First Annual Strong Island Tournament
On Sunday, October, 26th Strong Island hosted their first annual wrestling tournament at Nassau community college. It was well attended by Suffolk, Nassau, City, and New Jersey wrestlers. Suffolk county had a very strong turnout at the event. At least half the wrestlers in every bracket were Suffolk county wrestlers.
For the first of a preseason tournament the turnout was great. Based on the numbers I recorded, the brackets averaged around 20 wrestlers in the High School division with the 122 pound weight class having the most contestants at 26 competitors.
The 155 lb weight class featured a finals rematch between Brian Herald of MacArthur and Mac Maldarelli of Calhoun. They last met in the consolation finals of the Nassau County tournament where Mac Maldarelli defeated Brian Herold 3-0 for 3rd place in the 135 lb weight class. Stung from last year’s defeat, Brian was determined to make amends, and he did with a 6-4 finals victory.
One nice aspect of the event was the addition of the Middle School division. While not having quite the turnout of the high school division, the middle school turnout had a very respectible showing. I recall a time when Nassau Community College hosted a very competitive Middle School tournament every spring. 
It was the showcase event for Middle School wrestlers where many future Long Island champions first established a name for themselves. I recall competing in the event, myself, in Middle School when the event was hosted in the former airplane hangers at the college. It was a two day event back then with hundreds of Middle School athletes from Nassau and Suffolk participating in the event.
Many of the brackets would have upwards of 30 wrestlers. To accommodate large number of participants, the tournament was single elimination until the semifinals. Only the top 3 were awarded medals. Things were different back then. Since the support for that tournament whithered, I was glad to see this tournament open to the Middle School wrestlers. Maybe this could be the start of bringing the Middle School tradition back - at least one can hope.
Supporting the event were many of the reliable volunteers: Steve Meehan, Ed Gould, and Marcia Gould, as well as the Hofstra University and Nassau Community College coaching staff and team members. Even though it may not always feel appreciated, I know many of the wrestlers, parents, and coaches appreciate the tireless dedication and support you give to making events like this possible. Thanks for making another great day of wrestling possible.
Congratulations to all competitors in attendance!
(+5 rating, 5 votes)
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