Catholic schools to move wrestling to spring, with possible outdoor championships
James Watterson of Kellenberg, top, gets encouragement from coaches as he wrestles Ronnie Jones of St. Joseph's Collegiate Inst. in the 182-pound weight class at the CHSAA wrestling state finals at Holy Trinity on Feb. 16, 2020. Credit: David L. Pokress/David L. Pokress
The Nassau-Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association is moving its wrestling season to the spring, and may hold its championships in an outdoor venue under the lights in May.
Practice would begin April 17.
"We didn't want to cancel wrestling so this was the best option for safety and giving them the opportunity to compete," said Ralph Dalton, president of the Nassau-Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association. "All of our athletic directors have communicated so well through this entire pandemic and we've really come up with some excellent ideas on how to keep our boys and girls safe and competing."
Joe Minucci, the director of athletics at St. Anthony's, and the chairperson for wrestling, said:
"We felt it was a prudent move and all about the safety of our student-athletes to move into the spring. And we thought the spring would be perfect for making it happen.
"And we recognize that we postponed the season and wanted to do something special for them so we're even in the planning stages of having our wrestling championships outside under the lights on the turf. We would love to host that event right here at St. Anthony's and make it memorable. Of course everything is subject to the approval of our principals committee."
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
