Flamio Picks up Title

MAHOPAC—Those from the area who follow high school wrestling know that the Indians have had success as a team this year, and some of its members are not to be reckoned with in their respective weight classes. But after last weekend, there are probably a lot more people who are familiar with them.

Eight of the Indians’ top wrestlers took part in the Eastern States tournament at Sullivan County Community College Friday through Saturday.

Mahopac senior Justis Flamio, a twotime state finalist, won the 125-pound weight class and was also named Most Outstanding Wrestler in the 96 - 125 pound weight classes.

Flamio won six matches during the tournament on the way to winning his title. Torres pointed out that he won them in every way a wrestler could possibly win a match. His victories included a pin, decisions, major decisions and technical falls.

Torres said that a display like that just shows that Flamio is a wrestler of the highest caliber who can win matches however he needs to.

His victories included an 8-4 decision over Fox Lane’s Steven Rodrigues in the 125 pound final. Flamio had also beaten Rodrigues 5-1 at the Section 1 Dual Meet Championship.

What makes Flamio’s success at the tournament even more impressive is the fact that he only gave up ten points combined in a weight class that included 17 state place finishers.

Senior Andrew Scopino finished sixth in the 275-pound weight class

According to Mahopac coach Juan Torres, 74 schools from four states participated in the tournament.

Aside from Flamio and Scopino, the other Mahopac wrestlers who participated did not place in their weight classes, but Torres thought they did well, considering that some had never been to this tournament before.

“It is a very tough tournament. They all wrestled very, very well. They were in every match that they lost. We were definitely pleased, even for the guys who did not place. We came out of this with positive things,” Torres said.

He noted that the experience of participating in the tournament was great for the younger wrestlers who had never been there before. It should pay off if they go back next season.

The Indians were scheduled to face Carmel at Carmel High on Wednesday at 4:30, and Sleepy Hollow in a nonleague meet at home today (Thursday) at 4:30. The Indians will also be participating in a tournament at Yonkers High School on Saturday at 9:30 a.m.