East Islip High School’s varsity boys wrestling team – undefeated League IV champions during the regular season – finished second overall at the Suffolk County Dual Meet Championship Tournament, held Jan. 24 at Bay Shore High School.

East Islip entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed, and hosted the first two rounds. The team opened with an impressive quarterfinal victory over a tough Rocky Point squad, followed by a huge semifinal win against third-seeded Bellport. In the finals, East Islip went head-to-head with No. 1 seed Sachem North in an intense, hard-fought battle, ultimately falling 34–29 in a match that came down to the final bout.

In team highlights, seniors Matt D’Amico, Rocco Destefano and Christian Horeis, junior Ty Strychalsky and eighth grader Jace Rooney all went undefeated. Seniors Brian Csoban and Noah Hodge, junior Gryffin Alfalla, sophomore Rayan Shehu and eighth grader Jake Kiernan all contributed pivotal wins that played a key role in the team’s success.

“It was an incredible run, tremendous effort and a season the program can be extremely proud of,” coach Mike Longobardi said.