Local Grapplers Set to Take Center Stage, Titles up for Grabs

By Tony Pinciaro

Neil Paulercio saw promise in the BRIARCLIFF/BYRAM HILLS/VALHALLA/WESTLAKE wrestling program when he started his freshman year.

“We had the potential because Coach Joe and Coach Pete knew we had talented kids and we just needed to work,” said the Valhalla senior, of coach Joey Grippi and assistant coach Peter Grippi. “That’s what we did and now we are a good team that can win the Section One dual-meet tournament.”

Never mind the Division I Dual-Meet Championship, B/BH/V/W, as it is referred to for short, is a champion after winning the 2024 Section 1 Division I (large school) team title.

The team did so on the strength of five All-Section wrestlers including three champions – junior Nick Fortugno, who won a second sectional title, freshman Vincenzo Mannello and Paulercio, also a two-time sectional champion. Senior Thomas Tsoi was a section runner-up and classmate Peter Hinze finished third.

The meteoric rise of B/BH/V/W is no surprise considering the wrestlers’ dedication. However, the program received a boost and credibility when Alex Behar and Justin Fortugno won sectional titles.

“It meant so much to our team because it led to others being motivated and just having the boys in the room is great to our team and our grind,” said Paulercio, who was a section champ his freshman year.

“Now, the team title is proof of the growth of our program we have over here and shows how quickly you can improve by putting your head down and being a workhorse. All of our hard work has really turned us into a family.”

Along with a solid returning nucleus, the Grippi brothers are adding a pair of young junior high-schoolers in Marcarlo Mannello (seventh grade) and Jace Weinerman (eighth grade).

Along with winning the team title last year, Paulercio was determined to return to Albany for the state championship after missing out his sophomore year.

“The first sectional title I won meant a lot to me since it was a great way to kick off my high school career and help me figure out what I was capable of doing and how I can make an impact on others to be the best version of themselves,” Paulercio said. “My sectional title from last year was an important one because it was a great bounce back from the year before when I lost in the semi finals at sectionals. I needed to have a great comeback to help put myself back on track.

Paulercio and his teammates opened the season with a perfect day winning the Michael Nardone (Ossining) Tournament, going 5-0 in the dual-meet competition.

Paulercio went 5-0, becoming the first Valhalla wrestler to reach 100 varsity wins. Fortugno, Tsoi and the Mannello brothers also went 5-0. Thomas Penirelli and Weinerman both went 4-1.

“This will be our best team since we started this merger,” said Joey Grippi, in his third year with the combined team and 10th overall. “We have a lot of talented wrestlers and we have high expectations for this year. We are looking forward to building on last year’s success and more.”

B/BH/V/W is seeded second in the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship. It will wrestle Harrison in a first-round match, 12/16, at Horace Greeley. The other match will be Scarsdale vs. the host. The winners will wrestle that day to advance to the quarterfinal round, 12/17.

The semifinals, championship and third-place match will be held, Thursday, 12/19, at a site to be determined.

Here’s some deep insight into the rest of the Ex-area squads.

BREWSTER BEARS

Coach: Tom Looby (22nd year)

2023-2024 record: 16-7

2024 Sectional finish, Division I: Sixth

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: Five

League favorite: Brewster

Top returnees: Ryan Brace, Sr., 215 (Last year: Third-place, Section 1); Thomas Looby, Jr., 138 (Last year: Second, Section 1, two-time All-Section).

Key newcomer: Nathan Cervantes, 7th-grade, 152.

Strengths: Good mix of younger and more seasoned wrestlers, full lineup

Coach’s season outlook:

Noteworthy: Brace is currently ranked 11th at 215 pounds in Division I in New York. … Brewster will wrestle in the Wrangle on the Plains (Shenendehowa/Section 2) and the Newburgh Duals this season. … Brewster will also take a couple wrestlers to the prestigious Eastern States Classic. … Ian Sutherland, who finished fifth in the state last year, is wrestling at Johnson & Wales University. … Brewster, the 24 seed, wrestles No. 9 Tappan Zee in a first-round match in the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship, 12/16. The winner takes on the Arlington-Nyack victor the same day. … Ervis Derri (170), Looby and Brace all went 5-0 at the White Plains Dual-Meet Tournament.

 

CARMEL RAMS

Coach: Seth Harrison (12th year)

2024 Sectional result, Division I: Ninth

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: Three

Top returnees: Nikita Rusnak, 152 (Last year: section finalist); Chase Alloca, 131; Yarsolov Tymkiv, 145; John Mejia, 160;  Eustace Sermier, 131; Robbie Addonizio, Heavyweight.

Key newcomers: Hudson Butler, 152; Niko Ruiz, 145; Gilberto Abzun, 138; Kevin Brey, 108.

Strengths: Great mix of returning leadership that are still underclassmen and our new wrestlers are acclimating extremely quickly to the unique demands of the sport.

Question marks: Just a few potential holes at some varied weights as any team will face.

Coach’s season outlook: Our preseason has been fantastic. We have a great culture among this group. The returners have provided outstanding leadership and support for our younger wrestlers. And the newcomers have immediately met the standards that our program maintains for ourselves in terms of work ethic and conduct, on and off the mat.

Noteworthy: The Rams will wrestle at The Wrangle in the Plains (Shenedehowa). … Harrison, a section champion for Carmel, was an assistant coach for eight years for his high school coach, Bill Twardy, Sr. When Twardy retired, Harrison became the coach. … Graduates Ryan Dufflemyer and Joe Clement are wrestling for The Citadel and Noah Orser is wrestling for SUNY-Cortland. … Carmel, seeded 11th, wrestles No. 22 Suffern in the first round of the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship, 12/16. The winner faces the Ossining-Eastchester victor the same day.

 

CROTON TIGERS

Coach: Joe Bucello (fourth at Croton, 18th overall)

2023-24 record: 6-6

2024 Sectional result, Division II: Sixth

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: One

League favorite: Putnam Valley

Section favorite, Division II: Pearl River

Top returnees: Henry Martin, Sr., 152 (Last year: Section champ, 7th in the state); Jonathan Suarez, So., 116 (Last year: 4th in section); Kevin Suarez, Jr., 285 (Last year: 6th in section); Jack Kooney, Sr., 170.

Key newcomers: Liam Rudden, So., 108; Mohamad Jamel, So., 152; Dylan Rudden, Fr., 124.

Strengths: Depth throughout the lineup

Question mark: Consistency

We are young but experienced. Can we be consistent this year? Coach’s season outlook: We are ready to work beyond limits! We are the second-ranked team in D2 for the Section 1 Dual-Meet Tournament. Now we need to wrestle like it.

Noteworthy: Bucello was the varsity coach at Westlake (four years) and was an assistant at his alma mater (Yorktown) for 10 years. … The Tigers are the second seed in the Section 1 Division II Dual-Meet Championship and will host a quad, 12/18. … Croton opened the season, Saturday, in the Michael Nardone (Ossining) Dual-Meet Tournament.

 

FOX LANE FOXES

Coach: Anthony Rodrigues (12th year)

2023-24 record: 8-9

Top returnees: Alex Berisha, Sr., 215 (Last year; section champ); Barron Ransom, Sr., 190 (Last year: section place finisher); Luke Ryan, Sr., 170; Marvin Alacorn, Sr., 145.

Key newcomers: Flavio DiNicola, 8th-grade, 101; Carmelo Cambareri, Fr., 101; Maynor Argueta, So., 124;  Piero DiNicola, Jr., 131; Chris Bloom, Jr., 160; Oscar Powell-O’Donnell, Sr., 190; Jack Morales, Sr., 285.

Coach’s season outlook: We are young and inexperienced so we are looking to improve daily.

Noteworthy: Prior to becoming the coach, Rodrigues was the assistant to legendary Fox Lane coach Joe Amuso and before Amuso he assisted Jim Guccione at New Rochelle. …

Fox Lane finished second at the MacArthur (L.I.) Tournament, Saturday. Berisha was a champion, Ransom and Morales placed second and Miyer Menta, Cambareri, Alacorn and Ryan finished third. … Fox Lane is seeded 16th in the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship and will face Lakeland/Panas, 12/16. The winner gets No. 1 Yorktown the same day. … Fox Lane graduates Marc Berisha (Sacred Heart), Nino Prisco (Oneonta) and Jake Hoffman (Johns Hopkins) are wrestling in college. … Rodrigues is assisted by former Fox Lane sectional champions and state-place-finishers Johnny Santos and Matt Grippi and former Woodlands’ three-time section champ, state place-finisher and coach Jason Parker.

 

HEN HUD SAILORS

Coach: Shane Turrone (Ninth year)

2023-24 record: 9-9

2024 Sectional result, Division II: Fourth

Graduated seniors from the ‘24 team: Ten

League favorite: Nanuet

Section favorite, Division II: Nanuet, Pearl River

Top returnees: Mason Dietz, Sr. (Last year: section runner-up); Shawn O’Mara, Jr. (Last year: fourth in section); Sebastian Willkehr, So.; Yamil Melendez, Jr.

Key newcomers: Rocco Carbone, 8th-grade; Jovani Beltran, 8th-grade; Andherson Clark, Fr.

Question marks: A very young team, early in the season we will see what they are made of.

Coach’s season outlook: We are looking for a positive season and for all of the young wrestlers to make an impact throughout the season.

Noteworthy: Dietz is 32 wins away from 100. … Hen Hud

2024 graduates Kyle Peske (Cortland), Giovanni Gioio (Castleton State) and L.J. Santella (UNC-Charlotte) are all wrestling. … Hen Hud is seeded eighth in the Section 1 Division II Dual-Meet Championship and will wrestle No. 11 Woodlands in an out-bracket match, 12/17. … Hen Hud will host its tournament (1/11) with a 27-team field.

 

HORACE GREELY QUAKERS

Coach: Anthony Tortora (eighth year, 14th overall)

2023-24 record:10-5

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: Two

League favorite: Yorktown, Ossining, Fox Lane, Greeley

Top returnees: Corey Fitzsimmons, Chris Nocca, Quinn Carpenter, Anthony Stewart, Ben Weinstein.

Key newcomers: Ethan Murphy, Andrew Kalathli

Strength: Depth

Question mark: A few young guys in the lineup

Coach’s season outlook: If everyone buys in, we can compete with anyone.

Noteworthy: Greeley alumni Jacob Ferreira (2018 NYS runner-up) is Tortora’s assistant and Matt Schrieber (2-time section champ and 2-time all-state) is the Horace Greeley Youth Club coach. … Tortora was a two-time Section 1 champion and state place-finisher for the Quakers. … No. 15 Horace Greeley faces No. 18 Scarsdale in a Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship first-round match, 12/16. The winner will wrestle No. 2 Briarcliff/Byram Hills/Valhalla/Westlake the same day. … The Quakers finished second in their tournament with a loss in the final to CHSAA power Monsignor Farrell. Fitzsimmons, Nocca and Weinstein all went 4-0.

LAKELAND/PANAS REBELS

Coach: Dave Bergen (11th year with Lakeland/Panas, 20th overall)

2023-24 record: 7-11

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: Twelve

League favorite: Somers

Top returnees: Dan Hurley, Sr. (Last year: All-Section, 31 wins); Bryan DePascale, Sr. (Last year: sectional qualifier); Joey DeSantis, Sr. (Last year: sectional qualifier); Zach Morey, Sr.; Matt Sanchez; Sr.; Matt Clyman, Jr.; Owen McManus, Jr.; Mile Santoiemma, Jr.; Matt Travis, So.; Steven Sommovigo, So.; Dan Horowitz, Fr. (Last year: sectional qualifier, 27 wins).

Key newcomers: Ethan Tavel, Sr.; David Tomala, Sr.; Brandon Munoz, Sr.; Ben Franco, Jr.; Kyle Tetro, Jr.; Raul Aritsy, Jr.; Carlos Pagan, Jr.; Carlitos Pagan, Jr.; Shane Spielberg, Jr; Mateo Santiago, Jr.; Bryce Whippo, So.; Lorenzo Battista, So.

Strengths: Numbers with 46 wrestlers on the team; competition in each weight class.

Question marks: How the new varsity wrestlers do in their first few matches.

Coach’s season outlook: I think we can be very competitive this year. We return a bunch of guys with experience and some of our JV guys from last year worked hard in the offseason and are looking to make their mark.

Noteworthy: Lakeland/Panas alumni Dom Parente (2023) and Spencer Maja (2022) are wrestling at SUNY-Brockport. … Bergen was the White Plains’ varsity wrestling coach for nine years. … Lakeland/Panas, seeded 17th, wrestles 16th-seeded Fox Lane in the first round of the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship, 12/16. Top-seeded Yorktown will face the winner the same day.

 

MAHOPAC WOLF PAC

Coach: Steve Tornambe (sixth year)

Top returnees: Charles Przymylski, Sr., 124/131 (Two-time top-three section finisher); Henry Ramirez, Sr., (Two-time All-Section); Rob DiMauro, Sr., (Last year: All-Section); Dan Walsh, Sr.; Pace Zeiler, So.; Justin Cabuhat, So.; Jake Clark, Jr.; Hector Perez, So.

Key newcomers: Peter Grishaj, Jr., Hvwt; Anthony Tornambe, 8th-grade; Matt Camperlango, 8th-grade; Victor Levine, 8th-grade.

Strength: Numbers, with 50 wrestlers

Coach’s season outlook: Mahopac has had a long history of success in the sport of wrestling and I am looking to keep that going this season. Don’t be surprised if Mahopac emerges as the top team in the section.

Noteworthy: Mahopac is the seventh seed in the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship and will wrestle Mamaroneck in the first round, 12/16. Mahopac will face the John Jay-East Fishkill-Clarkstown South victor the same day. … Mahopac will host its tournament, with a 20-team field, 2/1. … Graduate Angelo Centrone is wrestling for SUNY-Cortland. … Mahopac went 3-2 at the Mike Nardone (Ossining) Dual-Meet Tournament, Saturday. Przymylski and DeMauro each went 5-0. Tornambe, Cabuhat and Zeiler were all 4-1. Mahopac lost to Yorktown but Anthony Tornambe did not have to wrestle his cousin Gio Tornambe.

 

OSSINING PRIDE

Coach: Tom Larm (sixth year)

2023-24 record: 21-7

2024 Sectional result, Division I: Fifth

6 All Section, 1 Section One Champion, Dual Meet Tournament Runner Up, Section One Individual 5th

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: Four

League favorite: Ossining

Section favorite, Division I: Ossining

Top returnees: Wildes Santiago, Sr., (three-year starter);  Jonathan Abzun, Fr., (Last year: sectional qualifier); Colin Liebertz, Jr. (Two-time All-Section); Kayvon Ray, Sr. (four-year starter, 2-time sectional qualifier); Matty Cascione, Sr., (Last year: All-Section); Sal DiSenso, Sr. (Last year: All-Section).

Key newcomers: Jaden Chacon, Jr.; Noah Petluck, Jr.; Logan Keneally, So.; Tommy Anton, Jr.

Strength: Depth

Question mark: A few newcomers to the varsity lineup

Coach’s season outlook: I’m excited to try and pick up where we left off last year. We have a great core group of guys who are able to inspire and guide the newer wrestlers to the team and the varsity lineup. Each day we’re trying to get better to peak for the postseason. We’re looking at this season as a marathon and not a sprint.

Noteworthy: Prior to becoming head coach, Larm was the assistant to former coach Larry McRae. … Ossining is seeded 6th in the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championships. The Pride host a quad, 12/16, and will face No. 27 Eastchester. The other match is Suffern-Carmel. … 2023 graduate and Section 1 champion Tristan Robinson-July is wrestling at Cortland. … Ossining was the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship runner-up last year.

 

PEEKSKILL RED DEVILS

Coach: Andre Lee (first year)

Graduated seniors from ‘24 team: Two

Top returnees: Tony Monchnski, Sr., 152; Tommaso Sodano, Sr., 170; Kedwind Ramos, Sr., 190; Stephen Cordero, So., 160.

Coach’s season outlook: The goal for this season is to set a strong foundation for the future. We are looking to gain experience, improve our ability level and develop strong character.

Noteworthy: Martin Palomeque and Naseer Johnson both graduated after finishing fourth in the section (Division I) last year. … Peekskill will wrestle Mount Vernon in an out-bracket match, 12/13. The winner advances to face top-seeded Yorktown in a first-round match of the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship, 12/16.

 

PLEASANTVILLE PANTHERS

Coach: Bob Bernarducci (47th year)

2023-24 record: 23-3

2024 Sectional result, Division II: Third

Graduated seniors from the ‘24 team: Three

League favorite: Pleasantville

Section favorite, Division II: Edgemont

Top returnees: Jesse Straus, Jr., 124 (Last year: Section Champ); Ciaran Egan, Jr., 133 (Last year: Section Runner-up); Kobe Rodriguez, Sr., 108 (Last year: 6th in section); Sasha McGaffey, Sr., 5th sectionals, Alex Wish Jr. 2023 sectional runner-up

Key newcomers: OJ Algiere, Jr., 160; Ben Balazs, Jr.; 138; Liam Keating, Jr., 152; Aidan Neimeier, Fr., 285; Gjin Zeka, Sr., 170.

Strengths: Light and middleweight wrestlers

Question marks: Upper weights, depth

Coach’s season outlook: I have a good mix of new and experienced wrestlers. We should have a very good dual-meet team and hopefully, be ready for a high sectional finish along with several champs.

Noteworthy: Egan and Straus are both in line to get their 100th wins this year. … Luke LaMagna is wrestling on the club team at RPI and Christian Perlleshi is wrestling for Johnson and Wales. … Bernarducci has many of his former wrestlers coaching in Section 1: Mike Esteves (Ardsley), Mike Taino (White Plains), George DiChiara (Edgemont), Len Balducci (Pleasantville). … Bernarducci coached Lenny Balducci to a sectional title, Chris Balducci to two sectional championships and a state title and Lenny’s son, Len, to four Section 1 crowns and four top-five state finishes. … Bernarducci is the winningest coach in Section 1 wrestling history. … Pleasantville is seeded fourth in the Section 1 Division II Dual-Meet Championship and will wrestle No. 5 Putnam Valley, 12/18. The winner faces No. 1 Nanuet the same day.

 

PUTNAM VALLEY TIGERS
Coach: Will Carano (26th year)

2024 Sectional result, Division II: Fifth

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: Eight

Section favorite, Division II: Nanuet

Top returnees: Jaden Tesher; Jojo Esposito; Nick Paonessa; Myloh DePrima.

Key newcomers: Parter Garibaldi, So.; Grant Rosoff, Jr.

Strengths: Scrappy, tough group of wrestlers with enormous potential.

Question marks: Every aspect of the team is a question mark with each new season

Coach’s season outlook: Like every year since I have been here my outlook is the same, individually and as a team we will get what we earn.

Noteworthy: Carano is the only coach in program history. … Putnam Valley will be wrestling in the following tournaments: Patriot (John Jay-East Fishkill, 12/14), Saratoga (Jan. 4), Eastern States (1/11), Hen Hud (1/11) and host its tournament (1/18). … Putnam Valley alumni Will Carano (Iowa) and Esuar Ordonez (Springfield) are wrestling in college. … Putnam Valley is seeded fifth in the Section 1 Division II Dual-Meet Championship and will wrestle No. 4 Pleasantville, 12/18. The winner faces No. 1 Nanuet the same day.

 

SOMERS TUSKERS

Coach: Ronnie DiSanto (11th season)

2023-24 record: 16-6

2024 Sectional result, Division I: Fourth

Graduated seniors from the ’24 team: Seven

Top returnees: Ryan Ball, Jr., 131 (Two-time Section 1 champ, 114-15 career record); Ethan Steuber, Jr., 116 (Last year: sectional runner-up, state qualifier); Cal Ehrmann, Jr., 138 (Last year: sectional qualifier); Loghan Dwyer, Fr., 116 (Last year: sectional qualifier); Derek Kuchinsky, So. 145 (Two-time sectional qualifier); Alex Ramirez, Sr., 152; TJ Mauro, Jr., 170 (Last year: sectional qualifier); Duke Rexhepi, Sr., 170.

Key newcomers: Ethan Arboleda, Fr., 101; Robbie DeCamp, Fr., 108; Braden Valderrama, Fr., 124; Jordan Daniyan, So., 145; Liam Colderbanks, Fr., 160.

Strengths: Experience from 116 to 170-pound weight classes

Question marks: We lack upper weights and our lower weights are inexperienced to high school wrestling

Coach’s season outlook: We are young overall, yet we still have a lot of experienced and successful wrestlers returning.  I’m excited to see how much our returnees have improved and see them step up as leaders.

Noteworthy: Ball is undefeated vs. Section 1 opponents the last two years. …  Somers will host its annual Eric D’Agnese Memorial Somers Tournament (44th) on 1/18. … Somers’ wrestling alumni Andrew Gross is DiSanto’s new assistant coach. Gross was a senior in DiSanto’s first year as coach. … Former Somers’ wrestler Matt Kelly is wrestling at Rhode Island College. … DiSanto wrestled for his uncle, Dennis DiSanto, at Somers. … Somers, No. 13, wrestles White Plains in the first round of the Section 1 Division I Dual-Meet Championship, 12/16. The winner gets No. 4 North Rockland the same day. … Ryan Ball went 5-0 at the Nanuet Dual-Meet Tournament, Saturday. Ethan Arboleda (101), Steuber, Dwyer, Ehrmann and Mauro each went 4-1.

 

WHITE PLAINS TIGERS

Coach: Ben Karol (third year at White Plains, 12th overall)

2023-2024 record: 13-16

Graduated starters from the ‘24 team: Two

Top returnees: Jamaal Wells, Jr., 131 (Last year: All-Section); Basil Paulose, Jr., 116; Ryan Chung, Sr., 138; Justin Lopez, Sr., 215; Lionel Torres Martinez, Fr., 285.

Coach’s season outlook: We have a good returning group from last season that I see making a good leap forward. We also have a large group that has a number of promising newcomers that I hope to see make an impact this year.