Our Steinbrenner wrestling team has claimed its second district championship, and first since 2011. After a long, grueling season, they were rewarded for their hard work, and have chance to continue their success on into regionals. Their path to their district championship was approached differently than in years past though.
“Last year, we put a lot of emphasis on winning the district, but we came up short. So, this year I took a different approach, and we won” said Coach Paul Noble.
That approach being to get as many people to place in their individual events and to go to regionals. With his new approach he helped nine of his athletes reach regionals and also took home the district championship.
Out of the nine that placed, six made it to the finals. In finals, junior Anthony Vitale claimed victory, winning first place in his weight class. But Vitale didn’t credit himself for the district championship, but pointed out it was team effort to overcome the eleven other schools in their district.
“Everybody helped score team points, and that’s how we won” said Vitale.
For regionals, the wrestling team plans on trying to win it for the first time in school history, while once again Coach Noble wants to try to get as many of his wrestlers to states.
“I think we will do pretty well in regionals, and I definitely think we will qualify a couple for states, and go from there” said Vitale.
The good thing though about this team is how young it is. They are primed for success for the next couple of years with all nine of he regional placers being underclassman.
“We have a nice young core, that I am really excited to see unfold in the coming years” said Coach Noble.
With leadership from Coach Noble and a strong core of wrestlers, our drive for district championships in wrestling will continue to grow.
Fernando Mallicote // Sports Editor
