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By Daniel Palumbo

The energy in the arena was electric on Feb. 16 at Stony Brook University for the Section XI Wrestling Championships. The athletes were supported by friends and family, who cheered words of encouragement during the matches. Each bout was fought with grit and determination. After each victory, most of the wrestlers leaped into their coaches’ arms in celebration. Signs of mutual respect were displayed throughout the competition. 

In the 101-pound weight class, Trevor Patrovich of Hauppauge High School won first place, defeating Chase Phillips of Ward Melville High School in the finals.

In the 108-pound weight class, Connor Sheridan of Hauppauge reached the finals but lost to Austin Bro Campsey of East Hampton.

Smithtown East’s Dylan Reinard wrestled well in the 166-pound weight class, reaching the finals but falling to Longwood’s Anthony Lagala Ryan.

Gino Manta, a Hauppauge wrestler, won the 124-pound weight class, defeating Longwood’s Devin Connelly.

Smithtown East’s Mathew McDermott triumphed in the 131-pound weight class, defeating Anthony Severino of Lindenhurst.

Niko Marnika of Commack High School wrestled hard in the 138-pound weight class, earning a spot in the finals but ultimately losing to Camryn Howard of Bellport.

In the 145-pound weight class, Michael McGuiness of Walt Whitman High School made it to the finals but lost to Leo Mongiello of Sayville.

Kingston Strouse of Northport High School wrestled his way into the finals in the 152-pound weight class. In a difficult match, he lost to John De La Rosa of Brentwood.

Rocky Point’s Aidan Barry emerged victorious in the 170-pound weight class, earning first place after defeating James Dauch of West Babylon.

In the 190-pound weight class, Brady Curry of Commack won after battling Bay Shore’s John Betancourt.

— Photos by Daniel Palumbo