Newfield senior Mohab Ali captures his 100th career victory Jan. 29. Photo by Sophia Vitale
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Newfield senior Mohab Ali captures his 100th career victory Jan. 29. Photo by Sophia Vitale
Newfield senior Mohab Ali captures his 100th career victory Jan. 29. Photo by Sophia Vitale
Newfield senior Mohab Ali captures his 100th career victory Jan. 29. Photo by Sophia Vitale
It was history in the making when Newfield senior and star wrestler Mohab Ali defeated Sachem East’s Luis Valdez Jan. 29 with an 8-2 decision to notch his 100th victory at 195 lbs. Ali’s current season record is 31-2 and his varsity career stands at 100-36. What makes the milestone all that more remarkable is Ali’s freshman year record was 3-21, according to Newfield Head Coach Douglas Lotten.
Senior Hunter Hughes who also won Jan. 29 at 152 pounds tied the Middle Country School District all-time career record at 132 wins. Both wrestlers are ranked number 1 in Suffolk county in their respective weight class. At the state level, Hughes is ranked 5th and Ali is 7th.
Farhbach, at 99 pounds, puts down his SWR opponent where his team won 47-24. Photo from Mel Jacoby
Syracuse, here they come, and not for the first time.
The Mount Sinai wrestling team after their win against SWR. Photo from Mel Jacoby
On Saturday, Jan. 25, Mount Sinai wrestlers beat Shoreham-Wading River in the finals of the Suffolk County Division II championship 47-24 to advance to the New York State Division II wrestling championship in Syracuse. Mount Sinai won an earlier match against Shoreham-Wading River in the regular season.
The seniors again dazzled the capacity crowd by scoring pins at their respective weights. They were led by seniors Matt Campo at 170 pounds (34-2), Joe Goodrich at 182 pounds (35-0), Mike O’Brien at 138 pounds (33-4) and Adham Shata at 195 pounds (34-3), who each won their match.
Taking charge at the lower weights was Brayden Fahrbach at 99 pounds, who won by a pin, while Derrek Menechino, Jack Tyrell and Brenden Goodrich all reversed earlier losses against Shoreham-Wading River to score decisive wins.
Contributing to the team effort were middle weights Ryan Shanian at 145 pounds and Tristan Nardi at 160 pounds, who each won their matches.
On the SWR side, the team ends league play with 7-6-1 and 19-4-1 overall.
This was the third year in a row that Mustang wrestlers won the Suffolk County Division II championship.
Mount Sinai will advance to Syracuse for the New York State Dual Meet Championship at the SRC Arena Feb. 1, where they will defend their New York State title, which they have won the past two years.
Nick Gaffney, top, a freshman for the Patriots pinned Hampton Bays’Kenneth Lainez in 16 seconds at 170 pounds Jan. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville’s James Araneo, top, a junior and 4-year varsity starter wins by technical fall 22-7 at 182 pounds in a non-league dual against visiting Hampton Bays Jan. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
At 120 pounds, Ward Melville freshman Jace Yannucciello out scores his challenger 16-0 to win by technical fall.
At 132 pounds junior Ethan Herschander a second year varsity starter for the Patriots pinned Kevin Sohtz of Hampton Bays :43 seconds into the second period. Bill Landon photo
At 152 pounds, Ward Melville junior Dillon Mackay a second year varsity wrestler competes at 152 pounds against Hampton Bays at home Jan. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville sophomore Dan Hallisey (top) competes at 138 pounds in a non-league dual against visiting Hampton Bays Jan. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville senior Captain Dan Cassera (top) pins his opponent at the 1:09 mark at 160 pounds in a non-league dual against visiting Hampton Bays Jan. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
Ward Melville junior Aidan Toomey makes short work of his opponent with a pin at 0:33 seconds at 195 pounds Jan. 23. Bill Landon photo
With four pins in the match, it was Ward Melville’s Nick Gaffney who led the way for the Patriots with a pin just 16 seconds in. Aidan Toomey did it in 33 seconds, senior Co-Captain Daniel Cassera won his match at the 1:09 mark and Ethan Herschander pinned his opponent 43 seconds into the second period.
With scores like those, the Patriots dominated visiting Hampton Bays, winning 59-14 in a non-league matchup at home Jan. 23. Ward Melville junior Matt Cracchiola, at 126 pounds, notched another win with a 16-0 technical fall who surpassed his 100th career victory earlier in the year and hopes to bring that momentum into the league and county finals. Patriot head coach Garrett Schnettler said Cracchiola will have his work cut out for him as he’ll be competing in the deepest weight classes in the state.
Ward Melville sophomore Christian Lievano, at 99 pounds who in his third year on varsity, is undefeated in Suffolk County this season, and has amassed a career record of 31-3.
The Patriots retake the mat in the Wes Dolon Invitational at Mattituck high school Feb. 1. First bout is 8 a.m.
Senior Joe Goodrich goes for the pin on his opponent. Photo from Mel Jacoby
The Mount Sinai High School Mustangs wrestling team beat John Glenn at John Glenn High School Friday, Jan. 17 to win League VII and advance to the Suffolk County playoffs with teams from Shoreham-Wading River, Mattituck, Port Jefferson, John Glenn and Southampton.
Eighth-grader Brayden Fahrbach and senior Matt Campo both showed their stuff on the mat Jan. 17. Photo from Mel Jacoby
In an impressive victory over John Glen, Mount Sinai showed off their skills, led by seniors Matt Campo (31-2), Joe Goodrich (35-0), Mike O’Brien (31-4), Ryan Shanian (26-8), Gian Luca Ferrara; along with juniors Brenden Goodrich and Jack Tyrell. They all scored impressive wins.
Brayden Fahrbach, an eighth grader, continued his winning streak (34-0) with a pin. Fahrbach is ranked number 1 in New York State D-2 at 99 lbs.
Mount Sinai will wrestle next at Center Moriches in the semifinals on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 4:30 p.m., with the finals at Bay Shore High School on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2:30 p.m.
The winner of the Suffolk County Championship will travel to Syracuse where they will compete at the SRC Arena and Events Center Feb. 1 for the New York State Dual – D2 Championship. Mount Sinai was the winner of this tournament in 2018 and 2019.
Jack Neiderberger a senior places 3rd overall at 195lbs in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup Dec. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
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Port Jeff junior Tyler Rogers placed 3rd overall at 126lbs in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup Dec. 14. Bill Landon photo
7726 Mt. Sinai junior and 1st year varsity wrestler Tristin Nardi in control @ 160lbs in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup event Dec. 14. Bill Landon photo
7195 Freshman Liam Rogers competes in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup finishing 2nd at 113 lbs Dec. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai sophomore Jory Russo controls his opponent @ 126lbs at the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup tournament Dec. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Jack Neiderberger a senior places 3rd overall at 195lbs in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup Dec. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Mount Sinai senior and team captain Adham Shata battles @ 195lbs, a podium finisher last season in the County Finals competes in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup event Dec. 14. Bill Landon photo
Senior Adham Shata (r) made it to the championship finals @ 195lbs for Mount Sinai in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup tournament Dec. 14. Bill Landon photo
7323 Port Jeff senior Anthony D’Elia and County Finalist from last season competes at 120lbs placing 2nd in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup Dec.14. Bill Landon photo
The Port Jefferson and Mount Sinai wrestlers hit the mat at the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup tournament Dec. 14. Port Jeff wrestlers made a showing, with the Royal’s Frank D’Elia made the podium finishing 2nd at 99 pounds and teammate Liam Rogers finished 2nd at 113 pounds.
In the Consolation Finals, Tyler Rogers pinned his opponent at the 3:18 mark, Sam Robertson won with a major decision and Anthony Evangelista took victory at 145 pounds.
Mount Sinai fared well in the Bob Armstrong Memorial Cup. In the final round, Brenden Goodrich pinned his opponent at the 1:39 mark and Mike O’Brien, at 138 pounds, did it in 26 seconds. O’Brien took the “Most Pins-Least Time” honors with four pins on the day in just 4 minutes 41 seconds. Both Joe Goodrich, at 182 pounds and Gian Luca Ferrara at 220 pounds pinned their opponents in final round at 0:42 and 3:56 respectively.
The Royals are back out on the mat Dec. 20 when they hit the road to face Babylon. First match is 5:30 p.m.
The Mustangs retake the mat Dec. 18 at home with a 4 p.m. start against Bayport-Blue Point.
Miller Place wins it in the annual Battle of the Paddle against Mount Sinai. Photos by Diana M. Fehling
Miller Place wins it in the annual Battle of the Paddle against Mount Sinai. Photos by Diana M. Fehling
The Miller Place Panthers put on a dominating wrestling performance against Mount Sinai Mustangs, winning 47-24 in the annual Battle for the Paddle match at Mount Sinai High School Dec. 4. The Panthers took a commanding 30-point lead with strong performances by Michael Giugliano, Alexander Constantis, Mark Rado, Justin Klein, Ryan Hucke, Kyle Klein Jr., Travis Grebe and Anthony Bartolotto, also Chris Bold.
Miller Place wins it in the annual Battle of the Paddle against Mount Sinai. Photos by Diana M. Fehling
The Mount Sinai Mustangs tried to narrow the lead with wins by Matt Campo, Phil Johnson, Brayden Fahrbach, Joe Goodrich and Gian Luca Ferrara, but the Panther lead was insurmountable.
The paddle remains with the Miller Place Panthers for the next year.
Brian Schreck, left, holding his hammer trophy along with his brother Eric Schreck Photo from John Schreck
By John Schreck
On June 8, many wrestlers from high schools and middle schools across Long Island took part in the second annual Vin Altebrando Wrestling Festival in Huntington, hosted in honor of the beloved Walt Whitman High School coach who died last year.
The above photo depicts Miller Place residents Brian Schreck and his proud brother Eric Schreck. Brian competed in the tournament.
Brian won the “hammer” trophy — first place for his weight class of 127-132 pounds for middle schools.
John Schreck is a Miller Place resident.
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Miller Place wrestling team after its win Feb. 2. Photo from Matt Kaszubski
The Miller Place Panthers wrestling team were at it again, cinching a League VI dual meet tournament Feb. 2 at Sayville High School for their third league win in four years.
Junior Alex Constantis. Photo from Matt Kaszubski
“We knew going into the league tournament the kids had a strong game,” head coach Matt Kaszubski said. “Even though our team was very young, we had been working for 12 months, and everyone put in effort.”
During the 2018-19 wrestling season Miller Place has gone 5-1 in league, only being beat by Rocky Point in a Dec. 12 matchup. The Eagles are currently at six wins and no losses in their league standings. Going into the tournament, the Miller Place wrestling coach knew Rocky Point would be a tough nut to crack.
The Panthers got their revenge over the weekend as they scored a total of 253.5 points by the end of the tournament, barely edging out the Eagles at 241. Both teams scored 70 points or more than Islip, which placed third at a total of 171 points.
“It was amazing to watch, as Rocky Point is one of the best in the county,” Kaszubski said.
Miller Place suffered a few injuries on their road to the league tournament, including senior James Rado, who had knee surgery in December and was only cleared to wrestle a week before the tournament.
The tournament brought forward eight Miller Place finalists and two champions. Juniors Alex Constantis and Kyle Klein Jr. both took home the league champion title.
Junior Kyle Klein Jr. Photo from Matt Kaszubski
Klein, in particular, celebrated his 100th career victory in January. The junior also showed his skill during the league tournament when he scored a reversal in the final seconds in his match against Sayville which he won 6-5.
With this victory, Miller Place is qualified to send 15 wrestlers to the Suffolk D1 Championships at Suffolk Community College Brentwood Feb. 9-10. Kaszubski said those young men on the team are already at peak performance, and all they have to do now is mentally prepare.
“There’s not much training left to do — their cardio is great, and they are just a strong, technical team,” the wrestling coach said. “If everybody wrestles to their best, we could have some top wrestlers in the county.”
Mount Sinai junior Adham Shata in the final match of the championship. Photo from video by Mount Sinai School District
Several days after Mount Sinai’s wrestling team won the state championship, coach Matt Armstrong was still basking in the glow of the victory.
“It was really something coming back to school,” Armstrong said. “It was one of those things being a state champ really means
something.”
More than 800 spectators came out to watch their schools compete at the New York State Wrestling Dual Meet Championship at the SRC Arena and Events Center at Onondaga Community College Jan. 26 where 12 of the best Division 2 teams squared off.
Mount Sinai’s wrestling team crowds onto the mat. Photo from video by Mount Sinai School District
Mount Sinai, victors in the 2018 state championship, was No. 5 seed and received a bye for the first match. Mount Sinai started off seemingly unstoppable, first competing against Cold Spring Harbor, beating them, 47-27, then against Pleasantville which the Mustangs took to the mat, 57-27, to advance to the semi-finals.
“I knew we could beat the first two, but the semi-finals were pretty interesting,” the wrestling coach said. “We had seen them last year and we knew how competitive they were.
That’s where they met the No. 1 seed Tioga. Mount Sinai had a balanced line-up and were able to deliver a 34-27 win, advancing then to the finals against Central Valley Academy from Ilion, the No. 2 seed.
Out the gate things took a turn for the worse for Mount Sinai and after falling behind ,31-12, it appeared they were headed for defeat. Suddenly it all came around, and Mount Sinai went on a scoring run. Junior Brendan “Goody” Goodrich started it off with a win and was then followed by wins by brothers Mike and Joe O’Brien. Then it was victory after victory with fellow teammates Ryan Shanian and Matt Campo.
Campo, wrestling at 152 pounds, won acrucial match with Hunter Shaut, the former New York State Champion from Central Valley Academy in overtime 4-2. This was followed by a win by Joe Goodrich, at 160 pounds, who brought Mount Sinai even with Central Valley, 31-31. Central Valley won the next match taking the score to 34-31 with one match remaining.
The final match fell on the shoulders of junior Adham Shata at 182 pounds. With the whole team cheering him on, Shata pinned his opponent and the entire arena erupted in wails and shouts of victory, as Shata brought his team up to 37-34 and won a 2nd consecutive championship. The entire team rushed onto the mat and piled onto Shata, cheering their victory.
You could say something great about every single kid.”
— Matt Armstrong
Armstrong couldn’t pick one person out amongst the team. He was adamant that every student played their part in the win.
“I think I could go up and down the entire lineup,” the coach said. “You could say something great about every single kid. Some were just outmatched, and even though they were they wouldn’t get pinned.”
Several students gained standout wins during the tournament, with the O’Brien brothers, Shanian, Campo and Goodrich each going up to 30 season wins. Senior Mike Sabella at 195 pounds, won all his matches by pinning his opponents.
“There might have been some people who though the first time was a fluke,” Armstrong said. “To do it back to back is pretty incredible.”
The season is not yet over for the Mount Sinai wrestling team with the team gearing up to compete in the individual county and state tournaments. The individual county tournament takes place Feb. 2, and those who win in that or get a wild card will have the opportunity to head back upstate and compete in the State Wrestling Championship at Times Union Center in Albany Feb. 22 and 23.
Mount Sinai Mustangs after their victory against John Glenn Jan. 19. Photo from Mel Jacoby
Mount Sinai’s wrestling team is looking to make it to the top once again.
Mount Sinai High School wrestlers defeated John Glenn for a second time this season at Bay Shore High School Jan. 19. In a battle for the County D-2 Championship, Mount Sinai’s Mustangs turned around a 19-point deficit to start a winning run. After losing earlier in the season to John Glenn, sophomores Jack Tyrell and Brenden Goodrich along with freshman Joseph Sabella won their individual matches.
“Everybody has a job — some people’s job is to make up those bonus points others are to not give up those bonus points.”
— Matt Armstrong
“We’ve had a great season so far,” said Matt Armstrong, Mount Sinai wrestling coach. “While some are young kids, when you get to some of the post season stuff, you have to be at a different level. Our kids really stepped up.”
Juniors Michael O’Brien and Joseph Goodrich along with seniors Joseph O’Brien, Vincent Valente and Michael Sabella all won their individual matches. John Glenn forfeited their match against junior Matt Campo, giving Mount Sinai the Suffolk County D-2 Championship title and sending them to Syracuse to defend their 2018 New York State title which they won for the first time in 2018.
During the 2019 season, both O’Brien wrestlers each had their 100th career win while Campo scored his 151st career win, breaking the school record set in 1995.
“100 wins is a big deal for Suffolk County,” the wrestling coach said. “To break 150 is really impressive, and he’s only a junior.”
“When you get to some of the post season stuff, you have to be at a different level.”
— Matt Armstrong
The Mustangs pocketed their first state title in 2019 in what the wrestling coach described as a perfect storm of ability and drive for the members of the wrestling team. Campo, among three other wrestlers, went undefeated during the state championships.
Armstrong said he is staying cautiously optimistic about Mount Sinai’s chances Jan. 26 when the team travels to Syracuse for the state’s Dual Meet Wrestling Championship. He added it will take the same sort of heart that last year’s team showed to pull off the same stunt this year.
“Everybody has a job — some people’s job is to make up those bonus points others are to not give up those bonus points, so we’ll see,” Armstrong said. “We really wrestled as flawlessly as we could last year, so we need some of that to go our way this year. Kids work hard, and they believe — that’s the biggest part of the battle.”
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