Massapequa wrestling's Joe Brooks is Newsday's Athlete of the Week

Massapequa wrestler Joe Brooks competes in Syracuse. Credit: Ken Kaminskey

By Jonathan Rubanjonathan.ruban@newsday.comUpdated February 4, 2026

Joe Brooks has a championship pedigree.

During the football season, Brooks had a 4-yard touchdown run, five tackles and an interception in Massapequa's 14-12 win over Ward Melville to win their third straight Long Island championship.

He brought that same leadership and competitive nature to the wrestling mat.

Brooks pinned Minisink Valley's Ethan Young in 1:01 at 165 pounds to lead Massapequa to a 31-30 win in the semifinals at the state dual meet championships at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse last weekend. Massapequa followed with a 42-21 victory over Shenendehowa to capture the Division I crown.

For his efforts, Brooks is Newsday's Athlete of the Week.

"I always feel the pressure before going into a match, but I prefer it that way," Brooks said. "I like the feeling, the tenseness and having high expectations. It's the most fun part. I want the big games and the big matches."

"There was zero panic," coach Mike McCann said. "He went out there composed, and he got the job done. We are lucky to have him this year because he is necessary."

Brooks said assistant coach Thomas Greenblatt gave him a speech before his match that provided the spark he needed.

"I got super ramped up for the match," Brooks said. "I got caught up in the moment, and I was excited not just for myself but for my team."

McCann praised Brooks for becoming the leader and voice in the locker room when Massapequa needed it the most.

"Every championship team needs a Joe Brooks," he said. "He's been leading our team since he was a sophomore. It's every coach's dream to get a player like that on a successful program."

In addition to his performances on the mat and football field, Brooks maintains a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the Best Buddies Club, the Sports Broadcasting Club and student government.

"I always had a special place in my heart for people with special needs," Brooks said about the Best Buddies Club. "I had a friend whose had Down syndrome since I was young, and she always had a special place in my heart.

"A lot of people, their whole identity is based on what they do during the sports season. I want to be something else besides that and really make a difference."

Brooks is preparing for the Nassau Division I wrestling tournament, scheduled for Feb. 14-15 at Hofstra.

"I've been eating right and putting in the extra work needed to get where I need to be," he said. "I'm trying to stay dialed in and focus on the task at hand."