Farmingdale wrestler Jovens Theodate is Newsday's Athlete of the Week

With two seconds left, Farmingdale's Jovens Theodate slipped free for the escape that decided everything.

Coming in as the No. 2 seed, Theodate broke a tie at 4 with two seconds left to secure a 5-4 decision in the 175-pound bracket and defeated top-seeded James Galiano of East Meadow in the finals for his first county title in the Nassau Division I finals on Sunday at Hofstra, punching his ticket to the state wrestling tournament Feb.27-28 in Albany.

For his efforts, the senior is Newsday Athlete of the Week.

"After I won, I looked in the crowd, and everyone was staring at me and was clapping. " Theodate said. "After the match, I ran around the locker room to get the feeling off. It still feels unbelievable."

After placing fourth in the county championship last year, Theodate went into the match confident and more prepared than ever before.

"He's one of the hardest working athletes," coach Artie Weidler said. "He paid attention, and he came into the match well prepared. I couldn't be prouder of him."

Galiano defeated Theodate earlier this season, making the win in the county finals extra sweet.

"He's a great wrestler," he said. "I went in there knowing I had to get the job done."

With a background in martial arts and boxing, Theodate began wrestling at a young age, and he praised his dad, Joseph, for being in his corner and being there for him.

"My dad has been with me through this journey throughout my whole life," Theodate said. "He's always been by my side on the sidelines, giving me confidence and encouragement."

During the fall, Theodate plays football for the Dalers, where he was a running back/linebacker.

After Josh Kama went down with a shoulder injury in week four of the football season, Theodate stepped up and became the piece the Dalers needed for the rest of the season. He totaled 1,250 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 131 yards and two scores.

"Josh and I are best friends, so I wanted to see him succeed," Theodate said. "But when he got hurt, I knew I had to step up and play that role."

In addition to his performances athletically, Theodate maintains a 91 GPA.

"Wrestling could be hard, but it also prepares you for other challenges," Theodate said. "When it comes to school, I'm on top of my work and studying after practice. It's really the simple things that keep you going."

Theodate is looking to make his mark at the state tournament and says that, even under pressure, he does better under adversity.

"During football, I was always in the shadow of my teammates, but since it's wrestling, I'm in the spotlight," he said. "I have what it takes to at least place in (the state championship)."

By Jonathan Ruban

jonathan.ruban@newsday.com

Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.