The Wantagh Warriors finished 3rd in New York State in their attempt to repeat as State Champions. Wantagh had three second place finishes and secured a few points with another win. Rocky Point had three champions at 140, 160 and 171 and took 1st while Huntington finished second with two champions and one second place finish at 112, 119 and 160. Nassau County finished second as a section behind Suffolk County and did a great job. Thank you to all our coaches.

Joe Barbato capped off a remarkable tournament after winning his 1st bout and setting up a match vs Mike Soria of Kings Park who was the defending State Champion. Joe won a great match to advance. In his third bout, Joe defeated his close friend, Chris Brienza of St. Anthony’s who placed third last year pushing him into the finals. Joe fell a little short and placed second to Dierna of Wayne HS. A great job..

Nick Fitzmaurice wrestled with a lot of courage. As everyone knows, Nick sustained a very tough and painful injury a few weeks ago and has been treating the injury. Nick had a very tough draw. After winning his first bout, Nick wrestled Wade of Islip HS and lost a hard match. Nick wrestled back and lost another bout. I really don’t know too many kids that could have competed with this injury. Nick made the states two years in a row and will be competiting at Binghamton next year.

Joe Kavanagh: This is another true Warrior. Joe has been fighting off a painful injury in his lower back. Joe has been treating and was told to rest. Joe had a great tournament reaching the finals and losing 3-2 to Senior, Billy Coggins of Rocky Point. Joe has more mountains to climb and in my opinion has more raw ability that anyone I know. The rest is up to him.

Matt Loew: Matt wrestled a good tournament and fell short in the finals losing 9-3. I know that Matt gave it everything he could and fell short. As a parent, I am proud of my child for how much he gave. Matt put in his time, sweat and gave up many things along the way. I am sad as one chapter of this book is closing. Tommorrow a new one will be written. Matt is leaving for Colorado Springs to spend some time training and living with the Olympic team. Matt choose this path and wants to continue training and getting better for his future.

I would like to thank all our friends, parents, teachers, Coaches and team members. The message is: don’t be scared of losing. This is a challenge and you must prepare just like school. There can be no regrets if you did everything you could. It has been a great six year run. Lets start getting ready for next year. Go Warriors.

E-Mail:

Fantastic year! Over the past 3 years, you guys have finished 2,1,2 in the Counties and 2,1,3 at States. You have won 12 State Medals with 9 finalists: 5 titles, 4 runners-up, 2 thirds and 1 fifth!!!! You have had two 2X state champs, two times with two state champs, this year with three finalists, a 4X all-state placer and sent three wrestlers to D1 programs….so far….with two more going next year. Accomplishments like that are rare and everyone should be very proud of the effort and sacrifice it takes. Years down the road, the hard work you all put in will bear much fruit. Congratulations. I am so proud of all of you. John Henning ‘69