Minisink Valley set a new Section IX scoring record in the recent wrestling championship tournament, where 10 wrestlers also advanced to state competition.

Minisink Valley placed first in the team standings, with 370 points, more than twice the points of second-place Monroe-Woodbury. The eight first-place section champions tie a record set by Warwick Valley in 2011.  New for this year, two Minisink Valley second-place wrestlers also advanced to state competition.

Varsity wrestling coach Kevin Gallagher called the tournament a great one, and was happy the hard work of all the wrestlers paid off.

“I am very happy for our kids that qualified for the state tournament but we did have some very good wrestlers that came up a bit short,” he added. “That leaves a pit in my stomach.”

Athletic Director Tim Bult also praised the work of all team members.

“Our team is a powerhouse,” said Athletic Director Tim Bult. “We broke our 2020 record of 369 points, though we did that with 15 weight classes versus the 13 weight classes that currently exist. We are also beyond thrilled that Minisink’s Sophia Macaluso was the tournament’s first-ever female finalist. She has broken this glass ceiling for other female wrestlers to follow and we are very proud of her accomplishments.”

Congratulations to these Section IX Division I wrestling champions:

126-pound weight class
Anthony Tresch

138-pound weight class
P.J. Duke, who was also named the tournament’s “Most Outstanding Wrestler”

145-pound weight class
Luke Greiner, whose final match was named “Most Exciting Finals” bout

152-pound weight class
Eric Tigue

160-pound weight class
Zack Ryder

172-pound weight class
Mikey Altomer

189-pound weight class
Andrew Filip

215-pound weight class
Ethan Gallo

True Second Place, which advance to the state tournament
110-pound weight class
Wyatt Boice

132-pound weight class
Zak McKernan

These 10 wrestlers will advance to the NYSPHSAA Championship tournament in Albany on Feb. 25 and 26.