on a Warsaw uniform again, joining the track team.

“He ran track but he didn’t compete very much because he broke his big toe early on,” Brad Paddock said.  “He told me he didn’t really like it much anyway – he just wanted to wrestle.”

There wasn’t much question that he longed to be back on the mat competing in his favorite sport.   He attended as many wrestling events as he could, supporting his older brother Burke and his teammates.  So it wasn’t at all unusual when he joined his family and some other area wrestlers for a trip to Binghamton for the New York State Freestyle and Greco championships in early May.

However, according to Brad Paddock, Aaron wasn’t satisfied with a spectator role.

“He kept pushing — asking over and over again if he could wrestle.  He wouldn’t let it go,” Brad Paddock said. “It was really hard to make that decision.  I wanted to say no.  But he had no issues at all.  He was healed and if God healed him, then who was I to say no?  When I told him he could wrestle, his demeanor changed completely.  He pepped right up. He was running around, jumping on people, smiling so wide.”

That smile didn’t go away, even when he was reminded that he’d be stepping on the mat for the first time in quite some time at a weight class that was totally new.

“He probably weighed around 175 pounds that day,” Jeanie Paddock, his mother, said. “He went through a big growth spurt. We told him – the last time you wrestled, you were at 103.  182 will be very different.  He said, ‘I don’t care, let’s go.’”

Weigh-ins were already complete for Freestyle, so he got ready for Greco.  He entered at 182 pounds and could hardly contain his excitement.

“I expected all along to wrestle again, but I wasn’t really expecting to do it that weekend,” Aaron Paddock said. “It was just really nice to wrestle again.  I actually liked it better with the bigger guys because it was more upperbody stuff and less about being speedy.  I wasn’t nervous, but I know everybody else was.”

That’s for sure.

“Saying it was hard to watch him would be a huge understatement,” Brad Paddock said.  “I just about had an aneurysm.”

Those feelings of nervousness come up again when talking about the upcoming high school campaign.   Jeanie Paddock described it simply by saying it will be a “scary and interesting” season.

Aaron has been given full clearance to wrestle by his regular physician, neurologist and neurosurgeon.  After a number of tests, the medical professionals didn’t find any reasons that he can’t get back on the mat this year.

Aaron and Burke Paddock (just a few years ago), courtesy of the Paddock family

He’s been preparing ever since his performance at the Greco New York states in May, when he began lifting and running more on his own.  And, although he didn’t do much wrestling initially, he found himself a new training partner – Burke.

“Before, Aaron was at 103 and I was at 160, so we didn’t really work out together,” Burke Paddock said. “But now, it’s pretty nice.  I worked out with him a lot at Fargo and it was a lot of fun.  It’s nice to have him back. I definitely didn’t ever think Aaron would be at a higher weight than me.”

Burke wrestled at 170 pounds for Warsaw a year ago, taking third at the state championships after finishing fifth as a freshman and second as a sophomore.  He said he will move down to 160 for 2012-13 while Aaron will slide into his former spot in the lineup at 170.

“Aaron’s a little bit bigger than I am and I think it will be easier for me to cut the weight,” Burke Paddock said. “I weighed about 170 last year and I want to help him out.”

They will be helping each other out throughout the season.  Along with All-State wrestler Tim Schaefer and others, Aaron will look to push Burke towards his goal of a first New York title.

“I definitely want to win states this year,” Burke said. “It’s harder than I thought it would be when I was younger.  I expected to win one by now.  When I was younger, I thought I would do it a lot of times like my older brothers did.”

Speaking of older brothers, Joey is currently wrestling at Liberty University. And Ian, after taking time off from Ohio State to help guide Aaron through his recovery, is back with the Buckeyes, ready to wrestle off for the 141-pound spot with Hunter Stieber, according to Brad Paddock.

“I actually think the break was really good for Ian,” Brad Paddock said.  “Everything’s coming together now.  He’s feeling good and he’s in a good place, training wise.  Sometimes a kid redshirts and doesn’t come back the same.  That’s not true for Ian. He hasn’t lost that intensity.”

After his layoff from the sport, Aaron hasn’t lost that intensity, either.  He’ll wear special headgear as extra protection.  And he’ll get his wish to wear the Tigers singlet again.

“I’m looking forward just to being on the mat, wrestling for Warsaw,” Aaron Paddock said when asked what his goals are for the year.  He then quickly added, “And I want to make it to states again.”

Aaron Paddock at SuperSectionals, courtesy of the Paddock family

The path to Albany goes through the SuperSectionals.  While Aaron Paddock didn’t compete at the event in 2012, he did earn a victory there.

According to Brad Paddock, during the tournament, Aaron was presented with an award and a t-shirt that said, “One Match to Win . . . 1-0”.

“It was a really nice gesture,” he said. “Through all of this, Aaron has inspired a lot of people.”

He has inspired by simply returning to his everyday life.  And he will continue to inspire every time he takes the mat.

Section 7 Preview: Will Seymour or Kellett Become the All-Time Wins Leader in the Section?

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The Section 7 wins record is in reach for a pair of seniors – Troy Seymour of Peru and Justin Kellett of Northern Adirondack.  Whether one or both of them finish the season atop the all-time victory leaderboard will be a story worth following.  Seymour is the only returning placewinner from the area. However, Kellett and a pair of Saranac wrestlers who came within one victory of the medal stand at the Times Union Center a year ago, Codie Gillette and Nate Wood, will be among those who could score points for Section 7 in February.

 

Returning State Placewinners (from 2012)

 

Fourth Place: Troy Seymour (12) Peru, 170 Pounds

 

Additional Returning State Qualifiers (from 2012)

 

99 Pounds: Ethan Feazelle (9) Peru

106 Pounds: Kyle Agoney (12) Peru

113 Pounds: Max Marte (12) Peru

120 Pounds: Codie Gillette (11) Saranac

126 Pounds: Jordan Bushey (10) Peru

138 Pounds: Nick Forget (11) Peru

145 Pounds: Hunter Carpenter (11) Northern Adirondack

152 Pounds: Jackson Sunderland (12) Northern Adirondack

160 Pounds: Justin Kellett (12) Northern Adirondack

182 Pounds: Nate Wood (11) Saranac

220 Pounds: Luke McKee (11) Peru

 

Wrestlers to Watch

Section 7 graduated three All-State grapplers from 2012 – sixth place finishers Jacob Goddeau of Peru (132) and Ben Perry of Saranac (195) and 285-pound state champion Hayden Head of Beekmantown.   However, 12 of last season’s Section 7 champions return with valuable postseason experience.

Leading the way is one of New York’s best – Troy Seymour. The Peru senior is a three-time state qualifier who took fourth place in 2012 at 170 pounds in a weight class populated by a current Division I wrestler (Nick Mitchell of Frewsburg) and two wrestlers who have won NHSCA National titles during their careers (Zack Zupan of Canastota and Burke Paddock of Warsaw).

Seymour came close to winning a national crown of his own this spring, as he went all the way to the finals of the NHSCA Juniors, finishing as the runner up to Ethan Ramos of New Jersey.  It was the third appearance on the national podium for Seymour, but for now, his focus is on getting to the top of the stand in Albany for Peru.

Who else is a medal threat in February?  There are quite a few wrestlers very capable of making the leap.  Among these grapplers are the Saranac duo of Codie Gillette and Nate Wood.  The juniors both were within one win of placing last season.  Gillette went 2-2 at 120 pounds in Albany after a 29-6 campaign for the Chiefs.  His teammate Wood, who also had close to 30 wins, drew eventual state and national champion Tony Lock of Pioneer in the first round at 182, but responded with a pair of victories in the consolations before dropping a match to Tyler Morris of Salem to end his run.

“Codie Gillette works his tail off,” said Peru head coach Mike Hogan. “He’s an awesome kid who works out with us quite a bit, goes to camps and does everything he can to get better.  Nate Wood is also tough – a street-tough type of kid.”

Like Wood, Justin Kellett of North Adirondack also met the top seed in his opening bout at the state tournament (Chris Nevinger of Letchworth Central).  Kellett came back to record a technical fall in his next match and after a 41-3 campaign, will look to grab a few more wins this year in Albany.  He certainly has compiled a large number of victories in his career – more than 150 – and the Section 7 record of 183 wins is within his grasp (and that of Troy Seymour).

“Kellett will be very hard to beat,” Hogan said. “He’s a bright kid with a high academic average and he’s also a very tough kid on the mat.  He had a difficult draw at states getting Nevinger first and it impacted him, but he’ll be back and he’ll be someone to watch.”

He’s not the only one to watch in the Northern Adirondack room.  Kellett has some tough workout partners, including Jackson Sunderland, who returns after a 30-4 campaign at 145.

 

Also Keep an Eye On . . .

Hogan believes a pair of Peru state qualifiers from a year ago, junior Nick Forget and sophomore Jordan Bushey, are candidates for breakout campaigns.  Forget, who went 32-5 at 138 a year ago, may move down to 132 after the graduation of multiple time state placer Jacob Goddeau.  Meanwhile, Bushey garnered a 27-9 mark as a freshman.  Both picked up valuable experience at Fargo this summer.

There are also wrestlers who didn’t step on the mat at the Times Union Center in 2012 who could make some noise in Albany.  Noah Phillips of Peru is one of them.  He won his first 38 matches a year ago at 145 pounds, including 31 by bonus points, before losing what turned out to be his last bout of the season – in overtime to Northern Adirondack’s Hunter Carpenter in the Section 7 final.  Phillips had defeated Carpenter twice earlier in the campaign – by fall and by seven points.  He will no doubt be on a mission to make his mark this season.

Scott Kellett of Northern Adirondack, who dropped a one-point decision to Gillette in the Section 7 title bout in 2012, could have a breakout season after compiling a 24-9 record as a freshman.

 

The Team Race . . .

Peru's Kyler Agoney, Photo by Boris V

In 2012, Peru won the Section 7 team crown by 25 points over Northern Adirondack.  The Indians are in the driver’s seat again.  In addition to the seven returning qualifiers mentioned above, the squad brings back 20 match winners Brandon Goddeau and Tanner Phillips, as well as junior Josh Wright, who captured 30 victories a year ago at 152 pounds.

Northern Adirondack will try to mount another strong challenge with their trio of returning champions (Carpenter, Sunderland and Justin Kellett) and four Section 7 silver medalists from a year ago Austin Trombley (99 pounds), Rusty Pombrio (106), Scott Kellett (120) and Dallas Page (195).

“I really like our team this year,” Peru coach Hogan said.  “We have a lot of kids returning who have been very successful.  But we know Northern Adirondack is a good wrestling town.  They’re tough farm kids and they’re workers.   There are only 30 boys per class and they still get good numbers for the wrestling team.  And Saranac will be tough too.  Those kids have worked like crazy this summer.”

 

Special thanks to those who contributed to this story, especially Mike Hogan of Peru.

 

More Season Previews:

Section 1 Preview

Section 3 Preview

Section 9 Preview

 

Season Preview Feature (more to come):

Section 1 Feature:  Aslanian and Realbuto, All-State Wrestlers and Workout Partners, Seek to End Their Careers on Top of the Podium

Section 9 Preview: Stramiello and Martinez Look to Make All-State Again, While Fans Await the Return of Vinny Vespa

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By Mike Carey, sectionixwrestling.com

 

Division I

Returning State Placewinner:

Sixth Place: Johnny Stramiello, Pine Bush, 106 Pounds

 

Additional Returning State Qualifiers (from 2012)

99 Pounds: Gerard Daly, Minisink Valley

99 Pounds: Vinny Vespa, Monroe Woodbury

106 Pounds: Michael Raccioppi, Minisink Valley

160 Pounds: Dan DeCarlo, Port Jervis

195 Pounds: Deon Edmond, Kingston

220 Pounds: Connor Leavell, Warwick

Wrestlers to Watch . . .

Johnny Stramiello, Photo by Boris V

Johnny Stramiello, Pine Bush – The three-time defending Section 9 champion placed sixth at the state tournament last season.  His offseason work at Apex Wrestling plus his appearance at tough events such as the Journeymen Classic will greatly improve his chances of ascending up the podium.

Michael Raccioppi, Minisink Valley – Raccioppi is as tough as they come.  Last season, he finished 39-7, was a state qualifier and took seventh at the Eastern States Classic.  His “offseason” has included a fourth place finish at the MAWA Eastern Nationals, a 10-day J. Robinson Intensive Camp and an appearance at the Journeymen Classic.

Dan DeCarlo, Port Jervis – DeCarlo is as strong and athletic as any wrestler in the state but he typically only wrestles four months of the year.  His skill and technique are improving each season, so don’t be surprised if you see him on the podium in Albany.

Gerard Daly, Minisink Valley – As a first year varsity wrestler, Daly recorded impressive wins over state qualifiers Steven Sewkumar of Long Beach (Section 8), Kevin Parker of Shenendehowa (Section 2) and Josh Antoine of the PSAL.  He also earned sixth at the Eastern States Classic.  Daly went 1-2 at the state tournament and was eliminated when he dropped a closely contested 8-5 bout to fourth place medalist Joe Calderone of Walt Whitman (Section 11).

Deon Edmond, Kingston – Edmond is talented, hard working and well coached.  He was one win from making All-State last year when he went 2-2, including an impressive victory over Mike Spinelli from Mahopac in Albany.  Edmond has set his goals very high for his senior campaign.

Also Keep an Eye On . . . 

AJ Voelker, Monroe Woodbury – Talented and self-motivated; he can “taste” it

Travis Edwards, Port Jervis – Wrestled hard all summer; very athletic

Terrence Cheeks, Newburgh Free Academy – Has the ability; defeated Ethan Stanley (New York State fourth placer) in 2012

Brett Johnson, Cornwall – May surprise some opponents; on the cusp of the next level

Donald Brown, Middletown – Explosive wrestler with lots of “upside”

Bryan Mongiello, Washingtonville – 2012 Section 9 finalist looking for his first trip to Albany

Dylan Booth, Port Jervis – Will his 10-day stint at the J. Robinson camp put him over the top?

Team Vinny V

In the hearts and minds of the entire Section 9 wrestling community, the most anticipated moment of the upcoming season will be when Monroe Woodbury sophomore Vinny Vespa steps on the mat for the first time.  Vespa, a New York state qualifier last season, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma this past spring and has been undergoing treatments for several months. Those who know Vinny can attest to the following statement — it’s a matter of “when”, not “if” he returns to the mat in a Monroe Woodbury singlet.

Team Race

Although they graduated five state qualifiers, two-time defending tournament champions Warwick Valley cannot be discounted. However, on paper, Monroe Woodbury and Minisink Valley seem to be the favorites going into the 2012-2013 season.

All three teams finished last season ranked in the top 20 in New York State.  Monroe Woodbury, the 18th ranked team a year ago, returns nearly its entire lineup.  Expect the Crusaders to be led by AJ Voelker, Vinny Vespa, PJ Smoot, Rob Kelly, JP Vandercliff and Drake Barczak.

Minisink Valley also returns the majority of last year’s team which finished the season as the 20th ranked team in the state.  The Warriors are expecting big things from qualifiers Gerard Daly and Michael Raccioppi as well as returning starters Chris Truglio, Nick Truglio, Nick Wentland and Josh Bonneau.

Although hit hard by graduation, last year’s 19th ranked team, Warwick Valley, is expecting another solid year.  The Wildcats will be led by returning state qualifier Connor Leavell as well as Joe Ginley, Thomas Wightman and Andy Sliter.

Several other teams have the potential to be in the hunt for the team title in Section 9.  Cornwall, led by New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame coach Don Blaine, is always tough.  This year’s squad will be no different and has several wrestlers who can make a splash at the sectional tournament including Brett Johnson, Sean Sweeney, Luke Zsido and Quinn Zsido.  NFA is always a solid team, however this year’s squad will have to contend with the loss of Hall of Fame coach Jeff Cuilty, who stepped down from his position in August. Port Jervis, Middletown, Valley Central and Washingtonville are ever-improving and may surprise some teams.

 

Division II

Returning State Placewinner:

Sixth Place: Andy Martinez, Liberty, 182 Pounds

 

Additional Returning State Qualifiers (from 2012)

99 Pounds: Dean Stanton, Tuxedo

106 Pounds: Austin Ingraham, Highland

113 Pounds: Declan Dwyer-McNulty, Red Hook

120 Pounds: Eric Januszkiewicz, New Paltz

160 Pounds: Austin Weigel, Onteora

170 Pounds: Mike Rauch, Red Hook

195 Pounds: Dustin Mackenzie, Onteora

285 Pounds: Anthony Tufano, New Paltz

Wrestlers to Watch . . .

Andy Martinez (12) Liberty – Martinez is determined to prove that last season’s sixth place finish in Albany was no fluke.  The gritty and talented senior went 2-3 at the Times Union Center including a 7-5 victory over eventual fourth place finisher Tyler Morris of Section 2’s Salem.

Austin Weigel (12) Onteora – The senior was 2-2 at the state tournament last year.  His hard fought 3-1 loss to eventual third place finisher Hayden Wagner of South Seneca prevented Weigel from making it to the medal stand.  A busy offseason schedule including frequent trips up the Thruway to Journeymen Wrestling Club have continued his progress.  At the Super 32 qualifier in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, Weigel took second at 170 pounds, outscoring his opponents 14-3 to make the finals where he dropped a two-point decision to nationally ranked Garrett Peppelman.  He followed that up by winning his bracket at the Journeymen Classic. The podium is looking like a solid possibility this year.

Austin Ingraham (11) Highland – Prior to the beginning of last season, Ingraham made a commitment to improve his skills and become a competitive wrestler at the state level.  His work paid off.  The Highland junior had a great regular season and was one victory away from placing in Albany.  This year, he has his sights set on the podium.

Eric Januszkiewicz (12) New Paltz – Januskiewicz almost pulled off a huge upset in the first round of last year’s state tournament when he narrowly lost 4-3 to finalist Jeff O’Lena of East Rochester.  The New Paltz senior plans to take home his fourth Section 9 title this year and then cap off his high school career with a trip to the medal stand.

Also Keep an Eye On . . . Jesse Corcoran (12) Eldred – Placed at Eastern States, season ended early due to injury

Team Race

Expect a three-way race in Section 9 D2 between Onteora, Red Hook and Rondout Valley.  Onteora and Red Hook both return two state qualifiers from last year’s squads and neither team was decimated by graduation.  Rondout Valley graduated three Section 9 champs, however coach Dave Hodes always seems to have a competitive team take the mat.  New Paltz returns two state qualifiers and may sneak up on some teams.

 

More Season Previews:

Section 1 Preview

Section 1 Feature:  Aslanian and Realbuto, All-State Wrestlers and Workout Partners, Seek to End Their Careers on Top of the Podium

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Gregor Gillespie 'Faced The Demons' and is Getting Ready For MMA Stardom

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By Irwin Loew

Photo by Irwin Loew

Seven days per week. Sweat pouring off his face. The muscles aching and the body getting tired. For the ordinary person, yes.  For Gregor Gillespie, no. We’re talking about a four-time NCAA Division I All-American from Edinboro University. No redshirt.

The fact is, Gregor succeeded. He got an education and didn’t look back. The time is the present. From running and conditioning to striking and counterattacks; from taking punches and giving them, kicking and learning the fine art of submission holds — it never stops.  Gregor Gillespie will be the next star of MMA. There is no stopping him and the desire he brings to the table. It doesn’t matter if he’s on a bike doing 100 miles on his day off or training the new guns from his home in Nassau County. He’s a rare athlete who is always working or teaching and he wants to win now.  

Gillespie provided insights about starting in MMA, his wrestling career, some things few people know about him and more in a recent interview.

First, some questions on your fighting career . . .

When did you decide to make the transition to fighting? Was it something you considered for a long time?

Gregor Gillespie (GG): I decided to fight in November of 2011.  It’s a bit complicated, but I’ll try to lay out the timeline of events that led me to where I am today.  2009 was my last NCAA tournament and then I didn’t do anything competitive for about two years.  In late 2010, I decided I was going to compete again and began wrestling freestyle.  In late 2011, I moved to Long Island to take a coaching job at Hofstra where I would also train for freestyle tournaments.

It wasn’t long after I moved to Long Island that I found myself in a bind, torn between my lifelong love of wrestling or pursuing the exciting world of fighting.  I’ll try not to minimize how hard of a decision it really was — it was REALLY REALLY TOUGH turning away from my dream of pursuing a shot at the Olympics.  But I figured I was having so much fun fighting that I would follow what was piquing my interest more.  And I figured I would be nice and let Jordan Burroughs take the gold (just kidding, Jordan).

It’s funny, when I was living in Rochester after my last NCAA tournament, I was at my ex-girlfriend’s house and she had a roommate whose boyfriend Ryan was an avid UFC follower.  He began pestering me about why I wasn’t fighting and I very sternly told him I would NEVER, in a million years, fight.  I guess he was right.

Tell us about the deal you signed with Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA).

GG: I can’t go into depth, but I will say that the RFA has given me an extremely clean contract and they were the ONLY organization who could guarantee me fights.  I don’t know the dates of all my fights yet, I am preparing for one at a time.  My first fight will be on November 2nd in Las Vegas.

At what weight will you compete?

GG: Lightweight.  155 pounds of nothing but lean muscle.

What do you feel your strengths are now and what do you most need to work on?

GG: I’d say my kung fu needs a little work, but I’ve dabbled in wrestling a little bit so that might be one of my strong points.

Who are your main training partners?

GG: Ryan LaFlare, Dennis Bermudez and Marcos Galvao.

Who has influenced you and your style?

GG: There are five people I really look up to that are involved in my MMA career: 1. Tim Flynn, who was my college coach.  2. Gregg Depo, my ‘jitz’ coach. 3. Ryan LaFlare, one of my main training partners as well as one of my cornermen. 4. Marcos Galvao, who with Depo has taken my ‘jitz’ game to incredible levels in the short period of time I’ve been doing it.  5. Keith Trimble, my striking coach, and all-around mentor.

Who would be the opponent you would most like to face if you could choose anyone?

GG: You said anyone so I assume that means I’m allowed to venture outside my weight class.  If that’s the case, then it would have to be Chael Sonnen just to experience having a press conference where I’m the guy he’s aiming all his [sh–] talk towards.  I would love to hear what he would have to say, seriously.

What are your expectations for yourself in the next year or so?

GG: I see myself with five wins and zero losses a year from now, and then it’s Dana White that makes the decision on where I go from there.

 

Now, a few questions on the influence wrestling has had on you.

What are the most important things wrestling has helped you with in your fighting?

GG: Mental toughness and how to wear guys down.

What will you miss most about wrestling?

GG: Singlets and getting to compete every week.

Will you stay involved with Hofstra or with wrestling in general?  What was the best part of your experience coaching at Hofstra?

GG: At this point, I’m not involved with Hofstra.  If Justin Accordino needs me to come in though, I will. He’s my boy.  My favorite memory of coaching at Hofstra was being in Justin’s corner when he pinned Ian Miller in last year’s NCAAs.

What were your expectations for yourself coming into college?

GG: I expected to party my [a–] off and get tons of girls, which I did.

Who was the toughest matchup for you in college?

GG: [Cornell NCAA champion] Jordan Leen, hands down.  He was the only person to beat me more than once in my entire career.

What was your most memorable match?

GG: Beating Dustin Schlatter in the semifinals of the NCAAs the year I won the title.

What achievements were you most proud of?

GG: There are a few things I’m really proud of on and off the mat.  On the mat, it would be my first state title as a sophomore in high school and then winning the NCAA nationals in college.

Off the mat, most people don’t know this, but I won a battle against addiction to drugs and alcohol.  I turned my life around on May 30, 2010 and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.  I’m extremely proud of that.

 

And a few more questions . . .

Have you seen significant changes in New York wrestling at the high school/youth levels since you were in high school?

GG: I don’t like the fact that New York has two divisions, but I do LOVE the fact that they have wildcards. I think the major change I’ve experienced is the level of wrestling and commitment on Long Island as compared to upstate.  (This is common knowledge, don’t get offended fellow upstaters).

For the serious youth or high school wrestler, what suggestions can you make with respect to training?

GG: My suggestion to all youth and high school wrestlers who are serious about training is simple – come to me for private lessons.

Are there any changes you would like to see incorporated in this country to make us even more competitive in the international styles?

GG: I think folkstyle is not only the best style of the sport, but I also think it is the most well suited for a smooth transition into fighting.  Think about it, there’s no mat wrestling in freestyle or Greco, so the mat control aspect is less developed than in someone who has excelled in folkstyle.

What are your favorite things to do outside of training?

GG: Wakeboarding is my favorite acitvity outside of training.  I landed my first backflips this summer.  People probably don’t know that I am obsessed with the Tour de France and cycling in general.  One of my favorite non-fighting types of training is to go out on my road bike for 80-100 mile rides.

What would you change if you could?

GG: I wouldn’t change a thing.  I faced the demons from my past and won and it has made me the person I am today – a good, trustworthy, reliable, honest, hardworking person. Throw on top of all those things that I’m extremely gifted and talented and wow, look out 155 pounders.  You’re in for a treat.

 

Going Ivy: All-American Tyler Grimaldi of Half Hollow Hills West Commits to Harvard

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By Matt Diano

Photo by Boris V

In a story that we have been waiting two weeks to bring to you, today it is both our distinct honor and privilege to break the news that Half Hollow Hills West senior Tyler Grimaldi has committed to Harvard University.   Grimaldi, the #4 rated prospect in the Empire State’s class of 2013 becomes the first student-athlete this recruiting season to select coach Jay Weiss’s Crimson program.  He also becomes the second Suffolk County wrestler in less than a week to solidify his future by accepting the invitation to attend an Ivy League institution, joining Sayville’s Matt Leshinger who selected Columbia last Wednesday.

Praised by Hills West Coach, former two-time NCAA Division I All-American Mike Patrovich, as “the entire package,” Tyler enjoyed one of the biggest breakout years in the history of New York State, seemingly seeing his stock rise with each passing week and/or tournament. Mustering a 6th place finish as a sophomore at the Section XI tournament, Grimaldi entered his junior season perhaps a bit overlooked.  By the end of the season, his was name that was on the tongues of every coach, recruiter, and NYS wrestling aficionado on the planet.  2012 did not witness this young man get better, it watched him explode, going from the previously cited statistic of sixth in his own section in 2011 to second in New York State as a junior.  And, most remarkable of all was that the best was still to come, as Grimaldi would put an exclamation mark on his junior campaign by notching not one, but a pair of All-American honors, finishing fourth in Virginia Beach at the NHSCA Junior National tournament, before making his summer vacation a memorable and rewarding one with a top-6 showing under the Fargo Dome at the USA Wrestling Junior National Freestyle Championships.

Ranked as the #16 wrestler in the land at the 160-pound weight in the latest Flowrestling polls, the individual that Patrovich “built his program around,” has shown himself to be jack of all trades, master of all, as in addition to his keen wrestling prowess, Grimaldi prides himself as being a true scholar, leader, and role model.  Positioned near the top of his senior class academically, it was quite apparent the love and respect the student body had for the future Cambridge, Massachusetts resident when they named him to the Homecoming Court earlier this week.    It is not an overstatement to say that Tyler genuinely falls into that rare .5 percent of special individuals that one cannot help but root for and embrace.

Pursued by just about every U.S. News & World Report top-25 national university with a wrestling team (#2 Princeton, #4 Columbia, #6 UPenn, #15 Cornell, and #24 Virginia among others), Grimaldi would opt for nothing but the best, choosing the top-ranked school.

In discussing his decision, Tyler said the following about why he felt Harvard was ultimately the best option for him, “What drew me to Harvard, aside from the amazing coaching staff, was that I felt that it was the one place where I could truly make the most of myself in every aspect of life.  Both on and off the mat I will be able to accomplish things that most couldn’t even dream of.  Ever since I was a little kid I promised myself and my parents that I would go to Harvard and now that dream has finally come to fruition.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, like any proud parent, Grimaldi’s father, Frank, was overtaken by the emotions of such a priceless moment, expressing the following sentiments, “I cannot even express in words the feelings that our family is dealing with.  From when Tyler was a baby in my arms, Renee and I dreamed of our son going to Harvard, never in a million years expecting it to actually happen. Tyler is an amazing young man who has made his entire family proud. Our son has worked incredibly hard on the mat, but more importantly in the classroom and into developing into the fine young man he has become.  God has truly blessed us. Many thanks to Coach Weiss for believing in Tyler. Also coach Mike Patrovich is the reason why we are talking. He discovered Tyler as an 8th grade football player and molded him into a Harvard student. We could never ever thank him enough.”

Tyler, about as humble and selfless a person as you will ever encounter, echoed his father’s eloquent words, pointing at Patrovich as a primary reason for his success.  Addressing the impact of his wrestling mentor, Grimaldi said, “I would be nowhere if it wasn’t for coach Mike Patrovich and his family.”

Projected as either a 157 or 165-pounder on the next level, Grimaldi will join a Crimson squad that is ripe with quality workout partners, including fellow NYer, former 4x New York Champion/2010 NCAA National Champion, J.P. O’Connor, and NCAA All-American Muzaffar Abdurakhmanov who both serve on Weiss’s staff, as well as 2012 blue chip recruit, Devon Gobbo.  Just like the 1961 World Series Champion, New York Yankees had their “M&M” boys, the addition of Grimaldi makes one wonder, how soon till the G&G are wrecking havoc on the nation?

Join us at New York Wrestling News in congratulating both Tyler, his family, and the Hills West program on the magnitude of this feat!

Binghamton-Bound Stars Tighe and Zupan Lead the Way for Section 3 in 2012-2013 (Section Season Preview)

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Section 3 finished second in the Division II state championships last year, with five finalists and three champions.  Two of those titlewinners, Nick Tighe (Phoenix) and Zack Zupan (Canastota) look to finish their careers atop the podium before heading to Binghamton.  Carthage’s Shayne Brady made an impressive run to the finals a year ago in Division I and looks to move step higher on the podium in his final season of high school wrestling.  For more on the wrestlers and teams to watch in Section 3 in 2012-13, read on.  

(Special thanks to John Drew of cnywrestling.com for his significant contributions to this story).

Division II

 

2012 Returning State Placewinners 

Sixth Place: Alex Herringshaw, Holland Patent, 99 Pounds

Third Place: Ryan Snow, General Brown, 106 Pounds

State Champion: Nick Tighe, Phoenix, 126 Pounds

Third Place: Isaiah Riccio, Beaver River, 138 Pounds

Sixth Place: Tyler Silverthorn, General Brown, 160 Pounds

State Champion: Zack Zupan, Canastota, 170 Pounds

Additional Returning State Qualifiers (from 2012)

113 Pounds: Laken Cook, Illion

152 Pounds: Tyler Spann, Adirondack

160 Pounds: Matt Fisher, Oneida

285 Pounds: Brandon Fayle, Lowville

 

Seniors to Watch:

 

Zack Zupan, Photo by Boris V

Fans in Section 3 will be treated to two of the top seniors in New York this season with Zack Zupan of Canastota and Nick Tighe of Phoenix looking to pick up some more hardware in their final high school campaigns.

Both stood on top of the podium in Albany last year after making their way through two of the toughest weight classes at the event.

Zupan came out on top of a 170 pound bracket that included current Division I wrestler Nick Mitchell (who came into the tournament undefeated) and two wrestlers that finished second at the NHSCA Nationals a few weeks later (Burke Paddock of Warsaw and Troy Seymour of Peru).

Tighe, already a two-time champion, was simply dominant, earning three pins in four matches to capture the title in a field containing such wrestlers as Renaldo Rodriguez-Spencer (one of the top 50 juniors in the nation, according to Intermat), multi-time placer Corey Dake of Lansing and former state champion Tristan Rifanburg of Norwich.  His 47-2 year featured 31 total falls and only six regular decisions.

Tyler Spann (Adirondack) – Spann had big wins over Kaleb Smith and Rowdy Prior in the Section tournament last season to punch his ticket to Albany, and a return trip is very likely.  He tallied a 35-6 record as a junior at 145 and 152 pounds, going 1-2 at the Times Union Center with his losses coming against state champion Ben Haas and fourth place finisher Dan Dickman of Greene.

Matt Fisher (Oneida) – John Drew described Fisher as an “absolute gym rat” who “possesses freakish strength for someone his size”.  He won more than 35 bouts a year ago at 160 pounds and went 1-2 at the state tournament, although both of his losses were by one point.  He will look to take a few steps further next year to make the medal stand as a senior.

 

Also Keep an Eye On . . .

They weren’t state champions last year, but the following are wrestlers to watch this upcoming season.

Laken Cook, Ilion – Cook didn’t make the podium in 2012 but has in the past (fourth at 96 pounds as an eighth grader and fifth at 103 as a freshman).  He compiled a 36-7 record with 20 pins in 2011-12, including six straight falls in January.  With around 125 victories already in his career, he is a lightweight to watch as he tries to make a return to All-State status.

Brandon Fayle, Photo by Boris V

Brandon Fayle, Lowville – Fayle was within one victory of placing at the state tournament in 2012.  He won a pair of bouts in Albany and lost to both the fifth and sixth place finishers by one point.  The senior brought a 35-2 record into the Times Union Center, with his two losses to wrestlers he also beat during the campaign.  As one of three wrestlers returning from the top 8 a year ago, Fayle could get on the podium – and quite high on the podium – in his last season.

Isaiah Riccio, Beaver River – Riccio earned third place at the state tournament in 2012 at 138 pounds a year after taking fifth at 140 in Albany.  The senior has picked up 30 or more wins in each of the past three campaigns.  In 2011-12, he notched a 41-3 record with all of his losses coming to All-State wrestlers (two close decisions against runner up Anthony Finocchiaro and against fourth placer Nathan Silverthorn).

Tyler Silverthorn, General Brown – The junior reached the century mark in wins last season when he racked up a 46-5 mark and a sixth place finish at the Times Union Center at 160 pounds.  He was the only sophomore to medal at that weight in either Division. (In fact, only one other non-senior placed at 160 — Tyler Grimaldi of Half Hollow Hills West in Division I).  Silverthorn also earned All-America status at the NHSCA Nationals in Virginia Beach as both a ninth and tenth grader.

Ryan Snow, General Brown – Snow has finished in the top 3 in Albany in each of the past two seasons.  The lightweight dropped two bouts in December of his sophomore year, but then proceeded to get his hand raised 33 consecutive times before losing 4-2 to Cheick Ndiaye at the state tournament.  He rebounded to take third after earning second the previous February.  Snow will be in contention for a first state title this year.

There are also several others who didn’t get a ticket to Albany but have a great chance of finding themselves on the mats at the Times Union Center this February.

Rowdy Prior, Phoenix – Prior went 40-6 as a junior at 152 pounds.  He lost to All-State wrestler Frank Affronti of Wayne in the first week of the season in early December and then won 31 out of 34 bouts prior to taking fourth at the Section 3 tournament.  Prior defeated multiple state qualifiers during the campaign, such as Conner Fox of Midlakes, Josh Maier of Brockport and Tony Torrese of Fulton.  He will certainly be a contender to go to Albany and win some matches on the big stage.

Dan Smith, South Jefferson – According to Drew, Smith has earned All-America honors and is seeking to pick up some more accolades in the Empire State.  The junior notched a 35-12 mark last season, including a victory over state fourth place medalist Jared Soule.  Six of his losses were to Matt Fisher and Tyler Silverthorn and he may get another chance against those wrestlers again in 2012-13.

Tim Fargo, Lowville – Fargo was mentioned as a possible “sleeper” pick for the upcoming campaign.  He had over 35 wins last year with 19 pins at 132 pounds, with a victory over state qualifier Joey Love of Gouverneur.

Drew also believes that the 126/132 pound weight classes are worth tracking this year in Division II.  “Those weights look like they could be explosive,” he said. “Junior John Mazza of Mohawk and sophomore Triston Engle of Dolgeville put on some of the most entertaining head-to-head matches of the year last season.  Throw General Brown senior Brian Lear and Onondaga sophomore Tyler Field into the mix and you have potentially the deepest weight class in the section.  Those wrestlers faced off many times last year, and the results were rarely more than a point or two either way.  Very interesting weight class to watch, for sure.”  He added that Nick Tighe will of course be the strong favorite wherever he wrestles.

Team Race . . .

Canastota finished 24.5 points ahead of Phoenix last year (although the Firebirds came out on top of Division II statewide in Albany) and the two teams look like they will be fighting for the title again in February.

While both teams suffered significant losses to graduation, including Section finalists Anthony Finocchiaro, Steve Fallon and Travis Conklyn for the Raiders and state champion Tyler Button and Austyn Hayes for the Firebirds, the squads also return several formidable competitors.

In addition to Zupan, Canastota will boast Section runner up (at 113) Nate Walker, two third place finishers from a year ago, senior Wyatt Albanese and junior Jacob Morris and three other medalists – Connor Russ (fifth at 126), Joe Tiller (sixth at 145) and Jesse Puchales (sixth at 182).

For Phoenix, Tighe will lead the way while Rowdy Prior (fourth at 152) and fifth place wrestlers Brad and Nate Dietz will also put significant points on the board.

General Brown, which took third will also make some noise, with Ryan Snow and Tyler Silverthorn leading the charge.  Corey Gaffney, who was fifth at 195 will be among the upperweight favorites.

South Jefferson belongs in the discussion as well.  The squad went 24-4 last year and was a final four team at the Section 3 dual meet championship as well as fourth at the Section 3 tournament.  The Spartans bring back runner up Logan LaFlamme, fourth place finishers Adam Hutchinson (106) and Dan Smith (160) as well as sixth place medalist Ryan Charlebois (195) and could fare very well in the dual meet competition this year.

 

Division I

 

Returning State Placewinners (from 2012)

Second Place: Shayne Brady, Carthage, 170 Pounds

Additional Returning State Qualifiers (from 2012)

99 Pounds: Dempsey King, New Hartford

106 Pounds: Kevin Paul, Baldwinsville

113 Pounds: Thomas Hill, Fulton

120 Pounds: Derrick Gray, Indian River

126 Pounds: Antonio Deluco,  Rome Free Academy

132 Pounds: Connor Grome, West Genesee

145 Pounds: JT Romagnoli, Jamesville-Dewitt

 

Top Seniors . . . 

Shayne Brady, Photo by Boris V

Zupan and Tighe weren’t the only Section 3 grapplers in the Saturday night finals this past February. Shayne Brady of Carthage racked up a 38-2 record with 14 pins as a junior.  After an end of December loss to Burke Paddock, Brady reeled off over 25 straight victories to earn a state finals bid against Plainedge’s Dan Spurgeon.  After earning the silver medal, he’ll be looking to climb one rung higher on the ladder in 2013.

Derrick Gray, Indian River – The Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Section 3 tournament as a junior, Gray had a successful 2011-12 campaign.  The senior went 41-4 a year ago with 28 pins and a host of quality victories, including wins against state qualifiers Pat Webster, Curtis Barney, Codey Bond and Rocco Russo.  He was one round from making All-State and will no doubt be shooting for that achievement in his final season for Indian River.

Antonio DeLuco (Rome Free Academy) – DeLuco has been a section finalist three times, winning two titles.  He was 38-7 last year and earned a victory by major decision in Albany.  He will look to get on the medal stand in his final season for the Black Knights.

Tim Sposato (Baldwinsville) – After racking up a 36-5 mark last season, Drew believes the senior could be poised for breakout year in his final campaign.  He picked up a win over multiple-time All-State grappler Ryan Snow of General Brown last season.

Also Keep an Eye On . . .

Dempsey King, New Hartford – King sported a 28-5 record in his freshman year, with two wins over state placer Alex Herringshaw of Holland Patent.  His draw at states was difficult, as he dropped matches to the top two seeds, Kyle Kelly and Jon Haas, but he will be a threat to go further in 2013.

Ben Honis, Jamesville-Dewitt – Honis made his presence felt in Fargo, earning All-American honors in Cadet Greco and coming within one victory of doing the same in Freestyle.  His success in the ultra-competitive event in North Dakota built off a strong sophomore season at 182 pounds, after moving up from 135 pounds as a freshman.  Honis went 30-4 and was edged by a point in the Section 3 finals by Garrick Cook, who pinned him early in the season.  It seems likely that summer momentum will help him go further in the postseason as a junior.

Mitchell Woodworth, Fulton – “Woodworth never stops wrestling,” Drew said. “I think he’s going to have a huge sophomore year in Section 3.  He narrowly lost to Dempsey King in the section finals at 99 pounds (after defeating him in the class finals the week before) and he stood toe-to-toe with Chenango Forks two-time state champ Kyle Kelly at the Bradshaw Tournament last year before bowing out 6-0.”  He is likely to move up after a summer of weight training.

Tom Quinlan and Patrick Quinlan, Fayetteville-Manlius – The Quinlan brothers saw a lot of success last season, with junior Tom registering a 34-6 record with second place showings in five different events.  He’ll try to get over the hump from silver to gold this season while his brother, 30-9 a year ago will aim for a Section title.

Nick Toutant, Indian River – In his 37-3 freshman season at 106 pounds, Toutant lost three matches, each by a single point.  Two of those setbacks came against state qualifiers.  The Indian River lightweight also topped All-State wrestlers Alex Herringshaw and Cody Carbery.

Team Race . . .

Indian River was a 16.5 point winner over Fulton in 2012 and the Warriors will be tough again.  Most Outstanding Wrestler Derrick Gray returns after a 41-4 season in which he came within one win of placing at states.  The other two titlewinners for Indian River, Garrick Cook and Derrek Dalton graduated as did silver medalists Jordan Berry and Matt Simpson.  Trying to make up for those losses will be runner up Nick Toutant (106) and senior Michael Mullins (third at 113) as well as a duo of sixth place finishers Sonny McPherson and Jody Brown.

Like Indian River, Fulton brings back a first, second, third and two sixth placers.   Also like the Warriors, Fulton said goodbye to several standouts, including All-State grappler Adam Wallace, and Section victors Tony Torrese and Nick Woodworth. Junior Thomas Hill is the returning champion and Mitchell Woodworth the 2012 runner up.  Also back are Austin Whitney (third at 106), Connor Aldash (sixth at 132) and Brennan Roberge (sixth at 285).  Of course, another significant change for the squad is the loss of 500 match winner Mike Conners, the head coach who spent 25 years at the helm of the program.  Chris Stalker will try to start a new legacy as he takes over for a legend.

Carthage could be in the mix based on the firepower in the lineup.  Shayne Brady was 38-2 and will be a contender for a state title.  Trevor Gibbons, who was second at 285 returns after a 33 win campaign as does third placer William Batey.  Quintin Reid and Colin Ryan, fourth and fifth, respectively in 2012 will also be back in a Comets singlet as will Andy McFarland.  The only major pointscorer not returning is Josh McFarland, who was third at 145.

 

For more previews:

Section 1 Preview

Section 1 Feature:  Aslanian and Realbuto, All-State Wrestlers and Workout Partners, Seek to End Their Careers on Top of the Podium

 

Piccininni, Muldoon Win Titles at the Iron Horse Invitational; Fabian, Melikian, Almaviva and McDevitt Take Second

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Photo by Boris V

For Nick Piccininni, it was just another undefeated weekend.  There have been quite a few of those recently for the 2012 state champion from Ward Melville as he went 4-0 in South Plainfield, New Jersey to capture the title at the Iron Horse Invitational.  Among his victories were a major over New Jersey qualifier John Amato and a 1-0 decision over Garden State placer Craig DeLaCruz.  The performance was a continuation of a dominant month for Piccininni, which included a title at the Journeymen Classic last Sunday, an unblemished record at the Waterway Duals (while wrestling up a weight) and a dominant championship at the Super 32 Qualifier in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.  He’ll try to keep the momentum going at the Super 32 tournament in North Carolina in a few weeks.

Piccininni wasn’t the only champion from the Empire State at the Iron Horse.  Pearl River’s John Muldoon won gold in his bracket after going 4-0 against opponents from New Jersey.

In a round robin tournament loaded with state champions and placers, four New York grapplers took second.  A week ago at the Journeymen Classic, Shoreham Wading River’s TJ Fabian won each of his matches by pin while taking second behind New Jersey medalist Anthony Giraldo.  On Sunday, it was a similar story.  Fabian pinned three of his opponents in South Plainfield while losing a tight, 3-1 bout to Giraldo to take the silver.

Also competing last weekend at the Journeymen Classic were Fordham Prep’s Sam Melikian and Shenendehowa’s David Almaviva.  Both followed up with second place performances in New Jersey.  Almaviva cruised past Garden State foes Max Elling and Collin Boylan and won a close one over fellow New Yorker Thomas Dutton, 3-1 in overtime.  His only setback was a 2-1 bout in the tiebreakers against Florida’s Aaron Hartman.  Melikian also notched a 3-1 record topping a trio of New Jersey wrestlers by a combined score of 24-7 while dropping his match with Sean Glasgow.

Wantagh’s Dan McDevitt and Joshua Ugalde both completed action with a 3-1 mark in their upperweight bracket, however, Ugalde tallied more bonus points during the day to secure the title.  McDevitt, who finished fifth at the state tournament in 2012, outscored his opponents 23-4 in his three victories.

Taking third place for New York were: Wantagh’s Chris Araoz (including a victory over New Jersey placer and nationally ranked Zack Hertling), Rocky Point’s Thomas Dutton and Shenendehowa teammates Nick Kelley, Levi Ashley and Zach Joseph.  For full results, see below:

 

Fifth Place: Vinny Skokos, Nanuet (Bracket 3)

Mike Russo (NJ) dec Skokos, Nanuet, 7-5 OT

Max Nauta (NJ) pin Skokos, 2:39

Tyler Casamenti (NJ) dec Skokos, 4-2

Brian Damon (NJ) over Skokos, forfeit

 

1st Place: Nick Piccininni, Ward Melville (Bracket 5)

Piccininni dec Matthew Lattanze (PA), 6-4

Piccininni over Blake Retell (NY), forfeit

Piccininni over Craig DeLaCruz (NJ), 1-0

Piccininni major John Amato (NJ),10-2

 

Fifth Place: Blake Retell, Shaker (Bracket 5)

Matthew Lattanze (PA) dec Retell, 1-0

John Amato (NJ) dec Retell, 6-2

Retell forfeited vs. Piccininni and DeLaCruz

 

Fourth place: Travis Passaro, Eastport South Manor (Bracket 9)

Dave McFadden (NJ) dec Passaro, 3-2

Sal Profaci (NJ) dec Passaro, 8-3

Kyle Brady over Passaro, forfeit

 

1st Place: John Muldoon, Pearl River (Bracket 11)

Muldoon dec Devon LaFranco (NJ), 5-1

Muldoon major Mike DeFaria (NJ), 13-3

Muldoon dec Tommy Gattinella, 4-3

Muldoon over Mike Van Brill (NJ), forfeit

 

2nd Place: TJ Fabian, Shoreham Wading River (Bracket 12)

Fabian pin Joe Kratochvil (NJ), 1:20

Fabian pin Troy Shaafsma (NJ), 2:55

Fabian pin Billy Ward (NJ), 1:26

Anthony Giraldo (NJ) dec Fabian, 3-1

 

3rd Place: Chris Araoz, Wantagh (Bracket 14)

Scott Delvecchio (NJ) pin Araoz 3:57

Mike Pongracz (NJ) dec Araoz, 2-0

Araoz dec Zack Hertling (NJ), 4-0

Araoz major Ryan Burkert (NJ), 19-4

 

2nd Place: Sam Melikian, Fordham Prep (Bracket 16)

Melikian dec Joe Tavoso (NJ), 10-3

Melikian major Vin Carriddi (NJ), 9-1

Melikian dec Matt Barber (NJ), 5-3

Sean Glasgow (NJ) dec Melikian, 11-6

 

3rd Place: Nick Kelley, Shenendehowa (Bracket 18)

Kelley pin Miguel Calixto (VT), 4:20

Kelley pin Spencer Carey (NJ), 3:24

Troy Heilmann (NJ) dec Kelley, 10-7

Brian Hamann (NJ) dec Kelley, 3-0

 

3rd Place: Zach Joseph, Shenendehowa (Bracket 19)

Joseph over Tyler Kozimor (NJ), forfeit

Joseph over Jesse Thorsen (NJ), forfeit

Gary Dinmore (NJ) major Joseph, 13-1

Joseph Grello (NJ) dec Joseph, 10-3

 

2nd Place: David Almaviva, Shenendehowa (Bracket 20)

Almaviva dec Collin Boylan (NJ), 5-1

Almaviva dec Thomas Dutton (NY), 3-1 OT

Aaron Hartman (FL) dec Almaviva 2-1 tb

Almaviva major Max Elling (NJ), 10-0

 

3rd Place: Thomas Dutton, Rocky Point (Bracket 20)

Aaron Hartman (FL) dec Dutton, 4-3

Almaviva dec Dutton, 3-1 OT

Dutton major Max Elling (NJ), 11-1

Dutton pin Collin Boylan (NJ), 1:22

 

2nd Place: Dan McDevitt, Wantagh (Bracket 24)

McDevitt dec Nick Carey (NJ), 7-2

McDevitt dec Zach Spira (NJ), 6-0

Joshua Ugalde (NJ) dec McDevitt, 2-0 OT

McDevitt dec Colin Barber (NJ), 7-2

 

3rd Place: Levi Ashley, Shenendehowa (Bracket 27)

Ashley dec Austin Price (VT), 7-4

Ali Yildiz (NJ) major Ashley, 10-1

Nathan Bueno (NJ) dec Ashley, 5-2

Ashley dec Matt Correnti (NJ), 10-4