Wrestlers look to complete a full season

By Mike Zummo
Posted 12/1/21

Wrestling was one of the winter sports most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The close physical contact of the wrestlers caused the New York State Dept. of Health to deem the sport “high …

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Wrestlers look to complete a full season

Posted

Wrestling was one of the winter sports most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The close physical contact of the wrestlers caused the New York State Dept. of Health to deem the sport “high risk” making it unable to start in late January with the lower-risk counterparts.

Some teams were able to get their programs together and get onto the field, but Wallkill didn’t compete in the short February season and will return to the mat for the first time since the pandemic began.

The Panthers have lost three wrestlers: Matt Davis, Justin Lyle and Cael Atkins, but will return a key wrestler in 118-pounder Rocco Futia, who placed fourth in Section 9 at 99 pounds in 2019.

Wallkill coach Anthony Ng described Futia as a “scrappy wrestler” who is looking to have a statement season in his junior year. While he brings smiles and levity to the Wallkill wrestling room, he’s all business when it’s time to compete and practice.

Betcher is a senior captain, expected to compete at 215 pounds and he has been close to the podium. A quiet leader, Betcher is always looking for a challenge. He’s also a “no nonsense” competitor.

“He’s always looking for a challenge and looking better than everyone as he enters his senior campaign,” Ng said. “We are grateful for his work ethic and leadership.”

Marco Martini was unable to finish his freshman year due to a shoulder injury, but he is looking to have a breakout season in 2021-22.

“He is on another level regarding hard work and mental fortitude,” Ng said. “His calm demeanor, coupled with his calculated approach to situations will be an asset to him individually and our team moving forward.”

Marco Futia, Rocco’s younger brother will join the team and is expected to compete at 102 pounds, while Viktor Banda has worked hard over the pandemic to get himself ready for the season.

Ng said the Panthers are excited for competition and hopeful to get a full season in.

“We hope to keep improving as individuals to come together as a team,” Ng said. “We hope to win a league title and peak during postseason competition.”

Pine Bush competed but had a difficult COVID-19 season, running a 0-6 season.

They will compete this year without Dylan Burgos, who graduated. The Bushmen will return Braydon Pennell, Devin Greer, Brooke Tarshis, James Duffy, Richard Urena, Saul Abregu, Daniel Trojahn, Joseph Longobardo and Logan Pennell.

Braydon Pennell is a returning sectional place winner and Brooke Tarshis wrestled all offseason and competed in the wrestling tournament in Fargo, N.D.

The Bushmen have two wrestlers – Gregory Florin and Nathan Vondeben – and a new coach in John Petrofsky, who hopes to continue building the program.

“Our wrestlers bring an outstanding work ethic day in and day out,” Petrofsky said. “we need to display exemplary leadership in the classroom, hallways and on the mat.”

The Valley Central Vikings did not respond to requests for information.