Joe Brooks, left, helped Massapequa defeat Minisink Valley in the state semis, 31-30. Paul Grassini/Herald
The Massapequa wrestling team is back on top, winning the New York State Division I dual meet title for the first time since 2019 and accomplishing a goal set back in November.
“I’m glad we kept our eye on the prize, everybody stuck to the script,” Chiefs coach Mike McCann said. “The goal is always to peak in February. And if they stick to the script and they buy into the process, we’re going to get them to exactly where they need to be right now.”
At SRC Arena in Syracuse, Massapequa reached the final by knocking off perennial powerhouse Minisink Valley, 31-30, in the semifinals.
With Jon Tutku getting things started by pinning Brady Zabriskie in 3:35 at 110 pounds, the Chiefs won five of the first seven bouts. And when Joe Brooks pinned Roman Gangi in 1:02 at 165 pounds, Massapequa had a 31-12 lead over the top-ranked team in the state.
“Brooks going out there and getting the fall made up for Kai [Tiringer’s] loss,” McCann said. “That was a huge pin for us because we’d be in trouble without that six.”
Minisink Valley reeled off three consecutive wins, including Wyatt Boice earning a technical fall against Tanner Tutku.
“To go out there and not get pinned was huge,” McCann said of Tutku. “That’s an awesome responsibility to take as a freshman. He’s wrestling literally the top-ranked kid in New York as a freshman at a big weight.”
Minisink Valley bumped up Zach Filip, the top-ranked wrestler at 215 pounds, to 285 to take on James Mulhern. But the Massapequa senior stood strong, losing 5-3.
“He didn’t overextend himself, he didn’t try to do too much,” McCann said. “His job is to go out there and do anything but get pinned. And he maintained good position.”
Source: Massapequa Post
