A Mighty Week on the Mats for Hen Hud

The first full week in January was a big week for Hendrick Hudson High School Wrestling!

The team started off the week by beating defending league champions Putnam Valley as well as Pawling in a Tri-meet on Wednesday, January 7. Hen Hud then placed second overall in their inaugural, 18-team Varsity Sailor Classic Wrestling Tournament, held on January 10. The Sailors had five wrestlers make it into the finals and two two were crowned champion in their respective weight classes; Jordan Artope and Mike DiPietro. Sebastian Burbano, Peter Maselli and Sam Zilker all placed second.

To top off the tournament event, Gina Curcuru, Program Director for the Love Shouldn’t Hurt and STAR (Students Terminating Abusive Relationships) Club Chapters at domestic violence agency Hope’s Door, was on hand to receive a $500 donation. The check represented proceeds earned at the Hen Hud JV Wrestling Tournament held on December 6, 2014. The donation ceremony was held on center mat as team captain Mike DiPietro , Hen Hud STAR Club president Gabriella Picciano, and varsity coach Paul LaVallee (who is also the STAR club advisor) brought out the mock 7-foot check.

LaVallee said, “On behalf of the team, I’m proud of using our proceeds from the JV Tournament as a fundraiser for causes such as Hope’s Door Teen Program, which does such great work for those who are adversely impacted by domestic violence and help educate teens how to find healthy relationships in their lives. I’m equally proud of my wrestlers, who have learned through this experience what role they can play as young men in breaking the cycle of violence.”

Upon receiving the check, Ms. Curcuru said, “I am honored to accept this donation from the JV Wrestling Tournament. Students in our STAR peer leadership program pledge to promote healthy relationships based on equality, respect and trust. We are so proud of the work that we do with our Hendrick Hudson High School STAR chapter and we look forward to continuing to grow and reach even more students in the future.”

The JV wrestling tournament has become much larger than just a sporting event that the community can enjoy. It holds a philanthropic value which benefits many more beyond those involved in the sport of wrestling. The wrestlers’ parents are the ones who work the concession, which provides the food for the competitors as well as raising funds for both the Wrestling Club and charities. It’s a great example for their sons to see and learn from while providing the wrestlers with needed fuel to compete all day.

“Hen Hud gets scores of compliments from the many coaches who bring their teams year after year and brag that our concession not only has the best menu but the most reasonably priced as well,” LaVallee said. “We were fortunate that many of the local businesses and restaurants donated food to us so we are indebted to their generous support. This event really brings the community together in such a positive way and all in an effort of giving. Last year the tournament donated its proceeds to Sean Callahan, son of former Assistant Principal Dan Callahan who was battling brain cancer.” Other funding went to the Drama and SADD Club to support their growing programs at the high school.