http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/ High School Wrestling Blog en Copyright 2008 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:05:19 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey folks, it's been a while since we last spoke. Recently I came across an interesting video 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. Here is an article 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 Outside the Lines segment about two female wrestlers at Goodrich High School in Michigan — something we've also encountered here on Long Island. The second is a brief segment from E:60 about Michael Spriggs, a blind wrestler from Maryland. Here 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).]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/08/interesting_wrestling_video_fr.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/08/interesting_wrestling_video_fr.html Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:05:19 -0500 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 team and the four individuals...]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/06/three_honored_as_academic_alla.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/06/three_honored_as_academic_alla.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:40:45 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO 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. 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.]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/05/collado_honored_at_legislators.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/05/collado_honored_at_legislators.html Wed, 14 May 2008 00:50:24 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO 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 our Watchdog didn't review it. But I think they showed it there. Anywho, here is an article on ESPN.com 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! ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/05/new_wrestling_documentary_from.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/05/new_wrestling_documentary_from.html Wed, 07 May 2008 02:52:09 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO ...says Paul Liguori in this week'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's three All-Long Island wrestlers — 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....]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/wantagh_had_the_wrestling_room.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/wantagh_had_the_wrestling_room.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:48:53 -0500 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 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.]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/keith_wins_freestyle_nationals.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/keith_wins_freestyle_nationals.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:03:37 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO Well that was a much shorter hiatus than I had expected. In case you missed it in today's paper, sophomore Stephen Dutton has transferred from Hauppauge to Rocky Point. 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.]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/dutton_transferring_to_rocky_p.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/dutton_transferring_to_rocky_p.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:58:46 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey everyone, even though it's the beginning of April, we've got wrestling news for you. Here is a link to Newsday's All Long Island team and by clicking below, you can read my feature on Wrestler of the Year Stephen Bonanno of Wantagh. Also, here is a link to the brackets for the national tournaments in each class. 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!!]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/all_long_island_wrestling_team.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/04/all_long_island_wrestling_team.html Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:42:06 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO Here is a link to the IFL website 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!]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/international_fight_league_to.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/international_fight_league_to.html Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:11:01 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey everyone, here is this week's edition of the N-Zone. There's some wrestling talk in the beginning to check out. Enjoy!]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/nzone.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/nzone.html Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:05:14 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO Hey everyone, sorry I didn'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 night. And here are the results. Enjoy!]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/todays_stories.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/todays_stories.html Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:25:08 -0500 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 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.]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/long_island_goes_4for4.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/long_island_goes_4for4.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:47:57 -0500 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) 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. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/3rd_and_5th_place_match_result.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/3rd_and_5th_place_match_result.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:18:16 -0500 BY CHRIS MASCARO 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. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/gomez_finishes_third_for_secon.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/gomez_finishes_third_for_secon.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:51:15 -0500 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: 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 here. And Division II is here. -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. ]]> http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/semifinal_results_1.html http://blogs.trb.com/sports/highschool/wrestling/blog/2008/03/semifinal_results_1.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:51:10 -0500