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Long Island Wrestling 2013

Published By: Editorial Staff* The Friends of Bill Brennen is a 1956 graduate of Mepham H.S. He graduated from Pratt Long Island Wrestling Institute in 1960 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and is now a retired partner 775 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793 of Brennen & Sadera, a New York based (516) 804-8676 graphic design firm. He has been active www.friendsoflongislandwrestling.com in various aspects of Long Island wrestling for over thirty-five years, working with www.foliw.com The Nassau County Wrestling Coaches Association and The Friends of Long Editorial Staff Island Wrestling, where he is a board Executive Editor Jerry Seckler member. Deputy Editor Pascal Perri

Copy Editors B.A. Schoen & Robin Earl B.A. Schoen attended Baldwin High School Design Director Bill Brennen and wrestled there for coach Buzzy Friedel. He Layout Bill Brennen & Jerry Seckler attended Moorhead State College in Minnesota and majored in Mass Communications. He Research Editors Bill Brennen & Jerry Seckler was a referee for years, including two as Staff Photographer Pete Venier President of the LI Wrestling Official’s Advertising Jerry Seckler & David Hayes Association. In 1996 he was elected to the Baldwin Board of Education and, in 2009, to the board of Nassau BOCES, positions he holds Editorial Contributors today. Besides writing for this publication, he T.J. Brocking • Mike Candel • Glen Jochum • Chris Messina has assumed the lead roll in the “Friends” Jamie Moffet • Larry Owings • Pascal Perri • James Sagos presence on the web. Don Sayenga • B.A. Schoen • Jerry Seckler • Richard Shane Jim Sheehan • Yar Smada • Lee Roy Smith • Dan Wetzel Pascal Perri was a champion wrestler at Michael White both Mepham High School and Syracuse University. He became one of the premier The Friends of Long Island Wrestling would like to thank the many people and wrestling officials in the United States. organizations that have graciously contributed stories and photographs in this issue of He founded the National Association of Long Island Wrestling: The National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, Mike Candel Wrestling Officials and is past president of (Nassau Community College), Pete Venier, Joe D’Aquila, Glen Jochum & John Griffin The Eastern Collegiate Wrestling Officials (Stony Brook University), Jim Sheehan (Hofstra University) and all the families and Association. In 1995 he was inducted into friends of our Hall of Fame inductees. We are grateful to all of our Sponsors: Asics The National Wrestling Hall of Fame as an Corporation, Bethpage Credit Union, Michael DerGarabedian, Joe Settinari. In addition, “Outstanding National Official.” He is an officer and board member of The we thank all the individuals and businesses who have taken ads. Without this support, Friends of Long Island Wrestling we would be unable to publish this book each year.

In the mid 1950’s, Marlboro cigarettes was looking for a rugged, good-looking athlete to feature in their national ad *Jerry Seckler Jerry Seckler biography campaign. Bill Farrell, a found on page 3 with the Presidents Hofstra alumni and Little All- Message American apparently had the “look” and was selected to be the model for the Marlboro Man Campaign. The picture on the cover of this publication is of Bill Farrell smoking a Marlboro and covering his right Pete Venier is a 1956 graduate of cauliflower ear with Wantagh High School where he was a Long his fist.On the back of his Island wrestling champion.He then went on fist was a tattoo. Bill’s to wrestle at Colgate University. While photograph appeared nation- serving as an assistant wrestling coach at wide on billboards and in Connetquot H.S., he began to photograph numerous newspapers and local wrestlers. His expertise soon became magazines. Bill Farrell,a physical fitness fanatic certainly did not smoke. nationally known. His work has been As you will read in these pages, Bill, became a multiple time National and featured in virtually every national International Champion. He was also the U.S. Olympic wrestling coach in 1972. He wrestling publication, and in many college later founded one of the most successful sports oriented businesses in the nation. wrestling guides. He was inducted into the Bill recently passed away at the age of 83 and is missed by all in the wrestling National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009. community.

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Friends of Long Island Wrestling Officers, Directors and Committees Officers: Hall of Fame Selection: Jerry Seckler, President Jack Friedman, Of Counsel William Zagarino, Chairman • Bob Bury Pascal Perri, Pete Venier, Comptroller Larry Cantor Mike Davey • Bill DeSario Vice President Reggie Jones, Jr. • Jack Mahoney • Joe Patrovich Pascal Bill Trichon, Treasurer Perri • Jerry Seckler • Pete Venier Board of Directors Group Representatives: Roger Bogsted Neil Duncan Christopher Messina Bill Brennen Dennis Dunne Kevin Murphy Sections — Nassau: Mike Davey • Howie Greenblatt Suffolk: Chris Messina • Bill DeSario Paul Brodmerkel William Farrell Paul Schmidt Catholic & Private • George Dlugolonski Richard Bury Jack Friedman B.A. Schoen Robert Bury Ronald Friedman Frank Seckler Colleges — Paul Schmidt Larry Cantor Louis Giani Joe Settineri Officials — B.A. Schoen Pete Cimino Howie Greenblatt Paul Schmidt Publications & Website Mike DerGarabedian David Hayes William Zagarino Bill Brennen • Dave Hayes • Pascal Perri Bill DeSario Reggie Jones, Jr. B.A. Schoen • Jerry Seckler • Pete Venier George Dlugolonski Paul McCarthy Advisory Board Tournaments: Bob Bury • Paul McCarthy • Pascal Perri Roger Bogsted Nick Gallo Jerry Seckler Michael DerGarabedian Kevin Murphy Dennis Dunne Pascal Perri Awards: Ron Friedman Joe Settineri Paul Brodmerkel • Neil Duncan Committees: Golf Outing: Hall of Fame Induction Dinner: Pete Cimino • Mike DerGarabedian • Dennis Dunne B.A. Schoen • Frank Seckler • Pat Seckler George Dlugolonski • Nick Gallo • Kevin Murphy Jerry Seckler • Bill Trichon Pascal Perri • Jerry Seckler •Joe Settinerri • Bill Trichon StantonBishopScholarshipAward Membership: Bill Brennen • Pascal Perri • B.A. Schoen • Jerry Seckler Mike Davey Chairman

Bob Bury is a charter member of the Friends of Long Mike Davey is a graduate of Calhoun High School Bill Zagarino graduated from Mepham June 1950 Island Wrestling Board of Directors. He was a where he wrestled for Coach Bob Bury. He went on He wrestled varsity Jr & Sr Year ,for legendary National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee in 1987. to wrestle for SUNY Cortland where he helped his Mepham coach, “Sprig” Gardner. He then began He began his wrestling career at Mepham High team to a New York State Collegiate Championship. college at Hofstra and wrestled on the freshman School in 1945 under the tutelage of famed Coach After college he secured a position at South Side High team. He transferred to Millersville State Teachers “Sprig” Gardner and was a three year Long island School in Rockville Center and was the wrestling Collage and wrestled varsity his second and third champion. He continued his exemplary wrestling coach for thirty five years, coaching numerous year.Bill graduated in January 1955 so he did not career at Syracuse University. Nassau County Champions and NYS placewinners. wrestle the last 6 months. After graduation he Bob Bury, the outstanding wrestler, became Bob During that span Mike served terms as the Nassau assisted JoeValla atAmityville high School and began Bury the distinguished wrestling coach in 1958.and County NYSWrestling Coordinator and President of officiating wrestling. He was an official up to the coached for 23 years.He coached many outstanding the Nassau CountyWrestling Coaches Association.In early 1980's As an official he twice represented wrestlers during his career and compiled a 200-76 2011, he was inducted into The National Wrestling Suffolk County in the State Tournament . record that included 61 Division Champions, 23 Hall of Fame He recently spent four years researching He joined The Friends of Long Island wrestling and Nassau County Champions and 8 New York State and publishing the second edition of“ The History Of became an active board member. He serves as Champions. Two of his wrestlers, Tom Schlendorf Long Island Wrestling”. He is a charter member of chairman of the Hall of Fame selection committee. and John Walter, went on to win NCAA The Friends of Long Island Wrestling and serves as and also volunteers to work at the annual golf outing. Championships. Membership Chairman. 2 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:24 AM Page 3

Jerry Seckler, wrestled at Valley dominated the Eastern United States. His unusual coaching Stream Central High School where he lost only one dual meet freshmen style was offered to any and all coaches who were interested, through his senior years. He was twice and because of his “open room” policy and his students, a Long Island Champion; National thousands of programs were effected and Long Island Prep School Champion; Jr. and Sr. Metropolitan Champion; undefeated became nationally known for exceptional wrestling two years at Penn State; member of the prospects. Wrestlers from Long Island Schools were Penn State EIWA Championship team; recruited by colleges across the nation. varsity co-captain his senior year at Penn State; varsity wrestling coach at Gardner brought a spirit of leadership to Long Island Columbia University; past President of wrestling and now it is time that new leaders emerge to pick EIWA Coaches Association; Board up the tradition begun by “Sprig”. The Friends of Long Member of the Metropolitan Wrestling Association; member of the EIWA Hall Island Wrestling are proud that two of our members are now of Fame Committee; President of the ready to join in that leadership role. The challenge for New York Downstate Chapter of the wrestling is no longer for changes in coaching styles, but in National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He is also a member of The National the marketing of wrestling to the uninitiated public. The Wrestling Hall of Fame. time has come for the next generation to begin to assume the responsibilities for guiding wrestling in the future. Michael DerGarabedian and Noel Thompson Coach Frank “Sprig” Gardner arrived in East have been named to the Board of Directors of the Hampton, Long Island in 1928. He was the new Football National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum coach at one of the oldest villages in America. Gardner’s roots were in southern Michael Pennsylvania, and he had DerGarabedian just graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Michael’s love of the sport Lancaster, PA. “Sprig’s” and excellence on the mat knowledge of wrestling earned him a scholarship to stemmed from his college the University of Michigan, roommate who was a varsity where he wrestled for the wrestler at F & M. “Wolverine” coaches Dale Gardner was a brilliant Bahr and Joe Wells for five coach and a trained physical years (1980-1985) and earned educator. He moved to a spot in the starting line up Mepham High School in four of those years. He North Bellmore on the placed in the Big 10’s South Shore of Long Island Championship multiple times. where he became the As a nationally ranked Football and wrestling coach. It was at Mepham where wrestler, Michael’s last year in college was met with a life “Sprig” began his storied career in wrestling. On Long altering decision, wrestling in the Big 10 Championship or Island, a few high school wrestling programs were already sit for the Law School Admission Test. Michael, governed by in place and wrestling had already been established in a “wrestling lesson”, chose the latter and never looked back. YMCA’s and local colleges. The student body at Mepham Upon graduating law school, Michael accepted a job in was ready and “Sprig” proved to have the right formula to Hartford, Connecticut. While there, he continued to use the change the entire area into a wrestling incubator which “mat lessons” to build what is now considered one of New feeds American colleges nationally. York’s most prominent law firms. Michael is consistently Gardner’s success, in part, came from his development quoted in local papers, national legal publications and has of a new concept in coaching. Sprig” created the concept of been featured on prime time TV legal documentaries. His “chain moves and drilling” in practice sessions. His unique trial record is unmatched by any other attorney in our region coaching style was rewarded with two undefeated decades and he attributes all of his success in out of the court-room, of dual meets and tournaments losing only once. His teams to one “wrestling lesson”....”No one will ever out work me”. 3 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:24 AM Page 4

Noel Thompson National Title in over a quarter-century in 2010. He Noel is the CEO and Chief chaired the NYAC to four National Division 1 team titles, Investment Officer of Thompson 20 individual National Champions, and two World Medals. Global LP, a Global Macro Previously, Noel was also President of NYAC Wrestling. Special Situations Hedge Fund As a competitor, he wrestled for the New York Athletic which takes discretionary Club placing at the 2001 US Open in Men’s Freestyle. positions in commodities, Noel currently serves as Team Leader for the USA currencies, energy, equities, Women’s Freestyle team for the 2016 Olympic Games in and fixed income. He was Rio. previously employed as a Noel graduated from Hofstra University in 2004 with salesman & trader in the a major in marketing and a minor in history. Wrestling all Equities Division for four years, he was a three-time team captain. He is a four- Goldman Sachs & Co from time NCAA Qualifier — three times making the All- 2005-2010 before working American Round — and amassed 130 career collegiate for JP Morgan Securities from wins. He was awarded the Howdy Myers Award as 2010-2011. Noel was also Chief Marketing Officer of Vukani Hofstra’s Outstanding Male Athlete. Energy, which traded and marketed crude oil and fuel Attending Freeport High School in Long Island, Noel between South Africa, South America, and the Middle East. was a New York State Champion, two-time High School In addition to his seat on the BTS board, Noel currently All-American, and was voted both Nassau County serves on the Board of Governors for the National Wrestling Wrestler of the Year and Freeport High School Athlete of Hall of Fame and Hofstra University Athletics. the Year. He was also an Ironman Award recipient as Noel previously served as Wrestling Chairman of the Captain of the Wrestling, Football, and Track & Field New York Athletic Club, which was established in 1869. teams. In 1997, Noel led Freeport High School’s football Under Noel’s leadership, the New York Athletic Club team to their first Rutgers Cup Trophy since 1969. wrestling program won the first Women’s Freestyle Noel lives in New York City with his wife Mildred and National Title in 2009 and the first Men’s Freestyle their son Noel Thompson III, AKA T3.

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JEFF BLATNICK OLYMPIC CHAMPION, TV BROADCASTER, AND TRUE AMBASSADOR FOR WRESTLING

Jeff Blatnick died unexpectedly on October 24, 2012 at the age of 55 of cardiopulmonary arrest at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York.

Jeff, who beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma not once, but twice, would be remembered as the kind of guy who makes a room go quiet when he speaks.

Blatnick was born and raised in Niskayuna, New York, a town that would later name a high school gymnasium and a park after him.

He first hit the wrestling mat in 1973 when Niskayuna High School wrestling coach Joe Bena was looking for a wrestler who was over 200 lbs. In 1975, Jeff’s senior year, he would become the New York State Heavyweight Champion.

Jeff Blatnick competed for Doug Parker at Springfield College, where he was a two-time Division II national champion and a three-time All-American. He was also a two-time Division I All-American placing sixth in 1978 and third in 1979.

Jeff won the Greco-Roman Olympic gold medal in 1984 after beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma for the first time. Blatnick also provided television commentary for NBC during the 1988 Summer Olympic in Seoul, and later Olympic Games’ in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney. He was a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and named UFC commissioner in 1998.

Jeff lived in Ballston Lake, NY and is survived by his wife Lori, and his two children, Ian and Niki.

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By Jerry Seckler NATIONALCHAMPIONSHIPSANDTHENONTO how to wrestle and he parlayed his early experience in THE OLYMPIC GAMES wrestling into 11 National Championships. He Chalked up 300 victories, a Canadian National Championship,and he placed Without benefit of high school or collegiate wrestling Bill sixth in the World Championships. During his competition Farrell enjoyed a substantial career as a wrestler and coach for years Bill also was selected as a model for a advertising firm. the New York Athletic Club. It was as a world team and He became the first Marlboro man. His pictures appeared in Olympic coach that he led his country to its best performance Life magazine and on billboards all over America. Marlboro in the 20th century. Farrell took over the national freestyle was looking for a rugged looking athletic individual to pro- team in the late 1960s, when it needed his organization and mote their cigarettes, Farrell a non-smoker, fit the mold. management skills, as well as his coaching. He was known for However, he had to cover his right ear with his right fist in his ability to blend individuals with diverse personalities and order to hide his cauliflower ear. techniques, obtaining maximum effort from each without conflict. BILL WAS A GREAT BUSINESS His knowledge of the international MAN CREATING ONE OF THE scoring system short-circuited Iron MOST SUCCESSFUL PHYSICAL Curtain deals at least twice saving FITNESS BUSINESS IN US gold medals. Bill would best be THE NATION remembered as the American coach of the 1972 Olympic team In his early years as a wrestler where Farrell became the mentor Bill befriended members of the to Dan Gable, the only wrestler in Japanese national team who were modern history to win the gold visiting the United States to without having a single point compete in the 1955 National AAU scored on him, Wayne Wells Championships. Through the who battled one international (Left to right) Leigh Farrell, Jack Friedman, Bill Farrell, Pascal Peri, friendships that developed he competitor after another to Bob DiBono and John Cusie at a reception for Dan Gable at the home of Michael DerGarabedian became the representative in the become a gold medalist in the United States for a Japanese Olympics, and Ben Peterson finished off the team’s gold in sneaker manufacturer known as “Tiger”. The 1955 national 1972 with his Olympic win. In addition there was a silver championships was the first time that most wrestlers had an medal for Rick Saunders and bronze for John Peterson and opportunity to wrestle Chris Taylor. However the Olympics isn’t on a foam Mat. Bill the point where Farrell began or negotiated for an ended his career it was more of a exclusive sales contract point in the center. with the Resilite company and became HOFSTRA FOOTBALL TO their representative INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING for everything east AND BIG BUSINESS of the Mississippi After graduating from River. His next College, Farrell began to learn acquisition

Bill Farrell was a frequent guest on the TONIGHT SHOW and once engaged in a mock wrestling match with host, Johnny Carson

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included representation of the Universal Fitness Gym, “Tiger shoe” and what could be improved .“Tiger” which rounded out his major inventories in physical became ASICS a label that today is known worldwide, fitness field. Bill opened larger and larger warehouses as the finest wrestling shoe made. and employed more and more wrestlers in his Bill kew how to promote wrestling and physical business.During his early years with Tiger bill worked fitness. As his reputation and business grew Bill was an on improving the quality of the shoes. Early shoes had often guest on the late night Johnny Carson TV show. a tendency to rip apart without much use, however they He wrestled Johnny, then went on children shows were light, ideal for wrestling and particularly good for performing with Marlo Thomas on the Bob McAllister those individuals who like to use TheIr legs. Bill would TV show and presented kid wrestling for the 1st time on send samples to selected college wrestlers all over the major TV. nation and asked them to let him know how the Wrestling lost a major influence when Bill Farrell wrestling shoes held up , what they liked about the passed away in June 2012

Farewell to a Great Friend! By Pascal Perri He was ruggedly handsome, intelligent, a super athlete, and a great friend. To our sorrow, he passed away at the age of 82. I have heard a good many stories about how Bill got into wrestling. None of them hit the mark. Here are the facts:Years ago, after graduating from college, a number of our high school and college pals put togeth- er a championship softball team. The team was loaded with outstanding athletes- predominately wrestlers. We played in a number of leagues and almost always won the league championships. Our manager was Joe Margiotta, who later became a major personality in Long island and New York state politics. Joe was also a great supporter of Hofstra’s wrestling program. Bill Farrell was our catcher and cleanup batter. In a very short time Bill and I became great friends. He knew little or nothing about wrestling but he admired the way wrestlers handled themselves and the respect they received from all who knew them. Sometimes after practice a few of the wrestlers would demonstrate holds and even roll around on the turf. Bill was fascinated and impressed when one of the lighter weight wrestlers would easily take down the bigger football players. It was then that the wrestling bug got to Bill. When the softball season ended, Bill asked me if I would come to the Hofstra Gym and show him some holds and workout. I accepted At the time I weighed about 170. Bill weighed about 190 or more, was well coordinated and as strong as a bull. We shot take-downs and worked top and bottom situations. In the early stages of our workouts Bill was frustrated by how easily I could take him down and control him. But he was a gifted athlete and it wasn’t long before he started to not only hold his own, but to also gain more confidence in our scrimmages. Finally, we reached the point where it was difficult for me to do much with him. It was then that I knew it was time for him to move up to the next level.

For years, he teased me about how I never gave him a chance for “pay back”. I told him, “Bill, my mother did not raise any dummies.”

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THE 2013 STAN BISHOP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Stan Bishop loved Wrestling to many, is more than a sport. It’s a way of wrestling. Growing up on a life. You have to eat right and run until your legs give out in small farm in Pennsylvania order to stay on top of your game. But when your match he also learned to love the finally comes and you know you’ve prepared yourself, English language. When he there’s nowhere else you’d rather be than on that mat. You became an English teacher at test strength against the other guy’s and when the round is Valley Stream Central High, he was able to combine these finally over, you feel like you’ve just went to battle. Yet two passions in ways he did when the next round begins, you get your strength back, for the rest of his life. and all the moves you went over in practice race through Stan was an assistant to you mind at a million miles per hour. Then after the match Hall of Fame Coach Harold is over, two things can happen. You can stand there with Earl who relied on Stan to your hands down, knowing that you could have done accurately describe their something more, mentally preparing your next exercises that wrestlers’ matches for coaching you’ll do in practice so you won’t take another defeat. Or and promotional purposes. you can stand there with your hand raised high in the air by He counseled wrestlers on how to craft their college entrance the referee, overjoyed at the great display of showmanship essays and other writing you and your opponent just put on for the families and fans samples. who came to see you out there. Win or lose you still have When Stan retired he pride. Pride because you are a wrestler. Pride because James Sagos—Hicksville High School became the founding editor you’ve made it this far and didn’t give up on yourself. of the Friends of Long Island Many people don’t have the heart to be called wrestlers Wrestling Journal. Stan wrote because it’s one of the toughest sports in the world. The many articles for the Journal and helped many other contributors to be come strength and endurance you need to have so you can give it better writers. your all for two minutes straight and then needing to do Unfortunately, Stan passed away a few years ago and the rest of the editorial staff miss him to this day. In his honor, it was decided to institute a writing contest to further it again and again until one of you is the victor, takes both of Stan’s passions. unparalleled mental toughness in order to push through. This year’s winner, James Sagos, an eleventh grade student in Ms. Murphy’s Being a wrestler also entitles you to respect. You’re part of English class at Hicksville High School, has always had a passion for the sport of a team, and when one of your teammates goes out for his wrestling. In seventh grade, James joined the Hicksville Middle School team, where he match, you give him your undivided attention. Cheering for developed his initial love of the sport. His reverence for the competitive nature of wrestling him and encouraging him for his next round, knowing that is what he believes continues to hold his unyielding admiration. In addition to wrestling, in turn he will support you when you’re out there. When it’s James has continued to focus on his high school academics as well as other extracurricular your time to go out, you can’t help but be a little uneasy activities, such as kickboxing. Like most teenagers, he enjoys spending time with his about being the center of attention, surrounded by a whole friends and family, who have always been supportive of his athletics and education. James feels that he will always hold a deep respect for the sport that has played an crowd of dozens of people. It helps that you have your influential role in his adolescent life. He will be presented with a $1,000.00 prize, teammates there to encourage you, to cheer you on until the courtesy of Bethpage Federal Credit Union, later this year. moment your hand is raised. Even if your hand isn’t raised The Stan Bishop Prize committee would like to congratulate James and all the and instead your shoulders hit the mat and you get pinned, other finalists and thank all the entrants and the English teachers who helped make this your teammates are still there giving you confidence about a meaningful educational activity for all. your next match, giving you advice on things that went We especially want to thank the members and staff of Bethpage Federal Credit wrong and things you can do better. Some of them become Union for supporting this cause. your friends and some become best friends, people who you can’t imagine life without. Wrestling. Well what can I say about wrestling that Wrestling is one of the best sports in the world. It fills doesn’t already give you images in your mind of heart and you with confidence, helps you create bonds with your courage. If you wrestle, have wrestled or know a wrestler, teammates and keeps you in the greatest shape. It shows then you know how hard the sport is and how much heart you how to push yourself and helps you mentally prepare and mental toughness it takes to do. During the wrestling yourself for anything life throws at you. But most of all, it season wrestlers work their bodies like machines, passing gives you the pride of being able to call yourself a wrestler. boundaries that they thought they would never be able to Even the wrestler with no wins, no ties, just losses, can still accomplish. hold his head up higher than any other person in school. 8 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 9

Congratulations to the 2013 Hall of Fame inductees Bethpage is proud to support the LI Wrestling Scholarship program.

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A Brief look at the past, present and future of THE NEW YORK STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT & THE STATE OF WRESTLING IN NEW YORK STATE By B.A. Schoen

The 50th New York State High School Wrestling In the future it is hard to expect any section to dominate Championship was a lot like the first one in 1963: Long Island like the old days and there are two main factors I will cite to dominated. In Division 1 Suffolk County finished first with five argue that point. First: In 2004 a two-division system was champions and Nassau County finished second with three introduced at the tournament with the aim of helping smaller individual champs. schools compete. And Second: there is the rise in strength of A Tournament Upstate dominated by Long Island. other sections. In particular PSAL (thanks to Beat The Streets) It once seemed tougher to qualify for the tournament for a Long The once “Sleeping Giant” as Al Bevilacqua has always called Island wrestler than to actually compete upstate. In the first the City, is waking up. In addition the CHSAA is several years, the “States” were almost a celebrity tour of the getting stronger every year. In 2012, for the first time, the OW State for Long Island wrestlers. In 1963, for example, seven of went to a wrestler representing a parochial school—Jamal 12 weight classes were won by boys from Sections 8 or 11. 1964 Hudson, 130 lb. Champion from St. Anthony’s). Hudson was even more dramatic: Nassau won 10 weight classes while dominated the mats in more ways than with the fastest pin Suffolk medaled in one of the (00:08) in tournament history. He sang the National Anthem remaining three.(the number of just before the start of the finals. weight classes has ranged from 12— Comparing a wrestler to 15 over the years). Section VIII had another, maybe more than in other the first Two time champ: John sports, is always going to difficult. Harris from Hempstead in 1963-’64. Even when two wrestlers have a The dominance couldn’t last record of head to head matches, and it didn’t. Although Long Island there can still be legitimate debate has always been taken seriously, the about their relative skill. This is rest of the state has certainly caught especially true in cases when one up. Section 11 has the most titles by wrestler was out of his normal section: 20 and the most champions: weight class or was coming off an 151. Section 4 has the second most injury or other layoff. individual golds 141. Nassau In scholastic wrestling it gets wrestlers (Section 8) have 108 titles even more complicated as the and they have won the State title a weight classes change over the total of 10 times. years and, maybe more importantly, The term upstate is pretty the lifestyle of wrestlers evolves accurate. All but three of the over the years. In the “old days”, championships have been contested wrestlers were often good athletes north of the Throgs Neck Bridge. who excelled in several other Walt Whitman HS (1964 & 66) and sports and only spent one season The Nassau Veteran’s Memorial on the mats. Some of the early Coliseum (2006) have been the coaches hadn’t been wrestlers Four of Long Island’s New York State Champions: Al Palacio, Long furthest East and South locations of Beach; Kerry McCoy, Longwood; Tom Schlendorf, Calhoun; Jesse themselves. Ed Reinisch, Sal the State Tournament. Jantzen, Shoreham-Wading River DeFazio and the “Father of The Onondaga County War Wrestling”, “Sprig” Gardner, all had Memorial has hosted the tourney more than the rest of the sites great coaching careers without benefit of mat experience prior combined; 37, versus 6 for the Albany (Pepsi Arena/Times to their coaching stints. Union Center), and two each for Buffalo, Rochester and South Sprig didn’t have a secret technique to training champions, Huntington. he shared everything he learned. He invited coaches and When the NYSPHAA first conducted a state wrestling wrestlers to his room and ran clinics in the summer. To be the tournament, it probably started more arguments about regional demonstrator at Sprig’s camp was a high compliment, Bob superiority than it settled. In a notable series Valley Stream Stock, Joe Bavaro and Reggie Jones Jr. are three notable Central HS and Ithaca HS had a home and home series. And, examples. Extremely lucky wrestlers got to spend a few days at according to who you ask, it either established or refuted the the Coach’s East Hampton cabin where wrestling, bluefishing argument that the best wrestling in the state was to be found on and clamming were practiced. Long Island or upstate. Two young men who participated in In the 1960s more wrestlers began to expand their those matches, John Zabata (VSC) and Steve Shippos (Ithaca) season and wrestle in freestyle events like the Jr. and Sr. “Mets”. went on to have long careers as coaches in Nassau County. The late Bill Farrell and Vince Zuaro were among the Long 10 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 11

Islanders who were active in these programs. (http://thematslap.com/) first as a paper and, since 2001 The 70s and 80s saw the rise of kid wrestling and again, as a website. In 2011, Tony was named Photographer of Long Islanders were instrumental in its rise. Jumper Leggio and the year by the National Wrestling Media Association. his friend Bill Knapp started Bayshore kid wrestling over forty That really is quite an honor when you years ago. Terry & Marcia Haise and Ed & Marsha Gould are consider the great photographers like Pete Venier among the many who really helped this aspect of our sport (FOLIW), Dane Petersen (SPORTPIX) and Joe D’Aqila grow. (FOTOTRENS) we have here on Long Island alone. The 1990s were not a period when Long Island dominated Today we have the internet, web sites, facebook, chat up state, particularly Section VIII. In 1990 Craig Vitigliano (98 rooms, cable and satellite TV as well as streaming video. Plainedge) was Long Island’s only State Champ. In 1991 Nick Sites like youtube offer more matches than a fan should Hall (215 Longwood) was the Island’s lone gold medalist. or could watch. Skype and streaming video will bring Suffolk came back and was the top section in ’92, ’94 and ’99 more of the States to fans everywhere. but in 1994 and ’95 Nassau did not have a State Champ. Of The future? Don’t ask me! I think it’s important to course, the exception was Jesse jantzen of Shoreham Wading realize that 50 years is a long time for a man but the blink River, with his run of four state titles from 1997-2000. of an eye for mankind. Wrestling is Man’s Oldest Sport The New Millennium has seen Suffolk standing tall again and it’s in good shape today. Interest and participation while Nassau has clawed its way onto the podium as well. In are high. Women’s wrestling is an Olympic event and addition to placing second in the 50th edition of this great California and New York City have started new, girls only tournament, Nassau had the #1 Dual Meet Team in the state, wrestling leagues with their own seasons and Wantagh. They are a perennial Nassau power. In fact, Pete championships. Henning of Wantagh was the first NY State Champ by virtue of Dangers? They are out there. Financing is a big one. being the 95lb. winner in that first Taxpayer supported scholastic tournament. sports of any kind is only about To what can we attribute this 100 years old and, to a great resurgence? Certainly, Long Island extent, an American idea. In wrestlers put in the time both Europe, for instance, wrestling is off-season and off-Island. Johnny almost exclusively a club sport. Robinson’s intensive camps, The Typically, a community has a University of Minnesota and the club for a sport and families join Fargo Dome, on the for generations. It becomes a campus of North Dakota State have center of social as well as athletic become familiar sights to Long interaction. In the United States, Islanders and clinicians from all our best competitive swimmers over the country. Many of these often come from this pathway. clinicians have come to take part in Budget woes are deep, wide a new development: the rise of and not about to go away soon independent and, in some cases, for Public Education. Other dan- for-profit wrestling clubs. Vougar gers? Health and safety Oroudjov, Razor Wrestling and concerns. The HIV/Aids pan- Craig Vitigliano’s Ascend are promi- demic 30 years ago raised nent examples of this trend and concerns about blood borne they each can claim their share of disease and the Wrestling the Island’s success. community responded well. Media coverage has also Concussions and skin diseases, expanded. Besides this annual Four of the legendary coaches that catapulted Long Island into national ringworm and MRSA have been journal, now about 13 years old, wrestling prominence: Harold Earl, Valley Stream Central; “Sprig: getting a lot of attention and it Gardner, Mepham; Lou Giani, Huntington; Ed Reinisch, Baldwin coverage of the “States” and high is up the whole community to school sports in general have evolved over a half century. This protect athletes, officials and coaches from these threats. may be the biggest change of all. When Long Island had two Positive elements? Human Nature and the American daily newspapers, generations of coaches and wrestlers kept Spirit. Wrestling is the purest sport and the easiest to do. composition notebooks into which they pasted box scores of I’ve refereed wrestling matches in the Solomon Islands every high school match. These notebooks became ammunition with contestants who put on shoes for the first time in in marathon seeding meetings that preceded the qualifying their life when I brought them Asics shoes and singlets tournaments. from TW Promotions They had a brand new mat In 1963, there were more newspapers but many fewer TV donated by the Olympic development fund. Before they channels and no one, even Al Gore, had heard of the internet. had that mat, they threw a pile of palm fronds over a flat The Amateur Wrestling news was, and continues to be an excellent spot on the coral and covered it with a tarp. Then they source for results across the nation. Since 1979 Long Island has grabbed a hold of each other and they Wrestled! benefitted from the work of Tony and Jim Nordland. Both are former Amityville wrestlers who have published the Mat Slap Ever it has been thus and ever it shall be. 11 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 12

At the 1970 NCAA Wrestling Championships,at I was recruited by several national wrestling Northwestern University, what is considered the universities, including Oklahoma University, “Greatest Collegiate Wrestling Bout Ever”, was Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Oregon University, wrestled between undefeated Dan Gable from Iowa Portland State, Brigham Young University and State and a virtually unknown Larry Owings, from Washington University. I attended Washington Washington University . Much has been said and University and as a sophomore, wrestled at 158 written about that historic event. Recently, during pounds. I was the PAC 8 champion at that weight, and a conversation with the winner of that bout, I asked I decided that to be an NCAA champion I would have Larry, “When everyone was running away from Dan’s to pull down to my best weight. weight class, what prompted you to pull weight so It turned out that Dan Gable was also wrestling that you could meet the great Dan Gable?” Larry at that weight. I had wrestled Dan before and lost by was gracious enough to give us an exclusive account a few points. I was confident that because I was two of why he wanted to meet Dan head on. This is an abridged version of Larry Owings story. told in a years older with more experience, I had a chance of letter to Pascal Perri, the third man defeating him. on the mat that evening in the In the national tournament, both of us had falls Northwestern field house, from in every match so it was a showdown in the finals. Larry Owings. Due to space Everyone kept asking me why I chose to meet Dan limitations, Larry’s letter has when I could have avoided him by wrestling at another been abridged. For the complete weight. I felt that I could win and had everything story go to going for me. Dan was consistently being pestered FriendsofLongIslandWrestling.com. by the media to see if he really was going to end his career with a perfect 182–0 record. The media I have been asked to share my helped me out by placing a little seed of doubt into recollections of my NCAA title bout Dan’s mind. with Dan Gable. It all began when I My strategy was to throw anything and every- was a senior at Canterbury High thing that I had at him. Consequently, I made mistakes School in Oregon. I wanted that cost me some points during to be an Olympic the first champion.

Pascal Perri was the referee for the Gable- Owings match that is considered by many as the greatest collegiate bout ever contested.

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period. My style required action, strength and decided it was time to get it all done. With 40 seconds endurance. left, I became aggressive and pushed Dan. In the first period, I did what I call an underarm I was able to snap his head down into a front spin, a variation of a Greco Roman throw; I spun headlock. I wanted to go for a cradle, but Dan through and was not successful. I came back with a wouldn’t let me get to the side, so I worked down leg trip just as Dan shot on my leg. It was like I was and noticed that his left leg was close enough. saying, “Here Dan, take Spinning in the opposite my leg for an easy direction, he fell awkwardly two points.” to his butt and I jumped I found myself down, on top with a Whizzer but came right back out and held him for a near and tried another underarm fall. I was pressing hard spin to the opposite side. for a fall, and knew I This time it worked, and had scored 4 points in Dan tried to counter with the maneuver. I only a stepover. I countered hoped referee Pascal with a roll through to Perri would score it. score 2 points. At the I hung onto his leg end of the first period, near the out-of-bounds the score was 3–2 in my mark and waited. If I favor. got in trouble I was out I chose to start on the of bounds; if not, the bottom for the second time would expire in period because I never Larry Owings has Dan Gable on his back in the third period as Pascal Perri looks on. A few the match. When Pascal wanted to be on the bottom moments later he awards decisive back points to Larry who went on to win the match 13-11 Perri called time out, in the third period. The top position was always my Dan was inbounds and the rules said that 3 supporting best, and I wanted that to be where I could turn points had to be out for the official to stop the wrestling. someone in the third. I escaped again and came right Nevertheless, the match was stopped and the score clarified, back with a fireman’s carry. I started the fireman’s which Dan could not believe. carry on one side of the mat and drove Dan across It’s funny what goes through your head during a match. At the mat to the far side. I realized we were going to this point the score was 13-11 my favor, with only a few go off the mat and I mustered all my strength and seconds left. I figured I’d got here by being aggressive, so I shot hoisted him up and threw him over. I never had that in and grabbed his leg to finish the match. amount of strength before and I don’t know where it I helped Dan up and walked off the mat hiding my face came from. Dan was now down 6-2. I was on top in my hands, to escape everyone looking at me. The crowd attempting several pinning combinations, only to was wild and the roar of the fans was deafening. Referee Pascal have him move off the mat and out of bounds. Perri had to shout to get us to hear and we hardly heard the Thanks to an impartial and honest whistle. The tournament stopped at that point because the fans referee I was awarded a penalty point for Dan “fleeing could hardly believe what had happened. I could hardly the mat.” believe it myself — I had just beaten the invincible Dan Gable! The match continued with Dan scoring more Dan Gable was a great wrestler. I am just glad that I was points and battling back in the third period. He was in the right place at the right time. I was pumped for the match building up riding time points near the end of the and I’m not certain anyone could have beaten me that night. third period. Dan now had accumulated 2 points Over the years I’ve come to accept stuff that comes with riding time, and the match score was 9-8. With winning. I have come to the conclusion it is worth it if I can running time, Dan was in the lead 10 to 9. Bout time make a difference in someone else’s life. I have now devoted was running out! I thought he was stalling and I my skills to helping others have success in the sport of looked up at the referee as if to say, “He’s only holding wrestling. I have only one thing to say that I want you to on.” The referee did not appear to agree, so I remember: the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward. 13 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 14

New York Is The Birthplace Of 

AMATEURWRESTLING  By Don Sayenga

Due to the remarkable popularity of high school and who was and who wasn’t an amateur athlete. To settle college wrestling west of the Hudson River, notably in Iowa debates, an extremely strict list of rules and restrictions was and Oklahoma, most people tend to forget the American ver- adopted by the N4A in May, 1885. Despite agreement on the sion of our sport originated in New York. We are lucky to live rules, some of the clubs had been finding ways to get around in an informative age when digitizing older books and them. For example, a New Yorker named Lawrence “Lon” documents allows anyone with a PC and good browser to Myers, who was beyond debate the fastest runner anywhere seek out the records of our founders. Our heritage, formerly in the world, was paid a salary to serve as the secretary of buried in the dusty corners of sprawling libraries, is now the Manhattan A.C. which meant his expenses were covered readily available on-line. when he competed. Myers held the USA records for all the According to Fred Janssen, whose History of American sprints and middle distance races. Amateur Athletics and Aquatics (New York, 1888) is the Seven months after the strict rules were adopted in primary authority for the early days, the first attempt to con- 1885, during the annual wintertime boxing and wrestling duct a nationwide amateur wrestling championship was competition at the New York A.C. (which was considered by announced by the National Association of Amateur some to be a championship) competitors from the Athletes of America (“the N4A”) to be held Schuylkill Navy A.C. of Philadelphia PA somewhere in New York City on May 7, challenged the amateur status of one of 1887. The N4A meet, hosted by the  the boxers. NYAC officials turned the Manhattan Athletic Club at 524 dispute about the boxer over to Fifth Avenue, kept getting post- the N4A for judgment. The poned over and over again. A association refused to get power struggle between the involved, claiming it held no Manhattan A.C. and the New jurisdiction. The Schuylkill York A.C. may have been at Navy and the NYAC were the heart of the delay. irked by the aloof attitude of Those two major clubs the N4A. They retaliated by had been prime movers in convening a meeting in the original formation of the October 1887 at a hotel in N4A in 1879 when they united Manhattan to enlist support with a dozen other clubs, located from other clubs. mostly on Long Island, Manhattan, In January 1888, the dissidents and nearby in New Jersey, intending to formed of a new, rival organization, conduct championships for run- the Amateur Athletic Union ning, jumping, and weight (“the AAU”) and began throwing events. The N4A was The original New York Metropolitan Opera House was the venue for recruiting members of the many of the early National Wrestling Championships. modeled after the IC4A, a N4A to join with them in a collegiate organization formed more rigid, more exclusive at Princeton in 1873. Although track and field meets in league. Meanwhile, the Manhattan A.C. proceeded with the warm season were the main activity of the N4A, other its 1887 plan to hold a national amateur boxing and championships also were planned for sports such as Bicycle wrestling championship for the first time. Amateur Racing and Tug-of-War. The “national” character of the N4A boxing then was very popular in the metropolitan area. was certified by the membership of the San Francisco It was the main attraction of the event. For wrestling, Olympic Club and one additional club from Boston, but it only one weight class (135 lbs.) was announced. The was primarily a New York organization. final bout of this much-delayed N4A mat championship The N4A hoped to expand its activities nationwide using meet was held January 17, 1888 at Clermont Avenue Ice telegraph contact with athletic clubs in other cities. It was a Rink in Brooklyn. The national wrestling winner was a fragile alliance. The primary issue of contention within the man named Chenoweth who represented the Pastime N4A, right from the start, was the great difficulty of defining A.C. located on E. 66th Street.

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It is important to understand the social nature of the springtime date to a mid-winter date. The next three men’s clubs comprising the N4A and the AAU. In those early championships (1889, 1890, 1891) were held at the Met in years the average workingman had very little leisure time the month of December. Unfortunately, the opera house after a 12-hour workday, and very little extra cash to pay for suffered a destructive fire in the summer of 1892 and the a club membership. The clubs of New York were modeled building was closed for repairs. The Garden, an indoor arena after the London A.C. in England. Members were supposedly on Madison Square, 26th & Madison, had opened in 1890. It elite gentlemen who competed in sports for joy alone, for could have provided a good venue for holding an indoor exercise, or for the glory of their club, much like amateur tournament but its schedule was fully booked. As a result actors in the theatre. They did not accept any form of there was no 1892 national amateur mat championship. remuneration for their activities. A distinct odor of class The AAU’s financial plight got worse and worse. distinctions can be detected. Exclusivity of that kind is After much debate 1890-91, the AAU agreed to a total difficult to define and even more difficult to control. reorganization known as the Mills Plan, named after its James Sullivan, President of the Pastime A.C., was primary sponsor Abraham G. Mills, a sports enthusiast from unhappy with the way the N4A conducted its first amateur the NYAC better known as the man who formed baseball’s wrestling meet. His club traditionally had been a leader National League. Under the Mills plan, the AAU gave in boxing and wrestling activities. Sullivan threw up all its aims to hold championships of other his support toward the AAU. The shift by sports such as bicycling, bowling, tennis, Pastime A.C. was followed by the Staten  rowing, skating, and yachting. The clubs of Island A.C. and the Detroit A.C. The new the New York City area formed a AAU organization promptly announced it new alliance called the Metropolitan would conduct its own version of a Association of the AAU. Similar national wrestling championship with coalitions were formed in other cities two weight classes (120 and 158). The including the Atlantic Assn. in finals were held April 6, 1888.on the Philadelphia, the New England Assn. in stage of the Metropolitan Opera House at Boston, the Central Assn. in Chicago, 1411 Broadway. The Met at the time was and also distant smaller groups known one of the newest social centers of the city. as the Southern and the Pacific The intent of the AAU when associations. Later, some of these were planning an indoor sporting event was to divided into two or three groups. create a gala social affair attended by The AAU itself became an association of elegant ladies and gentlemen dressed in associations. It continued to function with a evening clothes. According to the New York small staff from a rented office in Manhattan. Herald an “immense” crowd The Atlantic Assn. of the AAU witnessed the preliminary In 1891, Dr. Edward Hitchcock Jr. published an influential book describing volunteered to conduct the matches April 3 and 4 at the Catch-As-Catch-Can wrestling. The book proved very popular an went January 1893 AAU boxing and NYAC. The New York Times through several editions wrestling championships at the said perhaps 3000 spectators Academy of Music in down- attended the finals. Both of the first AAU wrestling champi- town Philadelphia. This was the first time the meet ever was ons won by fall. At 120, John Steil, New York Turnverein, held outside New York. It was hosted by the Philadelphia pinned Frank Mueller, National Turnverein, Newark (4:36), Amateur Swimming Club whose entrants won all five At 158, Jacob Shell, Schuylkill Navy, pinned Thomas Smith, weights, largely because no one from the Metropolitan clubs Pastime A.C., (5:02). In the beginning, the fashionable social was there. The following year the meet returned to NYC at promotions of the AAU succeeded admirably, but the fad Madison Square Garden which served again as the site in didn’t last long. 1896. The tournaments of 1895 and 1897 were held at During the summer of 1888 the N4A and the AAU held Pittsburgh and Philadelphia respectively. rival national track meets. This caused a counterproductive The AAU’s financial troubles at the time of the Mills squabble. For example, the San Francisco Olympic Club sent Plan were part of a severe economic depression in the athletes all the way across the country to compete at the N4A United States 1893-1897. The slump had a major impact meet. After traveling that distance they were denied the right upon wealthy gentlemen amateurs of the athletic clubs. to compete in the AAU meet. The N4A steadily lost support. Many clubs closed. Others, such as Berkeley A.C., Finally, it collapsed. Be careful what you wish for - although morphed into social clubs. The Metropolitan AAU lost a the AAU thereby had gained complete control of amateur majority of its membership. Due to the financial difficul- athletics, its ambitious aims had strained its financial backing. ties, a badly organized AAU wrestling tournament was Renting the opera house wasn’t cheap. When spectator scheduled for June 1898 but the records are garbled. The attendance fell off at the March 1889 national boxing and only bright spot for wrestling in those days was the wrestling championships, AAU leaders decided they might advent of YMCA programs combined with the expansion be able to attract a larger crowd by changing from a of new facilities such as the elaborate gym built by J.P.

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Morgan for his church, St, George’s Episcopal, on East & Elbow, Jujitsu, and others. In November, 1897, Leonard 16th Street. wrote: “...the catch-as-catch-can style...is the least artificial and During the years leading up to the 1898 Spanish the most ancient mode, as well as the one which is American War, a rapidly-growing interest in physical destined to have the greatest popularity... no exercise brings education was taking place in the colleges and secondary into play all the muscles of the body in a more thorough schools of the United States. In 1891, a professor from manner, and none is more interesting than wrestling”. Cornell, Dr. Edward Hitchcock Jr., published an Hugh Leonard’s influence as a coach and referee influential instruction book describing the  was widespread. The wrestling world lost a great Catch-As-Catch-Can style of wrestling. He had leader when he was killed accidentally by a become director of the college gym at lightning strike in the summer of 1914. Ithaca in 1884. His book was popular and The same year Leonard’s handbook was it went through several editions. He also published, Columbia hired one of “Doc” instituted some wrestling classes at Hitchcock’s disciples as gymnasium Cornell. Hitchcock’s father (known as director, a medical doctor named Watson “Doc” Hitchcock) had established the Savage. His career was similar to Dr. nation’s first college phys ed program at Anderson’s. He was an 1882 grad of Amherst. One of the many men “Doc” Amherst who studied medicine at inspired was a medical doctor from the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn Midwest named William G. Anderson before entering private practice. Dr. Dr. Anderson began working for Savage became a physical education Adelphi University in 1885. In the years enthusiast. He operated a private gym plus prior to establishment of the Nassau County a normal school for physical education campus at Garden City, Adelphi was located teachers on West 79th Street. He completely on Lafayette Street in Brooklyn. reorganized the Columbia gym Although at first it was merely programs and served as a a small academy, primarily (Above) Dr, Watson Savage was hired by Columbia University in 1894. He leader for several organizations completely re-organized the gym programs and hired Gustav Bojus (Below) to attended by women, enroll- teach grappling moves to his students Together, they organized the first of physical education ment grew rapidly when Dr. intercollegiate wrestling match in 1903. The match between 4 wrestlers from professionals. He hired an Anderson created the Brooklyn Columbia and four from Yale ended in a 2-2 tie expert turnverein wrestler, Normal School for Physical Gustav Bojus, to teach grap- Training to educate gym teach- pling moves and gym appara- ers. In 1892, Anderson took a new job as tus skills to his students. head of the gymnasium at Yale University. Dr. Savage also was enthusiastic about He relocated his teachers’ school to the measuring the strength of every student in Yale campus at New Haven but his influ- school. The compiled strength test results ence on the sport of wrestling in New were submitted competitively against York would resurface in a big way a the results from students at other decade later. schools. As of November 1899, In 1894, Hugh Leonard, the intercollegiate competition in wrestling instructor at the Manhattan Gymnastics exercises with apparatus A.C., was offered a better job by NYAC. was already underway at several colleges He switched employers and became a and universities in the Northeast when fixture at NYAC where he remained representatives agreed to form the

employed for the next 20 years. Leonard Intercollegiate Gymnastics Association.

was a skilled boxer and wrestler, gifted with When Savage hosted the first IGA national outstanding teaching skills. Backed by some  championship competition at Columbia March funding from NYAC members, he created a series 23, 1900, his team emerged as winners, edging of photographs with another teaching professional Yale University for the title. from Manhattan, George Bothner, which he combined In March 1903, the annual IGA gymnastics into a 265-page textbook. Those wonderful images were for championships were scheduled to be held at NYU. Dr. many years displayed at the NYAC but now they seem to Savage and Prof. Bojus (or both?) came up with a unique have disappeared. Lucky for us, Google Books recently idea. While preparing their gym team for its successful digitized Leonard’s volume and made it available online. It is confrontation against the defending gymnastics champs by far the best wrestling book ever written prior to 1900. (Yale), they communicated with Dr. Anderson at New Haven Prior to formation of the N4A in 1879, at least a half- to open the door for a novel proposal: a team of four student dozen different styles of wrestling had been seen in New wrestlers from Columbia would issue a challenge to an equal York including Cumberland, GrecoRoman, Side Hold, Collar number of Yale students. Dr. Anderson thought it was a

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wonderful notion. At the time he was in the process of Harold Milbank, YU “but the superior strength and stam- scheduling an intramural wrestling tournament. Four ina of his opponent proved too much for him”. C. T. Neal intramural winners at Yale accepted Columbia’s challenge. of Yale was unable to make the train trip, allowing Columbia Spectator reported March 20, 1903: “Under Columbia to claim a win by forfeit for William Hennen at the auspices of the Gymnastics Association the first inter- heavyweight. One week later a return match took place university wrestling championships ever held in this at New Haven consisting of three weights country will take place in the gym tonight (no heavyweight) which Yale won 2-1. between Columbia and Yale...The men who  Unfortunately, Columbia University will make up the wrestling team are in good again reorganized its gymnasium in June condition and have been training hard for 1903. Dr. Savage departed and Gustav tonight’s event. During the past two Bojus went with him, temporarily halt- weeks Mr. Bojus has been putting them ing the CU wrestling team. Although through the holds and breaks, and spent Bojus continued to coach the CU the greater part of yesterday morning in gym team as an unpaid teaching the men the finer points of the volunteer for several years, he game.” Twenty-five cents admission became more famous for introducing was charged for the event. The program physical education in the Elizabeth included two minor basketball games in and Jersey City public school systems. addition to the dual. He died in 1926. The Savage training This first-ever college dual meet result- school for physical ed ucation teachers ed in a 2-2 tie. The bouts were decided by later was absorbed by NYU. Dr. Savage two out of three falls. J. Sheldon (135) CU, died in 1931. got two quick falls, each in less than two We owe a lot to these early leaders, minutes. Jacob Lindenberger coaches, and competitors. I (145) CU “kept on the defense Dr. William Anderson was at Yale University in 1903. He was hope their efforts can most of the time and lacked an enthusiastic supporter of the initial wrestling match between become more recognized, aggressiveness”. Two fast falls Columbia University and Yale University. The match featuring and the heritage of wrestling “were won pretty easily” by four wrestlers from each school ended in a 2-2 tie on Long Island and Manhattan Carrington A. Phelps of Yale. At can become better known 158, Thomas Cook, CU “put up a hard fight” against throughout the rest of the country.

 



 

This image, from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper April 14, 1888 shows the 158-lb preliminary in the gym at the New York Athletic Club when Thomas Smith, Pastime AC, pinned L. Sweet of the San Francisco Olympic Club in 11 min 22 sec. It is probably the oldest illustration of amateur wrestling in America. Three days later in the AAU national championship finals at the Metropolitan Opera House, Smith was pinned by Jacob Shell, Schuylkill Navy AC, in 5 min 2 sec.

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The Al Bevilacqua WRESTLINGROOM I want to thank everyone who has made this room possible. We have lists of donors on a plaque outside of the room. I want to emphasize my gratitude to a particular group of people: I would like to thank the parents whom I have become great friends with through this sport and the Friends of Massapequa Wrestling. I never had to ask twice to get the parents to help at any of the numerous tournaments we run. When the “Chiefs” won their second consecutive Dual Meet Championship, I received a text from a coach from another team, which said, “I loved watching The Massapequa Family sitting together, cheering for every kid, supporting every one win or lose. It was obvious that your group had a common goal and everyone had a role. There was no politics no BS. You should be proud of the program”. So, as this room has come together, I’ve gotten that feeling again. Together, we did something wonderful that will never be erased. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.

Thanks for everything Bev. Al Bevilacqua with two of his grandsons cutting the ribbon to officially open the new wrestling room at Massapequa High School named in his honor. Funding for the Al Bevilacqua Wrestling Room came exclusively from former students and associates of Al Bevilacqua. The The following speech was given by Friends of Massapequa Wrestling President, Dan Wetzel at the dedication of the Al Bevilacqua wrestling design, delivery and installation of the RESILITE wall and floor room at Massapequa High School mats was done by TW Promotions, Inc. of Ronkonkoma NY.

October 5, 2012: Well, the day has come. We are finally able to show every- one the new Al Bevilacqua Wrestling Room. The room is being dedicated to a man who has been a part of Massapequa wrestling from the beginning. Al has been a student, a wrestler, a coach, a teacher, and a mentor for so many people in his 60+ years of association with Massapequa. While he has moved on to bigger stages in the national and international circles, he has never been far from his Massapequa roots. His passion for the sport has reached 100s of 1000s. The Beat the Streets Program of which Al is the founding father has put wrestling into the inner city. The program, which has been growing exponentially, gives kids an opportunity to meet great mentors and compete in a safe environment. As Coach Bevilacqua has said, “The wrestling The dramatic change in the wrestling room is evident in these before and after photos. The room is the greatest teacher of kids”. In the room, wrestlers are Massapequa wrestling team now can enjoy one of the finest facilities on Long Island. taught many life skills, independence, preparation discipline, and Photos courtesy of Joe DAquila—phototrens.com the indomitable spirit to never lie down, never quit. The reality of “you can’t win em all” is abundantly clear. You can prepare extensively and still lose. This happens in life. You need to get up and prepare and make adjustments for the next match. Life gives you many curve balls, if you quit, you lose. Not only is this room a dedication to a great mentor, but it is also an ever-changing museum of wrestling history in Massapequa (Massapequa HS and Berner HS). From the beginning of Massapequa wrestling in the basement & cafeteria, to wrestling in this state of the art facility, the history of Massapequa HS is etched on the walls. Today’s kids can look up and find someone to emulate or aspire to be like. Massapequa wrestling is as rich in history as any other HS in the state. Now all you have to do is look up to find inspiration. 18 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 19

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A Wrestling Family’s’ Success Stories THE FOXENS By Jamie Moffet

The two phone calls came in rapid succession in the fall Captain of NYAC athletics, Chris Cassell, who was the of 2011. leading figure on their search committee. I met with Chris “Dad, the wrestling program at Brown is saved. Our first and his team three or four times. They asked me a lot of tournament is next month in Binghamton. Hope you can be questions - from wanting to know if I had the time to do a there.” proper job, to how I’d go about recruiting elite wrestlers to “Dave, the Wrestling Chairman’s job at the New York the Club. I must have done okay; they gave me the job.” Athletic Club is opening up. Do you have an interest?” As the wrestling season progressed during the second Dave Foxen, a familiar figure to Long Island wrestlers semester, David still was not having an easy time winning and fans, didn’t realize it but he was about to embark on a matches, but he was starting to show that he could be six-month ‘ride of his life’. competitive with all the others in his weight class in the East. It goes without saying that the position of the New York “The big turnaround for David came in late January when Athletic Club (NYAC) Wrestling he went up to Cornell and beat their Program Chairman is one of the most 174 pounder in the dual. Cornell was prestigious jobs in amateur wrestling— ranked in the top 5 in the country and and has been over the last six decades. beating their #1 guy in his weight was Dave talks about the opportunity. a big confidence booster,” says Dave. “I was very familiar with the club “The coaches started to encourage him since I’d been active with their more as his training program picked wrestling program for over 35 years. I up. He helped Brown win the dual wrestled for Bill Farrell and Sonny against Princeton with a pin over the Greenhalgh for 10 years and have Tiger wrestler who had defeated him helped Sonny with odd jobs ever since. earlier in the season. He won some I knew that the position would take an more bouts along the way, but enormous amount of time and dropped the last two matches of the attention to minutia on my part. But, dual season to Brown of Lehigh and sure, why wouldn’t I be interested? I West of Columbia.” figured, realistically, that I was the most Dave assumed his NYAC leader- qualified person for the job. I had the ship position on January 25, 2012. With time available since I was no longer his new responsibilities at the NYAC working full-time. I couldn’t sit back. I Unseeded David Foxen capped of his wrestling career at plus his coaching job with the wrestling applied for the position.” Brown University winning the EIWA 174 lb. title team at Port Washington high school, Meanwhile, the college wrestling with a series of stunning upsets. Dave only caught about half season for Brown University and Dave’s son, David, opened of his son’s dual meet matches. “The NYAC job is all in November with little fanfare. David won the starting spot encompassing. While it is very prestigious, it requires a lot at 174, his sixth different weight class while competing at of detail. I personally make all the travel arrangements for Brown. However, David took his lumps to start his senior our wrestlers. I talk to them all— Freestylers, Greco guys year. His father explains. and the women—on the phone to discuss expense money “David is a serious student as well as a wrestler and he and travel plans. I contact the college coaches like Sean needed to pay close attention to his strenuous academic Bormet, Rob Koll, Tom Ryan, all former NYAC competitors, requirements. His major is Electrical Engineering and he’d to make sure their best wrestlers represent the NYAC. I go regularly pull all-nighters just to keep up with the course down to the practice room several times a month to see how work. He wrestled in the Binghamton Open and the workouts are going. I work with Captain Cassell to make the Keystone Classic in November and in the Wilkes sure he’s updated on our plans and budget. Thankfully, I tournament over the Christmas holidays. He lost most of formed a committee with a great group of guys, like Rafael those matches. While I never gave up on him, I figured that Soto, Paul Kieblitz, Nick Catana and Hooman Tavakianon, David might as well consider the wrestling season as being who help me whenever I need it.” practically over with and that his best bet would be to focus With the EIWAs approaching at Princeton, young David on his studies and graduation.” stepped up his training pace and was able to take a break Even though Dave was a well-known figure to the from his rigorous academic schedule. Dave remarks, NYAC powers-that-be, he still needed to go through the “He started getting a regular night’s sleep every night and formal candidate selection process. He recalls, “I knew the the difference became apparent on the mat. I knew that he 20 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 21

could go with the guys in his weight class and had the time. He went for and got the deciding takedown. He was ability to possibly win the tournament. I thought he’d now in the finals. “ likely win some matches and then fall out —on a bad call So, in the 174 pound finals it was the unseeded David or some other misfortune. I was hoping he’d wrestle well Foxen against Navy’s 4th seeded Oscar Huntley. .Could the but wasn’t at all sure what to expect.” underdog from chronically wrestling-deprived Brown David was not seeded in the top eight at 174 University run the table and upset his fourth consecutive due to his unimpressive record, opponent? Yes. Emphatically, yes! particularly from the early part of Again relying on his superior con- the season. In the first round he ditioning, David scored a winning drew the #6 seed, McPeek from takedown towards the end of the Bucknell. Dave recalls, “McPeek is 3rd period to win the championship, tough and they had a back and 3-2. It was the first time since 1963 forth match till near the end. that an unseeded wrestler won an Dave’s conditioning paid off in EIWA title. the third period and David ended “I just couldn’t believe it”, says up winning, 9-3. He then had to father Dave. “I got so emotional. I wrestle the #3 seed, Columbia’s saw where he always wrestled West, who defeated him two hard but never caught a break. weeks earlier. David came out Now at the end of the season it all strong, got the opening takedown, finally came together. He had four was in control the whole time and tough, tight matches and he had won in an upset, 5-2. Up to that the right attitude and conditioning point, this was probably his best to win them all to become the match of the year.” Easterns champion. He told me The EIWA semi-finals saw that the best bus ride of his life things break David’s way. was the one that Sunday night “David’s opponent was the 2nd from Princeton back to Brown.” seeded wrestler from Lehigh who Watching his son wrestle had defeated him in overtime in in college is no longer on Dave the dual. I think that loss inspired Foxen’s ‘to-do’ list, but his duties David into knowing that he was at the NYAC continue to build. “To going to win this time around, no David Foxen receives a hearty congratulation from his coach Dave me, being responsible for all Clark after his victory in the EWIA finals matter what. We both felt it was NYAC wrestling is an important job. payback time. Again, it was a very close bout, going into We are a huge part of the elite amateur wrestling world. The overtime. In the sudden death period, David wasted no NYAC needs to be represented the right way and I intend to do

(Left) David has his hand raised in victory after his final bout. (Right) David on the podium at the award ceremony. He became the first unseeded wrestler to win an EIWA championship since 1963. His dedication to a vigorous training program paid off as he scored four upset wins on his way to eventual victory. 21 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 22

It started simply enough. In March, National high school wrestling kids were quick to support each other and easy to coach. champion Dylan Palacio of Long Beach, NY asked Rocky Point coach The first team, from Ohio, and the second, from Michigan, Anthony Ciolino to try to put a team together for the AAU’s Disney know what hit them. Neither team won a single bout within the match. Duals wrestling tournament at the ESPN Sports Complex in Orlando, Had it not been for the 2 weight classes forfeited, the FL. Coach Cio, as he is called, had put many teams for events like this matches would have been complete shut outs. The third team, also together so he figured it would be no different than before. from Ohio, fared a bit better winning 2 of the twelve actually “Cio” started making the usual phone calls to find the best kids wrestled. The team bond was becoming obvious. he could. He also needed a coaching team. He looked no further than The second day would not be so easy. First team up was Diesel, Steve Hromada and Max Bacerro, two other Rocky Point coaches. The a well known powerhouse from PA. The solid NY line up fell, losing last piece was a team administrator as required by AAU. Kim Leo all but three bouts that match. Five of the matches were lost by one McClaugherty, jumped at the opportunity. point. The next 2 matches allowed the team to regroup and come The team consisted of kids from different parts of the state of New back strong, winning both decisively. The only downside of the day York, most of whom had never met each other or the adults who was a trip to the hospital by the heavyweight El Shaddai Gilmore, would be with them for the 5 days of the tournament. where he was treated for dehydration and released. Sixteen kids settled into rooms of four and started to get to know The third day brought two more wins before being faced with the their new teammates and coaches. Everyone weighed-in on Friday MAWA team, reputed to be the best there. After looking at the brack- morning and went to spend the rest of the day playing at the pool or ets and knowing a win would not be possible because of the 12 point in one of the Disney parks. A coaches meeting in the early evening deficit, the team voted to forfeit the match. They headed back to the brought Kim and Anthony back to the sports complex, hotel to rest for the four matches they would face on the last day. getting team rosters and the schedule for the first day of wrestling. An The final day was long. Looking around the arena, everyone was hour after the meeting, they were called back to the arena to get the tired and there were a lot of bruised and injured wrestlers. Two wins devastating news that several of their wrestlers would be and two loses for the day had them finishing the tournament in 8th ineligible to be considered for team scoring purposes because of AAU place. In a field of 42 teams and with only 12 of 14 weight classes scor- districting guidelines. ing, the finish was impressive. The team received their medals and When all was said and done, 12 of the 16 wrestlers brought down rushed off to catch flights home, but not before hugs, handshakes and could be counted. Those not officially scoring could wrestle but would phone number exchanges. This event brought them together and be considered a forfeit for scoring purposes. This left the team with a everyone involved will be changed forever because of the time spent. 12 point deficit at the start of every match and no back up plan if any- This was supposed to be a one-time event, but kids and coaches are one was injured. In a tournament this tough, things were not looking already saying “next year...” good. The team consisted of Lucas Malmberg, Jimmy Overhiser, Day one had 3 matches. Having no practices together and no Justin Cooksey, William Koll, Nick Kelley, Dylan Cohen, warm up opportunity at the tournament, the team showed up ready Alec Dierna, Corey Rasheed, Nick Hall, Dylan Palacio, to see what they could do, eager to get the feel of the coaches and Tristan Hamner, Nick Mitchell, Jake Berkowitz, Austin Hayes, their teammates. The fit of everyone was apparent from the start. The Max Anton and El Shaddai Gilmore.

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Lifetime Service Award Winners

Harold Earl, 1995 Sam Boone, 2001 Ken Cellan, 2007 Mike Davey, 2011 Al Muller, 1995 Cliff Clarke, 2001 Robert “Doc” Fallot, 2007 Mike Fitzgerald, 2011 Lonnie Kittle, 2001 Bob Goldberg, 2007 Paul Kieblesz, 2011 AI Bevilacqua, 1996 Gary Mims, 2007 Bill Knapp, 2011 Joe Campo, 1996 Guy Guccione, 2002 Terry Phelan, 2011 Joe Russo, 1996 Walter Stewart, 2002 Gary Abbott, 2008 Fred Recher, 2011 Joseph Valla, 2002 Neil Duncan, 2008 Bob Bury, 1997 John Walter, 2002 Bob Gerbino, 2008 Michael DerGarabedian, James Davey, 1997 George Munnich, 2008 2012 Reggie Jones, 1997 Irv Apgar, 2003 Don Snyder, 2008 Howie Greenblatt, “Jumper” Leggio, 1997 Ed Hubbard, 2003 Bill Starke, 2008 2012 Matt Sanzone, 2003 Chris Messina, 2012 Bill Linkner, 1998 Paul Brodmerkel, 2009 Joe Patrovich. 2012 Ted Petersen, 1998 Sonny Greenhalgh, 2004 Kevin Murphy. 2009 Bill Santoro, 2012 Jerry Seckler, 1998 Don Jackson, 2004 Richard Smith, 2009 Gary Ventimiglia, 2012 Ed Reinisch, 2004 Pete Venier, 2009 Terry Haise, 1999 Bill Brennen, 2013 Ken Hunte, 1999 Jack Mahoney, 2005 Bob Armstrong, 2010 Sal DiFazio, 2013 Ed Luksik, 1999 Steve Shippos, 2005 Roger Bogsted, 2010 Dick Doherty, 2013 “Brick” Stone, 2005 Larry Cantor, 2010 George “Doppy”Doherty, Nick Gallo, 2000 Bill DeSario, 2010 2013 Ed Rooney, 2000 Bob Busby, 2006 Chris Edmond, 2010 George Dlugolonski, 2013 John Schaefer, 2000 Paul Gillespie, 2006 John Hamilton, 2010 Reggie Jones, Jr., 2013 Tony Mellino, 2006 Norm Maisel, 2013 Distinguished Members Henry Wittenberg, 1977 Frank “Sprig”Gardner,1986 Lou Giani, 2003 Dr. Vince Zuaro, 1984 William Farrell, 1987

Outstanding Americans Roone Arledge, 1992 Arthur C. Rutzen,1994 Pascal Perri, 2006 Steve Friedman, 1993 William Baldwin, 2003 Setrak Agonian, 2007 David Pottruck, 1994 Outstanding Officials Pascal Perri, 1995 Mark S. Piven, 1997

Medal of Courage Recipiants Rohan Murphy, 2001 Charles Gadson, 2005 Pat Augustine, 2007 24 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 25

The wrestling legend of the his health failing in his last few late Bill Farrell is one the National years of life. His presence alone Wrestling Hall of Fame acknowledged created a joyous reunion in 1987 with his enshrinement as a for those requesting to sit in his Distinguished Member. What is section of Hall of Fame seating. He extraordinarily unique about Bill was active in fundraising events is that he was so multi-talented, and worked at maintaining he contributed to the sport in communications and relationships a variety of ways. In fact, he with so many people in the sport would have qualified for induction that he befriended and mentored, in two other Hall of Fame categories, including myself. the Order of Merit and Perhaps the best example I can Outstanding American. think of in highlighting Bill In a sport that requires Farrell’s legacy was in his own so much focus, Bill exemplified backyard, through his “commitment that it’s possible to be a multi- of service” and his “camaraderie of dimensional person who can be spirit” with the members of the good at many things in life. He New York Athletic Club, Friends of left us with many values to pass Long Island Wrestling and the along to future generations. To Downstate Chapter of the NWHOF. start with, he beat the odds by Bill Farrell indeed left a blueprint taking up the sport competitively Before serving as Executive Director of the National for what our Hall of Fame should at 26 years of age. He let it be Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum, Lee Roy Smith was the coach be, and that is to make sure and known that it’s never too late of the Arizona State wrestling team from 1992-2001, and was preserve the legacy of Bill Farrell for to get in the race if you have recognized four times as the Pac-10 Coach of the Year. future generations. passion and are willing to compete. As a competitor, Lee Roy was a two-time Oklahoma Prep State Champion and two-time Junior National Champion. He He balanced a successful business Lee Roy Smith was also a three-time All-American at Oklahoma State and Executive Director career with his coaching duties by earned four Big Eight individual titles. In 1980 , Lee Roy won bringing a set of communication and an NCAA title wrestling at 140 lbs. management skills that successfully brought the best out of his wrestlers while also promoting the sport to both the media and the public. Bill Farrell became one of the most successful freestyle wrestlers to ever Bill’s engagement in the sport went well beyond his come from Long Island. He became active wrestling and coaching days. While building his an All-American and World company TW Promotions Inc., he continued to advance the Team member. sport with his support of USA Wrestling and Fila. Not only As coach of the 1972 USA Olympic freestyle wrestling team he did he ensure that the sport prospered on the national and led the squad to a record six international platforms, but also he led the way bestowing medals,including three gold. Bill financial endorsements for our nation’s best wrestlers. was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a It became very apparent that Bill appreciated this sport distinguished Member in 1985. like no other. He did everything he could to be present at the annual NCAA DI Wrestling Championships even with 25 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 26

THE FRIENDS OF LONG ISLAND WRESTLING & THE DOWNSTATE NEW YORK CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME WELCOME A GREAT WRESTLER HOME TO LONG ISLAND

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You are cordially invited to The Nineteenth Annual Downstate New York Chapter National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum Awards Banquet Friday, April 19, 2013 Villa Lombardi 877 Main Street Holbrook, NY 11741 Join old friends and competitors at this special annual reunion honoring the 2013 inductees Bill Brennen • Sal DiFazio George Dlugolonski • George Doherty Dick Doherty • Reggie Jones Jr. Norm Maisel For Information contact: The Friends of Long Island Wrestling 775 Wantagh Avenue Wantagh, N.Y. (516) 804-8676 www.friendsoflongislandwrestling.com www.foliw.com

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It was 1980 when Bill made Once wrestling coaches a phone call to the sectional discovered that Bill was a wrestling chairman that began a graduate of Pratt Institute and a new direction in his life. All Bill partner in a New York design wanted to know was how could firm that worked on design he find a wrestling schedule for projects for the New York Mets, the Nassau County tournament. New York Yankees, and the For years he had been frustrated New York Islanders hockey by the lack of information about team, it became obvious that he wrestling There was little had much more to give to newspaper coverage or any wrestling. During the ensuing 20 other way for an interested years Bill annually designed and spectator to plan on seeing a produced the program for the good match or tournament. He Nassau County tournament. He loved the sport and enjoyed also created the brackets for watching the matches. A simple tournaments, designed flyers, T- reason that expanded to over 30 shirts and posters. Each effort years of intense work in the fulfilled a need of the wrestling sport of wrestling. community. His design skills Bill’s journey began as a coupled with his real working spectator, trying to follow knowledge of program design, results of the wrestlers from his advertising and wrestling Alma matter at Mepham High allowed him to promote the School. It didn’t take long sport with class and style. before he began attending Wrestling coaches were Nassau & Suffolk County dual meets and county tournaments. busy coaching, parents were busy being parents. However it Attending the State Championships meant a five-hour early was Bill who promoted wrestling throughout the county. It morning drive, a full day of watching the tournament, and a was his signature work that showcased the quality wrestling late night drive back home. He did this for many years. programs that existed. Of course he remained a steadfast fan Bill also regularly inquired if there was anything he could and an innovative supporter of wrestling. At a wrestling do for the various wrestling programs on Long Island. dinner Bill was asked to join the fledgling group known as the Eventually he was invited to assist at meets. That developed “Friends of Long Island Wrestling” by President Jerry Seckler. into other duties at the county tournaments. Each duty Seckler had a dream of producing a publication that would quickly helped Bill became a significant member of the both market Long Island wrestling and showcase the history sectional wrestling tournament committee. He began of the sport on Long Island. It was clear that Bill was the man assisting the head table and produced the wall brackets at to approach. many tournaments. In 1990 Bill Brennan became a charter member of the (Left) Bill working on the 2013 “Friends Of Long Island Wrestling” and was placed on the edition of Long Island Wrestling. Previous covers are displayed on the Board of Directors. After several years of producing periodic wall behind. (Below) Bill with the newsletters, The “Friends” began to publish an annual 2011-2012 wrestling schedule poster magazine. Bill became the designer and head of the he designed for the Hofstra Wrestling editorial staff of that publication, “Long Island Wrestling”, program celebrating its 14th anniversary this year.. In 1994 The Friends of Long Island Wrestling became a chapter representative of the National Wrestling Hall Of Fame and Bill has had an active roll in the chapters’ efforts to help wrestling grow. He serves on several committees and has been a representative at the National Hall of Fame Annual Chapters Conference. His generosity with his talents and his time make him the perfect candidate for the prestigious award of a “lifetime 28 service to wrestling” 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 29

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Salvatore DiFazio traveled an dual meet 22-18. The win also earned unusual route to wrestling excellence. Half Hallow Hills the League I Title. Attending Mepham High School as In 1971, Half Hollow Hills an All-League baseball player, he became the first team in New York graduated from Ithaca College and State to field two varsity and junior served as an officer in the United varsity wrestling teams. For the next States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1957. ten years, the “black” and “red” teams He attended Columbia University and had 48 student-athletes wrestle every received his master’s degree in 1960. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It Sal began his teaching career in was a lot of hard work, but Coach the Half Hollow Hills School District DiFazio felt that the best way to keep in 1960; he coached baseball for 12 students interested in the sport was to years and taught business education give them matches every week. Many for 28 years. But everything changed teams today follow the same format, in 1961, when at the request of his creating “B” teams to keep students athletic director, Sal DiFazio was involved. He did this with the help of hired as the school’s very first only two assistant coaches, Tom Finn wrestling coach. Although Sal was and Joe Goonan. unsure about the new position, he In 1978, Coach DiFazio led was determined to succeed. Armed Half Hollow Hills to its first and only only with his strong athletic Suffolk County title, edging rival background, Sal taught himself how Huntington High School by five to wrestle by reading books and points. Half Hallow Hills crowned attending clinics by Sprig Gardner one county champion, Mike Rogers, and others. For the next 27 years, and had four place winners. For his Salvatore DiFazio had a new passion — wrestling. efforts, he was awarded the Suffolk County Coach of the Year Coach DiFazio began the wrestling program at the junior high for 1978. level for one year, and in 1962, Half Hollow Hills had its very first Salvatore DiFazio retired in 1988 and was awarded the Grand varsity wrestling team. When the school expanded, Coach DiFazio Master Award by the Suffolk County Coaches Association. Coach had the school design the wrestling room that Half Hallow Hills DiFazio finished his coaching career with 239 varsity dual meet wrestlers use today. To motivate his new wrestlers, Coach DiFazio wins, three league championships and the 1978 county started the HHH Wall of Fame. championship. He coached 22 league champions, 24 Suffolk Sal’s teams competed with powerhouse Brentwood High County place winners, five county champions, and two New York School. In 1975, in front of a packed gym of more than 2,000 State place winners. people, Half Hollow Hills ended Brentwood’s 79-match winning More importantly, Coach DiFazio’s wrestlers learned the streak and their quest for a 10th straight league title by winning the importance of hard work, goal setting, accountability, dealing with failure, and how important is is to have a passion in life. He expect- (Left) Sal intently watching his Half ed his wrestlers to conduct themselves in a professional manner, Hollow Hills team in action He had 239 career dual meet wins. (Below) Sal “show humility in victory and be gracious in defeat.” He made is shown in the wrestling room with some sure his athletes respected their teammates, opponents and coach- of his team working on a pinning es. Coach DiFazio always led by example and was a great role combination. model to his wrestlers. Eight of his wrestlers and assistants went on to become teachers and head wrestling coaches. For 55 years Sal has been married to his lovely wife, Mary Lou. They raised five children and spend time with their 14 grandchildren. He now enjoys his retirement spending time in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania and Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Sal DiFazio is known as the father of Half Hallow Hills wrestling. His commitment to the sport of wrestling and to teaching his wrestlers to act like champions on and off the mat have earned him a place in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Lifetime Service to wrestling.

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DOING WHAT HE DID BEST

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Coach George Dlugolonski, Championship Tournament. or Coach “Dugo” as he is known, He has not only taken on, has led his Chaminade High but excelled in these School team and his wrestlers additional responsibilities, to outstanding achievements despite the depth and breadth since 1973. Further, Coach of his commitments at Dugo has demonstrated Chaminade. incredible longevity and George Dlugolonski continuity in his commitment qualifies for admission in to developing young high the National Wrestling Hall school wrestlers. Not only has of Fame because of his he taught wrestling skills, he integrity and commitment has shared lessons with his to doing things the right and integrity. way. On almost a daily George Dlugolonski has basis, he is presented with an enormous heart and is opportunities to make the always willing to go the extra right choices and to teach mile for his wrestlers and their his wrestlers how to families. He is extraordinarily behave and how to act. He selfless and always puts his knows how to win — and athletes first. also how to lose — with Approximately 100 to 150 dignity. He disciplines boys participate in Chaminade captains and all-state wrestling, spread across the wrestlers equally with novice, junior varsity and second- and third-string varsity teams. Many of these wrestlers. George teaches wrestlers have not had the respect for the sport and benefit of youth or middle school wrestling programs, and respect for officials; his own behavior and attitude those who have wrestled before represent the full range of continuously demonstrate this for the young, impressionable preparation and programs. Coach Dugo welcomes all. wrestlers in his program. Chaminade wrestlers compete Despite the difficulties of coaching a wide pool of participants hard, but are clean wrestlers. They do not showboat or with varying skills, Coach Dugo demonstrates a very serious flaunt their wins, and they do not make excuses or throw commitment to participation. tantrums when they lose. It is no surprise that Chaminade Chaminade wrestling has had great success under wrestling teams are perennial Sportsmanship Award winners George Dlugolonski, but his program is not solely about and that Chaminade wrestling alumni have gone on to great winning. He chooses not to cut athletes from the team, and achievements in their personal and professional lives. works hard for all his wrestlers, from the most talented to (right) George shows his enthusiasm the ones who may never achieve a win. Coach Dugo knows coaching one of his Chaminade wrestlers. that the life lessons of wrestling — perseverance, character, (below) George and assistant coach, dedication in pursuit of a goal, teamwork, commitment, Tony Nordland offer encouragement courage, and self-confidence — are just as valuable, at the state tournament. maybe more valuable, for the boy with the least amount of natural talent compared to the wrestler who enjoys a wealth of natural ability and skill. Coach Dugo also served as chairman of the CHSAA Wrestling League from 1980 to present. It’s a position that comes with significant administrative, fundraising and time commitments. During his tenure as chairman, the league grew meaningfully in scale and size. Dugo also led the admission of the private school league as a section in the New York Public School State 38 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:25 AM Page 39

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George “Doppy” Doherty Upon graduation in and his younger brother 1950, Dick enlisted in Richard “Dick” Doherty the United States Navy, began their illustrious and later attended wrestling careers long Millersville State Teachers before stepping onto the College. While wrestling wrestling mat to represent at Millersville, Dick Amityville High School. competed for Coach The Doherty household Rupp, whose teams included eight children, compiled an overall five of them boys. This record of 29 wins, 7 likely meant that there losses, and 1 tie. Dick was some grappling taking finished his career at place prior to lacing up Millersville having placed their own wrestling shoes. two times in the But it was not until the Pennsylvania State Athletic mid to late 1940s that championships. But it their wrestling careers — and their dedication to the sport — was not until after college though that Dick Doherty truly made really took off. his mark in the wrestling world as a coach and mentor to many Doppy wrestled for Hall of Fame coaches Lonnie Kittle and student athletes. Joe Valla at Amityville High School from 1945 to 1949, where Together, he and his brother Doppy started the wrestling he amassed a winning record and captured two Long Island program at Berner High School in 1963 while they were championships. In addition, he earned a New York State AAU teachers in the Massapequa School District. Dick would Freestyle wrestling championship. Upon graduation from high eventually assume the responsibility of the head coaching job school, Doppy took his wrestling prowess to the state of at Berner following the unfortunate and untimely death of Pennsylvania, where he attended Millersville State Teachers Doppy in 1974 at the age of 44. College. While there, under the tutelage of legendary coach Ted This selfless coaching duo dedicated a big part of their lives Rupp, he posted a career record of 30 wins and only 2 to the sport of wrestling and helped inspire young athletes to losses, including 13 victories by pin. become fine men. While Doppy and Dicky were incredible Doppy would go on to win three Pennsylvania State athletes in their own right, their real gift was their ability to Athletic Conference Championships as well as an AAU Mid inspire so many ordinary athletes to greatness. They had an Atlantic Freestyle championship in 1951. Following the com- uncanny ability to see potential and cultivate it. It was because pletion of his varsity career in 1953, Doppy received the of this ability to build self-esteem that so many young men were Theodore H. Rupp award for the most outstanding wrestler at led to believe in themselves and excel, not only in the sport of Millersville. In 2003, he was inducted into the Millersville wrestling, but in life. University Hall of Fame. His nominating sponsor expressed Their dedication, motivation, and love for the sport of wrestling admiration for Doppy by writing, “He was by any standard the enabled them to amass an impressive list of coaching achievements. first ‘big time’ wrestler that Millersville ever had. His record Together, they coached Berner High School Wrestling from 1963- speaks for itself, but more than that he was a great leader and 1982 for a combined total of 19 years, and during this time they a fine example of sportsmanship throughout his career. In those produced two New York State champions, 10 New York State place- four years (1949 to 1953), George was winners, 10 Nassau County champions, chiefly responsible for bringing including two outstanding wrestlers and 36 Millersville into national prominence as a Nassau County place winners. They won wrestling powerhouse.” an impressive 18 high school tournament Dick Doherty wrestled from 1946 championships and compiled a combined to 1950 at Amityville High School for overall dual meet record of 182 wins, 56 coaches Lonnie Kittle and Joe Valla. Like losses, and 2 ties. In addition, Dick was his brother, he compiled a winning runner-up for the Nassau County Coach of record during his high school career, the Year award in 1981, and both he and capped off by a second place finish in Doppy were recipients of the prestigious the Long Island championships. Legends of Nassau County Wrestling Dick was instrumental in leading Award in 1992 and 1994, respectively. The the Amityville wrestling team to two con- Doherty brothers were posthumously secutive runner-up finishes in the Suffolk “Doppy” and Dick started the wrestling program at Berner inducted into the New York State County tournament in 1949 and 1950. H.S. and produced an impressive record of 182-56-2 Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1996. 43 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 44

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Reggie Jones Jr. exempli- team titles and two state fies the phrase “Lifetime championships.Both Reggie Service to Wrestling.” and Paul dominated New Born into a prominent York State high school wrestling family, Reggie has wrestling and Long Island spent his life in the sport. In wrestling for 20 years. both junior and senior high Afterward, Reggie went on to school, Reggie competed at become one of the top Bellmore’s John F. Kennedy wrestling officials in New H. S., where he developed an York; he was selected to impressive competitive record. officiate the New York State During this formative period, Championships eight times. Reggie was exposed to several With his tremendous back- Hall of Fame coaches, including ground and legendary Don Jackson, John Schaefer coaches behind him, Reggie and Ken Hunte. Jones Jr. was destined to He earned a scholarship make his mark in wrestling. to Westchester State College in After 28 years in the sport, Pennsylvania and while there, he has returned as an wrestled for Milt Collier. assistant coach once again, During his college career, with his college teammate, Reggie defeated most of the Paul Gillespie, to coach the outstanding wrestlers in his Wantagh High School league and distinguished him- program. They have quickly self in Pennsylvania college moved that program into wrestling circles. contention for state recognition. Upon graduation, Reggie As an assistant coach, Reggie became an assistant coach at has been teaching and his alma mater, Kennedy High, then moved on to Long drilling the fundamentals, while placing an emphasis on Beach High School, where he began working with his strength and conditioning. His insistence on discipline and college teammate, Paul Gillespie. Together, while at Long detail has helped him to be an effective teacher of “folk style” Beach, the coaching team of Jones and Gillespie earned 17 wrestling. Reggie’s command of wrestling and his quiet professionalism have been an inspiration to athletes, coaches, wrestlers and spectators. He continues to be a favorite official at the college level, and is known for his integrity and dedication to the youth of our community and the sport of wrestling. In addition to his achievements in wrestling, Reggie Jones, Jr. continues to work as an ocean lifeguard supervisor and is an EMT working with the Nassau County Lifeguard Examination Board. Reggie Jones Jr. has spent half a century in wrestling. He is one of the great people in our sport and in our community. He is most deserving of his honor to “Lifetime Service to Wrestling.”

(left) Reggie coaching at Long Beach High School were he spent 20 years as assistant coach to paul Gillespie. (right) Reggie has become one of the top officials in New York State at both the high school and collegiate levels. He has officiated at the New York State Tournament on eight occasions.

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2011-2012 ...A Banner Year For WANTAGH “WARRIORS” WRESTLING During the course of the past season, the Wantagh 170 lbs. all took third in Nassau County. James Corbett Warriors captured their first ever New York State Dual Meet captured fourth place at 182 lbs. as did Sean Tomlinson at Championship walking out the Albany arena with a perfect 195 lbs. Finishing out the All-County standings in fifth place record of 29-0 and were ranked number one in New York were Doug Rogers at 152 lbs. and Alex Wedell at 182 lbs. State. In 2009, the team also won the New York State Steven English finished in 6th place at 285 lbs. individual tournament. The graduating class included Chris Lowe who is attending The Wantagh Team won the Long Beach Tournament, Columbia University, Alex Wedell at Cornell University, New York Civil War Duals at Shenendahowa High School, Doug Rogers and Kyle Fogiletta at Hofstra University, and David Blum, Patchouge-Medford, Ted Peterson, Nassau Steven English at Stroudsburg University. Team Championship, Nassau County Qualifying The Head Coach was Paul Gillespie, a National Hall of Tournament, and The Nassau County Title. Fame member, Reggie Jones, Jr., a recently nominated The team was led by Jose Rodriquez, the 99 lb. National Hall of Fame inductee, Ray Hanley Jr. and Pat Champion and New York State finalist and Danny McDevitt, Daddino. 138 lbs., who captured the the Nassau County title and The Wantagh team is working with a strong foundation finished 5th in New York State. Chris Araoz, 130 lbs. and using a kids program which is in it’s fifteenth year as well as Vinny Turano, 126 lbs. both finished 2nd in Nassau County. a good middle school program. The Wantagh Club is open Kyle Quinn, 106 lbs, .Nick Vines, 132 lbs. and Chris Loew, all year round and welcomes other towns and athletes.

Wantagh “Warriors in Action! Starting from top row left to right: Chris Aroz, Chris Lowe, James Corbett, Kyle Quinn, Gary Sidoti, Dan McDevitt All photos courtesy of: Joe D'Aquila / phototrens.com 53 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 54

Norman Maisel grew up in achieved the title of league Camp Hill, a small town in champion. Both his first and central Pennsylvania. He attended last teams were undefeated West Shore High School, where (along with two others). he lettered in three sports. He Norm was chosen League attended Gettysburg College, Coach of the Year eight where he majored in psychology times and Suffolk County and graduated with honors, and Grand Master. The Amityville earned letters in football, wrestling room was named wrestling and track. His first job after him, and he was after college was as a teacher recently inducted into the and head football coach at Amityville Sports Hall of Hallifax High School. Fame. Probably the most influential Norm was instrumental event in Norm’s wrestling career in helping to set up the occurred when he returned to Town of Babylon youth Gettysburg to earn advanced wrestling program, and he degrees, coach freshman football was also very involved in and act as assistant wrestling Freestyle and Greco coach. The legendary Frank Roman wrestling. “Sprig” Gardner was the head Many outstanding high wrestling coach at Gettysburg, school coaches have come and Norm had the experience out of Norm’s Amityville of studying wrestling with the program — among the master. best are Steve Gaydosh, Following his year at the most outstanding Gettysburg, Norm became a wrestling coach in coach at East Meadow High School, and soon after, he was Alabama; Ken Maisel, the coach of University High named head wrestling coach at Amityville High School, a School in Morgantown, West Virginia, a perennial top position he held for the next 25 years. During his years at ten finisher in the West Virginia State Tournament; Amityville, his teams had a record of 261 wins, 85 losses, Tony Walters, who has built the St. Anthony’s program and 2 ties. This record includes 15 League titles, and 3 to one of the best in New York State; and Bill Maisel, Section XI Class B titles. During his tenure, there were whose 2003 team won the overall Section XI title. two state champions, 10 Section XI winners, and 53 Norm left Amityville in the 1990s to accept a job as individual place winners. Under his reign, 87 wrestlers athletic academic coordinator at Michigan State University.

(left) Norm competing at Gettysburg College. He later returned and was assistant wrestling coach under “Sprig: Gardner. (Center) Norm and wife Jan. (Right) Norm cheering on Tony Walters who is now wrestling coach at St. Anthonys. Many of Norms wrestlers have become successful coaches.

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COACH & CHEERLEADER

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The Cedar Brook Golf Club is located in Old Brookville, one of the most exclusive communities on Long Island’s Gold Coast. Golfers include Olympians, national champions and celebrities

SAve the date and help Us.... help wrestling The annual golf outing Is the major yearly Call for details: fund raising The Friends Of Long event Island Wrestling we hold to (516) 804-8676 pay for all the programs we sponsor to assist wrestling Our 2012 Host Was Rob Anspach, Head Wrestling Coach of Hofstra University. 59 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 60

By: Pascal Perri

It takes a very special person to become an buy a whistle and stripped shirt and step onto the outstanding wrestling official. Great Coaches and/or mats as a “Rookie” Referee. wrestling champions do not necessarily make the Mark had learned his trade well. In a very few grade.During more than 70 years in wrestling, I have years he built a reputation as one of the most seen great officials, and I can state with complete outstanding mat officials in the nation. It was not confidence that there has never been a better one long before he was invited to officiate many of the than Mark Piven. “spotlight” duals and championships. By the end of Mark is a Long Island native. He was an out- his officiating career, he had refereed 19 NCAA standing high school wrestler coached by wrestling Division 1 National Championships, 24 EIWA legends, Sprig Gardner and Ken Hunte at Mepham Conference finals, The Big 10 Championships, the High School. During his high school career he won National Duals, the Virginia Duals, the NWCA numerous titles including the prestigious Long East/West Meet, the NWCA All Star Meet, and Island Championship. many more college, open, and high school At Penn State he was coached by another championships. wrestling legend, Charlie Spidel. Mark was In 1997, Mark Piven was inducted a mainstay for three years on a very into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame strong P.S.U. team. He topped off his in Stillwater, Oklahoma as an outstanding college career with a 3rd place finish official. This was a fitting tribute to at 130 pounds in the 1964 NCAA one of wrestling’s greatest officials. Division 1 Championships at Cornell. After graduation, he won several AAU championships and in 1968 he took 3rd place in the Final Wrestling for Mepham High School in Olympic trials in Ames, Iowa at 125.5 1960, Mark Piven became Ken Hunte’s first Long Island Champion. In 1964, pounds when he was forced to default wrestling for Penn State, Mark finished in the final round robin due to an third at the NCAA tournament, losing injury. only to 3-time NCAA Champion & 2-time Olympic Champion, Yojiro Uetake After graduation Mark spent several years coaching at the high school and college levels. All of his wrestling activities prepared him for the next step in his wrestling career. He was now ready to

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NASSAU COUNTY WRESTLING OFFICIALS AT THE 2012 SECTION 8 TOURNAMENT

Back row: (left to right) Ken Richards, Avi Shmuley, Matt Fiala, Jerry Armengau Vincent Paolano, Roy Scott Kneeling (left to right) Bill Starke, Pat Sullivan, John Hamilton, Rob Aquilina Bill Young, Nick D’Anna

NASSAU COUNTY WRESTLING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION President: BILL YOUNG Vice President: JIM HALL Secretary/Treasurer: GERRY ARMENGAU Interpreter: BILL STARKE 61 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 62

SUFFOLK COUNTY WRESTLING OFFICIALS AT THE 2012 SECTION 11 TOURNAMENT

Back row:(left to right) Rich Boscarino, Greg Mazzola, Chad Smith, John Trucello Front row: Sean Broking, Dan Harrell

SUFFOLK COUNTY WRESTLING OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION President: CHAD SMITH Secretary/Treasurer: ROY SCOTT Interpreter: JOHN TRUCELLO

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Richard Shane is a former Baldwin High years, 3,000 seizures, and every possible drug, my seizures were School wrestler who battled epilepsy for still uncontrolled and getting worse. I was a candidate for many years before successful surgery ended surgery and a portion of my brain was removed. I remember the crippling seizures. What follows is thinking,, better me than my two brothers going through this Shanes’ story in his own words. experience! I had to win, and would. Today I’ve been 100 months seizure free without side Having wrestled at Baldwin Harbor Junior High School effects. I pinned epilepsy! and then at Baldwin High School, prepared me for my biggest match...me vs. epilepsy. Epilepsy has a winning record, typically demoralizing its opponents. A feeling of despair and defeatism frequently felt by people. When my first seizures began at 22, I told myself “get back to the gym. Too much partying in college, go back to the gym and work this thing out of me”. The match went into overtime, but after 22 years and some 3,000 seizures, I beat epilepsy! It was mano a mano, just like in high school. Someone has to win, why not me? If I ran longer than my opponent, worked harder, I could be the victor. At Baldwin, I probably had about an 80% winning record. I was a division runner-up, losing in overtime in the finals. Two coaches influenced me: Tom Lamendola at Baldwin Harbor Jr. High and, of all people, the boys varsity basketball coach, Mike Cohen. I was told he used me as an example during halftime of a game, saying to the team: “You guys have to work harder. Look at Shane. He doesn’t have the greatest ability in the world but he works harder than anyone else, so he wins.” That’s the attitude I brought with me into the wrestling room and against epilepsy; Determination to win. So after those 22

Richard Shane was an inspiration to many athletes at Baldwin High School. He is pictured above competing as a varsity wrestler. He finished as a division runner-up after a overtime loss. After a long bout with epilepsy, he had surgery and is now free of seizures. 63 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 64

Proof that size dosen’t always matter JOHN GLENN “Knights” WRESTLING By: T. J. Brocking The John Glenn Knights have been considered one of NYS. The team only graduated two seniors from the the premier wrestling programs on Long Island and NY State previous year, and had a lineup full of All Suffolk County, since 2007, and they arguably have had the best run of any and All league kids. The team had so much depth that their small school in Suffolk County history.Led by Head Coach "B" team competed in many tournaments and dual meets T.J. Brocking and assistant coach Bill Davey their run began which they also had a lot of success. "The 2009 team was by capturing the Division 2 still a growing year for us. We Suffolk County Championship went into that Suffolk County in 2007 and finished ranked tournament not knowing if eleventh in NYS D2. They we were going to be able to finished their first post-season win the whole thing. That tournament with 7 champions always has been the goal, but and 4 other finalists; all of I was still looking to the 2010 which were returning for the season when our core group following year. When asked were going to be seniors. We about what he thought about wrestled very well and were his first year as the head var- able to come out on top of a sity coach, Brocking said "We couple of very good teams in knew that we had a real spe- Hauppauge and Longwood." cial group. They came up said Brocking through our very successful In 2010 the team had youth program; the Blue a season that many coaches (Above) The 2010 John Glenn team is shown celebrating their second consecutive Wave, led by Tom Giaramita, Section XI Championship. They were also ranked number one in New York State. dream about, they won their and our middle school team second consecutive Suffolk led by Darren Szokoli. It was (Below) Nick Meinson. 2010 New York State champion. He helped the “Knights” County Division 1 Championship, record their third consecutive undefeated season. not clear how good we were finished undefeated for the going to be over the next third year in a row and couple of years, but we saw a finished the season ranked lot of potential" first in NYS. The team was led After a successful season, by New York State champion and with so many athletes Nick Meinsen, and a handful coming back the Knights of other current college decided to move out of wrestlers. When Brocking Division 2 and up to Division was asked about that year he 1 for the 2007- 2008 season. said "That season was so With a team loaded with special I was so lucky to have underclassmen the Knights kids that wanted to be the were able to earn a very best. And they did everything respectable 4th place finish in they could to reach their the County tournament. More team and individual goals." importantly the season helped After graduating one of the develop the young talent against the better competition, such a successful senior class in the 2010 team , the team which helped lead to the success over the next responded great as the 2011 Knights placed second in couple of years. Brocking said "looking back now it was a Suffolk County (behind Longwood) crowning 3 individual great move for our program, it really helped us to motivate champions (most in tournament) and finished 5th in NYS. the kids to get better. It was a test for all of us to see if we They also won their 5th consecutive League Dual Meet and could wrestle with the the best." Tournament titles. " I am still a little upset about the county The team rolled into the 2009 season with confidence and tournament in 2011, I felt if we wrestled our best we could captured the Suffolk County Division 1 Championship; the have pulled it off. Unfortunately for us, Longwood wrestled first in school history and finished the season ranked 4th in great and we just couldn't make up the point difference. 64 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 65

However, to have some of the meets, where we just can not find guys that helped build our pro- kids at certain weights. We have gram go out with Suffolk County been fortunate enough to develop titles, and All State honors made kids that have been able to fill me feel a lot better " Brocking gaps to help our team be success- said. ful. And more importantly our Many considered the John individuals have really been able Glenn team to be finished with to excel." their run in 2012. What people During Coach Brockings run thought of as a rebuilding year they ran up a 64 dual meet win turned out to be another streak which is currently the 3rd successful season for the Knights. longest in Suffolk history . Since In 2012 the Knights 2007 the team has crowned 3 finished 5th in Suffolk and NYS Champions and has had a crowned 2 NYS Champions (James total of 13 All State wrestlers. At Dekrone, and Nick Bellanza). The the Suffolk County level , which only teams that finished ahead of has been the dominant section John Glenn in the team race were in New York for over a decade, much larger schools. Brocking said 36 Knights have earned when talking about school size "I Division 1 All County wrestlers try to use it as a positive for our in the last 5 seasons. "The program small town. I am lucky that I was set up to be successful can develop a relationship with because we had so much support every kid in the district from In 2012, James DeKrone (above) and Nick Bellanza finished the from the Superintendent, the kindergarten to high school. season as New York State Champions. The John Glenn team as a whole, Athletic Director, Board of Everyone knows that I am going to were very successful, finishing 5th in the Section XI tournament Education, youth coaches, middle push for the best athletes to be wrestlers, and be a part of school coaches and of course the parents and kids. our team. Being such a small school hurts us more in dual They wanted to be the best, and it worked out" LYNBROOK YOUTH ASSOCIATION

Hilary Becker • Bob Becker • Kevin Murphy Salute the 2013 Inductees Into The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Bill Brennen • Sal Difazio • George Dlugolonski George & Richard Doherty Reggie Jones. Jr. • Norm Maisel As Well As Friends of Long Island Wrestling Jerry Seckler, President Hofstra Wrestling Rob Anspach Head Coach

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SUFFOLK COUNTY COACHES ASSOCIATION SALUTES THE 2012 DIVISION 1 NEW YORK STATE & SECTION XI CHAMPIONS

Front Row (left to right) ALEX TANZMAN, Westhampton Beach; NICK PICCINNI, Ward Melville COREY JAMISON, Huntington; MATT LESHINGER, Sayville; MAVERICK PASSARO, Eastport-South Manor NICK MAURIELLO, Hauppauge; MALIK RASHEED, Longwood; COREY RASHEED, Longwood

Back Row (left to right) NICK HALL, Longwood; TYLER GRIMALDI, Half Hollow Hills West DYLAN SEBOLT, Longwood; GIO SANTIAGO, Sachem North; ZACK CONNOR, Islip; DAVID RUBINO, Commack; MICHAEL HUGHES, Smithtown West

NEW YORK STATE PLACEWINNERS CHAMPIONS: NICK PICCINNI; SEAN McCABE, Connetquot; MAVERICK PASSARO; JAMES DEKRONE, John Glenn NICK BELLANZA, John Glenn RUNNER-UPS: ALEXIS BLANCO, Brentwood; COREY RASHEED, NICK HALL, TYLER GRIMALDI THIRD PLACE: ALEX TANZMAN, MATT LESHINGER, DYLAN SEBOLT FOURTH PLACE: JJ FABIAN, Shoreham Wading River; GIOVANNI SANCHEZ, Central Islip; NICK MAURIELLO MALIK RASHEED, JOE CALDERONE, Walt Whitman FIFTH PLACE: NICK LUPI, Huntington SIXTH PLACE: ANTHONY PISTONE, Sachem East; GIO SANTIAGO, ZACK CONNOR, MICHAEL HUGHES 66 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 67

SUFFOLK COUNTY COACHES ASSOCIATION SALUTES THE 2012 DIVISION 2 SECTION XI CHAMPIONS AND NYS PlACEWINNERS

Front Row (left to right) LUCAS WEBB, Mattituck; MICHAEL MENZER, Center Moriches HUNTER HULSE, Stony Brook; JUSTIN UNDERWOOD, Bayport-Blue Point SEAN KELLY, Babylon; RYAN HAKE, BAyport-Blue Point DYLAN ROBERTS, Port Jefferson; DOM EVANGELISTA, Port Jefferson

Back Row (left to right) PAUL CAVANAUGH, Port Jefferson; TRAVIS BASKERVILLE, Center Moriches TOMASZ FLIPKOWSKI, Mattituck; BRIAN LOSCAMP, Babylon; CHRIS BAGLIVI, Mattituck KEVIN GIRON, Hampton Bays; HARRISON DeSOUSA, Bayport-Blue Point

NEW YORK STATE PLACEWINNERS FOURTH PLACE: HARRISON DeSOUSA FIFTH PLACE: TRAVIS BASKERVILLE

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SANDY WASN’T DANDY FOR NASSAU CC’s WRESTLERS By Mike Candel Battling through adversity has always been an integral part All of which left Schmidt scratching his head. of athletics. A basketball team is losing by 10 points with two For 17 days, Nassau’s wrestling team could not get into its own minutes to go and rallies to win at the buzzer. A runner trails by practice facility. But that wasn’t the only problem. Some team five yards in the closing moments of a quarter-mile race but members lost their homes. Others were living in frigid homes comes from behind to win at the finish line. An exhausted with no power. Still others had no means of transportation. So wrestler is losing by one point with less than 15 seconds remain- even if they could’ve found a way to get to practice, there ing in the final period yet digs deep into himself and gets a rever- would’ve been no place to practice. sal to gain a one-point victory as time runs out. Schmidt, who has guided the Lions to five national junior Those are some of the usual adverse situations athletes must college championships was forced to make some hard and face. However, the coaches and wrestlers at Nassau Community unhappy decisions. “We dropped out of some meets that have College had no way to anticipate the kind of adversity they been a regular part of our schedule for years,” the coach said. would be up against this season. “We basically became a spring semester sport this season. “I’ve never experienced anything like this,” said the Lions Our first meet (Wilkes Open, Dec. 28) comes after the fall longtime coach Paul Schmidt. “Hurricane Sandy has thrown our semester ends.” team, in fact all of Nassau’s teams, into chaos.” The Merchant Marine dual meet. Out. The New York State That’s because Nassau’s Physical Education and Athletic championships. Out. The Bob Quade Open in New Jersey. Out. Complex became a shelter for literally hundreds of people who Not only were the Lions out of the Long Island Open, but the lost house and home in the storm. Everywhere you looked there event which has been hosted by Nassau CC for more than 30 were cots; in the Field House, in the Main Gym and even in the years, had to be moved to Kings Point. hallways, to say nothing of the army of staff people from the “We won’t wrestle at home the entire season,” Schmidt said. county, the police department and the Red Cross who took over “We’re going to be road warriors.” the building. It has been a difficult pill to swallow for one of the country’s elite wrestling programs. “I’m chomping at the bit to get going because on paper we have an outstanding team,” the coach said. Indeed, the Lions have five former state high school champions and numerous county titleholders on their 38-man roster. The picture is muddled at 125 where Stephen Drew (Connetquot), John Pelligrino (Levittown) and Andrew Traficante (Lindenhurst) are battling to win the starting nod. At 133lbs John Miller (Shirley), who laid out last year after earning all-American honors two years ago will be one of the favorites to win a National Championship. Nine grapplers are competing at 141 where former state champion James DeKrone (John Glenn) appears to have the edge if he can make weight. If he can’t, it could open the door for Santiago Valdez, a Virginia state titlist. If DeKrone is forced to move up a weight class, he will have to get past another state champion, Kyle Wade (Islip). As if Anthony Herring (Freeport) and Adam DeJesus (Long Beach) didn’t have enough trouble competing against each other at 157, both have been displaced from their homes. DeJesus, who lives in Long Beach, stays with his aunt Marie in Freeport three days a week. “The other four days,” DeJesus said, “I stay in our apartment in Long Beach but it’s really cold.” DeJesus still can’t get over the sight of water pouring into the apartment where he lives with his parents, two brothers and two sisters. “We couldn’t control it,” he said. “We tried to keep it out but there was nothing we could do about it. We figured it would stop eventually but it never did.” Needless to say, transportation to Nassau CC for classes and practice sessions has been a nightmare for DeJesus. “When I’m in Long Beach I take two buses and it takes at least two hours In spite of the terrible conditions on Long Island after hurricane Sandy, the members of the Nassau Community team worked hard at practice to prepare for a drastically altered to get to Nassau. I have to catch a 6:45 bus in the morning to get season. They are optimistic about their chances for another national championship. to the college by 9.” That’s more than two hours to 68 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:26 AM Page 69

negotiate a trip that ordinarily would take 35 minutes. “Since the that’s a significant achievement. We expect big things hurricane, public transportation is all over the place. You never from him this season.” know if a bus is going to be on time or if it’s going to show up. Ian MacIneirghe (East Islip) is the leader at 197 and 285- Not surprisingly, all the traveling and living in two different pound Yaseen Mudassar (Levittown), an all-American last places has taken a toll on DeJesus. “I’m not well rested, so I’m year, will try to improve on his fifth place national finish. wrestling tired,” he said. “You can’t work as hard (on the mat) Mudassar is ranked second in the NJCAA preseason when there’s so much other stuff going on in your life. Just ratings. living is a fulltime job right now.” The challenge for this particular Nassau team is obvious. Still, DeJesus and his teammates persevere. “These kids love Despite the fact that all that talent has been displaced, delayed to wrestle,” Schmidt said. “It keeps them going.” and held at a near standstill thanks to Hurricane Sandy, the goal The Lions appear to be strong in the upper weight classes, remains the same: climb to the top of the junior college too. Juan Carlos-Diaz (Levittown) is attempting to drop down mountain again. from 174 to 165. If he can’t do it, the starter looks like Miguel “We’re going to be real good by the end of the season,” said Ponce (Elmont). Former state champion Chanse Menendez Schmidt. “We should be peaking at tournament time. This year, (Hauppauge) has the inside track at 174 and Frank Merante especially, I’d love to see us come home with a national (Sachem), a national qualifier last year is solid at 184. “Merante championship.” didn’t place at the nationals,” Schmidt said. “But he got there and And wouldn’t that be something. VOUGAROROUDJOV Two-time World Champion Joins Long Island Wrestling Community Vougar Oroudjov comes from Baku, Azerbaijan, which national reputation in America. He displayed an was a part of the USSR. Vougar, considered one of the exceptional knowledge of wrestling and a perfect greatest wrestlers in the world, immigrated to America in style of demonstrating various wrestling moves. the late 1990’s. When asked what made him decide to Vougar worked with the Nassau Community College leave his home he summed it up in one word, “freedom”. team and in the summers coordinated a training pro- He further added it was also the family opportunities gram clinic for all those who wanted to improve their available as an American.Oroudjov was a World wrestling technique. Champion in 1991, 3rd place Olympian in 1992 and At present, Vougar has been married to Zhanna for World Champion in 1995. the past 22 years and is the proud father of 3 sons, Nick Upon arriving in California, Vougar landed a job as 20, Vitale 13, and George 9. Nick is currently competing an assistant coach at Lamson Junior College. After a 3 for Cornell University.Vougar’s most recent assignment year stint, he moved to New York and approached Paul has been Team Leader of the American Men’s Freestyle Schmidt, the Head Wrestling Coach at Nassau Community World Cup Wresting Team which incidentally took place College. It was at Nassau where he began to develop his in Vougar’s home country of Azerbaijan this year.

(Left) Coaches Paul Schmidt and Vougar Oroudjov bring a world of knowledge to the Nassau Community wrestling program, making it one of the most successful in the United States. (Above) Vouugar demonstrates a move with one of the Nassau wrestlers. He is considered one of the most accomplished technicians in the world and the results can be seen in the success of the Nassau team. 69 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 70

NASSAU COUNTY COACHES ASSOCIATION SALUTES THE 2012 DIVISION 1 SECTION VIII & NYS CHAMPIONS & PLACEWINNERS

Front Row (left to right) J. RODRIQUEZ, Wantagh; J. COOKSEY, MacArthur; M. RAGHUNANDAN, Long Beach; J. LANZILLOTTI, Roslyn; M. LOFRESE, Garden City M. IRBY, Freeport; D. McDEVITT, Wantagh; L. HERNANDEZ, Mepham Back Row (left to right) D. TRACY, Mepham; D. PALACIO, Long Beach; D. SPURGEON, Plainedge A. JONES, Plainedge; R. ZORN, Sewanhaka East; A. COLE, Uniondale; D. SALKEY, Uniondale

NEW YORK STATE PLACEWINNERS CHAMPIONS: D. PALACIO • D. SPURGEON RUNNER-UP: J. RODRIQEZ • J. COOKSEY THIRD PLACE: K. SEWKUMAR, Long Beach FOURTH PLACE: A. JONES FIFTH PLACE: R. PERSON, Bellmore JFK • D. McDEVITT • R. ZORN • D. SALKEY SIXTH PLACE: M LOFRESE 70 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 71

NASSAU COUNTY COACHES ASSOCIATION SALUTES THE 2012 DIVISION 2 SECTION VIII CHAMPIONS & NYS PLACEWINNER

Front Row (left to right) N. CASELLA, Locust Valley; H. DUSOLD, Locust Valley; C. EXUM, Oyster Bay R. ARNEL, Oyster Bay; R. HENEY, Locust Valley; M. LONG, Mineola; J. FORMICOLA, Locust Valley

Back Row (left to right) B. MEYER, Oyster Bay; J. MASSARO, Mineola; R MORGAN, Oyster Bay D. RANKIN, Oyster Bay; D. GORRY, Mineola; I ESTEVEZ, Oyster Bay; R SALINAS, Carle Place

NEW YORK STATE PLACEWINNER

RUNNER-UP: NICK CASSELLA

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“HAUPPAUGE A FEW YEARS AWAY” By Chris Messina

The Hauppauge wrestling team has been hit hard the past division at the NHSCA National tournament held in Virginia. few years graduating a good number of seniors year after year. Chris has already grown to compete at 126 or 132 this year and 2011-12 was no different with Hauppauge saying goodbye to has his eye on breaking the Hauppauge history books. Seniors, eight veteran starters. With the eight in place, the 2011-12 Jake Cherkes, Tal Granot, Max Chin, Seungsoo Im, Mike Rizzo “Eagles” went 11-1 winning the League IV dual meet and and Joe Calabrese, all will be adding much needed depth in the tournament crowns. This team was responsible for winning middle and upper weights. Jake won the league tournament over 80 matches in the past four years along with four league at 195lbs. and was one match away from a Suffolk County dual meet titles and three league tournament championships, placement. Granot, and Chin both placed 4th in the league not to mention several top ten finishes in the NYS team tournament. Juniors will be led by 3rd place league rankings. Hauppauge finished sixth in the Suffolk County finishers, Mike Byrus, Austin Munro, Ralph Cazzetta and Championship with four individual place winners. Nick Connor Kelly. Cazzetta, spent a month at the J Robinson Mauriello, capped an outstanding career winning the 132 lb. Intensive camp in Minnesota and is ready for the next level. Suffolk County title, placing fourth in the NYS tournament. All have worked very hard in the off-season and will be

Nick finished his career with 128 wins, placing In the Suffolk looking for a place in the Suffolk tournament. Juniors, Championship 3 X’s and winning two league championships Dominick Holder, Vinny Drago and James Louison, should add along the way. He is attending Binghamton hoping to break some more depth in the upper weights. Much of the future into the lineup in 2012-13. Graduate, Sam Schwartzapfel, talent could be found in the sophomore class. League place finished a nice career for Hauppauge as a two time Suffolk winners, Dan Murphy and Francisco Bisono, lead a list of place winner, finishing fourth this past year, ending with 112 several very talented wrestlers. Dan Smith, Nick Kurz, John career wins. Sam is attending Hofstra. Donahue, Ricky Panciroli, Mason Ezring and Anthony Returning for the Hauppauge team is 2010 NYS champion, Ottaviano, all have had some varsity experience and could Mark West. Mark entering his senior year has currently break into the line-up. Hauppauge may also get some help amassed 119 varsity wins along with three Suffolk County from middle school wrestlers, Jake Silverstein and Ben placing’s. He won his 3rd League championship this past year, Tepperman both having success on the national level. The including several individual tournaments. He is looking to season will prove to be very exciting with several tough teams win his second Suffolk and NYS title’s at 120-126 lbs. Freshman in league four. Half Hollow Hills West, East Islip and Riverhead sensation, Chris Mauriello, also has his eye on a Suffolk and all are returning very talented and experienced teams. NYS title. Entering his freshman year as a 2X All-County and Hauppauge’s strength will once again be in the individual 2X League Champion, Chris has accumulated 72 varsity wins. tournaments. Hopefully the “Eagles” can find a way to soar In 2012, he was crowned the 2012 National Champion in his once again. 72 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 73

“A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS” By Chris Messina Over the years coaches face many obstacles in developing a contributed to Nick making it thru this deadly infection beginning team and sometimes lose sight as to what’s really important. How do with the outstanding care given at the hospital and the tremendous we measure our successes and failures regarding our team, our support he received all over Long Island and New York State, but individuals, and ourselves? Do we count wins and losses or none more than the fact that he was in terrific shape as a result of him individual achievement at the post season tournaments? Have we being a wrestler. Twelve days on life support thousands of prayers taught our wrestlers any messages for life? I’m sure everyone has their and his family by his side, Nick finally showed the ability to breathe own opinions but sometimes fate puts on his own and signs of improvement. everything in perspective. Such is the case of Although his body showed the effects of the Hauppauge’s own Nick Mauriello, who illness, losing 25 lbs., Nicks long road to Nick had all the makings of a true recovery was about to take place. Most of champion spending years coming thru the the physicians on hand did not know what ranks of the youth program at Hauppauge effects the illness had on his body but all starting to make his name on the national were in agreement the chances of him level. Nick began wrestling varsity as a wrestling again were slim to none. But then ninth grader and immediately made a again not many people truly understand the tremendous impact on the Hauppauge mind of a wrestler or the power the one program. He won several tournaments possesses when competing at such a high during the year at 96lbs., including the level. Nick knew from the moment he League V Championship. He finished the opened his eyes that he would not be denied year at 31-3 and although was seeded first in the opportunity to fulfill his dream of becoming the Suffolk county tournament unfortunately a Suffolk and New York State champion. came down with bronchitis the week of the From his early days of using a walker to his counties and had to settle for fifth. His soph- long hours of rehab only his family and those omore year proved to be as of us in the wrestling community knew it difficult. Starting the year at 103 lbs. Nick was only a matter of time when he would quickly grew out of the weight and moved return to probably the most demanding sport up to 112lbs. by the time the in high school today. After months of tournaments came around, although small weightlifting and conditioning Nick came for the weight, Nick placed second in back to Hauppauge as a senior ready to take the leagues and fourth in the county on the world. Much to the surprise of the tournament. He finished with a 21-6 record. Medical field who witnessed his illness, Nick Spending considerable time over the started the season on fire. He won the summer preparing to have a legitimate shot Bellport, East Hampton and Massapequa at a Suffolk and NYS title, Nick began his tournaments and was voted the MVP of the junior year on fire winning the Bellport and Massapequa tournament. He placed second Massapequa tournaments and placing third in the Eastern States Classic and won his in the prestigious Eastern States Classic. His Nick Mauriello is shown winning the Suffolk County barely second League tournament and given MVP a year after being stricken with an illness that threatened record up to that point was 31-2. He was not only his wrestling career, but his life. honors. His dream of becoming a Suffolk focused and ready to take on the League County champion was realized approximate- and County tournament when a pain in his neck would not go away. ly one year after he was stricken with the infection. Immediately after With the league dual meet title on the line with Islip and the his victory, the crowd of close to five thousand coaches, wrestlers and Newburgh Duals a few days away Nick was given a few days rest to spectators jumped to their feet to give Nick and his achievement a see if his muscle pain would subside. Missing the Islip match and standing ovation. Not because of the win in the finals but due to his Newburgh tournaments did not sit well with Nick but he stayed home unbelievable courage and will to realize his goals regardless of the and was sent to a Chiropractor and then an orthopedic specialist. The path that was given to him. Although he did not complete his quest orthopedic physician first put him on pain relievers then decided to to become a New York State champion, Nick placed fourth to add his take him off of the medication when little change occurred. place in the history books at Hauppauge. Apparently the medication was masking the symptoms of a deadly As his coach, even to discuss Nick’s junior year is very difficult. disease that soon found Nick being rushed to the hospital with a 200 After thirty five years of coaching, winning the leagues and counties plus heart rate and a staggering high blood pressure. He was moved seemed so meaningless when confronted with one of your own from one Hospital to Stony Brook where he was tested for various wrestler’s life. All that our staff, district and community wanted was infections. Nick was soon on life support, suffering from a combination of to get Nick back and healthy, everything else was placed on a back MURSA and a rare disease called Lemeire’s syndrome. Apparently, burner. Now, one year later, to witness the miracle of life and the infection starting in the muscles of the neck, invaded the carotid triumph, we have all added another attribute of wrestling to the long artery, spreading throughout his organs and body. Many things list that exists today. 73 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 74

By Yar Smada

Dylan Palacio had one of the great seasons in New York Championships in early April. Palacio would not be denied as he State Wrestling history in 2012. His hard work and determination ran off seven straight wins to capture the 152 lb. National catapulted him to a perfect senior campaign. When it was all said Championship. In the semi-finals, he scored at 15-4 win over and done his resume was second to none: 2012 National Ben Sullivan of national powerhouse Apple Valley in Minnesota. Champion, 2012 New York State Champion, 2012 Nassau County In the finals, he scored a dominant 6-2 victory over multiple- time Champion, 2012 Eastern States Champion and Most Outstanding Georgia State Champion Austin Trott. He became the Wrestler. It was a great ride and a second Senior National Champion in season packed with exciting wins over the last twelve years, joining Jonathan nationally ranked opponents. Masa (2000) for the Long Beach In January at the Eastern State Marines. You would think that his high Championships, Palacio dropped down school career would come to an end to 152 pounds to challenge defending with this victory...think again! Palacio State Champion and freestyle National would then go on to win the New York Champion Brian Realbuto of Somers State titles in Greco-Roman and (Section 1). Before a packed house, freestyle. He was voted the Palacio scored an 8-5 win over Outstanding Wrestler in the Greco- Realbuto. He was voted the Most Roman tournament. These victories Outstanding Wrestler for his win. After helped him to win the New York State securing his third Nassau County title “Triple Crown” of Wrestling. He with an impressive win over highly wrestled in the Flowrestling National regarded Joe Cataldo of MacArthur, it Club Duals with Team Excel, went was off to the New York State undefeated and helped Excel win the Championships in Albany. Four team national title. A key win was over members of the Palacio family have Pennsylvania State Champion Garrett won Nassau County titles: Al Palacio Peppelman. In June he wrestled with (4), Dylan (3), Leo and Luis. In three Team NY at the Disney Duals and previous trips to the states, Dylan had went undefeated. With that came the been denied the elusive New York State end of a great career and a perfect title. In his sophomore and junior years senior season. he dropped his semi-final match. He Palacio will continue his wrestling battled back to take 4th in 2010 and 3rd in 2011. This year would career at Cornell under the direction of Head Coach Rob Koll. be different. He defeated highly regarded Frank Affronti of In addition, to Palacio, two other Long Beach wrestlers earned Wayne (Section 5) in the semi-finals to reach the finals. In the All-American honors at the N.H.S.C.A. National Championships championship round, Palacio would face Tyler Grimaldi of Half in Virginia Beach. Krishna Sewkumar (106) and Mark Hollow Hills West (Section 11) at 160 lbs. Dylan did not let up Raghunandan (113) both earned All-American honors by as he defeated Grimaldi 11-4 to capture the coveted title of New finishing fifth in the nation. Long Beach became the first team in York State Champion. He became the tenth New York State New York State to have three senior All-Americans in one year. Champion in the history of the Long Beach Wrestling Program. Sewkumar was Nassau County Champion and two-time All-State He joins his uncle, Al Palacio (3x State Champion) on the finisher and Raghunandan was a two-time Nassau County Long Beach Wall of State Champions along with Richard Santana, Champion, three time All-State finisher. Raghunandan will Scotty Graham, Aldy Teran, Kevin Haggerty, Eduardo Delgado continue his career at S.U.N.Y. at Brockport. and P.J. Gillespie. After Albany, his season was still not over. His This year, the Marines of Long Beach will be young and will next goal was to be a National Champion in April at the look to its four seniors for leadership. Steven Sewkumar, second in N.H.S.C.A. Senior Nationals. In a charity event called Pinning Nassau County last year will lead the way and look to capture the Down Autism in March, an All-Star team from New York Nassau County and State title. Also look to Joe Sweeney, Walter wrestled an all-star team from New Jersey. Palacio (41-0) squared Ulloa and Zamarr Allen for big points. Junior Jaemen Connelly, off against undefeated New Jersey State Champion Raamiah third in Nassau County last season, will look to climb to the top of Bethea. In an exciting match, Palacio would secure a fall on the podium this year. Top newcomers include: Alan Teemer, Mike Bethea in the third period to help Team NY to an exciting win Alcivar, Tyler O’Conner, Tyler Ostrander and Marke Sutton. This over the Garden State. Palacio was voted the Most Outstanding years schedule will be loaded again as the Marines will compete in Wrestler of the event. The next stop was Virginia Beach for the the “Battle at the Beach”, Baldwin Tournament, Grapple at the National High School Coaches Association National Garden, and the Eastern States. 74 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 75

Continuing a Tradition of Excellence BALDWIN WRESTLING The inception of Baldwin Wrestling Program by Coach Ed Program recalls walking into the county tournament unseeded and Reinisch in 1941 has been followed by many decades of pulling off several upsets to earn All- County Honors. These alumni success. Over the years, there have been numerous influential exemplify the Baldwin Wrestling legacy of hard work and success on wrestlers. Here’s a decade by decade look at some of them. the mat. The 1940s were the era of National Wrestling Hall of Fame After an 11th place finish in Nassau County last season, the member; Reggie Jones Sr.. He was a Long Island Champion and co- Baldwin Bruins Wrestling Program is determined to elevate the team Captain of the 1946 Bruins Team that gave Mepham High School their to new heights. The Bruins aspire to uphold a legacy of first loss after 100 consecutive wins. Reggie Jones Sr continued his success which dates back to 1941. A dedicated coaching staff, led by wrestling career by coaching at Garden City Jr High and refereeing second year Head Coach James Murphy and Assistant Coaches Mike across Long Island. Janosko, Tom Daddino, Paul Stuart, Tom Llewellyn and Tyshawn The 1950’s featured heavyweight wrester Tom Megale, who Scarlett, have established a culture of accountability, motivation and continued the Baldwin way of commitment by coaching at Tresper commitment both on and off the mat. Several key strategies have W. Clarke High School. B.A Schoen is one of three been implemented this season to instill these important values into the brothers who were Captains of the team in the 1960s. He is an example young wrestlers. of the dedication and commitment The value of responsibility that goes hand in hand with is demonstrated though a strict being a Bruin. Mr. Schoen practice- uniform policy which coached youth wrestling with requires each wrestler to have other alumni, Steve Shippos and headgear, white socks and a Chris Jackson and was the designated color shirt in order to Baldwin Junior High Coach with participate in practice. A new Alum, Nick Dinisio. mandatory attendance policy, that During the 1979 season, immediately punishes truant Mike DerGarabedian helped set a wrestlers, keeps practice record for Baldwin by winning a numbers elevated. The Baldwin county championship with two Coaching Staff and Athletic other teammates. Even a fractured Director Ed Ramirez, frequently leg during his senior season could use the term “ student - athlete” to not deter DerGarabedian from emphasize that high academic achieving his victory. B.A. Schoen presents Bruin Senior Quin Knauer with the Steve Shippos “Champion standards must be met before DerGarabedian advises all of Champions Award” at this year’s Bruin Cup. The award is sponsored by NWHOF athletic competition. Each Bruins Bruins Wrestlers to stay with the Executive Board Member Michael DerGarabedian, like Schoen a Baldwin alum. Coach uses their past learning sport no matter how difficult it experiences derived from may be. He also believes that “Baldwin Wrestlers stand out from other collegiate wrestling, football and even the Navy, to schools because, other wrestlers aim to win with the strength of arms provide inspirational anecdotes that motivate wrestlers. Off season and legs, while Bruins look to win with their heads and their hearts”. open- mats, demanding summer track workouts and trips to Granby Bruin Alum, Mike Robinson attributes Baldwin’s Wrestling Camp prove the commitment level of the entire Baldwin accomplishments of the 1980’s to the camaraderie of teammates. The Program. Our team’s effort will be put to the test with upcoming dual competition for starting jobs and intense practices helped formed a meets against formidable opponents Brooklyn Tech, Sachem North fraternity of Baldwin brothers that lasts a lifetime. Under Coach Steve and Shenendehowa. During the first practice of the season, the Shippos, the Bruins won the county dual meet coaches discussed the distinction between a goal and dream. After tournament in Robinson’s junior season. explaining that goals are achieved though a series of positive The 90’s featured the career of Kevin Shippos, the winningest proactive steps and dreams are useless fantasies, each wrestler was wrestler in Baldwin history. Kevin was a New York state champ as required to formulate a list of personal goals. The coaches well as a member of the USA Wrestling World Team that encouraged the team to include a state championship on our team’s traveled to Europe when he was a “Kid” wrestler. Shippos is aspirations. A novice wrestler may view a state championship as a currently the Head Football and Assistant Wrestling Coach at lofty ambition, but the Baldwin Coaching Staff stressed that each Massapequa High School. journey begins with one step. With these sentiments in mind, during The new millennium Bruins were led by the “All-American “, every practice, match and tournament, the Baldwin Bruins Wrestling Chris Weidman, Baldwin’s fourth State Champion. Chris is called the Team takes one step closer on our march towards victory. “All American” because he has been at one at every level he competed at: Kids, High School, Junior College (Nassau Community College) and Hofstra University. He is now an undefeated UFC fighter. The above was written by Michael White, winner of last year’s Stan Bishop Prize. Most recently, five year varsity wrestler Dylan Cohen advises Mike is a Senior and a member of the Baldwin Bruin Wrestling Team. As we go to current Bruins to stay with wrestling because of the inherent life les- press, Mike has not decided where he will be next year but he has applied to Penn State sons of hard work and goal setting. The latest graduate of the Baldwin along with several other universities. 75 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 76

By Jim Sheehan Coming off a record-setting season for a first-year wrestling Championships to earn All-American honors. Brilliant both on the coach in school history, Hofstra Head Wrestling Coach Rob mat and off, Bonanno was also named the CAA Wrestling Scholar- Anspach will be looking for an encore performance from his Pride Athlete of the Year, named to the Capital One-CoSIDA Academic grapplers in 2012-13. Anspach, a All-American At-Large second team, long-time assistant under both Tom and the NWCA All-Academic team. Ryan and Tom Shifflet, took the Bonanno is looked upon as a reins of the Hofstra program legitimate national title contender as following the 2010-11 season. his preseason rankings as high as In his first season in charge, the fourth will attest. “If all goes as we Pride recorded a 12-3 dual match expect, we sincerely believe that record, a 5-1 mark in the Colonial Steve Bonanno could finish in Athletic Association, Hofstra’s the top two in the country,” second consecutive CAA title and Anspach says. the 11th conference title in the past Returning to a starting role at 12 years and a 23rd-place finish with 133-pounds this season is two All-Americans at the NCAA junior Jamie Franco (Monroe, NY), Division I Wrestling Championships who also had a career-best season a in St. Louis. Anspach’s .800 winning year ago. He posted a 21-13 record, percentage was the best by a first- Coach Rob Anspach is starting his second yearn coming off a season that advanced to the CAA finals for the year coach in program history. He saw his team win the CAA tournament and have two all-Americans first time and earned his first bid to was also the first new coach in Pride wrestling the NCAA Championships. Franco’s hard-work last season and in history to win his first 10 dual matches. the preseason this year has earned him a top 20 ranking in some But the new season brings new challenges and Anspach and of the preseason polls. “Jamie made a huge jump on the mat from the Pride will be faced with many as Hofstra will face, arguably, the his freshman to sophomore seasons,” Anspach says. “He gained a most difficult schedule in program history facing such notable lot of valuable experience and we expect him to build upon that national powers like Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio State, Oklahoma, success this season.” Cornell, Wisconsin, Lehigh, the CAA Duals, and appearances in the The 141-pound weight class is one of five divisions with three Ken Kraft Midlands Championships in December and the National or wrestlers competing. But this class is led by returning starter, Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals at Cornell in February. Anspach and staff will be armed with the biggest roster in recent years although a good many are young and inexperienced on the Division I level. Included in that roster are 15 returnees and eight starters. Among the returning starters are two returning All-Americans in senior Steve Bonanno at 125 and senior Justin Accordino at 149. Bonanno is one of two CAA champions returning from 2012 along with junior Luke Vaith at 141 while senior Paul Snyder, who was a conference champion in 2011, gives the Pride three CAA champions on the roster. While the roster is large, there will be several weight classes that are deep in numbers but short on experience with many expected to red-shirt. Other weight classes are short on depth but sometimes deep in talent. “Our biggest hope this season is that we don’t get hit by the injury bug,” Anspach says. Senior Steve Bonanno achieved All-American status last season with an 8th place “But if we do the guys understand that this is a team sports and they finish at the NCAA Tournament. He is a threat to improve on that this year. may have to move up or down a weight to help make us the best possible team we can be.” junior Luke Vaith (Hastings, MN), whose star continues to rise and The 125-pound weight class is one of those weight classes that shine brightly. Another one of the Pride wrestlers to record a career- is short on depth but deep in talent with the return of All-American, best season in 2011-12, Vaith recorded a 23-10 record including a senior Steve Bonanno (Wantagh, NY). The three-time NCAA 12-3 mark in duals and a 5-1 record in the CAA. He captured his qualifier had a career-best season as a junior, posting a 31-9 record first conference title and earned his first NCAA Championship bid. including 14-1 in duals and 6-0 in conference matches. He captured His work the past two seasons has him destined to get to the All- his first CAA title last season after two previous trips to the title American podium in the near future. As Anspach explained. “We match and then went on to place eighth in the NCAA are looking for Luke to make a statement nationally and he is 76 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 77

posted a 3-3 record at 157 in two open tournaments last year after recording a 13-11 mark in the same class in 2010-11. “We expect big things from Nick this season,” Anspach said. “He has a lot of talent and is very quick. He just needs to be more consistent in his wrestling.” The Hofstra 174-pound weight class returns its starter in 2012- 13 in sophomore Jermaine John (Brooklyn, NY). John was thrust into the starting line-up after the graduation of Ryan Patrovich and posted a 9-17 record as a freshman. The former three-time All- Nassau County selection and All-New York State pick, is better prepared for the battles ahead this season. “Jermaine gained valuable experience as a freshman starter,” Anspach commented. “We look for him to continue to improve and become more consistent this season.” Like at 165 pounds, the graduation of two-time CAA champion and three-time NCAA qualifier Ben Clymer has left a Junior Luke Vath earned his first conference title last season along with a trip to the void at 184 pounds for the Pride. But senior Taras Luzhnyy (Kiev, NCAA tournament. He is looking to achieve All-American status this year. Ukraine) is expected to fill the void in 2012-13. Luzhnyy, who certainly capable to do that,” attended the National University of the Ukraine, has impressive If ever Hofstra should have won a national Comeback Wrestler of the Year Award it should have happened last season for Justin Accordino (Wilkes-Barre, PA). The returning All-American and starter was grant- ed a sixth year of eligibility after missing most if not all of the 2009- 10 and 2010-11 seasons with knee injuries. Accordino battled back and recorded a career-best season last year, posting a 26-14 record with a 12-3 mark in duals and a 5-1 record in the CAA. He was a first-time conference finalist and earned his second NCAA Championship bid. He didn’t disappoint at nationals, defeating the 12th-seed and the fifth-seed before losing to three top-10 seeds to place sixth and earn All-American honors. “We are looking for Justin to continue his late season run from a year ago that led him to the All-American podium,” Anspach said. The 157-pound weight class returns another starter in senior Tyler Banks (Griswold, CT). Banks, who has wrestled in 96 matches during his Hofstra career, posted a 12-13 mark at 157 pounds as a junior after recording a 21-16 mark at three weight Paul Snyder, expected to start for the fourth consecutive season, hopes to win back the CAA title he earned as a sophomore and go onto the NCCA tournament.

international freestyle credentials but very few in college circles. He placed second at the 2010 World University Championships at 84kg and finished third in the Cup of the Ukraine Senior Championships. Luzhnyy also took home the gold at the Ukrainian Nationals in 2010. “Taras brings a wealth of international experience and a lot of success,” Anspach says. “He is very talented on his feet and is a tireless worker. I expect good things from him by the end of the season.” The 197-lb. starter from a year ago returns in 2012-13 in junior Tim Murphy (Nazareth, PA). The two-year Hofstra letterman, who came to Long Island after one year at Edinboro University, posted a 10-22 record as a red-shirt sophomore. “Tim gained a lot of experience and helped us out a lot last year,” Anspach commented. “He worked very hard over the summer and has made some big Sophomore Jermaine John, gained a world of experience as a freshman and improvements in his wrestling coming into the season.” should be a big asset to the team as the 174 lb. starter . Senior Paul Snyder (Greensburg, PA) is the Pride’s eighth and classes as a sophomore including an 18-15 slate at 157. “Tyler final starter who is returning to the line-up in 2012-13. A CAA continues to get better every year,” Anspach said. “We expect him to champion and NCAA qualifier as a sophomore when he posted a 25- make that jump to a consistent wrestler who can contend for a 16 record, he was 19-13 as a junior a year ago. The durable Snyder, conference title.” who is expected to start for the fourth consecutive season, brings a wealth of experience to the weight class as he has wrestled in 110 Following the graduation of two-time CAA champion, four-time matches over his three years in a Pride singlet. “We think Paul can NCAA qualifier and 2011 All-American, P.J. Gillespie, the 165-pound be the top wrestler in the CAA this season,” Anspach said. “He too weight class is one of those divisions with numbers but not a great put in a great summer and worked real hard. We are looking for deal of college experience. Red-shirt sophomore Nick Terdick (East him to close out his career with a conference title and do something Northport, NY) appears to be the front-runner in this class. He at nationals.” 77 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 78

By Glenn Jochum

Coach Shaun Lally is conducting a tour of the space the 28 Lally explains that lack of television coverage, a complex wrestlers in his newly formed wrestling club use as their scoring system and other factors have taken their toll on the sport practice room at the Pritchard Gymnasium from 6 to 8 pm on of folkstyle wrestling, which has been enjoyed by high school weeknights. It’s long been used as a racquetball court or a place and college students and their fans since the dawn of the 20th where wrestlers or martial arts buffs can work out their moves. century. The space is tiny for 28 people. But that’s okay, Lally But Lally doesn’t dwell on the negative. “We are very lucky says, because not everyone can make every practice due to to have a budget and a charter and a place to wrestle,” he says. scheduling conflicts.Lally keeps tabs on who attends each A former collegiate wrestler at the University of Pittsburgh, Lally session with an accountability chart posted on a wall in the prac- lived in New York until the age of five when his immigrant tice room. As long the wrestlers make as many practices as they parents joined a wave of Long Islanders moving to the Pocono can, there is a place for them on the team, he explains. Mountains in the early 1990s. He almost gave up on the sport The Stony Brook Wrestling Club will field 11 weight after suffering a neck injury at the age of 23. “I herniated a disc classes ranging from 125 to 285 and have a metal plate with four pounds. Most of the club’s wrestlers screws in my neck,” he says. are from Nassau and Suffolk Eventually over time he couldn’t Counties, but it also features students turn his back on the sport that from upstate New York, New York he loved so much. “I started City, New Jersey, Arizona and volunteering to coach at Parkland Russia. “We have talent here at the High School in Allentown, PA, University that hasn’t even been where I went to high school,” he tapped into,” said Lally. said.He then moved back to New As Lally and his squad await the York in 2008, to accept a position purchase of a $10,000 mat, which as junior high school coach in Port will eventually find a home in the Jefferson. He followed that up state-of-the-art Campus Recreation with a head wrestling coaching Center that opened next door to position at Nazareth High School Pritchard on October 19, he grapples in Brooklyn from 2009-2010 to with the dilemma of how to stretch Photo:Courtesy of John Griffin become a high school wrestling the $3,000 allotted to his club by the referee. He also volunteered to Coach Shaun Lally and his new Stony Brook team have high hopes for Undergraduate Student Government the growth and success of the wrestling program that will compete in a participate in Beat the Streets for this year to cover costs such as league governed by the National Collegiate Wrestling Association one year, a program aimed at equipment and travel. establishing a wrestling program in every New York City school. In his first year as wrestling coach, Lally says he hopes Missing Long Island, Lally returned in 2011 to put down roots to hold a golf outing and find other ways to help pay for the mat. and start a family. He contemplated building a wrestling program Prior to this year, Stony Brook students who wanted to wrestle were at the community college level but realized that the constant part of a loose-knit fraternity of athletes who used the space when- turnover would disrupt continuity. Instead he approached ever it was available. As a result of Lally’s vision and then Manager of Intramurals and Sports Clubs Dave Hairston at recruiting, now, for the first time, the club is part of a league, Stony Brook at the Department of Campus Recreation and was governed by the National Collegiate Wrestling Association. encouraged to join the National Collegiate Wrestling Association. The club is set to embark on its first full season of competition, “We’re excited,” says Lally “This program has the potential to turn which begins with a dual meet on Saturday, November 10, at 12 pm out an All-American or a National Champion. With no alumni or against the University of New Haven in New Haven, Connecticut. history I’m excited to see who will be the first one atop the Because there is no home facility, for now, all the Stony Brook podium,” a term that Lally explained includes the top eight All- Wrestling Club’s meets will be away. But that doesn’t Americans. Lally pauses, smiling broadly. “Perhaps you’ve heard discourage Lally, who says he is grateful to finally have a of a coach here named Matt Senk,” he says. “He began a “structure, a system, leadership and a model.”Fortunately, the 29-year- baseball program here 22 years ago and took it from there to old Lally, who is volunteering his time as coach, isn’t Division 1 until he reached the Collegiate World Series this year. shouldering all of this alone. Club President senior Bobby I would like to be that kind of a coach.” Beneventano handles University protocol, including rosters and other For more information, contact coach Lally at (610) 703-4974 paperwork. or [email protected]. 78 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 79

Dear Friend of Wrestling Would you like to sit in on a skull session with Cael Sanderson? Or play a round of golf with Dan Gable as your host? How about attending dinner with the Legends of Long Island Coaches? Enjoy discussing a controversial call with the best officials in the nation, while simultaneously supporting the great youth, high school and college programs offered on Long Island and the Metropolitan area. You can accomplish any of the above by sending in your 2013 membership today. The dues paid for membership are used 100% in support of wrestling programs and we are a “Not for Profit Corporation”, developed to assist in the education and support of active programs and in marketing the sport of wrestling. Since all of the funds we receive in membership are used in these activities, you will have a tax deduction for the total amount provided. Wrestling needs your support. Please return your membership check in the amount of $50.00 or more today!

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Friends of Long Island Wrestling, Inc. STATEMENT OF WHAT WE DO We are the Downstate New York Chapter of The National Wrestling Hall of Fame We actively and financially support:

Hofstra University • Columbia University U.S. Merchant Marine Academy- Kings Point Nassau Community College New York Athletic Club Holiday Tournament & Russia USA Dual Meet Friends of Long Island Wrestling, Inc.- Facebook Distribution of our national publication Long Island Wrestling Local & metropolitan wrestling programs Annual Hall of Fame Induction & Reunion Dinner (To Date, inducted 80 National Hall of Famers) Annual golf outing Rules & Interpretation clinic for coaches & officials Nassau & Suffolk County Outstanding Wrestler Trophy Financially support county tournaments Stan Bishop Literary Scholarship Award Friends of Long Island Wrestling, Inc. Website Mayors Cup Wrestling Tournament Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Provide financial assistance to high school/college austerity programs Revisit & present schools with a replica plaque honoring their Hall of Fame Members And, much, much more.....

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Friends of Long Island Wrestling HONOR ROLL The following pages are dedicated to those individuals who have actively supported the mission of the Friends of Long Island Wrestling and The Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame 2012 Honor Roll Members

Ron Abatelli Al Bevilacqua Rob Catapano Josh Abbey Matt Bielo Ed Cavanagh Gary Abott James Bishop Ken Cellan Joseph Acerra Mr. & Mr.s. Mark Blankmeyer Russ & Sharon Cellan Ray Adams Mike Bloom Joe Ceruli Set Agonian Tom Bobal Joe Chetti Ken Ahern Nick Boccard Santo Ciccarello Kevin Akner Paul Boccia Daniel Cilla Mike Albano Roger Bogsted Pete Cimino Joseph Amaalfitano Peter Bongiorno Ron Coan Peter Amaroso DR. Jap Boosman Raymond Cody Rich Anderson Rich Boscarino Joe Colloca Rob Anspach Sean Bradely Mr. & Mrs. J. Columbo Irv Apgar Dan Bragoli Rod Conduragis Mr & Mrs Rob Aquilina Mr. & Mrs. William H. Brennen Raymond Connell Joe Aquilina William J. Brennen Mr. & Mrs. Richard Connor Steve Arcuri Sean Breves Russell Conti Jerry Armengau Craig Brodmerkel William Coogan Robert Attonito Paul Brodmerkel Spencer Cook Patrick Augustine Kevin Brodsky Melvin Cooper Konstantine Avdeev Mr. & Mrs. Jason Bross Mike Coppinger Rich Avingone Mike Buonagurio Clark & Carol Crespi Paul Aviza Robert Bury Christopher Critchley Doug Axman Richard Bury Bill Crum William Baldwin Robert Busby Jr. Mr. & Mrs. John Cummings Frank Barbuto Jorge Cabrales Lou Curra Leonard Barone Bruce Campbell Arturo Curtis William Barrett Steve Candela Mark Czachor Peter Barros Larry Cantor Steve Dalberth Nickenson Bazelais Rudy Carastro Michael Daly Hilary Becker Sal Carillo Alfred Daniello Dr. Paul Bedell Mr. & Mrs, Richard Carroll Stephen Dansi Phil Bellisari The Castelli Family Nicholas D’Anna Robert Bennett Jorge Castro David Darrow Dennis Bermudez Joe Catalanotto Michael Davey 81 19142.qxd:2013 pages 1/11/13 9:27 AM Page 82

Bill Davey, Sr. Mike Ferruggiari Rob Hendrick Jay Davis Matt Fala John T. Hiller Mr. & Mrs. Anthony DeFendis Mike Fitzgerald Chris Holder Joseph DeForca William Fitzgerald Fred Holle Brian Degaetano Michael Fokas Kevin Horner Domnick Delvecchio Cliff Forziat Ed Hubbard George DeMatteo Dave Foxen Tom Hudson Gregory Isgro Richard DeMott Michael Franco Don Jackson Craig DeNicola Julian Frank Adam James Michael DerGarabedian Jack Friedman Mike Jimenez Bill Desario Steve Friedman John Justice Johnson Carl & Debbie DeStefanis Charlie Gadson Reggie Jones, Jr. Nick DiFranco Frank Gagliardi Reggie Jones, Sr. Ted DePasquale Nick & Patti Gallo Horace Jordan Pete Dirlam Damian Garcia Dan Kakits Dan DiSalvo Ken Garcia Joan & David Kaplan George Dlugolonski Matt Gaynor Jim Keen Joseph Doherty Jason Gerondale Robert Kelly Carlos Dolmo Lou Giani Jon Kesler Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Donatelli Tom Giaramita Paul Kieblesz Kevin Donohue Paul Gillespi Bobby Kizis Michael Dowlig Randy Gilmore Kenny Klein Peter Doyle Joe Giulintano Rich Knazik Phillip Drago Tim Godoy Pete Kopecky David Drew Fred Goepfert Zach Korman Owen Dugan Bob Goldberg James Kraus Neil Duncan John F. Golden Kenneth Kronke Dennis Dunne, Jr. Arnie Goldstein John Laddomada Jim Durso Jerry Goodfellow Lou Lago James Earl Joseph Goonan Joe/Ben Lamanita David Edelman John Gorman Mitchell Langsam Christopher Edmond, Jr. Steven Grabher James LaVinne, MD Mike Emmert Marvin Grady Skip Lawrence Robert & Eveln Emmons Mr. Dale T. Granger Robert & Elizabeth Lee Jack Endee Doug Grannelle Guy Leggio Joe Enea Howie Greenblatt Jumper Leggio Pete Erber Sonny Greenhalgh Barry Lemily Steve Erber Guy Guccione Bill Lentino James Ernst Dan Guido Michael Leonard Christian Espinosu Alan Gurien Rober LaVein Mrs, Michelle Ivy Esquenazi Chick Hackney Edward Lewandowski Jim Farrel Terry Haise Willam Ligouri Denis Farrell Marcia Haise Mike Limmer Bill Farrell Earl Haley Lindenhurst Wrestling Club Umbert Fasolino Jim Hall Bud Linkner Sharon Faucett Ed Haller Mellisa Locast Mr. Larry Faucie John Hamilton Ben Lore Lorrie & Jeff Faulhaber John Hamm Mike Lorenzen Tom Fauvell Peter Hamm Rich Lorenzo Chris Feder Daniel Harrell Sal LoStrappo Scott Feldman Cliff Heinze Mike Luckert

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Dominick & Ilene Macchia Gary & Barbara Mims Pascal Perri Mike Macchia Wayne Miranda Florence Perri Chris McDonald Anthony Mirra John Perugini Doug Macleod Kieran Mock Eileen Petersen Gordon Macleod Mark Montgomery Dane & Joyce Petersen Mr. & Mrs. Tom Maddock Mr. Rick Morales Glen & Laurel Petersen Mike Mafia Tim Moran Richard Petracca Jack Mahoney Margie & Don Mosher Matt Pheffer Norm Maisel John Moss Terry Phelan Shahad Malik Billy Muir Don Pike Tom Mangan Audrey Muller Ryan Pingitore John Mankowich Mike Mullick Mark Piven Paul Mankowich George Munnich III Robert Plaia Anthony Marcigliano Kevin Murphy Chris Pollin John Markwalter Rohan Murphy David Pottruck Peter Marques Jim Murphy John Price Richard Martinez Mike Murtha Ryan Proce Arty & Karen Martinez Mike Muscara Joe Puma Frank Massaro Greg Muscarella Gregg Quilty Anthony Massone Jim Nanos Kurt Rahner Mr. & Mrs. Masters John Nappy Eduardo Ramirez Anthony May Mike Nastri Richard Ranalli Greg Mazzola Ira Nathel Richard Ranalli Jr. Charles Mazzoni Patrick Nesdill Rick Ranno Darren McAlonie Kevin Nichols Chris Re Austn McCann Mike Nicoll Fred Recher Paul McCarthy N. Shore Razor Wrestling Club Jim Regan Ian McConnell Michael Novogratz Rich Renz Patrick McGovern Terry O’Brien Ben Resnick Shaun McGowin Patrick O’Donnell Tom Reynolds Brian McKee Damilola Ojo Jim Rheaumi P Michael McKenna Sean O’Malley Tom Riccio Cardon McKenzie Jim O’Rourke Alan Rice Mike McLaughlin Patrick O’Sullivan Ken Richards Thomas McLaughlin Leo Palacio Peggy Richling Cory McNamara Steven Palacios Frank Rinaudo Anthony Mecca Rob Paletta Justin Ripley Todd Medeiros Mr. & Mrs. R Panariello Michael Ripley Izzey Medina Michael Panico Michael Robinson Bryan Meehan Vincent Paolano James Edson Rooney Tony Melito John Pappas James Rooney Mr. & Mrs. Tony Mellino Nick Parker Dan Roper Tony Melosci Robert Parker Charles Ross Robert Mentz Chris Pascucci Jason Rubenstein James Mercante Joe Patrovich Joseph Russo Fred Messina Ryan Patrovich Dan Ryan Philip Messina Billy Patton Joseph Sabbatino Chris Messina Nicholas Pecora George Sable Ed Metzger Mike Pellitta Stephon Sair Eric Mikkelson Joe Penna Kevin Sampson Ray Mills John Perkins Roy Samuelson

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Joe Sanfillipo Rich Smith Mr. & Mrs. Cliff Veron Bill Santoro Donald Snyder Ryan Vinberg Matt Sanzone Lawrence Spasojevich Dr, Dion Visconti Frank Saracino Harry St. Leger Tom & Lance Wade Mike Savello Fran Stanek John Walter Reid Scalfani Arthur Stanton Tony Walters Joe Scandura William G. Starke Jason Washington John Schaefer Dr. & Mrs. John Steele Derek Wasiak Anthony Schettino Spencer Stelmach Jack Weber Philip Schlitz Walter Stewart Shane Weber Spencer Schmerzler Jim Stewart Charles Weidner Joe Schmidt Kevin Stimphi Robert Weinberg Paul Schmidt Mrs. Muriel Stone Adam Welt Peter Schmitt Jordan Strump Danny Wetzel Robert Schoen Steven Strunwasser Tim Whalen Fred Schult Bill Stuckin Steven Whalen Harvey Schumacher Marty Strayer Michael Whitcomb Roy Scott Peter Succoso Michael White Frank Seckler Pat Sullivan Robert Wigand Jerry Seckler Shawn Swift Al Williams Ron Serrano Bogdan Szurant Joseph Williams Joe Settineri Noel Thompson Bob Williams Frank & Tom Sforza John Tito Frank Williams III Harvey & Sheilla Shane Sean Tobin Robin Winkel Rob Shaver Lou Tourto George Wissman Steve Shippos Bruce D. Treiber Paul Wolfrom Aviram Shmulely William Trichon Paul Wood Jim Shotter John Truscello Jim Woodward Terrance Shourts Paul Turano Jeff Yablon Matt Shwom Bernard Valentin Dick Young Barry Silverstein Dan Vallimont Bill Young John Slokovitz Peter Venier Patrick Zagarino Mike Smith Nany Ventimiglia William Zagarino Fred Smith Fran Ventimiglia Rich Zboray Richard Smith Linda Armyn Ventimiglia Stan Zeamer Lee Roy Smith Lauren Ventimiglia Weismann Dean Zenie Chad Smith Sal Verdoliva

Thank You All!

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Friends of Long Island Wrestling 775 Wantagh Avenue Wantagh, New York 11793 (516) 804-8676