The LoHud Wrestling Blog

In my mind, the two choices for Wrestler of the Year on each side of the river were pretty clear. In Westchester/Putnam, there was no way to deny arguably the greatest wrestler in Section 1 history, which made Somers senior Brian Realbuto the choice for the third time. And in Rockland, North Rockland senior Mike Caputo made tremendous strides this season, becoming the only wrestler in the county to place at states. That was the easy part.

Things got a bit trickier when it came to making up the full all-star teams for each edition. Generally speaking, I went with whichever wrestler finished the season stronger (placed higher at states, won a section title, etc.), but there were a few cases where I had to use my better judgment. I’m sure you all will let me hear it about where you think I went wrong, and I’ll be glad to defend my choices.

We’ll start with Westchester/Putnam, where Realbuto became a three-time Journal News Wrestler of the Year after capturing his third state title. Here is the link to my story on what fuels him, how he fits in the conversation for best all-time, and what’s next:

Coach of the year — Joe Amuso, Fox Lane: In his final season after 41 years at the helm, Section 1’s all-time coaching wins leader led the Foxes to their fourth Division 1 section title in five years. He also had three wrestlers place in the top five at states.

99
First-team: Nick Barbaria, Soph., New Rochelle
Second-team: Tyler Aslanian, Soph., Edgemont
Honorable mention: Kevin Rodriguez, Jr., Port Chester; Jon Errico, Fr., Byram Hills.

106
First-team: Mike Parise, Sr., Brewster
Second-team: Bryan Ferrandi, Sr., New Rochelle

113
First-team: Dylan Realbuto, Jr., Somers
Second team: Trey Aslanian, Jr., Edgemont
Honorable mention: Alex Delacruz, Soph., Ossining

120
First-team: Liam Erickson, Soph., Brewster
Second-team: AJ Barbaria, Sr., New Rochelle
Honorable mention: DJ Frederich, Sr., Croton-Harmon

126
First-team: Sam Speno, Sr., Fox Lane
Second-team: Drew Longo, Jr., Ardsley
Honorable mention: Juan Pablo Loja, Sr., Sleepy Hollow

132
First-team: Danny Ventura, Sr., Fox Lane
Second-team: Justin Seim, Sr., Hackley
Honorable mention: David Occhipinti, Sr., Croton-Harmon; John Tambunting, Sr., Scarsdale

138
First-team: Tom Grippi, Jr., Fox Lane
Second-team: Jake Srednicki, Sr., Mahopac
Honorable mention: Dean Rogener, Sr., Westlake

145
First-team: Joe Mastro, Jr., Yorktown
Second-team: Brett Pastore, Jr., Irvington
Honorable mention: Giancarlo Morreale, Sr., Fox Lane

152
First-team: Brian Realbuto, Sr., Somers
Second-team: Kyle McAlpin, Sr., Brewster
Honorable mention: Ben Miller, Jr., Mamaroneck; Andrew Miller, Sr., RCDS

160
First-team: Matt Pasqualini, Sr., Fox Lane
Second-team: Phil Siegel, Sr., Hen Hud
Honorable mention: Mike Boyle, Sr., Dobbs Ferry; Dion Duran, Jr., Mamaroneck

170
First-team: Steven Sabella, Jr., Yorktown
Second-team: Aaron Butler, Sr., New Rochelle
Honorable mention: Jack Braun, Sr., Scarsdale; John Messinger, Jr., Putnam Valley

182
First-team: Jacob Berkowitz, Sr., Scarsdale
Second-team: Thomas Murray, Sr., Yorktown
Honorable mention: Will Johnson, Sr., Hackley

195
First-team: Mike Spinelli, Sr., Mahopac
Second-team: Scott Wymbs, Jr., Horace Greeley

220
First-team: Dom DeVita, Sr., Somers
Second-team: Tyler Lilly, Sr., New Rochelle
Honorable mention: Dan Clune, Sr., Fox Lane; Danny Kornberg, Sr., Edgemont

285
First-team: Sean Barry, Sr., Hen Hud
Second-team: Obum Anyichie, Sr., Pleasantville
Honorable mention: David Varian, Jr., Yorktown; Justin Douglas, Jr., New Rochelle

And here are all of the all-stars from Rockland. Click here to read about how Caputo’s rededication to the sport helped him reach new heights:

Coach of the year – Peter Dene, Tappan Zee: In just his third season as head coach, Dene saw his team emerge the second best in the county behind powerhouse North Rockland. The Dutchmen finished 13-4 in dual meets, only losing to the Red Raiders in the county, and they placed second at the Rockland County Championships after finishing fifth last season.

99
First-team: Joe Dillon, Soph., Nanuet
Second-team: Brian Hong, Soph., Clarkstown North
Honorable mention: Derek DiMarsico, Fr., North Rockland

106
First-team: Blaise Benderoth, Fr., North Rockland
Second-team: Alex Oliveto, Jr., Suffern
Honorable mention: Vinny Skokos, Fr., Nanuet

113
First-team: John Muldoon, Soph., Pearl River
Secon-team: Troy Feniger, Jr., North Rockland

120
First-team: Jake DiMarsico, Jr., North Rockland
Second-team: Adit Thakur, Sr., Nyack
Honorable mention: Anthony Calvano, Jr., Nanuet

126
First-team: Matt Caputo, Soph., North Rockland
Second-team: Austin Fox, Jr., Clarkstown South

132
First-team: Colby Kash, Jr., Clarkstown North
Second-team: Matt Dillon, Jr., Nanuet

138
First-team: Charlie Garcia, Sr., Tappan Zee
Second-team: James Desimone, Jr., Suffern

145
First-team: Mike Caputo, Sr., North Rockland
Second-team: Ryan Becker, Sr., Clarkstown North
Honorable mention: Andrew Artrip, Sr., Suffern

152
First-team: Desmond Djekovic, Jr., Tappan Zee
Second-team: Nick Didio, Soph., North Rockland

160
First-team: Nick Giella, Sr., Suffern
Second-team: Matt Oliva, Sr., Clarkstown South

170
First-team: Valdon Djekovic, Sr., Tappan Zee
Second-team: Hassan Auwarter, Soph., Clarkstown South

182
First-team: Ryan Boyle, Sr., North Rockland
Second-team: Tome Marku, Sr., Clarkstown South

195
First-team: Dan Breit, Jr., Nanuet
Second-team: Paul Okeke, Jr., Clarkstown South

220
First-team: Bryan Burger, Sr., Suffern
Second-team: Jason Dorsainville, Jr., East Ramapo
Honorable mention: Chris McGann, Sr., Tappan Zee

285
First-team: Michael Manni, Soph., Tappan Zee
Second-team: Charles Francois, Jr., Nyack
Honorable mention: Conner Reigotti, Soph., North Rockland

Photo of Brian Realbuto by Seth Harrison/The Journal News. Photo of Mike Caputo by Carucha L. Meuse/The Journal News.