Seahawks Wrestlers Soar To School History

Christian Hansen takes first place as State Champion.

By Seahawks Booster Club

Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks wrestlers had another banner season, finishing Long Island strong with 6th place at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships in Albany, February 28-29.

The Seahawks came home with three All-State wrestlers: Christian Hansen, first place state champion; Jackson Polo, third place; and Kolton Gagnon, fourth place.

Seahawks coach, Mike Ferrugiari, praised his standout wrestlers. “The boys worked incredibly hard all season and never let their goals waiver. They each had a goal in mind. Although they may not all achieved the goal they wanted, they all earned All-State honors, a feat that many have never accomplished,” he said. “The four boys have made their families, school, teammates, and coaches extremely proud of what they accomplished.”

Christian Hansen (152 lbs), junior, two-time County Champion and High School All-American, has 172 career varsity wins and is the 2020 NYS Champion. After two years at St. Anthony’s, Christian returned to his home school and became the first state champion in the history of Cold Spring Harbor’s wrestling program that dates back to 1962.

“Christian’s win will go down in the history books forever. Not many people can say they are the first State Champion in school history. He put the time and effort into being a champion and the results show it,” his coach said.

After winning, Christian committed to wrestle at Cornell University, his grandfather’s alma mater.

“I had a great season and am thankful to all my coaches and my parents for helping me become a 2020 State Champion.” Christian learned from his season, “I am most proud of my Eastern States OT semi-final performance against nationally ranked Tommy Askey, because it taught me that to achieve my goals I have to work harder than everyone else. Although it might not feel like it at the time, losing helps you win in the future.” Christian went on to say, “I am happy to be back on my home team. Seahawks wrestling is a talented group of athletes who contribute to the room and I have a great partner, Gaven Bell, who is All-State and committed to wrestle at the University of Maryland. Gaven was unfortunately injured towards the end of the season, missed championships, but was a supportive teammate in the postseason. I’m looking forward to next year.”

Cold Spring Harbor’s All State wrestlers, from left: Kolton Gagnon, Christian Hansen and Jackson Polo.

Jackson Polo (113 lbs) two-time County Champion, has 93 career varsity wins as a sophomore. “I thought I had a great season because I came back strong after a mid-season injury,” Polo said. “Having another year of experience under my belt will help me reach my goals next year – to be a 2021 State Champion. I plan to go to Virginia Beach Nationals and try to win, will wrestle freestyle and get in as many matches as possible in the off season, and will train my hardest.”

Asked about his favorite match of the season, Jackson replied: “Eastern States quarterfinals, a close match against Dante Geislinger, who is a three-time State Champ. It showed me that I can compete with the top guys in the State.”

Kolton Gagnon (195 lbs), team captain and senior, finished his high school wrestling career with 128 varsity wins, 87 by pin. Kolton, a two-time Nassau County Champion and High School All-American, valued his Seahawk experience. “I made the greatest friendships on the team. We constantly push each other to do better, work harder not just in wrestling, but in all aspects of our lives.” Kolton committed to wrestle at Sacred Heart University and is looking forward to the new challenge stating, “my only goal is to keep winning and never look back.”

The boys were led by team captain, senior Ethan Burdo, the 2020 Nassau County heavyweight champion. Burdo won two hard-fought matches at States scoring 10 team points for the Seahawks, but lost in the blood round.

The boy’s performances at States capped a standout season. The team had an overall record of 16-6, were undefeated Conference Champions, NYS Dual meet semi-finalists, and finished top 10 at the Eastern States Classic.

Ferrugiari was assisted by a seasoned staff, including coaches Anthony Servidio, Thomas Powers, Randel McCoy and Steven Schneider.

*Photos/Judi Nelson

Elwood Community Celebrates Homecoming

The Elwood school community kicked off its homecoming festivities with a parade down Elwood Road on Oct. 19. Marching bands, cheerleaders and Girl Scout Troops showcased their Elwood pride as spectators snapped pictures, cheered and hugged their children along the parade route.

Homecoming king Felipe Gonzales and queen Sierra Schindlar waved from the backseat of a convertible, proudly showcasing the crowns that were placed upon their heads at the high school’s pep rally the day before.

The community’s enthusiasm continued through to the high school cafeteria, where more than 200 people crowded the cafeteria to attend the district’s second Elwood Wall of Fame inductions. A luncheon, sponsored by the Booster Club, was held in honor of former Middle School Principal Patrick Scarola and the late Mary Kate Szokoli – two exceptional individuals who left their marks on the community.

Board of education member James Tomeo spoke of Scarola as a former student at Elwood Middle School. Over the years, he said that Scarola embodied the middle school mentality and welcomed new students from Boyd Intermediate School and Harley Avenue Primary School, as well as helped prepare middle schoolers for their futures at John H. Glenn High School.

“The students became a part of his family,” he said. “All who know him know that he is a friend and he’s a friend for life.”

Szokoli, who passed away at the age of 30, was remembered as an exemplary Harley Avenue Elementary School teacher with a passion for helping others.

“She became a friend to everyone that met her, and she treated all of her friends as family,” first grade teacher Keri McKenna said. “Sadly, she was taken too soon, and only those who were fortunate enough to know Mary Kate understood just how special and unique she was.”

Plaques featuring each of the inductee’s names will be hung on the Wall of Fame in the middle school under a handmade sign designed and decorated by Elwood students.

“They will stay there forever because the marks that these individuals have made will stay here forever,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert said.

The celebration then moved to the high school football field as the Elwood Knights took on Babylon Panthers, beating them 14-7. The seniors on the team were introduced to the crowd prior to the start of the game and each were met with cheers from the bleachers

Mary Kate Szokoli’s daughters, Camryn and Riley accepted their mother’s Wall of Fame award.

Homecoming King Felipe Gonzales and Queen Sierra Schindlar waved from the backseat of a convertible.