Connetquot Wrestling

Induction Year: 2025

Location: Connetquot

Category: Special Recognition and Wrestling

The Connetquot Wrestling Program has been a model of consistency for almost five decades. Over the last 47 years, there have been only three seasons with a record under .500. Ironically, one of those years was 1985, a year when Connetquot had three county champions. 

During that same 47-year period, the winning percentage is .753. This year’s seniors will have won the League Title all four years of their high school career. Their record during that time is 67-5. In fact, the T-Birds have won the League Title in 17 out of the last 21 years.

The program is rich in tradition. Over 75 wrestlers participate in the high school team each year. Many past wrestlers have stayed in the district, and now their sons and daughters come through the program. It is also common for young wrestlers to follow in the footsteps of older siblings. Last year, the team had seven sets of brothers. 

A home meet at Connetquot is a special event that features the Mat Lamp. It has been used since the early 80s, making it one of the first in Suffolk.

On the night of the induction, 18 wrestling coaches who were a significant reason for the success of the Connetquot program were in attendance, including Justin Bradley, Rich Cestaro, Chris D’Andria, Chris Dowd, Terry Earley, Tim Fischer, Nate Giagios, Joe Grady, Paul Harvey, Roy Johnson, Bryan Meehan, Jim Melchiona, Anthony Mlefi, Lou Melfi, Bill Santoro, Jim Sewell, Frank Thristino, and Scott With.