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   <title>High School Wrestling Blog</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/211</id>
   <updated>2008-08-28T05:41:40Z</updated>
   <subtitle>High School Wrestling Blog</subtitle>
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<entry>
   <title>Interesting Wrestling Video From OTL</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/08/interesting_wrestling_video_fr.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.123207</id>
   
   <published>2008-08-26T15:05:19Z</published>
   <updated>2008-08-28T05:41:40Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey folks, it&apos;s been a while since we last spoke. Recently I came across an interesting video courtesy of ESPN&apos;s Outside the Lines about 36-year old Richard Jensen, who battled a drug addiction for more than 15...</summary>
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      <name>Admin</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Hey folks, it's been a while since we last spoke. Recently I came across an <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=jensen&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1">interesting video</a> courtesy of ESPN's Outside the Lines about 36-year old Richard Jensen, who battled a drug addiction for more than 15 years and has found refuge on the mats as a college wrestler at Clackamas Community College in Oregon. 

<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=3254776">Here is an article</a> about Jensen that provides some additional info. 

***UPDATE***: Here are a couple more intriguing wrestling videos that I recently came across, courtesy of ESPN.

The first is an <a href="http://video.aol.com/partner/espn/outside-the-lines-taking-hold/3298522/?icid=VIDURVSPR01">Outside the Lines segment</a> about two female wrestlers at Goodrich High School in Michigan — something we've also encountered <a href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/01/farmingdale_to_discuss_wrestli.html">here on Long Island</a>. 

The second is a brief segment from E:60 about Michael Spriggs, <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3394563">a blind wrestler from Maryland</a>. <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/highschool/03/10/blind.wrestler/index.html">Here</a> is some additional info on Spriggs. 

I never wrestled a girl in high school, but I did face a blind wrestler at a summer camp. It was a unique experience, because of the range of emotions I felt — compassion (for his disability), frustration (because I wasn't allowed to break contact with him), and embarrassment/humiliation (because I lost to him and got it pretty good from my teammates afterward).]]>
      
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<entry>
   <title>Four Honored As Academic All-Americans</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.106510</id>
   
   <published>2008-06-06T23:40:45Z</published>
   <updated>2008-06-17T23:11:15Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Four Long Island wrestlers - Stephen Bonanno (Wantagh), Ryan Conway (Chaminade), Shane Strumwasser (Massapequa) and Paul Liguori (Wantagh) - were named to the National High School Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team. Click below to read about the...</summary>
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      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Four Long Island wrestlers - Stephen Bonanno (Wantagh), Ryan Conway (Chaminade), Shane Strumwasser (Massapequa) and Paul Liguori (Wantagh) - were named to the National High School Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team.

Click below to read about the team and the four individuals...]]>
      <![CDATA[NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICANS LANGEL, SOLBERG, JOHNSON LEAD NHSCA ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM FOR 2008
 
EASTON, Pa. – The National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) has announced its All-Academic Team selections for 2008.

It is the 15th year the NHSCA has honored these achievers in the classroom. The 106 selections for 2008 include 53 seniors, 35 juniors, 11 sophomores and seven freshmen, and come from 30 states. They sport an average grade-point average (GPA) of 3.75 on a scale of 4.0, with 23 members of the team earning a GPA of 4.0 or better. Eleven members of the squad – five seniors, five juniors and one sophomore – rank No. 1 in their class academically. That total includes, for the second straight year, a pair of twin brothers, Cameron and Colton Wagner, who share their class’s No. 1 ranking – the junior class at Belle Plaine (Iowa) High. A second brother combination, Brandon and Colin Zeerip of Hesperia (Mich.) High, are ranked No. 1 in the junior and sophomore classes, respectively, at their school.

"The members of this year’s All-Academic Team define what it means to be a student-athlete today," NHSCA associate executive director Bob Ferraro Jr. said. "They are leaders both on the field and in the classroom, and we are proud to be honoring them."

The team includes three wrestlers who earned All-America status in this year’s NHSCA National High School Seniors Wrestling Championships March 28-31, led by the 112-pound champion, Joey Langel of Farmingdale (N.J.) Howell High. The others both come from North Dakota: the 152-pound runnerup, Tyler Johnson of Bismarck High, and third-place finisher Justin Solberg (119) of Wahpeton High, who finished third. Solberg also is one of five senior Academic All-Americans to earn All-America honors in the National High School Juniors Wrestling Championships a year ago. Joining Solberg were Daniel Clarke of Ramsey (N.J.) High, Aaron Pickrel of Watertown (S.D.) High, Shane Strumwasser of Massapequa (N.Y.) High and Harry Turner, Langel’s teammate at Howell High.

Four members of the Class of 2009 – Tyler Biscaha of Jackson (N.J.) Memorial High, Gabe Brotzman of Cary (N.C.) High, Paul Liguori of Wantagh (N.Y.) High and Clay Reeb of Cheektowaga (N.Y.) High – were National High School Sophomores Wrestling Championships All-Americans a year ago, and Biscaha was the 103-pound champion. Michael Shaughnessy gave Howell a third All-American selection after finishing eighth in the National High School Freshman Wrestling Championships this year.

Georgia and Tennessee each had 10 selections to lead this year’s squad. They were followed by Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio, with six each. Hawaii, Michigan and New Jersey had five selections and Iowa and Vermont earned four. To be considered for selection, an athlete must carry a GPA of 3.4 or better (on a scale of 4.0), be a state tournament placewinner or have received All-State honors.


<strong>Stephen Bonanno (New York):</strong> Division 1 state champion with 44-2 record at 119 pounds for coach James Murphy at Wantagh High School; two-time state placewinner; career record 140-32. Earned 4.0 GPA, scored 28 on the ACT and 1280 on the SAT, and ranks in the top 5 per cent of his class; will attend Brown University.

<strong>Ryan Conway (New York): </strong>Catholic state runnerup with 35-6 record at 135 pounds for coach George Dlugolonski at Chaminade High School; four-time state placewinner; career record 108-38. Earned 4.0 GPA, scored 1500 on the SAT, and ranks in the top 3 per cent of his class; will attend Amherst College.

<strong>Shane Strumwasser (New York):</strong> Finished 45-2 and third in Division 1 state tournament at 125 pounds for coach Steve Strumwasser at Massapequa High School; two-time state placewinner; career record 165-32. National High School Juniors Wrestling Championships All-American. Earned 99 (of 100), scored 1280 on the SAT, and ranks in the top 2 per cent of his class; will attend Columbia University.

<strong>Paul Liguori (New York):</strong> Finished 44-1 and third in Division 1 state tournament at 125 pounds for coach James Murphy at Wantagh High School; two-time state champion; career record 178-13. National High School Sophomores Wrestling Championships All-American. Earned 3.9 GPA, scored 1320 on the SAT, and ranks in the top 10 per cent of his class.






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<entry>
   <title>Collado Honored At Legislator&apos;s Meeting</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.101449</id>
   
   <published>2008-05-14T04:50:24Z</published>
   <updated>2008-05-14T05:03:39Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Sophomore Ken Collado, the state champion at 103 pounds from Hauppauge, was honored at the Suffolk County Legislator&apos;s Meeting on Tuesday, and was given a proclamation from legislators John M. Kennedy of Smithtown and Rick Montano of...</summary>
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      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Sophomore Ken Collado, the state champion at 103 pounds from Hauppauge, was honored at the Suffolk County Legislator's Meeting on Tuesday, and was given a proclamation from legislators John M. Kennedy of Smithtown and Rick Montano of Brentwood.

Collado (38-4 this season) was the only Suffolk wrestler to take home a state championship this past season. He is Hauppauge's fourth state champion in school history. At the Suffolk County awards dinner, he was the recipient of the Lou Giani Most Outstanding Wrestler award.

<img alt="mail.jpeg" src="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/mail.jpeg" width="221" height="166" />

In the picture (from left to right) are: John M. Kennedy, Hauppauge coach Chris Messina, Ken Collado, William Collado (father), John Collado (uncle), Vicky Collado (mother), Isabell Engelhardt (grandmother), and Rick Montano.]]>
      
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<entry>
   <title>New Wrestling Documentary From ESPN</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.99719</id>
   
   <published>2008-05-07T06:52:09Z</published>
   <updated>2008-05-07T15:36:59Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey everyone, I apologize in advance for not notifying you about this sooner, but ESPN&apos;s documentary &quot;The Streak,&quot; which chronicles the Brandon High School (Fla.) wrestling team and its 459-match winning streak dating back to 1974, debuted...</summary>
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      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Hey everyone, I apologize in advance for not notifying you about this sooner, but ESPN's documentary "The Streak," which chronicles the Brandon High School (Fla.) wrestling team and its 459-match winning streak dating back to 1974, debuted last Tuesday. 

(The streak even predates the current coach, who has "only" been around for 451 of the wins.)

It was part of ESPN's package at the Tribeca Film Festival. Or at least I think it was. I am unsure because <a href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/watchdog/blog/tribeca_film_festival/">our Watchdog didn't review it</a>. But I think they showed it there.

Anywho, <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/highschool/columns/story?id=3372679">here is an article on ESPN.com</a> about the documentary, and because I myself want to watch it so badly, I will not rest until I find out when ESPN will re-air it. Neil, any help on this would be greatly appreciated considering I am not as plugged in at ESPN as you are. 

You readers are welcome to post when it will re-air as well!

***UPDATE***: Courtesy of Neil Best, here is the re-air schedule for "The Streak"...

Here is the re-air schedule for "The Streak," all on ESPN2:

05/07/08 WED   04:00A   06:00A  T   ESPN FILMS: THE STREAK

06/05/08 THU   10:00P   12:00A  T   ESPN FILMS: THE STREAK

06/16/08 MON   04:00A   06:00A  T   ESPN FILMS: THE STREAK

06/24/08 TUE   04:00P   06:00P  T   ESPN FILMS: THE STREAK

06/27/08 FRI   02:00A   04:00A  T   ESPN FILMS: THE STREAK

06/30/08 MON   12:00A   02:00A  T   ESPN FILMS: THE STREAK

Thanks very much Neil!


]]>
      
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<entry>
   <title>Wantagh had the &quot;[wrestling] room to be in on Long Island&quot; this season...</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/wantagh_had_the_wrestling_room.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.94910</id>
   
   <published>2008-04-16T07:48:53Z</published>
   <updated>2008-04-16T08:02:21Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO ...says Paul Liguori in this week&apos;s edition of the N-Zone, as host Joe Fernandez takes the show on the road to Wantagh High School. Midway through the show Fernandez speaks to Wantagh&apos;s three All-Long Island wrestlers —...</summary>
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      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

...says Paul Liguori in <a href="http://www.newsday.com/video/?slug=ny-nzonevideo-g3">this week's edition of the N-Zone</a>, as host Joe Fernandez takes the show on the road to Wantagh High School. 

Midway through the show Fernandez speaks to Wantagh's three <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/highschool/ny-skmat040608,0,2128224.story">All-Long Island wrestlers</a> — Wrestler of the Year Stephen Bonanno (state champ at 119 pounds), John Greisheimer (state champ at 145), and Paul Liguori (third at 125).

There's even a cameo by the Mets' Billy Wagner.

Enjoy!

Click below to ready my feature on Bonanno....]]>
      When Wantagh’s Stephen Bonanno is out on the mat, dancing circles around his opponents, it seems like he was born to be a champion wrestler. His hands are like a vice around his opponents’ wrists, his legs like two malleable pieces of steel, and just before he’s ready to shoot, he crouches down low on one knee like a tiger ready to attack its prey.
His acute wrestling sense and perfectly sculpted body stem from a dedication to the sport that few have the perseverance to achieve. For Bonanno, that effort has resulted in two Section XIII titles, a New York state crown, a perfect 43-0 record this season, acceptance into Brown, where he will wrestle next season, and being named Newsday’s Wrestler of the Year.
“It was just a story of hard work,” he said. “Each year I felt like I was really trying to reach my potential.”
But as a youngster, Bonanno wasn’t sure if striving for a state championship was an endeavor he wanted to embark on.
“I tried [wrestling] in middle school and didn’t like it,” said Bonanno, who admitted he wasn’t too keen on the spandex uniforms at first. “I got my lumps freshman year.”
That rookie season he got his first taste of competition at the Nassau tournament—it would be the last time he didn’t place at the event. 
He finished third as a sophomore, and then underwent a maturation process the following summer at various camps he attended—not so much physically, but rather in sharpening his wrestling acumen.
“Every time I got on the mat I saw improvement,” he said.
Bonanno’s junior year, he won his first of two county titles and placed fifth at states. This season ended with Bonanno’s right arm raised after a thrilling double-overtime final victory in Rochester—the idyllic culmination to a fine career.
“It was a dream season for everybody,” said Wantagh coach Jim Murphy.
Bonanno also got to revel in the successes of his teammates—fellow state champ John Greisheimer, third place winner Paul Liguori, and county runner-up Matt Loew. Bonanno, the lone senior in the group, led the group of Warriors with his infectious love for the sport.
“When you’ve got a hard worker like that, it’s contagious,” Murphy said. “He’s going to be missed in the [wrestling] room.”
The feeling is mutual.
“I really started to enjoy myself these past two seasons,” Bonanno said. “[Wrestling] was something fun. I didn’t want it to end.”
But like all good things, it did. 
Later this year, the skeptical middle-schooler who grew to be a champion will be thrust back into the role of a budding talent when he arrives in Providence.
“I’m starting new all over again,” Bonanno said about joining the Bears. “I expect it to be a lot like my freshman year of high school. I know I’m going to get beat up next year.”
But, according to Murphy, with his instincts and heart, it won’t be long until Bonanno reaches the top.
After all, he has that look of a champion.
   </content>
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<entry>
   <title>Keith Wins Freestyle Nationals</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.94439</id>
   
   <published>2008-04-14T18:03:37Z</published>
   <updated>2008-04-14T18:14:58Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO This past weekend in Akron, Steven Keith of Shoreham-Wading River, won the FILA Cadet Freestyle Nationals. An impressive victory for a wrestler who won the N.Y. state tournament last year and placed third this past season. Freestyle...</summary>
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      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

This past weekend in Akron, Steven Keith of Shoreham-Wading River, <a href="http://www.themat.com/article.php?ArticleID=18507">won the FILA Cadet Freestyle Nationals</a>. 

An impressive victory for a wrestler who won the N.Y. state tournament last year and placed third this past season. Freestyle wrestling places an onus on being precise in the neutral position, so this is a good indicator that Keith should be even more dominant on his feet next year as a senior.]]>
      
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<entry>
   <title>Dutton Transferring to Rocky Point</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.93967</id>
   
   <published>2008-04-11T20:58:46Z</published>
   <updated>2008-04-11T21:06:21Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Well that was a much shorter hiatus than I had expected. In case you missed it in today&apos;s paper, sophomore Stephen Dutton has transferred from Hauppauge to Rocky Point. Rocky Point wrestling coach Darren Goldstein just confirmed...</summary>
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      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Well that was a much shorter hiatus than I had expected.

In case you missed it in today's paper, <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/ny-skmat115646061apr11,0,4633671.story">sophomore Stephen Dutton has transferred from Hauppauge to Rocky Point</a>. 

Rocky Point wrestling coach Darren Goldstein just confirmed over the phone that Dutton was in school today and that the coach saw him hanging out with new teammate Anthony Volpe, and his brother Lou. 

Check back often for any updates.]]>
      
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<entry>
   <title>All Long Island Wrestling Team</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.92741</id>
   
   <published>2008-04-07T21:42:06Z</published>
   <updated>2008-04-10T04:58:45Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey everyone, even though it&apos;s the beginning of April, we&apos;ve got wrestling news for you. Here is a link to Newsday&apos;s All Long Island team and by clicking below, you can read my feature on Wrestler of...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Hey everyone, even though it's the beginning of April, we've got wrestling news for you. <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/highschool/ny-skmat040608,0,2128224.story">Here is a link to Newsday's All Long Island team</a> and by clicking below, you can read my feature on Wrestler of the Year Stephen Bonanno of Wantagh.

Also, <a href="http://www.hswrestling.net/2008-nhsca-high-school-national-results/">here is a link to the brackets for the national tournaments in each class</a>. There were numerous Long Island wrestlers in each grade, so browse away to see if your favorite grappler from your town was there!

See you all on the mats next season!!]]>
              When Wantagh’s Stephen Bonanno is out on the mat, dancing circles around his opponents, it seems like he was born to be a champion wrestler. His hands are like a vice around his opponents’ wrists, his legs like two malleable pieces of steel, and just before he’s ready to shoot, he crouches down low on one knee like a tiger ready to attack its prey.
	His acute wrestling sense and perfectly sculpted body stem from a dedication to the sport that few have the perseverance to achieve. For Bonanno, that effort has resulted in two Section XIII titles, a New York state crown, a perfect 43-0 record this season, acceptance into Brown, where he will wrestle next season, and being named Newsday’s Wrestler of the Year.
	“It was just a story of hard work,” he said. “Each year I felt like I was really trying to reach my potential.”
	But as a youngster, Bonanno wasn’t sure if striving for a state championship was an endeavor he wanted to embark on.
	“I tried [wrestling] in middle school and didn’t like it,” said Bonanno, who admitted he wasn’t too keen on the spandex uniforms at first. “I got my lumps freshman year.”
	That rookie season he got his first taste of competition at the Nassau tournament—it would be the last time he didn’t place at the event. 
	He finished third as a sophomore, and then underwent a maturation process the following summer at various camps he attended—not so much physically, but rather in sharpening his wrestling acumen.
	“Every time I got on the mat I saw improvement,” he said.
	Bonanno’s junior year, he won his first of two county titles and placed fifth at states. This season ended with Bonanno’s right arm raised after a thrilling double-overtime final victory in Rochester—the idyllic culmination to a fine career.
	“It was a dream season for everybody,” said Wantagh coach Jim Murphy.
	Bonanno also got to revel in the successes of his teammates—fellow state champ John Greisheimer, third place winner Paul Liguori, and county runner-up Matt Loew. Bonanno, the lone senior in the group, led the group of Warriors with his infectious love for the sport.
	“When you’ve got a hard worker like that, it’s contagious,” Murphy said. “He’s going to be missed in the [wrestling] room.”
	 The feeling is mutual.
	“I really started to enjoy myself these past two seasons,” Bonanno said. “[Wrestling] was something fun. I didn’t want it to end.”
	But like all good things, it did. 
	Later this year, the skeptical middle-schooler who grew to be a champion will be thrust back into the role of a budding talent when he arrives in Providence.
	“I’m starting new all over again,” Bonanno said about joining the Bears. “I expect it to be a lot like my freshman year of high school. I know I’m going to get beat up next year.”
	But, according to Murphy, with his instincts and heart, it won’t be long until Bonanno reaches the top.
	After all, he has that look of a champion.


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<entry>
   <title>International Fight League to Honor State Champs</title>
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   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.88264</id>
   
   <published>2008-03-18T20:11:01Z</published>
   <updated>2008-03-18T20:15:56Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Here is a link to the IFL website announcing that on April 4 at the IZOD Center (that&apos;s the arena at the Meadowlands where the Nets play until they move to Brooklyn, in case you didn&apos;t know)...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
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      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

<a href="http://www.ifl.tv/Press-080317-NYNJWrestling.html">Here is a link to the IFL website </a> announcing that on April 4 at the IZOD Center (that's the arena at the Meadowlands where the Nets play until they move to Brooklyn, in case you didn't know) all the New York and New Jersey high school state champions will be honored at a Mixed Martial Arts event.

Enjoy!]]>
      
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<entry>
   <title>N-Zone</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/nzone.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.85485</id>
   
   <published>2008-03-12T16:05:14Z</published>
   <updated>2008-03-12T16:18:58Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey everyone, here is this week&apos;s edition of the N-Zone. There&apos;s some wrestling talk in the beginning to check out. Enjoy!...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/">
      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Hey everyone, <a href="http://www.newsday.com/video/?slug=ny-nzone0311-wn">here is this week's edition of the N-Zone</a>. There's some wrestling talk in the beginning to check out. 

Enjoy!]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Today&apos;s Stories</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/todays_stories.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.85067</id>
   
   <published>2008-03-11T01:25:08Z</published>
   <updated>2008-03-11T01:28:34Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey everyone, sorry I didn&apos;t post this earlier, but I was on my way back from upstate. Here is my story about the Wantagh wrestlers, and here is a story on the two sophomores that won last...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/">
      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Hey everyone, sorry I didn't post this earlier, but I was on my way back from upstate. <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/ny-skmat105608404mar10,0,2798657.story">Here</a> is my story about the Wantagh wrestlers, and <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/ny-skside105608403mar10,0,6837747.story">here</a> is a story on the two sophomores that won last night.

And <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/ny-skmatres0310,0,3333588.htmlstory">here</a> are the results.

Enjoy!]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Long Island Goes 4-for-4</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/long_island_goes_4for4.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.84771</id>
   
   <published>2008-03-10T00:47:57Z</published>
   <updated>2008-03-10T00:50:22Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO All four Long Island wrestlers who made the finals—Ken Collado at 103, Nick Arajau at 112, Steven Bonanno at 119 and John Greisheimer at 152—took home titles at their respective weights. Collado and Bonanno both won in...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/">
      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

All four Long Island wrestlers who made the finals—Ken Collado at 103, Nick Arajau at 112, Steven Bonanno at 119 and John Greisheimer at 152—took home titles at their respective weights.

Collado and Bonanno both won in two overtimes, Arajau earned an 8-2 decision and Greisheimer won 8-7 with a takedown in the waning moments.

Complete coverage of the tournament will be in tomorrow's paper.]]>
      
   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>3rd and 5th Place Match Results</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/3rd_and_5th_place_match_result.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.84729</id>
   
   <published>2008-03-09T19:18:16Z</published>
   <updated>2008-03-09T19:53:03Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO Here are the results for the Division I 3rd and 5th place matches, followed by the results for the three Long Island wrestlers who placed on the Division II level: 3rd Place Matches: 96: Damon McQueen (Huntington)...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/">
      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

Here are the results for the Division I 3rd and 5th place matches, followed by the results for the three Long Island wrestlers who placed on the Division II level:

3rd Place Matches:
96: Damon McQueen (Huntington) d. Brian Realbuto (Somers), 10-8
103: Nick Meinsen (Glenn) forfeit over Vinny Pecora (Baldwin)
112: Steven Keith (Shoreham-Wading River) d. Brandon Escobar (Rocky Point), 7-3
119: Ricardo Gomez (Brentwood) d. Winky Shepard (Central Square), 2-1
125: Paul Liguori (Wantagh) d. Matt Cubillos (Guilderland), 6-1
130: Stephen Dutton (Hauppauge) m.d. Mike Doria (Massapequa), 12-0
135: Shane Strumwasser (Massapequa) d. Andy Rodriguez (Central Islip), 3-2
140: Rob Troy (Whitman) d. Rocky Cervini (Plainedge), 6-2 in O.T.
145: T.J. Neidhart (Shoreham-Wading River) d. Mick Letcher (East Syracuse Minoa), 5-3
152: John-Martin Cannon (Brockport) m.d. Thomas Barriero (Massena), 13-5
160: James Brundage (Ossining) d. Alex Steciuk (Ballston Spa), 10-9 in O.T.
171: Angelo Malvestuto (Niagara Wheatfield) d. Zeke Stambovsky (Nyack), 3-1 in O.T.
189: Christian Boley (Brockport) d. Steven Butler (Port Jervis), 9-4
215: Tim Elbert (Queensbury) d. Spencer DeSena (Garden City), 3-2
285: Randy Colling (Pioneer) p. Joe Zitone (Port Jervis), :15

5th Place Matches:
96: Matt Ross (Rocky Point) d. Tim Schaefer (Lancaster), 2-1
103: Jose Vasquez (Huntington) d. C.J. Howard (Pittsford), 7-5 in O.T.
112: Peter Morales (Grand Street Campus) d. Jake Benedetto (Islip), 11-9 in O.T.
119: Casey Lanave (Chenango Forks) d. T.J. Popolizio (Shenendehowa), 9-2
125: Jared Messina (Cheektowaga) d. Joe Grippi (Fox Lane), 10-6
130: Ryan Blauvelt (Oswego) d. Brandan McKeown (Burnt Hills), 4-0
135: Marc Lewandowski (Lancaster) d. Josh Veltre (Greece Olympia), 8-2
140: Chris Collura (Spencerport) d. Michael D’Amato (Valley Central), 3-1 in O.T.
145: John Coffey (Pearl River) d. Jeff Goff (Penfield), 5-4
152: Ron Majerus (Mexico) m.d. Kerron Williams (Baldwin), 17-3
160: Jordan Spirou (Clarke) d. Michael Hernandez (Brentwood), 5-3
171: John Makastchian (Plainedge) d. Josue Mendez (Brentwood), 4-2
189: Zach Buonaiuto (Miller Place) d. Jared Myhrberg (Queensbury), 2-0
215: Colin Berry (Johnson City) p. James Chaplin (Fowler), 1:13
285: Dashaun Thomas (Huntington) d. Matt Mahon (Brighton), 5-1


Division II

3rd Place Match:
130: Matt Metzler (Slamanca) d. Andrew Leone (Center Moriches), 6-1

5th Place Matches:
171: Rob Piscatello (Locust Valley) d. Richard Dawson (Medina), 3-1
215: Julius Anglickas (Southampton) d. Noah Sibley (Windsor), 3-1

Note: In Division I, there were six Nassau vs. Suffolk matchups for 3rd and 5th place and the counties split, 3-3. I'll let you look through on your own who did what in those matchups. Like a little quiz of sorts.

In total, seven Suffolk wrestlers placed third (including each of the first four weights), two placed fourth, four placed fifth and three finished sixth. Only Ken Collado of Hauppauge remains. A total of 17 Section XI wrestlers placed out of 25, including seven wild-card selections.

For Nassau, three wrestlers are in the finals, two placed third, four placed fourth, two placed fifth and one finished sixth. A total of 12 Section VIII wrestlers placed out of 20. None of Nassau's five wild-card picks placed.
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   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Gomez Finishes Third For Second Time</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/gomez_finishes_third_for_secon.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.84717</id>
   
   <published>2008-03-09T17:51:15Z</published>
   <updated>2008-03-09T18:12:15Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO For the second time in his career, Brentwood&apos;s Ricardo Gomez (119 pounds) placed third in the state. He was third as a freshman at 103 pounds. Steven Keith beat Brandon Escobar of Rocky Point at 112 to...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/">
      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

For the second time in his career, Brentwood's Ricardo Gomez (119 pounds) placed third in the state. He was third as a freshman at 103 pounds.

Steven Keith beat Brandon Escobar of Rocky Point at 112 to take third, and Paul Liguori of Wantagh did the same in his 125-pound match.

As did Hauppauge's Stephen Dutton. 

Three kids that had a great chance to get to the finals (all three at least placed in the state last season), but it didn't work that way. But they took care of business in the wrestlebacks.

Liguori is an all-state wrestler for the third straight year.


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   </content>
</entry>
<entry>
   <title>Semifinal Results</title>
   <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/semifinal_results_1.html" />
   <id>tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog//211.84715</id>
   
   <published>2008-03-09T16:51:10Z</published>
   <updated>2008-03-09T18:46:58Z</updated>
   
   <summary>BY CHRIS MASCARO 96: Sean McCormick (Johnson City) p. Matt Ross (Rocky Point), 4:23 Bob Dierna (Wayne) p. Damon McQueen (Huntington), 1:23 103: Ken Collado (Hauppauge) d. Jose Vasquez (Huntington), 4-1 Luke Popolizio (Shenendehowa) d. Nick Meinsen (Glenn), 7-5 112:...</summary>
   <author>
      <name>Chris Mascaro</name>
      
   </author>
   
   
   <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/">
      <![CDATA[<strong><a href="mailto:chris.mascaro@newsday.com">BY CHRIS MASCARO</a></strong>

96: Sean McCormick (Johnson City) p. Matt Ross (Rocky Point), 4:23
Bob Dierna (Wayne) p. Damon McQueen (Huntington), 1:23

103: Ken Collado (Hauppauge) d. Jose Vasquez (Huntington), 4-1
Luke Popolizio (Shenendehowa) d. Nick Meinsen (Glenn), 7-5

112: Nick Arajau (Syosset) p. Peter Morales (Grand Street Campus), 1:42
Justis Flamio (Mahopac) d. Steven Keith (Shoreham-Wading River), 8-3

119: Steven Bonanno (Wantagh) d. Winky Shepard (Central Square), 4-0
Cody Ruggirello (Valley Central) d. Ricardo Gomez (Brentwood), 8-7

125: Shawn Brown (Canton) d. Joe Grippi (Fox Lane), 9-7
Jamie Franco (Monroe-Woodbury) d. Jared Messina (Cheektowaga), 12-5

130: Andrew Lenzi (Fordham Prep) m.d. Brandan McKeown (Burnt Hills), 14-5
Brian Benton (Amsterdam) d. Mike Doria (Massapequa), 10-5

135: Zach Crain (Columbia) d. Marc Lewandowski (Lancaster), 6-5
Luke Bohn (Watertown) d. Shane Strumwasser (Massapequa), 6-4

140: Zach Clemente (Lasalle) d. Rob Troy (Whitman), 2-1
Sean Floor (Port Jervis) d. Rocky Cervini (Plainedge), 5-2

145: John Greisheimer (Wantagh) p. John Coffey (Pearl River), 3:08
Donnie Vinson (Whitney Point) m.d. T.J. Niedhart (Shoreham-Wading River), 11-2

152: Peter Capone (Johnson City) d. Thomas Barriero (Massena), 5-1
Rob Morey (Amsterdam) d. Kerron Williams (Baldwin), 3-1

160: Bryan Bourne (Spencerport) p. Jordan Spirou (Clarke), 1:28
Matt Bogardus (Fulton) m.d. Alex Steciuk (Ballston Spa), 13-3

171: Austin Meys (Shenendehowa) p. John Makastchian (Plainedge), 2:36
Collin Toney (Mexico) d. Josue Mendez (Brentwood), 3-2

189: Josh Peters (Vestal) m.d. Zach Buonaiuto (Miller Place), 14-5
Hunter Meys (Shenendehowa) d. Christian Boley (Brockport), 6-2

215: Robert Eskander (Webster Thomas) d. Colin Berry (Johnson City), 8-3
Paul Glover (Spencerport) p. Spencer DeSena (Garden City), 5:42

285: Corey James (Kingston) d. Dashaun Thomas (Huntington), 2-1
Ken Altarac (Lasalle) p. Randy Colling (Pioneer) p. 5:27


Couple notes: 

-Shenendehowa (Section II) has the most finalists with three, including Austin (171) and Hunter Meys (189), who are brothers. 

-The other schools with multiple finalists are Spencerport (Section V), Johnson City (Section IV), Wantagh (Section VIII) and Lasalle (Section II), all with two.

-Wrestleback results can be found <a href="http://www.armdrag.com/states/div1nys.pdf">here</a>. <a href="http://www.armdrag.com/states/div2nys.pdf">And Division II is here</a>.

-Robert Eskander from Webster Thomas has dyed purple hair to match his Section V singlet (wrestlers wear a section uniform, not their school's). It's quite funny. Just from watching him he seems like quite a character.

***Also, just so nobody is confused, team scores aren't being announced (or even computed, I don't know) until the tournament is completely over.

Lots of local wrestlers in the wrestlebacks. I'll keep you posted on the results here. 


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