The eight wrestlers representing Minisink Valley competed with tenacity, grit and determination at the first-ever NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship, with junior Jaida Macaluso and sophomore Sara Pauls earning second-place medals at the tournament.
After several years of being classified as an emerging sport by the NYSPHSAA, 2025 is the first year NYSPHSAA hosted its inaugural state championship tournament for girls wrestling.
"Congratulations to all of our girls that wrestled in the state championship," said Varsity Head Coach Dan Gallo. "We got the chance to compete against the best girls in the state and everyone should be proud of their effort. We are bringing home two state medals because junior Jaida Macaluso and sophomore Sara Pauls wrestled amazing and went all the way to the finals. We all know that sometimes life will challenge you. This sport provides the tools to handle those challenging times in life."
Also competing were Kolbie Furman (94-pound weight class); Keira Filip and Sophia Franco (114-pound weight class); Vanessa Tepper (120-pound weight class); Caitlin McIlroy (185-pound weight class); and Patricia Deslandes (235-pound weight class).
Athletic Director Tim Bult echoed Coach Gallo's sentiments.
"Our wrestlers worked incredibly hard all season and it paid off as eight amazing young Minisink Valley grapplers qualified for the first NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship," he said. "They battled hard in every bout and left it all on the mat. We have two runner-up place finishers who will take this experience and build for next year."
Mr. Bult reinforced that everyone in the MVP Arena in Albany knew how significant the Feb. 27 tournament was.
"I've noted this before: This first-ever state championship tournament has opened up a new avenue for girls to achieve personal growth and athletic potential," he said. "So many people are talking about this being a historical event in New York State high school athletics and it is. To have our eight talented wrestlers qualify to compete in this event is simply amazing. It's their preparation and commitment to their sport that has allowed Minisink Valley to be part of this historical moment. Not every school district has that opportunity and these eight young women have certainly earned a place in Minisink Valley's athletic history. Congratulations to them, their coaches and families."
Coach Gallo added: "We would like to wish the best of luck to graduating seniors Vanessa Tepper and Patricia Deslandes. The Minisink Valley wrestling program is what it is because of kids like you. We want you to continue to chase greatness each and every day."