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Wrestling: 29 Lower Hudson Valley wrestlers to watch at the 2024 Eastern States Classic

eugene rapay, rockland/westchester journal news
·13 min read

If you can make it at the Eastern States Classic, you can make it anywhere.

With some of the best wrestlers from New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Virginia and Ohio in attendance, it won't be an easy tournament to navigate.

Last year, the Lower Hudson Valley put four wrestlers on the podium and also saw three girls place in the top four of their division. How will the Lower Hudson Valley do this time around?

Here are 29 wrestlers from the Lower Hudson Valley to keep an eye on this weekend.

Dillon Arrick, Arlington

Arlington's Dillon Arrick, left, wrestles Ridgefield's Johnny Carrozza in the final of the Mid-Hudson Tournament on Dec. 28, 2023.
Arlington's Dillon Arrick, left, wrestles Ridgefield's Johnny Carrozza in the final of the Mid-Hudson Tournament on Dec. 28, 2023.

Record: 23-0

A freak accident resulted in a head injury that pre-emptively ended his time at the Eastern States Classic last season. This year, Arrick is in the hunt for a spot on the podium. The Binghamton commit is riding in with plenty of momentum after recently picking up his 200th career win, as he became the fifth wrestler in Dutchess County history to reach that mark and only the 13th person in Section 1 to join the 200-win club. With exception to one major decision win, Arrick has won all of his other matches by pin or technical fall.

Ryan Ball, Somers/North Salem

Ryan Ball of Somers defeated Diego Gonzalez in the 110 pound championship during the Section 1 Division 1 Wrestling Championships at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville Feb. 12, 2023.
Ryan Ball of Somers defeated Diego Gonzalez in the 110 pound championship during the Section 1 Division 1 Wrestling Championships at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville Feb. 12, 2023.

Record: 26-0

Last season, he went 0-2 at Eastern States, but that shouldn't be the case this year. The Somers standout is sporting an undefeated record once again, and determined to string together a deep run. The returning Section 1 champion has won 25 of his 26 matches by fall, major decision, technical fall or forfeit. Keep an eye on him in the 116-pound bracket.

Jude Bellantoni, Iona Prep

Iona Prep's Jude Bellantoni
Iona Prep's Jude Bellantoni

Record: 19-2

Bellantoni has been building off of his 32-8 junior season and appears on be on the path for another successful year. He's won more than half of his matches by pinning his foes, and he has a marquee win over returning all-state finisher Esuar Ordonez of Putnam Valley in an 8-6 duel.

Alex Berisha, Fox Lane

Alexander Berisha from Fox Lane defeated Devin Almodovar from Ossining in the 189 pound weight class at the 8th annual Westchester County Wrestling Championships at Lincoln High School in Yonkers, Jan. 21, 2023.
Alexander Berisha from Fox Lane defeated Devin Almodovar from Ossining in the 189 pound weight class at the 8th annual Westchester County Wrestling Championships at Lincoln High School in Yonkers, Jan. 21, 2023.

Record: 20-0

The Foxes' junior standout is one of two returning Section 1 Eastern States Classic place-winners. He took seventh at last year's tournament, and he has taken great strides on the mat since then. Berisha is the top-ranked Division I 215-pounder in the state, with numerous marquee wins to his name. When wrestling at 215, he's won every match by major decision, pin or forfeit. Expect this returning Section 1 champion to go even further than last year and contend for the title.

Paolo Ciatto, Iona Prep

Paolo Ciatto from Iona Prep, top, defeated Cole Joseph from Hackley in the 138 pound weight class at the 8th annual Westchester County Wrestling Championships at Lincoln High School in Yonkers, Jan. 21, 2023.
Paolo Ciatto from Iona Prep, top, defeated Cole Joseph from Hackley in the 138 pound weight class at the 8th annual Westchester County Wrestling Championships at Lincoln High School in Yonkers, Jan. 21, 2023.

Record: 17-1

A returning all-state finisher and CHSAA state champion, Ciatto is building upon his career year. He's won all of his matches by pin or major decision, including 13 first-period finishes. His lone loss came from a Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) grappler and he'll be ready to go deep at Eastern States. He enters as the No. 5 state-ranked Division I 160-pounder, but will compete at 170.

Sienna Cozzali, Harrison

Harrison's Sienna Cozzali (right) defeated Midlakes' Abby Hargarther (left) in the opening round of the NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational 94-pound bracket.
Harrison's Sienna Cozzali (right) defeated Midlakes' Abby Hargarther (left) in the opening round of the NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational 94-pound bracket.

Record: 15-6

She's held her own against the boys, but now she'll be in contention for an Eastern States girls title. Although she didn't compete in this tournament last season, Cozzali led the charge at the first-ever NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational, becoming the highest place-finisher from Section 1 as a freshman. She finished as state runner-up at 94 pounds, and she'll look to compete against some of the state's best 100-pounders this time around.

Nick Fortugno, Byram Hills/Briarcliff/Valhalla/Westlake

Byram Hills/Briarcliff/Valhalla/WestlakeÕs Nick Fortugno and RyeÕs Ronan Sutter wrestle in the 124-pound weight class during the dual meet quarterfinals at Byram Hills High School Dec. 19, 2023. Fortugno won the match.
Byram Hills/Briarcliff/Valhalla/WestlakeÕs Nick Fortugno and RyeÕs Ronan Sutter wrestle in the 124-pound weight class during the dual meet quarterfinals at Byram Hills High School Dec. 19, 2023. Fortugno won the match.

Record: 22-3

The returning Section 1 champ made his 108-pound debut in style, winning the Shoreline Classic and topping things off with a 4-1 finals win over No. 9 state-ranked Division I 108-pounder Vinny Augello of Commack. He's taken some close losses, but nearly all of his wins came by pin, technical fall or major decision.

Eric Grant, Iona Prep

Iona Prep's Eric Grant wrestles Mamaroneck's Owen Deutsch in the consolation rounds of the NYSPHSAA wrestling championships at MVP Arena in Albany on Friday, February 25, 2022. Grant won by pinfall.
Iona Prep's Eric Grant wrestles Mamaroneck's Owen Deutsch in the consolation rounds of the NYSPHSAA wrestling championships at MVP Arena in Albany on Friday, February 25, 2022. Grant won by pinfall.

Record: 17-1

Grant didn't compete at Eastern States last season, but he started his junior year by winning 54 straight matches before falling in the NYSPHSAA Tournament. Now, he'll get an opportunity to compete against some of the best wrestlers around. The North Carolina State commit has 13 pins this season, with more than half of them coming in the first period.

Nick Greco, Mahopac

Max Casiano from Huntington on his way to defeating Nick Greco from Mahopac in the 160 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.
Max Casiano from Huntington on his way to defeating Nick Greco from Mahopac in the 160 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.

Record: 24-3

A two-time all-section grappler, Greco has 20 wins by fall or tech fall. He is undefeated against Section 1 opposition this season, and he's been on the winning and losing side against state-ranked opposition, which will prepare him for this weekend.

Thomas Iasiello, Scarsdale

Thomas Iasiello of Scarsdale defeated Gregory Casvikes of Clarkstown South in the 138 pound championship during the Section 1 Division 1 Wrestling Championships at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville Feb. 12, 2023.
Thomas Iasiello of Scarsdale defeated Gregory Casvikes of Clarkstown South in the 138 pound championship during the Section 1 Division 1 Wrestling Championships at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville Feb. 12, 2023.

Record: 19-3

After a solid start to the season at 152, Iasiello is making a return to 138 for the Eastern States Classic. The Scarsdale junior won a Section 1 title last season at 138, so it'll be interesting to see how he does and if he will remain at this weight moving forward. A two-time all-section grappler and returning section title-winner, Iasiello aims to break out on the big stage at a statewide level.

George Johnson, Iona Prep

Iona Prep's George Johnson Jr.
Iona Prep's George Johnson Jr.

Record: 16-0

A nagging rib injury hampered the second half of a promising freshman season for Johnson, who was a former state-qualifier at Mahopac as an eighth-grader. Now healthy, he's returned to form and will be another Iona Prep grappler to watch this weekend. He'll be competing at 145, after previously winning almost all of his matches at 152 and 160 by fall and technical fall.

Thomas Kellas, Sleepy Hollow

Pearl River's Nick Espinal and Sleepy Hollow's TJ Kellas wrestle in the 285-pound weight class during the Sec 1 Div II Dual Meet Tournament finals at Pearl River High School Dec. 20, 2023. Kellas won the match.
Pearl River's Nick Espinal and Sleepy Hollow's TJ Kellas wrestle in the 285-pound weight class during the Sec 1 Div II Dual Meet Tournament finals at Pearl River High School Dec. 20, 2023. Kellas won the match.

Record: 16-2

You don't always see an eighth-grader competing among the heavyweights, especially of Kellas' caliber. The Horsemen's 215-pounder is the front-runner for the Section 1 Division II title, but how will he fare against some of the Northeast's best? He's competed at high-profile tournaments at the youth level, but this will be a big varsity test. He enters as the No. 12 state-ranked Division II 215-pounder.

Aislin Kellner, Arlington

Arlington's Aislin Kellner wrestles Fox Lane's in the 102-pound match in the Section 1 Division I Dual Meet Tournament championships at Fox Lane High School in Bedford on Thursday, December 16, 2021.
Arlington's Aislin Kellner wrestles Fox Lane's in the 102-pound match in the Section 1 Division I Dual Meet Tournament championships at Fox Lane High School in Bedford on Thursday, December 16, 2021.

Record: 11-7

The Admirals junior has had a solid varsity career so far, amassing a 76-35 record primarily wrestling against boys. She also had an all-section finish in 2022. Kellner is back in the Eastern States Classic girls tournament, after previously taking second last season to Port Jervis star Charlie Wylie. Kellner will look to contend in the 100-pound bracket in the girls tournament and become Arlington's first Eastern States Classic two-time finalist.

Kosta Koufalis, Iona Prep

Iona Prep's Kosta Koufalis (black) defeated North Rockland's Tyce Vandergoot (white) in the 145-pound finals of the Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Classic at New Rochelle High School on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
Iona Prep's Kosta Koufalis (black) defeated North Rockland's Tyce Vandergoot (white) in the 145-pound finals of the Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Classic at New Rochelle High School on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.

Record: 11-2

Last year, Koufalis was one of the few Lower Hudson Valley wrestlers that got to reach the second day of the Eastern States Classic. This year, he hopes to go even further. He hit an early speed bump and had to medically withdraw from the Mamaroneck tournament, but appears to be hitting his stride once again. He recently won the O'Connell Memorial Tournament title, beating Kings Park's state-ranked standout Dean Renna in the finals.

Rocco LaMotta, Iona Prep

Iona Prep's Rocco LaMotta
Iona Prep's Rocco LaMotta

Record: 18-3

After going 32-20 last season, it's looking like LaMotta is putting together a breakout year as a sophomore. Although the Gaels' strength of their lineup has been primarily in the middleweights, LaMotta has provided a lightweight punch and 16 of his 18 victories have come by pin or major decision. He recently had a close 6-2 decision loss to state-ranked Jack Borowiec of Monsignor Farrell, which shows he can compete with some of New York's best, but this tournament will give him a chance to make a statement.

Anthony Lofaro, Ossining

Ossining's Anthony Lofaro wrestles in the second round matches of the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships at MVP Arena in Albany, on Friday, February 24, 2023.
Ossining's Anthony Lofaro wrestles in the second round matches of the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships at MVP Arena in Albany, on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Record: 30-1

A state-qualifier last season, Lofaro is looking to put together his best year yet. The Ossining senior enters the Eastern States Classic with the most wins in the Lower Hudson Valley and is coming off of a recent first-place finish at the Mid-Hudson Tournament, where he dispatched a couple of formerly state-ranked wrestlers, and a Most Outstanding Wrestler performance at the Oceanside Duals. He avenged his lone loss of the season, twice, with a pin and major decision, and has only been brimming with momentum since then.

Thomas Looby Jr., Brewster

Thomas Looby from Brewster on his way to defeating Charles Przymyiski from Mahopac in the 116 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.
Thomas Looby from Brewster on his way to defeating Charles Przymyiski from Mahopac in the 116 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.

Record: 10-2

Last year, he was one of the few Section 1 wrestlers to reach the second day of the Eastern States Classic, but fell short of a spot on the podium. Looby is entering this weekend's tournament with a ton of confidence after a successful debut week at 116 pounds. He took the Shoreline Classic title after a first-period finals pin over Mahopac's Przymylski, who reached the blood round at the NYSPHSAA Tournament last season. Can Looby build on the momentum?

Vincenzo Mannello, Byram Hills/Briarcliff/Valhalla/Westlake

Byram Hills/Briarcliff/Valhalla/WestlakeÕs Vincenzo Mannello and RyeÕs Ari Bisongi wrestle in the 101-pound weight class during the dual meet quarterfinals at Byram Hills High School Dec. 19, 2023. Mannello won the match.
Byram Hills/Briarcliff/Valhalla/WestlakeÕs Vincenzo Mannello and RyeÕs Ari Bisongi wrestle in the 101-pound weight class during the dual meet quarterfinals at Byram Hills High School Dec. 19, 2023. Mannello won the match.

Record: 21-3

The seventh-grade wonder has already shown the necessary tools and ability to compete at a high level. Mannello has defeated all of his Section 1 opponents by fall or technical fall this season, and he is the No. 13 state-ranked Division I 101-pounder. All three of his losses came by two-point margins to state-ranked opposition, and he'll try to get on the winning side of those close bouts and go far at Eastern States.

Esuar Ordonez, Putnam Valley

From top, Putnam Valley's Esuar Ordonez on his way to defeating Hendrick Hudson's Shawn O'Mara Jr. in the 126-pound weight class during the Section 1 Division II wrestling championships at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose Feb. 11, 2023.
From top, Putnam Valley's Esuar Ordonez on his way to defeating Hendrick Hudson's Shawn O'Mara Jr. in the 126-pound weight class during the Section 1 Division II wrestling championships at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose Feb. 11, 2023.

Record: 16-1

The only returning Division II all-state finisher in the Lower Hudson Valley, Ordonez is off to a great start in his senior season. His lone loss was an 8-6 decision on the first day of competition against Iona Prep's Bellantoni, but he's bounced back with bonus-point wins over most of his opponents. Ordonez will try to build off of his recent first-place finish at the Saratoga Invitational, where he defeated No. 13 state-ranked Division I 131-pounder Jacob Hanlon of Averill Park in the finals.

Adriana Palumbo, Pleasantville

Pleasantville junior Adriana Palumbo became the first female wrestler in New York to win a Super 32 title, when she captured the 155-pound crown.
Pleasantville junior Adriana Palumbo became the first female wrestler in New York to win a Super 32 title, when she captured the 155-pound crown.

Record: 11-2

She is the biggest name in Section 1 girls wrestling. The Panthers junior became the first female wrestler from New York to capture a Super 32 championship, as she emerged on top in the 160-pound division this past October. Palumbo is the No. 4-ranked 155-pounder in the country, according to FloWrestling's national rankings. A trip to the hospital prevented her from competing in last year's Eastern States Classic, but she did take third in the inaugural NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Invitational later in the season. Expect Palumbo to be the front-runner of the 165-pound girls division on Saturday.

Charles Przymylski, Mahopac

Mahopac's Charles Przymylski pinned Fox Lane's Antonio Camberari at 102 lbs in the Section 1 wrestling dual meet tourney championship held at Fox Lane Dec. 20, 2022.
Mahopac's Charles Przymylski pinned Fox Lane's Antonio Camberari at 102 lbs in the Section 1 wrestling dual meet tourney championship held at Fox Lane Dec. 20, 2022.

Record: 20-6

Another Mahopac grappler to watch, Przymylski reached the blood round in his first NYSPHSAA tournament appearance last season. Since then, he's followed up with a solid sophomore season at 116. He's won more than half of his matches by major decision or fall. Przymylski is battle-tested, with many matches against out-of-section opposition and a few state-ranked foes. He got a marquee win over Byram Hills' Fortugno in a rematch of last year's Section 1 finals earlier in the season.

Kenny Saito, Edgemont

Kenny Saito from Edgemont defeated Mike Waters from MacArthur in the 170 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.
Kenny Saito from Edgemont defeated Mike Waters from MacArthur in the 170 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.

Record: 19-1

Saito has built off of his breakout junior season with an impressive senior year so far. He has 16 pins and is undefeated against local opposition. The Edgemont 170-pound standout is coming off of a Shoreline Classic title and will look to contend once again for a Section 1 Division II championship later this year, but this will be an opportunity to show where he stands in the state. His lone loss came from a 9-1 major decision to state-ranked Devin Downes of Plainedge.

Justin Shay, Iona Prep

Iona Prep's Justin Shay wrestles in the 132-pound finals of the Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Classic wrestling tournament at New Rochelle High School on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
Iona Prep's Justin Shay wrestles in the 132-pound finals of the Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Classic wrestling tournament at New Rochelle High School on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.

Record: 13-0

After a great debut season at Iona Prep, Shay has resumed from where he left off. Last year, he racked up a 56-1 record, won a CHSAA state title, and took third-place at the NYSPHSAA championships. This season, Shay hasn't let a single match reach the third period, finishing each of his opponents by fall or tech fall before then. He didn't compete at the Eastern States Classic last year, so it will be intriguing to see how far he can go.

Ian Sutherland, Brewster

Ian Sutherland from Brewster defeated Thomas Bennett from MacArthur in the 190 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.
Ian Sutherland from Brewster defeated Thomas Bennett from MacArthur in the 190 pound weight class, during the 2024 Murphy-Guccione Shoreline Wrestling Classic at New Rochelle High School, Jan. 6, 2024.

Record: 14-0

The Brewster senior has been solidifying himself as the man to beat at 190 pounds in Section 1, pulling away from the pack as he dispatches each of his local opponents by major decision or pin. This will be a valuable mid-season test to see where he stands among the rest of the state and beyond. He enters as the No. 8 state-ranked Division I 190-pounder and will contend for a podium spot.

Sam Szerlip, Nyack

Nyack's Sam Szerlip wrestles Minisink Valley's Andrew Filip in the 172-pound semi final match during day 2 of the 2023 Eastern States Classic wrestling tournament at SUNY Sullivan County in Loch Sheldrake on Saturday, January 14, 2023.
Nyack's Sam Szerlip wrestles Minisink Valley's Andrew Filip in the 172-pound semi final match during day 2 of the 2023 Eastern States Classic wrestling tournament at SUNY Sullivan County in Loch Sheldrake on Saturday, January 14, 2023.

Record: 20-3

The RedHawks' star grappler was the only Section 1 wrestler to land on the podium at both the Eastern States Classic (sixth) and the NYSPHSAA championships (third) last season. Szerlip enjoyed a great start to his senior year, rising up to No. 2 in the Division I 170-pound state rankings, and the only question for him this weekend is how high will he place at Eastern States?

Gio Tornambe, Yorktown

Gio Tornambe from Yorktown and Angel Ibarra from Ossining wrestle in the 108-pound weight class during the Section 1 Division I Dual Meet Tournament at Yorktown High School Dec. 21, 2023. Tornambe won the match.
Gio Tornambe from Yorktown and Angel Ibarra from Ossining wrestle in the 108-pound weight class during the Section 1 Division I Dual Meet Tournament at Yorktown High School Dec. 21, 2023. Tornambe won the match.

Record: 16-2

After primarily wrestling at 108 pounds this season, the younger Tornambe will try competing at 101. His unbeaten start to the season came to an end last Saturday, as he lost to a pair of state-ranked Section 9 opponents. It'll be interesting to see how he bounces back. Before that, he pinned or recorded a tech fall against every Section 1 wrestler he faced and scored a couple of wins over returning Section 9 place-winners.

Joe Tornambe, Yorktown

Joe Tornambe from Yorktown and Kayvon Ray from Ossining wrestle in the 145-pound weight class during the Section 1 Division I Dual Meet Tournament at Yorktown High School Dec. 21, 2023. Tornambe won the match.
Joe Tornambe from Yorktown and Kayvon Ray from Ossining wrestle in the 145-pound weight class during the Section 1 Division I Dual Meet Tournament at Yorktown High School Dec. 21, 2023. Tornambe won the match.

Record: 17-0

The two-time Section 1 champion will put his unbeaten record to the test and look to put together his deepest run yet. Last season, he reached the second day of the Eastern States Classic, but missed the podium. Expect him to be in the hunt this time around. Tornambe hasn't allowed any of his matches to go the distance, pinning each of his opponents or finishing them by technical fall.

Vincent Tripaldi, Iona Prep

Vincent Tripaldi reached the blood round at Eastern States last season and was a Connecticut state runner-up.
Vincent Tripaldi reached the blood round at Eastern States last season and was a Connecticut state runner-up.

Record: 21-1

He's settled in at his new home and will be a threat to go deep in this year's tournament. Tripaldi already has experience wrestling in his challenging tournament. Last season, when he was still at New Fairfield, he fell in the blood round and just missed the podium. He would later go on to finish as a Connecticut state runner-up. Now at Iona Prep, Tripaldi is enjoying another standout season. His lone loss came by decision to Don Bosco's (N.J.) Santino Danise, while he's won more than half of his matches by pin or tech fall.

Leo Venables, Carmel

Carmel's Leo Venables wrestles a quarterfinal match at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships at MVP Arena in Albany, on Friday, February 24, 2023.
Carmel's Leo Venables wrestles a quarterfinal match at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships at MVP Arena in Albany, on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Record: 8-0

After helping the Rams' football team reach the state finals as a two-way contributor, Venables might've had a delayed start to the wrestling season, but he's hitting his stride on the mat. Venables has had limited matches compared to others, but the two-time Section 1 champ is unbeaten so far and recently pinned his way to the O'Connell Memorial Tournament title. This weekend will be a steep jump in competition, but last year's all-state finish shows that he's ready.

Cam Wierl, John Jay-Cross River

Cameron Wierl of John Jay Cross River defeated Christopher Morris of Mahopac in the 152 pound championship during the Section 1 Division 1 Wrestling Championships at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville Feb. 12, 2023.
Cameron Wierl of John Jay Cross River defeated Christopher Morris of Mahopac in the 152 pound championship during the Section 1 Division 1 Wrestling Championships at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville Feb. 12, 2023.

Record: 21-2

A returning Section 1 champion, Wierl is en route to putting together his best season yet. He is undefeated against Section 1 opposition and he pinned his way to victory in 19 of 21 wins this year. Wierl is coming off of a first-place finish at the Jamie Mormile Invitational, and will aim to put together a deep run at Eastern States. His lone losses this season were against state-ranked foes.

Follow Eugene Rapay on Twitter at @erapay5 and on Instagram at @byeugenerapay.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Eastern States wrestling: 29 Lower Hudson Valley grapplers to watch