Wantagh Wrestling Dominates at Ted Petersen Tournament

In their first year competing at the annual Ted Petersen Tournament, the wrestling team took down nine local high schools to finish in first place. A total of 12 Wantagh wrestlers placed within the top six spots in their weight classes, more than any other school at Saturday's event held at Island Trees High School in Levittown.

For Wantagh's Head Coach James Murphy, Saturday was especially important. Murphy was an athlete in the Island Trees School District during Petersen's coaching career.

"I was extremely honored to be invited to this tournament because Mr. Petersen was my coach growing up," Murphy said. "He taught me most of things that I use today to coach the Warriors."

Last year was a time of transition for the Warriors, with a young squad looking to fill the spots of 2009 graduates. With a dual meet record of 9-1 and high tournament rankings, the 2010-11 has been quite successful for the Wantagh team.

"They wrestled extremely well all day but we still have work to do," Murphy said of the team's performance. "We hope to continue to improve and stay in good health."

Their improvement certainly showed on Saturday when the Warriors accumulated 320.5 points by the tournament's end, followed by Plainedge with 258.5.  Five Wantagh wrestlers placed first in the final rounds including Tom Hall, Danny McDevitt, Jose Rodriguez, Chris Loew and James Corbett.

Senior Joe Barbato faced off against Huntington's McNeill in the final match at 119 pounds. The match was a flashback to last year's New York State Championships where Barbato came in second place and McNeill captured the title. "They had a real good match today but McNeill beat him," Murphy said.

Heavyweight wrestler, Steven English faced an enormous challenge Saturday. With Plainedge's David Ng and Island Trees' Joe Manna, the 285 weight class was a very heated competition. English finished the day in fourth place.

"He did well, he wrestled good but he lost two matches to Manna," said Murphy.

Jose Rodriguez placed first in the 96 pound weight class, carrying through Saturday's tournament undefeated. Dan McDevitt placed in first at 125. This was his first tournament wrestling at 125, and McDevitt plans to enter the counties in his new weight class.

The Wantagh team hopes to return to the Ted Petersen next year after their triumphant debut.

"The level of competition is very good and for me it's like a family reunion," Murphy said of the annual event. 

Wantagh returns to action on Wednesday with a home dual meet against Division High school starting at 6:30 p.m.

Final Scores from Ted Petersen Tournament:

Wantagh High School: 320.5
Plainedge High School: 258.5
Massapequa High School: 248.5
Huntington High School: 181
Uniondale High School: 161
Freeport High School: 145
Mepham High School: 142
Island Trees High School: 123
Babylon High School: 33
Long Beach High School ''B'': 2