2015-2016 media guide

PEARL RIVER WRESTLING MEDIA GUIDE 2015-2016

Aidan Anselmi | Jack Arnold | Kyle Ayres | Jack Chesman | Stephen Conneely | Jon Conway Dylan Conway | Christian Curry | Jake Destefano | Tyler DiLorenzo | Brendan Dooley Gannon Duffy | Mitchell Ehrie | Jack Failling | Jack Fanshawe | John Fastoff | Patrick Ginnane Steve Hastings | Jack Hogan | Dan Hogan | Jake Kurzhals | Anthony Malfitano | Emmet McCann | Sean McGarvey | Abe Mendez | Jared Mullahy | Brian Roberts | Brendan Rodriquez | Edgardo Ruballos | Vlad Sidorenko | Dante Simeti | Allan Svensson Anthony Tso | Dylan Urban

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

Table of Contents Coach Comments.................................................................................................................................................................................3 Coaches..............................................................................................................................................................................................4-5 By the Numbers................................................................................................................................................................................6-7 2015-2016 Match & Tournament Scores...........................................................................................................................................8 2015-2016 Varsity Team Roster..........................................................................................................................................................9 Outstanding Individual Achievements & Wrestler Awards....................................................................................................10-11 Coach Yorks - Section 1 Coach of the Year.................................................................................................................................... 12 Team Members.......................................................................................................................................................................................

Seniors.......................................................................................................................................................................................13-14 Juniors............................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Underclasmen..........................................................................................................................................................................16-20 Coaches & Todd Santabarbara........................................................................................................................................................ 21 2015-2016 Pirate Wrestling Team................................................................................................................................................... 22 In The News..................................................................................................................................................................................23-35 States..............................................................................................................................................................................................36-42 Record Book............................................................................................................................................................................................

100 Win Club & 40+ Career Varsity Wins................................................................................................................................ 43 40+ Career Varsity Wins (Continued)..................................................................................................................................44-45 200 Point Club.............................................................................................................................................................................. 45 100+ Points Season..................................................................................................................................................................46-47 Section Champs + State Place Winners..................................................................................................................................... 48 State Place Winners (Continued) & Highest Winning %....................................................................................................... 49 Addition to the Pirate Hall of Fame................................................................................................................................................ 50 Pirate Hall of Fame............................................................................................................................................................................ 51 100 Win Club................................................................................................................................................................................52-53 Battle for the Belt Charity Dual..................................................................................................................................................54-55 We Are Family..............................................................................................................................................................................56-57 Jake Kurzhals.................................................................................................................................................................................58-59 Live Action....................................................................................................................................................................................60-67 Motivational Quotes......................................................................................................................................................................... 68 Wrestling-isms................................................................................................................................................................................... 69 Poems.............................................................................................................................................................................................70-71 2

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

2015-2016 Coach’s Comments

The 2015-16 season began with high expectations. We were still a young team, 21 out of 35 team members were freshmen, but several of them had previous varsity experience. We captured the Section One Dual Meet Championship, knocking off last year’s nemesis, Putnam Valley in the finals at home. We had a mediocre effort in the Cornwall and Minisink Dual tourneys, but came back strong at the end of December to win the O’Connell team title. We had some ups and down the rest of the season. We lost to East Ramapo and North Rockland in duals, but won our third consecutive league title. We placed 2nd as a team in the Shoreline and County tourneys.

(Next year 2nd place will not be good enough). We finished on a high note, winning the Section One D2 Tourney title in our home gym. We crowned 5 section champs. Two of these, Jake Kurzhals (5th) and Anthony Malfitano (6th) placed at the state meet in Albany. A troublesome ankle injury prevented Jake from winning it all!

We wish our seniors, Pat Ginnane, Aidan Anselmi, Jack Fanshawe, Jack Arnold, and Steve Hastings good luck in their future endeavors. We are especially proud of senior Jake Kurzhals who will continue his wrestling career at the U.S. Air Force Academy next year. As for the rest of us, next year has already started. Many matches are won with preparation in the preseason. We need EVERYONE to attend Cornell camp. EVERYONE needs to get in the weight room and get stronger. Everyone needs to work out at a club (Ours, South, Olympic, Homenick, etc…). Let’s go! Put Valley wants revenge – we need to work hard to defend what is OURS!

-Grier Yorks, Head Coach

Pearl River Wrestling Association

The Pearl River Wrestling Association (PRWA) is a collaborative, dynamic community initiative designed to promote the sport and enthusiasm of folkstyle wrestling to the students, parents, alumni and wrestling fans of the Pearl River, New York community. The purpose of our wrestling association is to develop a cohesive, supportive team effort which encourages total dedication and passion to competitiveness, sportsmanship, and physical fitness. PRWA transcends the boundaries of our own school to provide our wrestling athletes with the necessary tools for the pursuit of individual and future team goals, and to recognize this extraordinarily dedicated sport from a larger community perspective.

PRWA recognizes the sport of wrestling as a means of instilling in our wrestling athletes all of the mental, physical, technical, and educational tools they will need to pursue and achieve a productive and successful life. Contact Bob Gullo bob.gullo@pearlriverwrestling.com.

PRWA is not affiliated with the Pearl River, NY School District.

Disclaimer All materials in this media guide are used under the Fair Use Interpretation of Copyright laws.

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 HEAD COACH Hayes “Grier” Yorks Jr. - Head Coach Varsity

Contact Information: Office: 845-620-3853 yorksg@pearlriver.org

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Coach Yorks teaches Honors Physics at Pearl River High School, and has lead the Pirate Varsity Wrestling team since 1993. Yorks has coached multiple County, Division and Section Champions, in addition to several State Place Winners. Prior, Yorks coached the JV and Modified programs starting in 1984. Yorks has served as the Director of the annual Pearl River-O’Connell Tournament and was the recipient of the Julius D’Agostino Memorial Service Award in 2010. Yorks wrestled for his alma mater, and was the 1980 champion at the prestigious Shoreline Tournament. Yorks wrestled for his alma mater, and was 1980 champion of the prestigious Shoreline Tournament.

Yorks went on to wrestle at SUNY Cortland and established himself as a starter for two seasons, but was plagued by various injuries his junior and senior year. Yorks also competed in the Empire State Games finishing 4th and 6th respectively.

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 ASSISTANT COACHES William “Billy” Donnelly – Asst. Coach Varsity

Contact Information: Office: 845-620-3909 donnellyw@pearlriver.org

Coach Donnelly teaches physical education at Franklin Ave. Elementary School, in Pearl River. Donnelly has worked with Yorks for over 15 years in various capacities; from Assistant Coach, Head Coach of the Modified Team, as well as running the youth developmental program for grades three through six. Donnelly goes ‘above and beyond’ and can be found at the gym with several of his wrestlers at 5AM most mornings. Donnelly was honored in 2013 for raising over $5,000 for ‘Jump Rope for Heart’ - a program that teaches children about keeping their heart’s healthy while raising money for the American Heart Association.

William “Billy” Allison – Asst. Coach Varsity

Coach Allison teaches physical education in the Bronx at PS 186. He has been teaching there for 4 years. He was a graduate from Pearl River High School and has been an assistant coach of the varsity team for 7 years.

Contact Information: Office: 845-304-0196 william.allison85@gmail.com

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

BY THE NUMBERS

L

5

P

O

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

BY THE NUMBERS

Lifetime (Dec 28, 2011 - Apr 16, 2016)

52,169

33,694

PRWA was started in 2011...

• Over 2,500 matches filmed and uploaded!

• Over 226 photo albums and 89,739 photos taken!

• Over 32,000 film views!

• Over 52,000 minutes watched! (our channel is private!)

• Created team website, Facebook, and Twitter pages • Created numerous PRWA Films and video promos • Created magazine quality 60+ page yearly media guide • Created three successful charity events; Battle for the Belt v. Nanuet to benefit Tommy Scognamiglio Foundation and The Conkling Scholarship Fund Inc. As well as The King of the Mat v. Tappan Zee to benefit the Chance Cosgrove Foundation. These charity events combined raised over $8,200 for our local families.

• Created new wrestling room with both new training equipment and technology • Created new and exciting multi-media awards banquet

On The Rise...

• 2015-16 squad had 35 wrestlers, our turnout continues to improve each season!

• We graduate only 6 seniors from this year’s championship squad.

• Added 5 Sectional Champs, plus two repeat champs (McGarvey & Kurzhals) • Added two wrestlers to 100 Win Club (McGarvey & Kurzhals) • Added two state place winners (Malfitano & Kurzhals 2x) • Added two to highest winning percentage (McGarvey & Kurzhals) • Added one to the 200 point in a season records (Kurzhals) there are only 13 in school history to achieve that feat.

• Placed 1st in League • Placed 1st in Section D2 • Placed 1st in Section D2 Team Duals • Placed 1st at the O’Connell Tourney • Placed 2nd at Counties • Placed 2nd at Shoreline • Coach Yorks nominated Coach of the Year League and Section 7

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 2015-2016 MATCH & TOURNAMENT SCORES Date

Location

Opponent

Event Name

Results

Score

12/3/15

Away

Croton

Section One Team Dual

W

70-15

12/3/15

Away

Nanuet

Section One Team Dual

W

69-12

12/10/15

Home

Putnam Valley

Section One Team Dual

W

46-31

12/12/15

Away

Cornwall

Cornwall Duals

L

34-42

12/12/15

Away

Columbia

Cornwall Duals

L

30-54

12/12/15

Away

Horace Greeley

Cornwall Duals

W

48-39

12/12/15

Away

Rondout Valley

Cornwall Duals

W

63-12

12/16/15

Home

E. Ramapo

E. Ramapo Dual

L

27-48

12/19/15

Away

Tottenville

Minisink Duals

L

28-49

12/19/15

Away

Port Jervis

Minisink Duals

W

62-20

12/19/15

Away

Minisink Valley

Minisink Duals

L

24-54

12/19/15

Away

Washingtonville

Minisink Duals

W

44-36

12/22/15

Away

Portchester

Portchester Dual

W

53-30

12/28/15

Home

Tournament

Pearl River O’Connell

1/7/16

Home

N. Rockland

N. Rockland Dual

1/9/16

Away

Tournament

Shoreline Tournament

1/13/16

Away

Tappan Zee

Tappan Zee Dual

W

41-27

1/14/16

Away

John Jay E. Fishkill

John Jay E. Fishkill Dual

W

40-39

1/15/161/16/16

Away

Tournament

Eastern States

1/21/16

Home

Nanuet

Nanuet Dual

W

57-23

1/29/16

Home

Nyack

Nyack Dual

W

78-3

1/30/16

Away

Tournament

Rockland County Tournament

2/2/16

Home

Harrison

Harrison Dual

Home

Tournament

Section One D2 Tournament

Away

Tournament

State Championship

2/12/162/13/16 2/25/162/26/16

1st L

2nd

2nd W

League Record: 3-0 • Overall Record: 13-6 8

25-47

62-15 1st

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

PEARL RIVER PIRATES 2015-2016 PEARL RIVER WRESTLING VARSITY TEAM ROSTER Weight

Wrestler

Grade

99 99 106 106 106 106 106 113 113 113 120 126 132 132 132 138 145 152 138 152 145 160 160 160 170 170 170 182 195 195 220 220 195 285

Jack Failling Brian Roberts Sean McGarvey Allan Svensson Jared Mullahy Dante Simeti Kyle Ayres Edgardo Ruballos Mitchell Ehrie Dylan Urban Vlad Sidorenko Jon Conway Stephen Conneely Emmet McCann Dylan Conway Jake Kurzhals Jack Chesman Jack Hogan Jake Destefano Anthony Malfitano Brendan Rodriguez Jack Fanshawe Christian Curry Anthony Tso Brendan Dooley Patrick Ginnane Dan Hogan Aidan Anselmi John Fastoff Steve Hastings Jack Arnold Abe Mendez Gannon Duffy Tyler DiLorenzo

9 9 11 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 11 12 9 11 10 11 9 12 9 9 9 12 9 12 9 12 12 9 10 10

‘15-‘16 Won- Loss 10 24 20 0 0 16 1 0 0 19 14 3 0 10 12 35 30 0 0 36 0 9 0 2 0 5 4 2 2 7 18 0 4 11

9 11 9 0 0 7 0 0 0 17 11 2 0 6 14 5 8 6 0 8 0 12 0 3 0 10 12 12 1 10 11 0 16 11

‘15-‘16 Pins 3 12 13 0 0 5 1 0 0 9 6 0 0 8 8 16 10 0 0 20 0 9 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 6 8 0 2 4

Total Career Won-Loss 10 34 111 0 0 27 1 0 0 62 24 3 0 17 22 132 73 2 0 74 0 14 0 2 0 5 2 2 2 7 35 0 6 25

9 17 39 0 0 16 0 0 0 45 19 2 0 15 32 35 37 11 0 40 0 31 0 3 0 10 12 12 1 10 42 0 26 28

Total Career Bouts 19 51 150 0 0 43 1 0 0 107 43 5 0 32 54 167 110 13 0 114 0 45 0 5 0 15 14 14 3 17 77 0 32 53

Career Win %

Career Pins

Career Pin %

52.63% 66.67% 74.00% 0.00% 0.00% 62.79% 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% 57.94% 55.81% 60.00% 0.00% 53.13% 40.74% 79.04% 66.36% 15.38% 0.00% 64.91% 0.00% 31.11% 0.00% 40.00% 0.00% 33.33% 14.29% 14.29% 66.67% 41.18% 45.45% 100.00% 18.75% 47.17%

3 17 55 0 0 10 1 0 0 34 11 0 0 14 13 62 24 0 0 42 0 13 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 6 15 0 2 8

15.79% 33.33% 36.67% 0.00% 0.00% 23.26% 100.00% 0.00% 0.00% 31.78% 25.58% 0.00% 0.00% 43.75% 24.07% 37.13% 21.82% 0.00% 0.00% 36.84% 0.00% 28.89% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.67% 28.57% 0.00% 0.00% 35.29% 19.48% 0.00% 6.25% 15.09%

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 ACHIEVEMENTS OUTSTANDING TOURNEY ACHIEVEMENTS WINNERS All States Team Counties Jake Kurzhals......................... Sr. League....................................1st Jake Kurzhals.........................1st Anthony Malfitano................ Jr. Section...................................1st Anthony Maltifano...............1st O’Connell...............................1st Brian Roberts.......................3rd Section Duals........................1st Dante Simeti.........................3rd All Section Counties............................... 2nd Jack Chesman.......................3rd Sean McGarvey...................... Jr. Shoreline.............................. 2nd Dylan Urban......................... 4th Dylan Urban.......................... Fr. Vlad Sidorenko.................... 4th Jake Kurzhals......................... Sr. Emmet McCann.................. 4th Jack Chesman........................ Fr. Pat Ginnane.......................... 4th Anthony Malfitano................ Jr. O’Connell Steve Hastings...................... 4th Jack Arnold............................ Sr. Tyler DiLorenzo....................So. Jake Kurzhals.........................1st Tyler DiLorenzo................... 4th Anthony Malfitano...............1st Jack Failing........................... 5th Dante Simeti........................ 2nd Dylan Conway..................... 6th Sean McGarvey................... 2nd All County Jake Kurzhals......................... Sr. Brian Roberts.......................3rd Anthony Malfitano................ Jr. Jack Arnold...........................3rd Dylan Urban......................... 4th Sections Vlad Sidorenko.................... 4th Sean McGarvey.....................1st All League Steve Hastings...................... 4th Jake Kurzhals.........................1st Brian Roberts........................ Fr. Anthony Malfitano...............1st Dante Simeti.......................... Fr. Jack Arnold............................1st Vlad Sidorenko..................... Fr. Tyler DiLorenzo....................1st Jake Kurzhals......................... Sr. Shoreline Dylan Urban........................ 2nd Jack Chesman........................ Fr. Sean McGarvey.....................1st Jack Chesman...................... 2nd Anthony Malfitano................ Jr. Jack Chesman........................1st Brian Roberts.......................3rd Steve Hastings....................... Sr. Jake Kuzhals........................ 2nd Dante Simeti.........................3rd Jack Arnold............................ Sr. Dante Simeti.........................3rd Vlad Sidorenko.................... 4th Tyler DiLorenzo....................So. Brian Roberts....................... 4th Jack Fanshawe...................... 4th Dylan Urban......................... 4th Steve Hastings...................... 4th Anthony Malfitano.............. 4th Emmet McCann.................. 5th Coach of the Year Grier Yorks..... League, Section Dylan Conway..................... 6th Dylan Conway..................... 6th Aidan Anselmi..................... 6th 10

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 WRESTLER AWARDS Most Improved Award Tyler DiLorenzo...................................................... So. Captain Awards Jake Kurzhals............................................................ Sr. Anthony Malfitano...................................................Jr. Sean McGarvey.........................................................Jr. Coaches Award Anthony Malfitano...................................................Jr. Student-Athlete Award Senior: Jake Kurzhals............................................................ Sr. Underclassman: Dylan Urban............................................................. Fr. Rookie of the Year Award Steve Hastings.......................................................... Sr. Leadership Award Jake Kurzhals............................................................ Sr. Senior Awards Pat Ginnane.............................................................. Sr. Aidan Anselmi......................................................... Sr. Jack Fanshawe.......................................................... Sr. Jack Arnold............................................................... Sr. Steve Hastings.......................................................... Sr. Jake Kurzhals............................................................ Sr. Unsung Hero Awards Jack Failing............................................................... Fr. Kyle Ayres................................................................. Fr. Jon Conway.............................................................. Fr. Jake Destefano......................................................... So. Dan Hogan............................................................... Fr. Anthony Tso............................................................. Fr. Gannon Duffy......................................................... So. Jack Hogan................................................................Jr. Allan Svensson......................................................... Fr. Jared Mullahy........................................................... Fr.

Edgardo Ruballos.................................................... Fr. Mitchell Ehrie.......................................................... Fr. Stephen Conneely.................................................... Fr. Brendan Rodriguez................................................. Fr. Christian Curry....................................................... Fr. John Fastoff............................................................... Fr. Abe Mendez............................................................. Fr. Brendan Dooley....................................................... Fr. Tenacity Award Dante Simeti............................................................. Fr. Vlad Sidorenko........................................................ Fr. Emmet McCann...................................................... Fr. Dylan Conway..........................................................Jr. Match of the Year John Jay EF..........................................................40-39 Most Wins (Season) Anthony Malfitano........................................ 36 Wins Most Pins (Season) Anthony Malfitano.........................................20 Pins Most Bonus Points (Season) Anthony Malfitano...................................... 63 Points 100+ Points (Season) Jake Kurzhals.............................................. 202 Points Anthony Malfitano.................................... 186 Points Jack Chesman............................................. 163 Points Sean McGarvey.......................................... 135 Points Brian Roberts............................................. 126 Points Dylan Urban............................................... 109 Points 100 Win Club Jake Kurzhals................................................ 132 Wins Sean McGarvey............................................ 111 Wins MVP Jake Kurzhals............................................................ Sr. 11

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

CONGRATULATIONS COACH YORKS SECTION 1 COACH OF THE YEAR!

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 SENIORS Do you have a nickname? Salami. What is your favorite number and why? 12 - it’s lucky for me. What is your favorite food? Chipotle. What’s your dream car? Tesla. What super power would you want and why? Skip Time. What’s your favorite TV show? Archer. How many years have you been wrestling?

What grade did you start? 2 years, started in 9th grade and came back senior year. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Bulls on Parade. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Not really. What do you like most about wrestling? It’s a great workout. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Knowing what to do in certain situations. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Taught me how to have a good work ethic. If you could have a “do-over” who would you wrestle and why? 4th match at Cornwell, could have won if I entered the match with a better mentality. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? 1st Varsity win. Do you play another sport? No.

Aidan Anselmi

Do you have a nickname? Party Pete. What is your favorite number and why? 32 - No reason. What is your favorite food? Pizza. What’s your dream car? Lamborghini. What super power would you want and why? Invisibility. No one can see me and I can appear out of nowhere. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Kim Kardashian. What’s your favorite TV show? Workaholics. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 1 year. This is my first year, I started in the 12th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? “Cold Win Blows” - Eminem. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Just stretch out and drill. What do you like most about wrestling? I like how the sport is tough and requires the most from you. It helps to make you strong and agile. You also build your skills and moves. What is the hardest part about wrestling?

Conditioning & mental toughness. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? It has helped me become a better person both mentally and physically. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? John Cena. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? I would wrestle a kid from Nanuet I lost to. I would try and beat him. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? When I got my varsity pin against Tappan Zee. Do you play another sport? Football.

Steve Hastings

Patrick Ginnane

Do you have a nickname? Stinger. What is your favorite number and why? 78 - It was my football number. What is your favorite food? Chicken Stack from Moe’s. What’s your dream car? 1997 Nissan Sentra with custom sun roof. What super power would you want and why? Fly because why not? If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Jack Arnold. What’s your favorite TV show? Trailer Park Boys. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 1 year, I started in the 12th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? No Role Modelz. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Eat food. What do you like most about wrestling?

Winning. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Conway’s Ab Circuit. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Got me in shape for lacrosse. Who is your favorite wrestler and why?

John Cena. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? First match against Port Chester because I should have won. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? 4th place at O’Connell. Do you play another sport? Football & Lacrosse.

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 SENIORS (CONTINUED) Do you have a nickname? Jake the Snake. What is your favorite number and why? 15 because that was my number for soccer. What is your favorite food? Thai Food. What’s your dream car? Stingray Corvette. What super power would you want and why? Fly because it would be awesome! What’s your favorite TV show? Vikings. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 4th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Metallica. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? I make sure I warm up with a partner before a match. What do you like most about wrestling? How challenging it is, because when you win it’s so much more rewarding.

What is the hardest part about wrestling? Being mentally and physically ready to wrestle an entire match. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Made me more competative and confident to compete in any atmosphere. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Dylan Mateo so I could avoid spraining my ankle. (That hurt!). What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? Wrestling in State finals and winning my last high school match by dominating a kid I had lost to early that year to take 5th. Do you play another sport? Soccer & Track.

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Jake Kurzhals

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 JUNIORS

Dylan Conway

Do you have a nickname? No. What is your favorite number and why? 7 - I like it. What is your favorite food? Pizza is my all time favorite. What’s your dream car? Model T. What super power would you want and why? Stop time so I could shave York’s mustache without him knowing. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Grier Yorks. What’s your favorite TV show? The Walking Dead.

How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 5 years/7th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Pump Up Trap/EDM or Five Finger Death Punch. What do you like most about wrestling? It makes you mentally and physically stronger. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Cutting Weight. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” Who is your favorite wrestler and why? James Kelly - great person. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? James Kelly in 2015 Sections - I let him win but I shouldn’t have. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment?

Winning the O’Connell Tournament. Do you play another sport? No.

Do you have a nickname? Hoagie. What is your favorite number and why? 2 - It was my first jersey number in soccer. What is your favorite food? Buffalo Wings. What’s your dream car? Mustang GT 500 “Shelby Cobra”. What super power would you want and why? Teleport, so I could be everywhere at once.

Jack Hogan

Anthony Malfitano

Do you have a nickname? Malf Malfy. What is your favorite number and why? 1 because I’m number 1.

What is your favorite food? Ice cream. What’s your dream car? Nissan GTR. What super power would you want and why? Super Strength How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 5 years, I started in 7th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Anything that will get me pumped. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Warm up and listen to music. What do you like most about wrestling? It’s a one on one sport, everything is on you. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Cutting weight. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? I have learned valuable lessons about life and it has gotten me in great shape. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Grier Yorks because although I beat him all the time I still have respect for him. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? I don’t know his name but the kid in states in the Consi-Semis. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment?

Winning sections. Do you play another sport? Lacrosse.

Do you have a nickname? Sweeney. What is your favorite food? Chicken Wings. What’s your dream car?

Tesla Model S. What super power would you want and why? Stop Time. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Ailish Durcan What is your favorite TV show? Food Network. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? Too many to count, I really started in the 4th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Eminem. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Cutting weight. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Dylan Conway because he is a good wrestler. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? Winning sections. Do you play another sport? Golf.

Sean McGarvey 15

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 SOPHOMORES Do you have a nickname? DiLo. What is your favorite number and why? 74, just because. What is your favorite food? Chicken. What’s your dream car? Ford Raptor. What super power would you want and why? Fly because it’s cool. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Taylor Swift. What’s your favorite TV show? Spongebob. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 4 years. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? AC/DC. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Nope. What do you like most about wrestling? It’s fun, it keeps you in shape. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Practices. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Discipline. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Don’t know. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? None. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? Winning Sections. Do you play another sport? Track/Football.

Tyler DiLorenzo Do you have a nickname? No. What is your favorite number and why? 4. What is your favorite food?

Pizza. What’s your dream car? Ford CT. What super power would you want and why? Fly to get places faster. What’s your favorite TV show? Trailer Park Boys. What do you like most about wrestling? It challenges you. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Practice. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? I work harder. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Grier Yorks, he is God. Do you play another sport? Yes.

Gannon Duffy

FRESHMAN

What is your favorite number and why? 37. What is your favorite food? Ice Cream (any flavor). What’s your dream car? Mustang. What super power would you want and why? Mind control. What’s your favorite TV show? The Walking Dead. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? Started in 3rd grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Metal/Rock. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? I listen to music and focus. What do you like most about wrestling? The memories with the team. What is the hardest part about wrestling?

Cutting Weight. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Taught me what hard work felt like. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Jake Kurszhals, he kept the team organized and focused. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? I would have wrestled harder at JV Counties. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? Winning JV Counties.

Do you play another sport? Track.

Kyle Ayres Do you have a nickname? Jack. What is your favorite number and why? 92. What is your favorite food?

Bacon Cheeseburger. What’s your dream car? Mustang. What super power would you want and why?

Fly so I can go places really fast. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Jake Kurzhals.

What’s your favorite TV show? Spongebob. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 7 years, I started in 3rd grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Jimi Hendrix.

Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Slap myself. What do you like most about wrestling? Beating people. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Wrestling while hurt.

How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Not to give up. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Shelby Wilson. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Sumner Kataka because I could have wrestled better. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? When I won sections. Do you play another sport? Track.

Jack Chesman 16

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 FRESHMAN (CONTINUED) What is your favorite number and why? 9. What’s your dream car? Jeep Wrangler. What super power would you want and why? Control Time. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Yanet Garcia. What’s your favorite TV show? Lost. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 2 years, started in the 8th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Eminem.

What do you like most about wrestling? Winning matches. What is the hardest part about wrestling?

Losing. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Shows you to never give up and give you stamina. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Jake Kurzhals - great role model. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? First match at JV Counties. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? Winning sections as a team.

Stephen Conneely Do you have a nickname? Young Frijoles. What is your favorite number and why? 5. What is your favorite food? Wings. What’s your dream car? Steve Hasting’s car. What super power would you want and why? Teleport so you could go anywhere If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be?

Selena Gomez. What’s your favorite TV show? Arrow. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 2 years, I started in the 8th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle?

Nothing. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Warm Up. What do you like most about wrestling? The pactices with just Yorks. What is the hardest part about wrestling?

Feeling before a match. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? Gets me in shape.

Who is your favorite wrestler and why? John Muldoon & Jake Kurzhals. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Jake so I can beat him. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? When I beat Vlad. Do you play another sport? Football & Track.

Jon Conway

Christian Curry

Do you have a nickname? Snakeskin. What is your favorite number and why? 14, it’s a number I like.

What is your favorite food? Shrimp. What’s your dream car? A car that can drive places. What super power would you want and why? X-Ray vision so I could see through things. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Kim K. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 2 years, 8th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Rap & Electronic.

Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? I think of things that get me annoyed. What do you like most about wrestling? Winning because it’s the best feeling in the world.

What is the hardest part about wrestling? The training. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? The training has made other sports easier. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Jake because he’s noble about winning/losing. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? A kid from Nanuet because that was my first loss & I messed up. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? When I pinned a kid in 23 seconds. Do you play another sport? Track/ Football.

Do you have a nickname? Doolinator. What is your favorite number and why? 68. What is your favorite food? Potato Skins. What’s your dream car? Subaru STI. What super power would you want and why?

Mind reading so I can read minds. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Jack Arnold (Soundcloud Rapper). What’s your favorite TV show? My Little Pony. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 2 years, started in 8th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Jack Arnold - Flood Gates. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Weigh In. What do you like most about wrestling? Wrestling. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Wrestling. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Jake Kurzhals, he is devoted and gets the most out of practice. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? My first win with 3 seconds left in 3rd place. Do you play another sport? Yes.

Brendan Dooley 17

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 FRESHMAN (CONTINUED)

Mitchell Ehrie

Do you have a nickname? Meaty Mitch. What is your favorite number and why? 29. What is your favorite food? Bacon Cheese Burger. What’s your dream car? Chevy SS. What super power would you want and why? Flying so I could cruise around. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Iggy Azalea. What’s your favorite TV show? The Walking Dead. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 2 Years. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Nothing.

Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? I sit and watch everyone else wrestle. What do you like most about wrestling? The team. What is the hardest part about wrestling?

Donnely’s Practice. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? I’m more fit. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Jake Kurszhals, he is a good role model. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? I would have wrestled harder at JV Counties. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? When Connely and Johnny Wrestled. Do you play another sport? Track & Football.

What is your favorite number and why? 24 - Kobe. What is your favorite food? Hamburger. What super power would you want and why? To Fly. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be?

Kate Upton. What’s your favorite TV show? How I Met Your Mother. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 5 years. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Panda Designer. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Good Warm Up. What do you like most about wrestling? The Training. What is the hardest part about wrestling? The Training. Do you play another sport? Lacross.

Jack Failling Do you have a nickname? Hogan. What is your favorite number and why? 51, usually my jersey number.

What is your favorite food? Steak. What’s your dream car? McLaren P1. What super power would you want and why? Super Strength. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Emma Stone.

What’s your favorite TV show? Archer. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 3 years, started in the 7th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Rap. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Listen to music. What do you like most about wrestling? Winning matches. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Cutting weight. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? It makes me stronger. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Jordan Burroughs. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Semifinals at shoreline. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? First match against Hen Hud. Do you play another sport? Football.

Dan Hogan What is your favorite number and why? 15. What is your favorite food? Bacon Cheese Burger. What’s your dream car? 1972 Firebird. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Scarlett Johansson. What’s your favorite TV show? X-Files. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 6 years, I started in the 4th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle?

AC/DC. What do you like most about wrestling? Winning. Who is your favorite wrestler and why?

Anthony because he’s so big. Do you play another sport? Lacrosse.

Emmet McCann 18

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 FRESHMAN (CONTINUED) What is your favorite number and why? 8 because it’s lucky. What is your favorite food? Sandwich.

What’s your dream car? Jeep. What super power would you want and why? Being invisible to win hide & seek. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Selena Gomez What’s your favorite TV show? Criminal Minds. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 2 years, I started in the 8th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Bruno Mars. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? No. What do you like most about wrestling?

Wrestling. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Conditioning. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? John Cena. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? My first win. Do you play another sport? Football.

Abe Mendez Do you have a nickname? BRob. What is your favorite number and why? 25 - Ben Simmons. What is your favorite food? Quesadilla. What’s your dream car? Ferrari. What super power would you want and why? To be invisible so I could sneak up on people. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Kate Upton. What’s your favorite TV show? Daredevil. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 7 years, I started in the 3rd grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Nothing. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent?

Warm Up. What do you like most about wrestling? Winning. What is the hardest part about wrestling?

Cutting weight. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? It has made me tough. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Me because I’m a savage. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Tottenville becuase I blew a match. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? Taking 3rd at sections. Do you play another sport? Lacrosse and Cross Country.

Brian Roberts Do you have a nickname? “Are You Cesars Brother?” What is your favorite food? Chili’s Texas Cheese Fries. What’s your dream car? Lambo. What super power would you want and why? Teleportation because I hate walking. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Ariana Grande. What’s your favorite TV show? South Park and Scrubs. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 1 year, started in 9th grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Drake, Kanye or Childish Gambino. What do you like most about wrestling? The team chemistry. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Jake Kurzhals because he is super good and nice. Do you play another sport? Cross Country.

Edgardo Ruballos What is your favorite food? Chinese Food. What’s your dream car? Corvette. What super power would you want and why? Invisible because I can sneak up on people. What’s your favorite TV show? X-Files.

How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 3 years, I started in the 7th grade.

What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Any song that gets me hyped. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? A good warm up keeps me pumped. What do you like most about wrestling? That I’m going to States in a couple years. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Practice. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Me because I’m the best. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Sotoshi Abe, because I can beat him. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? When I made varsity. Do you play another sport? Football and Soccer.

Vlad Sidorenko 19

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 FRESHMAN (CONTINUED)

Dante Simeti

What is your favorite number and why? 34, it’s lucky for me. What is your favorite food? Burger. What’s your dream car? Lamborghini. What super power would you want and why? Ability to read minds.

If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Kate Upton. What’s your favorite TV show?

Blue Mountain Series. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? I have been wrestling for 7 years, since the 3rd grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Rap. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Close my eyes, sit against a wall and visualize me winning. What do you like most about wrestling? It’s a one on one sport. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Cutting weight and being ready mentally and physically. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? It has made me tougher and more disciplined. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? Sean McGarvey - he is a savage. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Section quarter-finals lost to a kid I should have beaten - I could have made it to finals. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? Winning 3rd place match at sections. Do you play another sport? Baseball.

Do you have a nickname? Urban. What is your favorite number and why? 3, just because. What is your favorite food? Buffalo Chicken. What’s your dream car? Lambo. What super power would you want and why? Speed so I can show people how fast I am. If you could take a celebrity to prom, who would it be? Selena Gomez. What’s your favorite TV show? How I Met Your Mother. How many years have you been wrestling? What grade did you start? 7 years, I started in the 2nd grade. What’s playing on your iPod before you wrestle? Eminem. Anything special you do to prepare for a match, or a specific opponent? Warm Up. What do you like most about wrestling? I love cutting weight. What is the hardest part about wrestling? Wrestling. How has wrestling helped you with other sports or in life? It has helped me get stronger mentally. Who is your favorite wrestler and why? John Muldoon, he’s so cool. If you could have a “do-over” - who would you wrestle and why? Jake Kurzhals because I know I can beat him. What is your most memorable high school wrestling moment? My first match on varsity. Do you play another sport? Lacrosse.

Dylan Urban

NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT TIME OF PRINTING

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Jack Arnold Senior

Jack Fanshawe Senior

Jake Destefano Sophomore

John Fastoff Freshman

Jared Mullahy Freshman

Brendan Rodriguez Frshman

Allan Svensson Freshman

Anthony Tso Freshman

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

Coach Donnelly

Todd Santabarbara Director of Physical Education & Athletics

Coach Yorks

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 PIRATE WRESTLING TEAM

SENIORS

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog NOVEMBER 23, 2015

WRESTLING PREVIEW: ELITE 15 AND PRESEASON RANKINGS

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano

The Elite 15: The best returning wrestlers from Westchester, Putnam and Rockland Counties -Kyle Aslanian, Edgemont — After earning All-State status as a sophomore, Aslanian lost a heartbreaker in last year’s 120-pound section final. That will provide plenty of motivation for his senior season.

-Connor Breit, Nanuet — One of the most physicallygifted upper weights in the area won his first section title last season and is poised for big things as a junior.

-Nunzio Crowley, Eastchester — Not only did the senior win his first section title last season, he went onto place fifth in the state at 170 pounds and thrust himself into this year’s state title conversation.

-Grant Cuomo, Brewster — As a freshman, Cuomo took second in one of the deepest weight classes in Section 1. As a sophomore who already has 100 career wins, he’ll have an excellent shot at going much further.

-Mike DiNardo, Mahopac — The senior overcame past injury issues last season, going onto win a section title and take fourth in the state at 182 pounds after entering the tournament unseeded.

-Matt Grippi, Fox Lane — A two-time section finalist who already has 100 career wins entering his sophomore season, this should be Grippi’s year to finally earn a spot in the state tournament.

-Kevin Knox, Carmel — After winning his first section title at 126 pounds last season, look for Knox to make a push for the podium in Albany as a senior.

-Jake Kurzhals, Pearl River — No returning wrestler in Section 1 went as deep into last year’s state tournament. Kurzhals went to the state finals at 126 pounds and should be a title contender as a senior.

-Stephen Lauro, Suffern — The Mounties graduated a few of their heavy hitters, but the senior returns as a defending section champ and clear leader of the pack.

-Justin Lopez, Yonkers — A wild card entry into the state tournament last season, Lopez made a surprise run to place sixth in the state at 99 pounds and will enter his senior season as an established contender.

-Conor Melbourne, John Jay — It was a disappointing finish for Melbourne, who placed third in the section at 138 pounds after a strong showing at the prestigious Eastern States Classic. He’ll be on a mission as a junior.

-Adam Melikian, Lakeland/Panas — Melikian placed fifth at 182 pounds at Eastern States last season and has transferred from Kennedy Catholic to become a Rebel for his senior season.

-Kyle Sams, Putnam Valley — After bursting onto the scene to win a section title as a freshman last season, Sams will be a known commodity with tons of upside as a sophomore.

-Anthony Sulla, North Rockland — Not only did the senior win his first section title with a first-period pin last season, he also went onto place sixth in the state at 106 pounds.

-Trey Wardlaw, East Ramapo — The senior surfaced out of a deep field at 99 pounds to win his first title last season and possesses uncanny strength for a lightweight.

The Next 15 Satoshi Abe, Jr., Putnam Valley, Romello Bradley, Sr., East Ramapo, Jack Chesman, Fr., Pearl River, Jon 23

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog NOVEMBER 23, 2015 Clune, Sr., Fox Lane, Evan Frank, Jr., John Jay, Maxim Kutsepau, Sr., Clarkstown North, Mike Larm, Sr., Brewster, Alex Leone, Sr., Carmel, Sean McGarvey, Jr., Pearl River, Elijah Ngbokoli, Sr., Hackley, Peter Oliveto, Jr., Suffern, Jake Shore, Sr., New Rochelle, Jake Spreckman, Sr., Clarkstown South, Jordan Wallace, Jr., New Rochelle, Cliffton Wang, Jr., Edgemont Preseason lohud wrestling rankings, The top teams from Section 1 Division 1 (large schools) 1. Suffern — Yes, the Mounties graduated two of their three individual section champs. But with seven returning who placed in the top six, they’ll remain the favorite for a repeat until someone proves otherwise.

2. John Jay — The consensus is that the Indians pose the biggest threat to Suffern after placing second overall last season and returning six of their eight All-Section wrestlers.

3. Mahopac — The Indians took third last season and begin a new year in the same position. Three AllSection wrestlers return in Mike DiNardo, Garrett Semenetz and Mike Muldoon, plus Anthony Martins, who missed sectionals due to injury.

4. New Rochelle — After Suffern and John Jay, no other team returns as many wrestlers who placed last season as the Big Four for the Huguenots – Jake Shore, Jordan Wallace, Moises Tera and Jake Logan.

5. Brewster — The Bears peaked at the right time and placed fifth overall last season. They return three of their six All-Section wrestlers and remain one of the most consistent programs in the section under coach Tom Looby.

6. Arlington — The Admirals return all three All-Section wrestlers from a team which placed eighth last season, including a defending champ in Brady Robin.

7. Yonkers — It’s been a steady climb for the Bulldogs in recent years, culminating with a seventh-place finish last season – the best finish in program history. Plenty of talent remains to keep Yonkers in the top 10.

8. East Ramapo — Like Yonkers, the Titans made it into the top 10 for the first time in program history last season. And like Yonkers, East Ramapo has some significant pieces coming back.

9. Carmel — All three wrestlers who made it to the podium return for the Rams – Kevin Knox, Alex Leone and Akhen Chu – as they continue to make progress during coach Seth Harrison’s tenure.

10. North Rockland — Last year’s senior class represented some of the best in school history, most notably Rockland wrestler of the year Blaise Benderoth, but the Red Raiders are out to prove they’re still a force.

On the bubble: Clarkstown North, Fox Lane, John Jay-East Fishkill, Lakeland/Panas, Ketcham Division 2 (small schools) 1. Putnam Valley — There is a razor thin margin between Put Valley and Pearl River. And while PR has more wrestlers returning who placed last season, the two-time champs are expecting a big boost from Noah Kelvas and Jared Eliopoulos, who missed sectionals due to injury.

2. Pearl River — The Pirates were just nine points behind Put Valley last season and bring back five of their sixth finalists from last season. It’s going to be very, very close.

3. Edgemont — The Panthers might not have quite as much firepower as the top two, but they’re not far off, either. Seven wrestlers return who placed last season.

4. Nanuet — Longtime coach Carmine Serra has retired, but the Golden Knights have a strong tradition and a handful of capable athletes coming back, which should keep them in the top five.

5. Pleasantville — The Panthers arguably had as much depth as any team in D2, but the lack of an individual champ kept them from cracking the top five and could be an issue again this season.

On the bubble: Hen Hud, Pawling, Woodlands 24

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog DECEMBER 3, 2015

YOUTH MOVEMENT LEADS PEARL RIVER TO DIVISION 2 FINAL

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano MONTROSE - Emmet McCann wasn’t a regular in Pearl River’s lineup last season, and for good reason.

A middle-schooler at the time, McCann was in the same weight class as teammate Jake Kurzhals, who ended up winning his first Section 1 title and going on a memorable run to the New York state finals.

Now a freshman, it appears that there’s no holding McCann back. He proved that with two notable wins on Thursday, including a pin of Nanuet’s Karl Burnich, a returning section finalist.

“I’ve been training a lot this summer and I was ready to show (coach Grier) Yorks what I’ve got,” McCann said. “It definitely boosts my confidence a lot for the season. I actually didn’t know that (Burnich was a section finalist). I didn’t think I would go into the season and do this well, but I’m really hyped.”

McCann and Kurzhals were both part of an impressive afternoon for the Pirates at Hen Hud. They beat Croton-Harmon 70-15 in the Division 2 (small school) quarterfinals of the Section 1 Dual Meet Championships before knocking off rival Nanuet with a 69-12 win in the semifinals.

Next up, Pearl River will host defending champ Putnam Valley on Thursday in a rematch of last year’s final.

“We’re looking forward to earning a section championship for our team, which we haven’t won since 1985,” McCann said. “It would be really huge if we won it this year.”

The Pirates were particularly dominant from 99-170 pounds, winning 21 of 22 matches wrestled in those weight classes – 13 via pin.

McCann (132 pounds), Kurzhals (138), Jack Failing (99), Brian Roberts (106), Sean McGarvey (113), Vlad Sidorenko (126), Jack Chesman (145), Anthony Malfitano (152), Jack Fanshawe (160) and Dan Hogan (170) each went 2-0.

“We have a solid lineup there,” Kurzhals said. “We have a whole bunch of returning section finalists and we’re ready to go. It’s devastating because we can get a lot of points really quick. The (opponents) start secondguessing themselves, and we’re just confident all the way through.”

Man of the match: Emmet McCann, Pearl River — The freshman looks like an up-and-comer after winning both of his matches via pin. He and Chesman, a freshman who won a section title last season, give the Pirates a very bright outlook for the future.

Turning point: Nanuet took a brief 12-9 lead after pins from Connor Breit (220) and Bryan Oliveros (285), but the Golden Knights wouldn’t win another match. A forfeit at 99 pounds was followed by three straight pins for Pearl River to bury its Rockland County rival.

Quotable: “I’m proud of our younger guys,” said Kurzhals, who beat Nanuet’s Dylan Mateo with a 9-1 major decision in a rematch of last season’s section final. “We have a lot of freshmen coming in, they’re putting in the work and they’re doing well. And our older guys are doing what they need to do to get us where we need to be.”

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog DECEMBER 10, 2015

PEARL RIVER DETHRONES PUT VALLEY FOR D2 DUAL MEET TITLE

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano PEARL RIVER - When you’re a returning New York state finalist, the belief is that no one within your own section is supposed to challenge you.

That’s the weight of expectation that Pearl River senior Jake Kurzhals will deal with every time he steps onto the mat this season.

So when he fell behind against Putnam Valley’s Jared Eliopoulos during their 138-pound bout on Thursday, tension filled the gym at Pearl River High. To make matters worse, Kurzhals kept grimacing and grabbing his cramping calves.

“I was trying to stretch out the best that I could, but it just kept coming back,” Kurzhals said. “It’s a nuisance, but you just have to fight through it.”

A quick takedown in the second period changed Kurzhals’ outlook, as he came back to win an 8-4 decision for his 100th career victory. Jack Chesman (145 pounds), Anthony Malfitano (152) and Jack Fanshawe (160) followed with three straight pins, sealing a 46-31 win for the Pirates in the Division 2 (small schools) final of the Section 1 Dual Meet Championships.

Pearl River lost to the Tigers in last year’s championship final by just three points.

“The anger started last year after we lost, and our team just couldn’t let go of it,” Fanshawe said. “Since the first day of practice, we’ve been motivated to win this match in this tournament. That’s what we’ve been working on. That’s been our goal.”

The Pirates built up an early 21-0 lead thanks to wins from Gannon Duffy (195), Jack Arnold (220), Oran Hamilton (285) and Jack Failing (99). Putnam Valley won four of the next five matches to claw back in it, but Pearl River was able to counter some of the Tigers’ best wrestlers with its own top guys.

“The weight classes were really close,” Fanshawe said. “It was really a battle out there. It was stressful and tense, and there was a lot of pressure. I feel like our good guys were going against really good guys from the other team.”

Man of the match: Jake Kurzhals, Pearl River — The senior survived a scare after going down 3-1 early in his 138-pound match, eventually winning an 8-4 decision. The victory was the 100th of his career, making him the 16th wrestler in Pearl River history to accomplish the feat.

“I know I can come back,” Kuzhals said. “I just thought to myself, ‘Just keep going,’ and I was able to make up for it.”

Turning point: Three straight wins for Putnam Valley, from Kyle Sams (120), Satoshi Abe (126) and Noah Kelvas (132), cut the deficit to 25-19. The Pirates’ lead appeared to be slipping away when Kurzhals went into a hole, but he rallied for an important win to halt Put Valley’s momentum.

Quotable: “I think that it is a statement,” Fanshawe said. “A lot of teams are going to come after us. Put Valley is going to see us again towards the end of the season and they’re going to want redemption. I feel like we have a target on our back and a lot of teams are going to try their hardest against us.”

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog DECEMBER 10, 2015

WRESTLING: BOX SCORES AND VIDEOS FROM THURSDAY

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano

One year after losing to Putnam Valley by three points, Pearl River dethroned the Tigers with a 46-31 win in the Division 2 final of the Section 1 Dual Meet Championships. Here is full coverage, plus more box scores from Thursday.

BOX SCORES: Pearl River 46, Putnam Valley 31 at Pearl River 195 – Gannon Duffy (PR) pin Kyle Visoky, 0:51. 220 – Jack Arnold (PR) by forfeit. 285 – Oran Hamilton (PR) by forfeit. 99 – Jack Failing (PR) dec. Will Carano, 7-6. 106 – Mikey Bruno (PV) pin Brian Roberts, 1:07. 113 – Sean McGarvey (PR) maj. dec.

Dan Tarrant, 12-2. 120 – Kyle Sams (PV) dec. Dylan Urban, 7-1. 126 – Satoshi Abe (PV) tech. fall Vlad Sidorenko, 19-4. 132 – Noah Kelvas (PV) tech. fall Emmet McCann, 19-4. 138 – Jake Kurzhals (PR) dec. Jared Eliopoulos, 8-4. 145 – Jack Chesman (PR) pin Mike Nolan, 5:53. 152 – Anthony Malfitano (PR) pin Gabe Gecaj, 0:38. 160 – Jack Fanshawe (PR) pin Thomas Natoni, 1:56. 170 – Jake Melikian (PV) pin Dan Hogan, 4:46. 182 – Robbie Velichko (PV) pin Aidan Anselmi, 0:50.

Rye (RYE) 33.00 Nyack Sr HS (NSH) 31.00 113: Double Forfeit 120: Blake McGowan (RYE) over Jose Gagliardi (NSH) (Dec 7-6) 126: Brandon Thakur (NSH) over Mohamed Hassan (RYE) (Dec 8-3) 132: Phillip Smith (RYE) over javon Felix (NSH) (Fall 2:56) 138: Ulyses Rojas (NSH) over Dylan Robinson (RYE) (Fall 1:30) 145: Jason Rosenfield (RYE) over Andrew VanCura (NSH) (Fall 5:44) 152: Franklin Goldszer (RYE) over Sean Curley (NSH) (Fall 1:15) 160: Tyler Stach (NSH) over Chase Bekkerus (RYE) (MD 9-0) 170: Daniel Price (NSH) over Tyler Webb (RYE) (Dec 7-2) 182: Dante Frazer (NSH) over Saba Surguladze (RYE) (Dec 11-4) 195: Miles Giordano (RYE) over Tybarius Davis (NSH) (Fall 1:14) 220: Seamus Henry (NSH) over (RYE) (For.) 285: Wayne Graham (NSH) over (RYE) (For.) 99: Double Forfeit 106: Ben Kuster (RYE) over (NSH) (For.) Fox Lane (FOLA) 35.00 Carmel Sr (CASR) 35.00(Fox Lane wins on criteria) 99: ryan dufflemyer (CASR) over Anthony Grossman (FOLA) (Fall 0:52) 106: Matias Rivera (FOLA) over Nick Ferrara (CASR) (Dec 1-0) 113: Quincy Downes (FOLA) over Joe Ciallela (CASR) (Fall 3:49) 120: Vlad Panchishak (CASR) over Amos Rivera (FOLA) (Dec 6-4) 126: Dorian McMath (CASR) over Sergio Castillo (FOLA) (MD 10-2) 132: Kevin Knox (CASR) over Gonzallo Castillo (FOLA) (Fall 2:30) 138: Ahken Chu (CASR) over Ben Antin (FOLA) (MD 11-0) 145: Joshua Rauch (FOLA) over Matt Green (CASR) (Dec 8-5) 152: Matthew Grippi (FOLA) over Matt Purdy (CASR) (Fall 1:32) 160: Alex Leone (CASR) over Josh Witz (FOLA) (Fall 0:54) 170: Dominic Caporale (CASR) over Ian Wedemann (FOLA) (Fall 0:18) 182: Mark Caracciolo (FOLA) over Steve Irwin (CASR) (Dec 12-9) 195: Johnny Santos (FOLA) over Ransford Wisdom (CASR) (Fall 2:18) 220: Jonathan Clune (FOLA) over Anthony Schneider (CASR) (TF 23-8 0:00) 285: Tyler Thomas (FOLA) over Jon Aldave (CASR) (TB-1 11-9) East Ramapo Central School (ERCS) 56.00 Scarsdale Sr (SCSR) 16.00 160: Shatir Henry (ERCS) over Liam Haller (SCSR) (Fall 2:07) 170: Jhavon Innocent (ERCS) over Raphael Rogoff (SCSR) (Fall 4:43) 182: Andrew Braun (SCSR) over Joshua Jean-Baptiste (ERCS) (MD 14-3) 195: Joel Feliciano-Rivera (ERCS) over Brendan Knaack (SCSR) (Dec 6-5) 220: Leo Pamphile (ERCS) over Ethan Raff (SCSR) (Dec 8-4) 285: Jahkem Collins-Martinez (ERCS) over Michael Lambert (SCSR) (Fall 1:43) 99: Ziaire Benjamin (ERCS) over Jon Keltz (SCSR) (Fall 3:31) 106: Aaron Rivera (ERCS) over Hayden Hunt (SCSR) (Fall 1:57) 113: Michael DaBramo (SCSR) over Trey Wardlaw (ERCS) (UTB 3-2) 120: Luis Lema-Lema (ERCS) over Jack Ortner (SCSR) (TF 15-0 0:00) 126: Joey Ballan (SCSR) over Larsen Larame (ERCS) (Fall 3:19) 132: Jonathan Ortiz (ERCS) over Seth Schulman (SCSR) (Fall 3:22) 138: Kosta Bobolakis (SCSR) over Omar Richards (ERCS) (Dec 8-3) 145: Romello Bradley (ERCS) over Teddy DeLorenzo (SCSR) (Fall 2:36) 152: Rahsone Simpson (ERCS) over Josh Porter (SCSR) (Dec 7-1) Pawling Sr (PASR) 48.00 Croton-Harmon Sr (CHS) 27.00 106: Vitaly Andruk (PASR) over (CHS) (For.) 113: Jason Nikolatos (PASR) over (CHS) (For.) 120: Thomas Barsuch (CHS) over Noah Fleischman (PASR) (Dec 3-2) 126: Carmine Pedota (PASR) over Andrew Lieber (CHS) (Fall 3:18) 132: Jack Wrobel (PASR) over Sean Martin (CHS) (Fall 0:00) 138: Jake Dominello (CHS) over Micheal Chambers (PASR) (Dec 9-3) 145: Nathan Parker (CHS) over Gian Luca Pasache (PASR) (Dec 6-2) 152: Brendan Stierli (CHS) over (PASR) (For.) 160: Matt Kuhlmann (PASR) over Izzy Rocker (CHS) (Fall 0:10) 170: Reece Bijou (PASR) over Alex Julian (CHS) (Fall 0:49) 182: Jordan Blumenthal (CHS) over Michael Henry (PASR) (Fall 0:35) 195: Chris Colombo (CHS) over James Bellucci (PASR) (Fall 0:52) 220: Rob Drake (PASR) over (CHS) (For.) 285: Double Forfeit 99: Bryce Muller (PASR) over (CHS) (For.)

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

Pearl River Patch December 29th, 2015

HOST PEARL RIVER, WINS 35TH O’CONNELL TOURNAMENT, Pirate Senior Jake Kurzhals, named Most Outstanding Wrestler MOW (99-138) — Jake Kurzhals (Pearl River) MOW (145-285) — Romello Bradley (East Ramapo) Team key and standings: 1. Pearl River (PR) 147.5; 2. E. Ramapo (ER) 146.5; 3. Tappan Zee (TZ) 135.5; 4.

Washingtonville (Was) 119.5; 5. Chester Academy (CA) 67; 6. Hen Hud (HH) 59; 7. Sleepy Hollow (SH) 51; 8t.

Croton-Harmon (CH) 41; 8t. Byram Hills (BH) 41; 10. Nanuet (Nan) 36; 11. Nyack (Ny) 32; 12. Westlake (West) 30; 13. Lehman (Leh) 8; 14. Woodlands (Wd) 1.

Finals 99 – Acheson (TZ) pin Henry (TZ), 0:32. 106 – Massa (Nan) dec. Simeti (PR), 7-4. 113 – Errico (BH) maj. dec. McGarvey (PR), 10-1. 120 – Lema-Lema (ER) dec. Barsuch (CH), 3-0.

126 – Alexandrou (BH) dec.

Perez (Was), 9-2. 132 – Gedeiko (TZ) pin Folmer (TZ), 2:56. 138 – Kurzhals (PR) pin Giacolo (Was), 4:52. 145 – Bradley (ER) dec. Chesman (PR), 5-2. 152 – Malfitano (PR) pin Frazer (Ny), 4:22. 160 – PRice (Ny) dec.

Heslin (CA), 6-3. 170 – Innocent (ER) maj. dec. Burbano (HH), 11-3. 182 – Artope (HH) dec. Jean-Baptiste (ER), 4-3. 195 – Leonty (Was) dec. Colombo (CH), 8-3 OT. 220 – Pamphile (ER) pin Lynch (TZ), 0:45. 285 – Jimenez (SH) dec. Collins-Martinez (ER), 3-1.

Semifinals 99 – Mark Acheson (TZ) dec. Brian Roberts (PR), 6-0; Sean Henry (TZ) pin Chris Zappolo (Was), 3:24. 106 – Cody Massa (Nan) pin Liam Bullock (CA), 2:15; Dante Simeti (PR) pin Hector Giron (HH), 2:12. 113 – Luca Errico (BH) tech. fall Jose Gagliardi (Ny), 16-1; Sean McGarvey (PR) dec. Nick Conetta (CA), 9-2. 120 – Luis Lema-Lema (ER) dec. Dylan Urban (PR), 4-2; Thomas Barsuch (CH) dec. Devin McCormack (Was), 2-1. 126 – Giovanni Perez (Was) dec. Brendan Henry (TZ), 5-2; Anthony Alexandrou (BH) pin Sean Martin (CH), 5:20. 132 – Nick Folmer (TZ) dec. Antonio Espada (Wd), 10-5; Joe Gedeiko (TZ) tech. fall Alexis Diaz (ER). 138 – Jake Kurzhals (PR) pin Jordan Grullon (HH), 0:37; Gino Giacolo (Was) dec. Ivan Capellan (SH), 6-4. 145 – Romello Bradley (ER) tech. fall Paul Zakrepine (TZ), 16-1; Jack Chesman (PR) dec. Ryan Duffy (West), 9-2. 152 – Anthony Malfitano (PR) dec. Kevin Borden (SH), 8-1; Dante Frazer (Ny) dec. Lester Larkai (Was), 4-1. 160 – Daniel PRice (Ny) dec. Shatir Henry (ER), 1-0; Liam Heslin (CA) pin Donald Hickson (Leh), 2:45. 170 – Sebastian Burbano (HH) pin Brody Harris (CA), 3:37; Jhavon Innocent (ER) pin Ben Santorpia (Was), 3:26. 182 – Jordan Artope (HH) pin Luis Espinal (SH), 5:54; Josh Jean-Baptiste (ER) dec. Henricus Van Heemstede Obelt (Was), 9-6. 195 – Alex Leonty (Was) tech. fall Derek Estrella (SH); Chris Colombo (CH) pin Alex Upeslacis (CA), 1:02. 220 – Leo Pamphile (ER) maj. dec. Jack Arnold (PR), 12-2; Aedan Lynch (TZ) pin Peter Gerena (SH), 5:23. 285 – Jahkem Collins-Martinez (ER) pin Max Kissack (Was), 3:01; Eddie Jimenez (SH) pin Edwin Rodriguez (TZ), 5:46.

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog JANUARY 19, 2016

ROCKLAND SCHOLAR-ATHLETE: PEARL RIVER’S JAKE KURZHALS

By Debbie Schechter This week’s Journal News Rockland Scholar-Athlete of the Week wants to take stories of the past and bring them forward as he attends the Air Force Academy next year.

Name: Jake Kurzhals School: Pearl River High School Class: Senior Sport: Wrestling Athletic accomplishments: Kurzhals has a 20-1 record as of Thursday in the 138 pound weight class. He finished second at Shoreline on Jan. 9 and won his weight class in Wednesday’s meet against Tappan Zee. Kurzhals is competing this weekend at Eastern States (he won his round-of-32 match, 5-2, at 138 pounds on Friday). He joined the 100-win club this season. He has a 76.38 winning percentage and is team captain. He won the O’Connell tournament earlier in the season. He’s also a member of the boys soccer team and runs spring track.

Academic accomplishments: Kurzhals has a 94.3 GPA. He was recently accepted to the Air Force Academy. He’s ranked 16th in his class. He’s taking three AP classes this year and one collegelevel class. Kurzhals is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Latin Honor Society and Science Honor Society.

School and community involvement: Kurzhals is attained the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts.

Getting to know Jake Kurzhals The Journal News: What’s the goal for Eastern States this weekend?

Jake Kurzhals: I remember at last year’s competition, I didn’t place, I lost by a point in the blood rounds. I’m looking to place this year. It’s a great tournament right before states to get some high-level competition and fix whatever you need.

TJN: How old were you when you started wrestling?

JK: Third grade. I saw a flyer and I wanted to try the sport and fell in love with it.

TJN: Will you continue wrestling after high school?

JK: I would love to continue wrestling in college TJN: Why did you want to go the Air Force Academy?

JK: I always had an interest in flying. That was a major factor in the decision. I heard such great stories from my uncle and great-uncles both having gone. All the experiences that I’d like to have going there, with so many opportunities, that’s where I want to go.

TJN: Are you worried at all about enlisting when you get out of school?

JK: I understand the inherit risk of going into the military. I also understand I’m getting the best training possible to protect myself and protect others so I’m OK with it.

TJN: What do you want to major in?

JK: I’m looking into aeronautical engineering. I’m interested in flight and I like numbers and how things work.

TJN: How has your time in the Boy Scouts getting to be an Eagle Scout helped you be ready for the Air Force Academy?

JK: I learned leadership through the Boy Scouts and I feel like the military is a great way to carry that over. As far as being a leader, the Boy Scouts teaches you how to do things and pick up on how others teach you. Once you get to an age where you know your stuff, you teach the younger guys everything. It progresses itself forward.

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog FEBRUARY 14, 2016

PEARL RIVER, PUT VALLEY COMBINE FOR 10 OF 15 D2 TITLES

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano

PEARL RIVER - As much as Jared Eliopoulos and Noah Kelvas were a part of the celebration when Putnam Valley captured its second consecutive Division 2 sectional wrestling championship last season, their satisfaction couldn’t quite match that of their teammates.

Injuries forced two of the Tigers’ better wrestlers to miss the 2015 postseason — and there was only one way to make that hurt disappear.

On Saturday at Pearl River High, Eliopoulos and Kelvas were healthy and thrilled to be back on the mat.

And this time, they got to claim Section 1 titles of their own.

“After my elbow dislocation, that brought me down pretty hard,” Eliopoulos said. “I really wanted to come back (last season), but I knew deep down I couldn’t. It’s all been uphill from there.”

Both Kelvas (126 pounds) and Eliopoulos (132) won their championship matches with emphatic pins.

Eliopoulos did it against a former section champ and All-State wrestler in Edgemont’s Kyle Aslanian, which earned him Most Outstanding Wrestler honors.

With the way that Putnam Valley began the finals, it looked like it might run away with a third straight team title. The Tigers won five of the first six matches, with Mikey Bruno (99), Kyle Sams (113) and Satoshi Abe (120) also earning individual championships.

But after missing out on a first-place finish by just nine points last season, Pearl River wasn’t about to go down quietly.

Sean McGarvey (106), Jake Kurzhals (138) and Anthony Malfitano (152) won after entering the tournament as favorites, but unexpected titles from Jack Arnold (220) and Tyler DiLorenzo (285) turned out to be the difference for the Pirates.

Pearl River edged Put Valley by 9.5 points, earning its first team title in wrestling since 1985.

“It was awesome. I’m really proud of them,” Kurzhals said of the two heavyweights. “It was the first tournament that they’ve ever won, so they really came up big for us.” The Pirates didn’t come away unscathed.

Kurzhals “heard a pop” in his left ankle and limped through the final seconds of his championship bout, but said after, “I still have full range of mobility and the strength is still there, so I’m hoping it will heal up pretty quick.”

But the most frightening moment came when freshman Jack Chesman was dropped on his head during the 145-pound final. The matched was stopped as a stunned crowd sat silent in prayer, but thankfully Chesman got up and left under his own power. Woodlands senior Sumner Kataka was awarded the title by injury default.

“It was scary watching them go down,” said Malfitano, who was waiting on deck when Chesman got hurt.

“But once my match started, I just focused up and looked to win for some team points.”

Pearl River and Putnam Valley combined to crown 10 of the 15 champions. The only other team to finish with more than one champ was Hen Hud, which placed third overall in its first season as a Division 2 (small school) team.

Sebastian Burbano (160) and Jordan Artope (182) won titles for the Sailors, with Burbano notching a 10-8 decision over top-seeded Lou Quintanilla of Pleasantville thanks to a takedown with six second remaining in the bout.

“I was really tired, but I felt like with all of the hard work that I’ve done this season, I had to let loose and show what I have,” Burbano said. “It was exhilarating. All of those years since eighth-grade on the varsity level, coming out now as a section champ, it’s crazy to think that I’m going to Albany (for the state championships).”

Two of the most dominant champions were Edgemont junior Cliffton Wang (170) and Nanuet junior Connor Breit (195). Neither wrestled a match in the tournament that made it out of the first period. For Wang, it was his third title, and for Breit, it was his second.

“I just take it one match at time,” Wang said. “Every match is the same – just go out there and attack. I think I’m ready for states.”

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The Lohud Wrestling Blog FEBRUARY 20, 2016

MEET THE CHAMPS: PEARL RIVER’S ANTHONY MALFITANO

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano Year: Junior Weight class: 152 pounds in Division 2 What was it that made you initially want to wrestle? I was told to play a winter sport in seventh grade, so I joined the wrestling team. I did well and ended up sticking with it!

What makes the sport unique in your mind?

The sport teaches you more than just wrestling and the physical aspects. You learn how to accept failure and to be able to overcome the past to achieve your goals.

Have there been moments when you had doubts about whether you could accomplish your goals? No, I know that if I work the hardest that I possibly can then I will be able to accomplish my goals.

What obstacles did you have to overcome this season to become a champ? Putting in all of the hard work, and making weight the whole season.

How would you describe yourself on the mat? Savage.

And off of the mat? A pretty friendly guy.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your spare time? Hang with my friends and eat!

Who is your favorite band/artist? Anything that gets me hyped before a match.

What is your favorite kind of sandwich? A giant chicken parm.

What was going through your mind when you had your hand raised as a section champ? Albany, here we come!

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

The Lohud Wrestling Blog FEBRUARY 21, 2016

MEET THE CHAMPS: PEARL RIVER’S JAKE KURZHALS

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano Year: Senior Weight class: 138 pounds in Division 2 What was it that made you initially want to wrestle? I went to the kids club wrestling program at my school in third grade and I have been wrestling ever since.

What makes the sport unique in your mind? Not everyone can do it.

Have there been moments when you had doubts about whether you could accomplish your goals? No, I work too hard to have doubts.

What obstacles did you have to overcome this season to become a champ? Deciding what weight class I wanted to wrestle at.

How would you describe yourself on the mat? Focused and determined.

And off of the mat? Same thing.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your spare time? Hangout with friends.

Who is your favorite band/artist? The Foo Fighters.

What is your favorite kind of sandwich? An Italian combo.

What was going through your mind when you had your hand raised as a section champ? All my hard work is paying off.

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The Lohud Wrestling Blog FEBRUARY 23, 2016

MEET THE CHAMPS: PEARL RIVER’S TYLER DILORENZO

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano Year: Sophomore Weight class: 285 pounds in Division 2 What was it that made you initially want to wrestle? I got cut from the boys basketball team in seventh grade and I wanted to stay active so I decided to join the wrestling team and I just stuck with it.

What makes the sport unique in your mind?

You need to be extremely tough mentally and physically and you need to be prepared for anything.

Have there been moments when you had doubts about whether you could accomplish your goals? No, I know that all the work I put in will pay off and that I will be able to achieve my goals.

What obstacles did you have to overcome this season to become a champ? In the beginning of the year I was being very protective of my knee, which I hurt in football, so I didn’t wrestle my best and it hurt my record.

How would you describe yourself on the mat? A mad man on a mission.

And off of the mat? I’m a pretty nice guy.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your spare time? I like to chill with my friends and play video games.

Who is your favorite band/artist? AC/DC and Taylor Swift.

What is your favorite kind of sandwich? Peanut butter and Nutella.

What was going through your mind when you had your hand raised as a section champ? Albany, here I come.

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The Lohud Wrestling Blog FEBRUARY 24, 2016

MEET THE CHAMPS: PEARL RIVER’S SEAN MCGARVEY

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano Year: Junior Weight class: 106 pounds in Division 2 What was it that made you initially want to wrestle? I started very young at Coach (John) Laurenzi’s Clarkstown Kids Club.

What makes the sport unique in your mind?

It is in my mind the toughest sport, because of all the sacrifices you have to make (ex. cutting weight, not hanging out with friends, and missing parties).

Have there been moments when you had doubts about whether you could accomplish your goals? I have never had doubts in my mind, but I was tested during this past off season. I sustained a few setbacks (rhabdomyolysis & osgood-schlatter disease).

Those injuries hampered me from training and competing during the summer and fall.

What obstacles did you have to overcome this season to become a champ? INJURIES! I had hyper-extended the ligament in the back of my knee during Eastern States and could not begin training again until a few days before sectionals.

How would you describe yourself on the mat? Dangerous and always attacking.

And off of the mat? Great to be around and laid back.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your spare time? Watch the Food Channel, and of course, eat.

Who is your favorite band/artist? Eminem and AC/DC. What is your favorite kind of sandwich? A #5 from Luigi O’Grady’s (Chicken Cutlet, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Mayo).

What was going through your mind when you had your hand raised as a section champ? Check that off the list. Now only one more to go.

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The Lohud Wrestling Blog FEBRUARY 24, 2016

MEET THE CHAMPS: PEARL RIVER’S JACK ARNOLD

By Vincent Z. Mercogliano Year: Senior Weight class: 220 pounds in Division 2 What was it that made you initially want to wrestle? I wanted to be in a sport that had swagger and I was too clumsy for basketball so I decided wrestling would be good enough.

What makes the sport unique in your mind?

The fact that its one vs. one on the mat, and although a team is important, it’s ultimately your responsibility to be the best wrestler you can be. If you lose, there’s no one to blame but yourself.

Have there been moments when you had doubts about whether you could accomplish your goals? Yes, but I do my best to surround myself with positive people that build me up, not tear me down.

What obstacles did you have to overcome this season to become a champ? Just senioritis and a few injuries, nothing major.

How would you describe yourself on the mat?

Depends on mind state. I can be calm and calculated, fierce and sporadic or lazy and clumsy. It all depends on how I feel before the match.

And off of the mat? Driven and thoughtful.

What are some of your favorite things to do with your spare time? Hang out with friends, create music and art, and enjoy my family.

Who is your favorite band/artist? Hard choice but at the top of my list is undoubtedly Eminem.

What is your favorite kind of sandwich? One that is made by someone else.

What was going through your mind when you had your hand raised as a section champ? That I would have another two weeks of practice!

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATES

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATES

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATES ANTHONY MALFITANO, JUNIOR

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATES JACK ARNOLD, SENIOR

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATES JAKE KURZHALS, SENIOR

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATES SEAN McGARVEY, JUNIOR

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATES TYLER DiLORENZO, SOPHOMORE

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 100 WIN CLUB Rank

First

Last

Year

Wins

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Phil John John Jeff Matt Jake James Joe Rob Sean Jim Shawn

Donnelly Coffey Muldoon Allison Homenick Kurzhals Kelly Lieberman Gullo McGarvey O'Connell Logue

1993 2008 2014 2007 2001 2016 2015 2010 2014 2017 1985 2006

155 151 148 145 135 132 123 117 114 111 110 109

13 13 14

Joe Keith Brad

Damiani Cervone Batista

2002 2004 1987

107 107 103

15 15

Mike Anthony

Picozzi Raimone

1985 2008

102 102

40+ CAREER VARSITY WINS Rank

First

Last

Year

Wins

1 2 3 4 5 6

Phil John John Jeff Matt Jake

Donnelly Coffey Muldoon Allison Homenick Kurzhals

1993 2008 2014 2007 2001 2016

155 151 148 145 135 132

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15

James Joe Rob Sean Jim Shawn Joe Keith Brad Mike

Kelly Lieberman Gullo McGarvey O'Connell Logue Damiani Cervone Batista Picozzi

2015 2010 2014 2017 1985 2006 2002 2004 1987 1985

123 117 114 111 110 109 107 107 103 102

15 16 16 17 18

Anthony Mike Eric Joe Tim

Raimone Sullivan Tibere Cinquemani Gorman

2008 1989 1988 1986 1987

102 96 96 93 90 43

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

40+ CAREER VARSITY WINS (CONTINUED) Rank 19 19 20 20 21 21 21 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 26 26 27 28 29 29 29 30 31 31 32 33 34 34 35 36 37 37 37 37 38 39 39 39 39 40 41 41 44

First Anthony John Drew Doug Scott Peter Nunzio Terry Kevin Steve Nick Bob Joe Lou Billy Steve Mike Anthony Jack Bill Darren Sean Tom Ryan Peter Evan Edgar Keith Kenta Chris Dylan Dermot Paul Bobby Shawn Kean Paul Ian John Dean Mike Tim

Last DeGeorge Scanlon D'Agostino Richardson Saunders Dene DeGregorio Bach Keenan Malfitano Simeti Bessette Cipriani Conway Allison Moreno O'Brien Malfitano Chesman Coffey Daproza Carmody Lynn Logue Wasserman Wasserman Daproza Pergola Umezaki Roberts Urban Hogan Ferraris Whiting Failing Farsetta Farsetta Cervone Thompson Campbell Batista Hartigan

Year 2002 1969 1985 2004 1999 1998 1985 1999 1976 1988 2014 1974 2002 1971 2004 2013 2006 2017 2019 2001 1995 1991 1976 2003 1992 1988 1993 2004 2011 1987 2019 2000 1996 2008 1991 1976 1971 2002 2007 1996 1985 1980

Wins 87 87 86 86 85 85 85 85 84 81 79 79 78 76 76 76 75 74 73 73 73 72 70 70 69 68 66 66 65 64 62 62 62 62 61 60 60 60 60 59 57 57

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

40+ CAREER VARSITY WINS (CONTINUED) Rank

First

Last

Year

Wins

42

Jimmy

Emsworth

2010

55

43

Bryan

Kondracki

2014

54

43 43 44 44

Bob Cameron Mike Mike

Forster Bruzzi Urban Cinquemani

1975 2011 1979 1990

54 54 52 52

45 45 46 46 46 46 47 48 48 48 49 49 50

Dixie Ray Gibby Matt Pat Chris Ron Chris Marc Kyle Jim Chris Jason

Marich Folmer Sweet Weiner Hogan Flynn Valerio Shanley Kroenung Hartigan Donovan Chesman Ramirez

1978 1985 1968 2005 2012 2013 1989 1987 1991 2011 1983 1982 1989

50 50 48 48 48 48 47 46 46 46 45 45 42

50 50

Jim Geoff

Hohmann McElroy

1971 1997

42 42

50 51 51 51 51

Adam Paul Tom Anthony Grier

O'Gorman Gousias Hartigan Battiato Yorks

2000 1992 1991 2010 1980

42 40 40 40 40

Rank

200 POINT CLUB

First

Last

Year

Points

1 2

John John

Coffey Muldoon

2008 2013

269 267

3 4

James Shawn

Kelly Logue

2013 2006

259 246

5 6 7 8 9

Matt Terry Jeff Rob Joe

Homenick Bach Allison Gullo Damiani

2001 1999 2005 2013 2002

238 236 223 220 213

10

Jake

Kurzhals

2015

202

11

Ryan

Logue

2003

209

12

Joe

Cinquemani

1986

203

13

Anthony

Raimone

2008

202 45

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 100+ POINTS A SEASON Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 34 34 35

First John John James Shawn Matt Terry Jeff Rob Joe Jake Ryan Joe Anthony Keith Jim Sean Anthony Mike Anthony Phil Joe Doug Joe Brad Ray Billy Nunzio Billy Jack Dermot Eric Mike Drew Adam Scott Cameron Marc Nick Dean

Last Coffey Muldoon Kelly Logue Homenick Bach Allison Gullo Damiani Kurzhals Logue Cinquemani Raimone Cervone O'Connell McGarvey Malfitano Sullivan DeGeorge Donnelly Lieberman Richardson Cipriani Batista Folmer Coffey DeGregorio Allison Chesman Hogan Tibere Picozzi D'Agostino O'Gorman Saunders Bruzzi Kroenung Simeti Campbell

Year 2008 2013 2013 2006 2001 1999 2005 2013 2002 2015 2003 1986 2008 2004 1985 2013 2016 1987 2002 1993 2009 2002 2002 1987 1985 2000 1984 2003 2016 1999 1988 1985 1985 2000 1999 2011 1991 2013 1996

Points 269 267 259 246 238 236 223 220 213 212 209 203 202 198 193 187 186 186 185 184 183 181 179 175 173 170 169 165 163 163 162 161 160 157 156 156 154 154 152

35

Chris

Flynn

2013

152

35

Bryan

Kondracki

2014

152

46

Year 2007 2014 2015 2005 2000 1998 2006 2014 2001 2016 2002 1985 2007 2003 1984 2014 2015 1988 2001 1991 2007 2003 2001 1986

Points 224 261 175 194 231 112 199 208 176 202 159 102 152 182 154 183 175 159 160 157 142 168 125 143

2001 1983 2004 2015

161 135 141 148

1986 1984 1984

136 148 159

1998

125

2014 1995

153 136

Year 2006 2012 2014 2004 1999 1997 2007 2012 2000 2014

Points 168 193 172 129 182 111 193 122 164 173

2006 2002 1983 2015

135 141 116 182

1989 2000 1992 2008

121 102 138 129

2000 1985

102 142

1985 1983 1983

115 131 139

Year

Points

2011 2012

155 136

2004

158

2013

161

2016

135

1990

127

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 100+ POINTS A SEASON (CONTINUED) Rank 35 36 36 37 38 39 40 41 41 42 43 44 44

First Dylan Sean David Shawn Edgar Tim Peter Jim Keith Ian Darren Steve Howie

Last Urban Carmody Avery Failing Daproza Gorman Dene Donovan Pergola Cervone Daproza Malfitano Kosel

Year 2014 1991 2014 1991 1989 1987 1998 1983 2003 2002 1995 1988 1985

Points 152 151 151 150 145 143 140 139 139 136 135 134 134

44 45 45 46

Tom Mike Steve Kenta

Lynn Cinquemani Moreno Umezaki

1976 1990 2012 2011

134 133 133 130

47

Mike

O'Brien

2006

129

47

Bobby

Whiting

2008

129

48 49 50 50 51 52 53 53 54 55 56 56

Geoff Paul Brian Tom Ron Chris Grier Kyle Shaun Matt Jason Chris

McElroy Ferraris Roberts Hartigan Valerio Roberts Yorks Hartigan Carroll Tozer Ramirez Shanley

1997 1996 2016 1991 1989 1986 1980 2011 2013 2000 1989 1986

128 127 126 126 125 122 121 121 118 117 115 115

57 57 58 59

Dixie Frank Lou Bob

Marich Farrelly Conway Forster

1978 1994 1971 1975

111 111 110 109

59 60 61 62 62

Anthony Jim Pete Ben Dickie

Battiato Hohmann Wasserman Turk Lusso

2007 1971 1989 1997 1971

109 107 102 100 100

Year 2016 1990

Points 109 114

Year 2014

Points 106

1996

132

1997

119

2004 1994

128 100

1987

132

1986

115

2005

117

Year

Points

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 SECTION CHAMPS Year 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2015 2014 2013 2013 2007 2006 2006 2005 2005 2004 2001 1993 1992 1991 1990 1988 1987 1987 1986 1985

Place 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 48

First Sean Jake Anthony Jack Tyler James Sean Jake Jack John John James John Jeff Shawn Jeff Shawn Keith Matt Phil Phil Phil Phil Mike Mike Brad Joe Jim

First Bill “Gibby” Jake John James Phil Shawn Lou Paul Jimmer John Bill

Last McGavey Kurzhals Malfitano Arnold DiLorenzo Kelly McGarvey Kurzhals Chesman Muldoon Muldoon Kelly Coffey Allison Logue Allison Logue Cervone Homenick Donnelly Donnelly Donnelly Donnelly Sullivan Sullivan Batista Cinquemani O'Connell

Year

First

Last

1985 1985 1983 1979 1975 1975 1974

Mike Drew Nunzio Bill Kevin Tom Bob

Picozzi D'Agostino DeGregorio Brundage Keenan Lynn Bessette

1974 1973 1971

Jimmer Bill Jim

Murray Allison Hohmann

1971 1971 1970 1970 1970 1969 1969 1968 1968 1967 1967 1967 1967 1966 1966 1966 1964 1964

Lou Paul Lou Dickie Paul John John John Bill John Paul Marshall Bill John Ray Doug Ray Paul

Conway Farsetta Conway Lusso Farsetta Scanlan Hohmann Scanlan Sweet Scanlan Salierno Stanton Sweet Scanlan Ahrens Stuart Ahrens Salierno

STATE PLACE WINNERS Last

Sweet Kurzhals Scanlon Hohmann Donnelly Logue Conway Farsetta Murray Scanlan Sweet

Weight

167 126 121 177 138 189 138 167 250 103 167

Year 1968 2015 1969 1971 1993 2006 1970 1970 1974 1966 1967

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 STATE PLACE WINNERS (CONTINUED) Place

First

Last

Weight

Year

4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6

John Jim Phil John Jake John Bill Mike Joe Phil Matt John Anthony Bob Brad Mike

Scanlan O'Connell Donnelly Muldoon Kuzhals Muldoon Brundage Picozzi Cinquemani Donnelly Homenick Coffey Malfitano Bessette Batista Sullivan

121 126 132 120 138 132 167 138 155 126 140 145 152 132 119 96

1968 1985 1992 2013 2016 2014 1979 1985 1986 1991 2001 2008 2016 1974 1987 1987

6

Phil

Donnelly

119

1990

Win %

First

HIGHEST WINNING % Last

Wins

Losses

Ties

Year

91.58% 91.57% 90.43% 87.57% 86.55% 86.11% 85.37%

John Lou Nunzio John Brad Phil Tom

Scanlan Conway DeGregorio Muldoon Batista Donnelly Lynn

87 76 85 148 103 155 70

8 7 9 21 16 25 12

3 1

1969 1971 1985 2014 1987 1993 1975

85.00% 84.96%

Mike Mike

Picozzi Sullivan

102 96

18 17

1

1985 1989

82.00%

James

Kelly

123

27

2015

81.73% 80.87% 79.04% 78.38% 77.59% 76.67% 76.39% 74.00% 71.25%

Drew Joe Jake Jeff Matt Chris Jim Sean Rob

D'Agostino Cinquemani Kurzhals Allison Homenick Shanley O'Connell McGarvey Gullo

85 93 132 145 135 46 110 111 114

19 22 35 40 39 14 34 39 46

1985 1986 2016 2007 2001 1987 1985 2017 2014

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

ADDITION TO PIRATE HALL OF FAME 1970-71 WRESTLING TEAM UNDEAFEATED ROCKLAND COUNTY CHAMPIONS Undefeated County Champions with a 12 and 1 overall record, the 197071 team put the Pirates on the map in the sport of Wrestling. Consisting of five seniors, seven juniors and one sophomore, the team was made up of two returning Section and State place winners, 4 County Champions, 3 second place winners, 4 third place winners, three Section Champions and one second place winner in the New Team also the Section 9 Team Champions and District 4 Team Champions!

The team was coached by Julius D’Agostino (RIP).

Dennis Sacco and Joe Farsetta are proud members of the PRHS Wrestling Team 1970-1971. When asked to reflect on this very special team they offered, “Our special memory of the 1970-1971 Team was “Continuing a Tradition of Excellence” as the 1970-1971 team was once again the Rockland County High School Wrestling Champions and that year marked the 6th year in a row for that feat. More than anything, the fine, young athletes on this team exemplified what a group of hardworking young men could accomplish when they collectively banded together and were determined to excel. Although the team had some members who had individual stellar careers, there was less focus on the individual accomplishments and more on the success of the group and the will to continue carrying on the PRHS wrestling tradition. The Suffern team resulted in “Mission Accomplished” and another 50

trophy in the PRHS trophy case!” Dennis recalls a football game in which his parents attended that (1970-71) school year. While sitting next to parents from North Rockland High School (NRHS), the NRHS parents said they were “impressed” year in and year out with the PRHS wrestling team.”

The talented members of the 1970-71 Wrestling team were: Billy Allison, Robert Avila, Tom Bentley, Lou Conway, Kevin Day, Joe Farsetta, Paul Farsetta, Matt Grogan, Ralph Heil, Jimmy Hohmann, George Keith, Bill Neroda, Steve Oswald, Mike Puzziferri, Dennis Sacco, Neil Schiavi, John Stanton, and David Stedge. Other valuable contributors included JV Coach – Hayes Yorks (RIP), Freshman Coach – Tom Lanks and 7th and 8th Grade Coach - Larry Ruderman, Team Manager – Ed Puzziferri, and All-Around Jack-of-All Trades-Ed Bowden-RIP.

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 PIRATE HALL OF FAME

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 100 WIN CLUB

52

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 100 WIN CLUB (CONTINUED)

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 BATTLE FOR THE BELT CHARITY DUAL

A RIVALRY MATCH FUNDRAISER

PEARL RIVER PIRATES

VS.

NANUET GOLDEN KNIGHTS

“ D th so g a

BATTLE

FOR THE

BELT

THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2016 6:30 PM

PEARL RIVER HIGH SCHOOL ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO the conklin scholarship fund inc.

1/21/16 Conklin Scholarship Fund Inc. Two Thousand One Hundred Thirty Seven Conklin Scholarship Fund Inc.

54

Bob Gullo

2,137

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 BATTLE FOR THE BELT CHARITY DUAL

“The Pirates came into the Battle for the Belt supremely confident after having spanked Nanuet 69-12 in the Section Dual meet tourney. I knew that Nanuet was better than they showed early in the season, so I warned the boys to take the match seriously. They listened and responded with a 51-23 victory. Dante Simeti and Vlad Sidorenko turned in solid performances with decisions over tough opponents. Many of our best wrestlers received forfeits - but looked good going out to get them! We have won the belt for the first 3 years of its existence. We plan to never let it go! Thanks again to Bob Gullo for creating this concept and for his incredible work in making the night a success!� -Grier Yorks

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 WE ARE FAMILY

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 WE ARE FAMILY

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 JAKE KURZHALS 2x SECTION CHAMP

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 JAKE KURZHALS 2x ALL-STATE

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 LIVE ACTION

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man; but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.” – Vince Lombardi “Under pressure, you can win with your mind.” – Tiger Woods “The bigger the game the better. I’m an adrenaline junkie. I feed off big crowds and noise.” – Curt Schilling “You can turn a giant into a mouse just by getting him fatigued.

That was my whole game plan.” – Kurt Angle “When I go out there, I like to mark out that area of the mat and own it. I want to dominate. I want to humiliate. I want to show that guy and everyone in the gym that I am the best.“- Peter Yozzo, Lehigh University “Nobody who ever gave their best effort regretted it.” – George Halas

“The attitude, and the mind, is where it all starts.” - John Smith, Olympic Champion “I can take anyone down at anytime; they can’t take me down; no one can ride or turn me; I can control anyone.” – Dan Gable “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz “Winning is a habit, but unfortunately so is losing.” – Vince Lombardi “Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we succeed or fail.” – John C. Maxwell “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” – Albert Einstein 68

w

Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016 WRESTLING ISMS These isms may come from a coach, teammates, fan or parent. Below is a few of the most common ones you may hear.

“YOUR WAY”- In the neutral (standing position) both wrestlers are seeking to gain a tactical advantage to set up their offensive or takedown. Your Way refers to staying focused on gaining Your Advantage in the set up by forcing your set up on the opponent. For example, a wrestler who prefers to set up his offense by circling his opponent using good hand fighting skills, and body movement, may be at a disadvantage if engaged in a close tie up with a stronger opponent whose is using the tie to setup throws or headlocks.

“PRESSURE!” - Make your opponent feel your determination, physically and psychologically. Always get up one more time or always score one more time.

Press the action in an intelligent manner. Smart wrestlers use constant pressure take advantage of an opponent’s mistakes. This creates excitement and has a tendency to mentally and physically fatigue an opponent.

“RIDE HIM HARD” - This is related to pressure. It might be better to say attack, counterattack, etc. It is simply the attitude of determination to never let up and let your opponent feel your determination to win.

“GET YOUR ONE” - When a wrestler is in a defensive position seeking an escape ( worth one point ) get your one, means get the escape, get to neutral and restart your way to gain advantage.

“TURN HIM” - The ultimate goal in a wrestling match is the fall, or pin. Turn him means expose the defensive wrestlers back to the mat to score more points, and to work towards the fall.

“NO ONE CONTROLS YOU” - The emphasis here is I am either attacking, counterattacking or getting in position to do one or the other. If my opponent is controlling me, he is winning. I must fight with every fiber of my being to be the person in control. I cannot win when my opponent is controlling me.

“DON’T LET UP” - As I indicated before, there are a number of these that are inter-related. In training and competition, always perform at the highest possible level. Take no breaks unless they are part of the training process.

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

No Victory Without Sacrifice

By Jake Kurzhals

In the deepest corner of your mind, you go.

You drown out all the others, but one.

You intensely focus on how you are going to dominate your enemy.

You quickly go over set-ups and moves remembering every last detail down to your every breath.

You try to rummage up any and all anger you have in order to become like a predator hunting his prey.

You are up now and completely ready just like your opponent.

Fweeeet! Goes the whistle.

Let the battle begin.

You both go at it. Attack and defend it’s the ultimate game of chess.

The winner will be the one who is more explosive, who wants it more, and practiced the hardest.

After three gruesome periods the damage is done.

You are victorious, but it was a well fought match.

You shake your opponents hand with great mutual respect.

As the referee raises your hand you are full of pride.

Your years of training for only a few glorious minutes on the mat are over and well spent.

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Pearl River Wrestling 2015-2016

A WRESTLERS MINDSET

By Bob Gullo

Unlike the many other high school sports that our student athletes participate in; from golf, track, tennis, soccer, baseball, or basketball, there are many opportunities recreationally, competitively or even professionally to continue to pursue those sports for a lifetime.

But, for the large majority of High School Seniors, there final Varsity Wrestling Match may be the last time they put on those wrestling shoes and strap on the headgear.

BUT THEY WILL BE A WRESTLER FOREVER. Wrestling transcends the sport itself. One thing I know, when I talk to anyone who wrestled, and it doesn’t matter if the last time they wrestled was 30, 40 or 50 years ago, they talk about wrestling like it was yesterday. Not because they are “living in the past” or as Bruce Springsteen would say “Glory Days” but because Wrestling leaves a lasting impression. It’s that impression that teaches many lessons our athletes will never forget. Lessons and skills that will be used later in life in their chosen careers.

WRESTLING ISN’T JUST A SPORT TO ME, IT’S A WAY OF LIFE, WHICH EXEMPLIFIES: Your Character Your Drive Your Determination Your Motivation Your Desire to improve Your Ability to get up, after you fail Wrestling teaches responsibility Wrestling teaches pride Wrestling teaches self control Wrestling teaches humility WRESTLING TEACHES YOU TO BE THE “MASTER OF YOUR DESTINY” NO TEAMMATE CAN ALTER YOUR OUTCOME. As the wrestling legend Dan Gable said “ONCE YOU’VE WRESTLED, EVERYTHING ELSE IN LIFE IS EASY.” 71

PIRATE WRESTLING

A Tradition of Excellence EST. 1956

Pearl River High School Rockland County, New York Section One / D2