While perhaps operating slightly under the radar for the past three (in some cases more) years, the Empire State Class of 2012 is one of the deepest in recent history. In fact, so immense was the overall talent in this senior class, that when polling a panel of New York State wrestling aficionados, upwards of 15-20 names were thrown out for serious consideration. Supporting the argument that the Class of 2012, like the two senior classes that preceded it, was among the strongest in the nation was the fact that collectively this group of upperclassmen never to finish lower than fourth at the respective NHSCA grade level tournaments (including a pair of runner-up finishes as freshmen and sophomores).
In speaking to trusted associates from other states, I have often heard the words "sleeper" and "secret" attached to this particular class because quite a few members of the Top 10 were student-athletes who did the majority of their damage within the borders of New York State. While on at least one occasion, almost all of them branched out and proved themselves on the national level, the validity of the situation is that it is entirely possible that this profile will be the first time you are hearing some of these names (unless you happen to live in the Big-NY). I can assure you, a shortage of national credentials does not translate into a lack of ability.
An interesting tidbit, is that because of the universal competitive nature of this senior class, I am pretty much guaranteed to post my lowest Top 10 state champion quotient in the three years that I have been penning this piece. The reason behind this inevitable validity is that when revealing their intended weight class for the upcoming season, four of the seven NYS DI members of the list cited a desire to compete at 152 pounds, creating what surely will be an epic battle to stand alone atop the podium in Albany. It is precisely this "test myself against the best" attitude that will ultimately propel the 11 men on this list to present and future feats on the scholastic and collegiate levels respectively ... With a combined 11 state titles, three NHSCA individual national titles, and a Junior National freestyle title (to go along with countless All-American honors), the combined resumes of this group stand on its own accord. What's equally impressive and intimidating is that if not for the aforementioned innate need to seek out the greatest caliber of challenge, these resumes might jump off the page even higher than they already do.
This is a remarkable assemble that if you do not already know them, you will shortly because they will command your attention with their performances on the mat. They have no intention of resting on their laurels!
1. Brian Realbuto (Somers)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: The first NYS wrestler to win a Junior National freestyle crown since Troy Nickerson, the two-time DI state champion from Somers is nothing if not the consummate big-game wrestler. In earning his spot on the top step in the FARGODOME, Realbuto had to go through a who's who of nationally-ranked competitors, including among others Oliver Pierce, Jake Sueflohn, and Brian Murphy (who he pinned in the finals). While his title may have been considered an upset by some, we in New York have come to expect nothing less from Realbuto, who has made a career out of taking out the biggest names on the grandest stages. In fact, in his two state finals appearances, Realbuto bested a 2010 NYS champ/NHSCA Senior National bronze medalist Damon McQueen in 2009 at 103 as a freshman, as well as another former state titlist/2010 NHSCA Junior National champ Bob Dierna, who was on last year's New York Top 10 list, to win this year's 135-pound hardware.
Brian Realbuto (Photo/Dave Jedlicka, jedicheetah.com)Already a four-time NYS placewinner/five-time qualifier (finished fourth as an eighth-grader), in addition to his Junior National freestyle title this past summer, InterMat's No. 16 recruit has repeatedly shown his ability to hang with the best in the land. A third place finisher in the inaugural FloNationals in 2010, Realbuto has also added NHSCA All-American honors to his name, finishing fourth a freshman in Virginia Beach at 112.
Currently a disciple of Max Askren (who joined the Somers' staff this past season), Realbuto described his style as being "aggressive and funky and funky once I get down to the mat."
Presently, he is considering the following colleges in random order: Cornell, Lehigh, Penn, and defending NCAA champion Penn State.
2. Quinton Murphy (Holley)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 138/145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149
Analysis: A surefire lock to become a six-time NYS DII placewinner (that's right, he's been doing well since seventh grade), Murphy will head into his senior campaign looking to join an exclusive club of four-time NYS champs. A winner as an eighth-grader (103), sophomore (125), and junior (135), if not for Matt Peters (who beat the Murphy in the 119-pound finals 4-0 in '09), the No. 33 recruit in the nation would be on pace to join the even more exclusive club of five-time titlists. (Currently Troy Nickerson is the sole member.) So consistent has been the Holley senior over the course of his six-year varsity career that the only time he did not wrestle in the finals was when he finished sixth as a very undersized 96-pound seventh-grader; this is pretty darn good when you consider that this weight class was so stacked 2011 NY-10 No. 2 wrestler Grant Greene (now at Northwestern) and Top 10 honorable mention Arik Robinson (at Buffalo) also failed to win the title.
Quinton MurphyPriding himself on his solid technical abilities, Murphy said that his goal for every match that he wrestles is to simply out work and out wrestle his opponent. Thus far, this has been a winning formula.
Addressing the future, the highly touted prospect has yet to reach a final decision, but did say that he is looking closely at the following schools: Buffalo, Bloomsburg, Rutgers, Arizona State.
3. Chris Nevinger (Letchworth)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: As a sign of the pure dominance possessed by Section V this year on the divisional II level, Nevinger becomes the second consecutive student-athlete from that region to be make the Top 10. This is an honor rightfully deserved. Of the 10 young gentlemen who made this list, it is Nevinger owns the label as the "winningest wrestler" from the Class of 2012. With four combined titles (two state -- 145 in '10/152 in '11; two NHSCA grade level national titles -- both at 145 in '09 and '10), no one has hoisted hardware more than Nevinger in their scholastic careers. What makes this remarkable is that he accomplished all of this despite constantly having to deal with the pressure of being compared to older brother/former three-time NYS DII champion/current Cornell wrestler Mike. Should Chris do what many feel is an almost certainty and cap his career with a third state title, the combined six will forever solidify the Nevinger brothers as among the greatest in Empire State history.
Chris Nevinger (Photo/Bob Blair)Regarded as a fierce counter wrestler, once Nevinger seizes control, he can be downright nasty from the top position with his tilts, as showcased in his profile photo. He also described his style as being somewhat cerebral, taking his time to ensure proper setups and successful outcomes.
While this stud from Letchworth was unsure of his college plans, I can tell you that at least one high profile coach from an EIWA school was extremely high on him and actively intended to pursue him and land his services.
4. Jimmy Kloc (Iroquois)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Quite possibly a name that does not automatically ring a bell, be forewarned that Jimmy Kloc is not someone to be reckoned with. An absolute physical beast, if titles were given out for being ripped and/or jacked, this young man may already have been an Empire State legend. As it stands, he is already a three-time NYS DI placewinner and a two-time finalist, earning his first state title this in 2011 at 145 pounds. His lone non-finals appearance came in 2009 when he finished fifth as a freshman in a 135-pound weight class where the top three placers all concluded their respective careers as two-time NYS champions (Dutton, Lenzi, and Liguori). In following the emerging pattern, it would be no understatement to suggest that Kloc may very well have been gunning for his third crown in 2012 if not for the previously mentioned Dutton. In both of Kloc's first two trips to Albany, it was Dutton who prevented him from reaching the pinnacle, beating him in the semifinals in 2009, and then in doing it again in deja vu fashion the following year in the 140-pound state finals. Seeing how Dutton just finished his true freshman year one victory short of NCAA All-American honors, it goes without saying that Kloc is among the best one-timers in the nation this season. And, given the gauntlet-like feel that 152 has adapted, should he not repeat, he will undoubtedly go down as one of the top one-timers in the chronicles of NYS history.
Jimmy KlocA physically-imposing wrestler, Kloc does not need to score much in order to beat you. His ability to control you often leads to low scoring affairs that end in his favor. Winning a match 3-2 is perfectly acceptable to him, because he knows that at the end of the day, all that matters is the guy who gets his hand raised.
Still very early in the recruiting season, Kloc indicated that at present time, his most interested suitor appears to be North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
5. Dylan Palacio (Long Beach)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 145/152
Projected College Weight Class: 149/157
Analysis: The most controversial of the selections thus far, many of the people that I consulted with were unsure if Palacio deserved a spot this high on the list. The reason for their concern was the lack of a state title, despite being a three-time qualifier and a two-time placewinner (fourth as a sophomore at 140; third as a junior at 145). However, when giving consideration to his candidacy, I could not help but be won over by the breadth of his national resume. This is the kind of kid that seems to show up for everything. And more importantly, he produces when he is there. Having had the best offseason by any senior not named Realbuto or Murphy, Palacio was my "high ceiling" pick. By this, I refer to the fact that in the three years that I have been doing this list, there is always one guy who I elevate to a fairly high spot (regardless of the absence of a state title) because of the level of potential that I see in him at the next level. Given the intangibles of work ethic, desire to succeed, and just a plethora of God-given ability, Palacio is an individual who I could see having a Jon Masa (former three-time All-American for Hofstra who never won a NYS title) career. After all, both are products of the same high school program.
Dylan PalacioA self-described dynamic wrestler, Palacio said he often makes up moves on the spot. He feels this unorthodox style makes him hard to wrestle, especially the first time you are facing him. Above all else, he is of the opinion that you need to be create and inventive in order to keep the sport fresh and enjoyable. As he so eloquently put it, "I'll never win if I am not having fun while on the mat."
Collegiately, like a young man with his head screwed on right, Palacio indicated that he is looking for the best combination of academics and athletics. Hence, while there is still much discussion in his future, schools that have initially caught his eye include the likes of Cornell, Columbia, Bucknell, Harvard, Princeton, Maryland, Stanford, Ohio State, Arizona State, and Buffalo, among others.
Palacio is also a blue-chip soccer player and could be exploring dual offers to compete in both sports on the DI level.
6. Derek Pfluger (Sandy Creek)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: Perhaps the polar opposite of the person who preceded him on the list, Pfluger is a student-athlete who made and further proclaimed his reputation all within borders of NYS. Joining Realbuto as an individual seeking his fifth All-State performance in 2012, Pfluger is just one of those kids that you love to have on your team because he's money in the bank. The Sandy Creek staff knows that every time he takes the mat, they are guaranteed to get a steady effort out of him. In a world where people love upsets, he never gives you one because as a perennial top dog, he takes care of business each and every time he dons his school or sectional singlet. Such reliability is evident when you consider the tidbit that in the past four years, this two-time finalist/one-time NYS DII champion (in 2010), has never finished lower than third (which he did as both an eighth and ninth-grader) in his high school career. Joining the growing line of guys who very well could have been entering their senior seasons as multiple-time state champions, it is strongly believed by me and almost all of my colleagues that had he chosen to bump up to 145 in 2011, Pfluger might very well have repeated as a state champion. But alas, in typical warrior spirit, the "dirty blonde haired assassin" put more value in challenging the best, electing instead to stay at 140 and go against class of 2011 NY-10 recipient/current Binghamton freshman Derek Heyman. While he would drop a heartbreaking 4-2 decision in the DII state finals, Pfluger's willingness to embrace the challenge made a fan of me.
Derek Pfluger7. Alec Dierna (Wayne)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 120/126
Projected College Weight Class: 133
Analysis: A three-time NYS DI qualifier/two-time placewinner/2010 state champion (at 103), Dierna makes history with this selection. In joining his older brother Bob (referenced above), the Diernas become the first siblings to make the New York Top 10 list in different seasons. (In 2011, the Scott brothers shared a spot. Oddly enough, they too were from section V.) While Bob's number on the list hay have been higher, there is every reason in the world to suspect that by the end of the year, Al's state title count may surpass that of big brother. A third-place finisher this past year in the 119-pound weight class, anyone who questions Dierna's potential need only to revisit the 2010 NYS tournament where he cruised to the title, pinning two of his opponents (including 2009 Junior National freestyle runner-up/2010 NHSCA Senior Nationals champion Max Soria, in the semifinals), and outscoring two others by a combined tally of 16-7 (9-2 in the finals over 2011 Harvard recruit, Joe Barbato, the wrestler who knocked him out of title contention as a 96-pound freshman in 2009).
Alec DiernaSimilar to many of his peers on the list, Dierna feels that there is plenty of time to concern himself with the recruitment process. Therefore, for the time being he is focusing instead on building for a successful senior campaign -- one that he is confident will end with him regaining his top spot on the podium. He did however make mention of the fact that Maryland, under the tutelage of former NYS great, Kerry McCoy, has attracted early interest from him and his family.
8. Connor Sutton (LaSalle)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149/157
Analysis: Representing the present in what has been a recent golden era for the LaSalle wrestling program is defending NYS DI champion Sutton. As a freshman, he had a front row seat to watch as teammates Zach Clemente and Ken Altarac would go on to repeat as state champs in their senior season. Before this dynamic duo, it was Michael Chaires in 2007 putting the closing remarks on a career that yielded multiple titles. Sutton is hopeful and confident that 2012 will be his year to follow in the tradition.
Connor SuttonArmed with a nasty headlock and some top-level Greco-Roman skills (he went 4-1 at the Junior GR Duals), opponents go upper body against Sutton at their own risk (and more often than not, their own peril). He uniquely, but rather colorfully summarized his strategy on the mat by uttering the following, "All warfare is based on deception."
Himself a champion in the classroom as well on the wrestling mat, Sutton cited the Ivy League as his future ambition. While he is uncertain which member of this prestigious list he will lend his services to, he very much takes to heart the notion that student comes before athlete in the term "student-athlete."
9a. James Dekrone (John Glenn)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 138/145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149
Analysis: If there ever was a living example that perseverance pays dividends, it rests in the mind, body, and spirit of this John Glenn senior. Placing no higher than fourth in his own sectional/state qualify during the first two years of his scholastic career, Dekrone's run to the 2011 130-pound state finals was nothing short of a Cinderella story (that unfortunately came one fairy Godmother short, as well as one blue chip prince, Rutgers' freshman Steven Rodrigues, too many of ending with the glass slipper). Making his debut in Albany, one by one, Dekrone took on and disposed of some of the biggest household names in NYS. In the quarterfinals, he would earn the 6-3 "w" over returning state finalist Malik Rasheed (an opponent that he also defeated weeks earlier in the Suffolk County semifinals). Next up, he was matched against current Princeton freshman, multiple-time NHSCA All-American (including a runner-up finish at 2011 NHSCA Senior Nationals) Chris Perez. And yet again, it would be Dekrone rising to the occasion, penetrating the tight defense of Perez to emerge with the 6-4 decision. In defeat, Dekrone showed why he was one to watch in 2012, going nose-to-nose with Rodrigues, dropping the bout by the narrowest of margins, 3-2. When you take into account the fact that a few months later, Rodrigues would go on to finish fifth in the Junior National freestyle competition, which included a win over No. 2 Murphy, the overall effort in keeping the match so close takes on greater significance.
James DekroneA wrestler who likes to control the pace of the match, Dekrone says that the key ingredient to his success is to let the action come to him. Rather than force it and put himself in bad positions, he goes with the flow and seizes opportunities as they naturally develop.
On the topic of college, he too was just getting started with the process and elected not to name any specific schools as the current time.
9b. Anthony Finocchiaro (Canastota)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 138/145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149
Analysis: As a trained, professional journalist, I have been taught that you cannot run away from your errors. Therefore, in the spirit of full disclosure, I will admit that initially I did not have Finocchiaro on the list, simply because over the course of the past few years, I have been so focused on blogging the DI tournament, that I never got the chance to actually scout him. However, when doing the research on Dekrone, I could not help but take notice of the fact that everywhere the former was, so was the latter (including a head-to-head 6-5 victory in the NHSCA Freshman Nationals). Hence, as someone who is committed to doing what is both just and earned, I had no other option but to bestow upon this young stud the respect and credit that he had earned. This student-athlete has written his own ticket. He is a much worthy recipient of this distinction and I have no intent of cheating him of the acclaim.
Anthony FinocchiaroIn much the same way that I regard No. 5 Palacio, my decision to add Finocchiaro to the list was grounded in the theory that this is a kid who just knows how to turn it on when stepping onto the big stage. As only the second three-time NHSCA All-American among the group (Nevinger being the first), there is no doubting his ability to bang it out with the finest this country has to offer. Also of keen interest is the fact that of all of the people on the list, he may have the highest ceiling, as proven when he catapulted from two seventh and eighth place finishes as a freshman (at 119) and sophomore (at 125) to a runner-up placement at 130 this past offseason at NHSCA Junior Nationals in Virginia Beach.
Because of my original oversight, I did not have the opportunity to contact him directly for recruitment information. Therefore, I will say only that his national body of work over the duration of the past three years makes him in my opinion the kind of wrestler that any DI institution would be lucky to have representing them. If I am correct about him only now coming into his own, then it is quite possible that he could end up being the biggest steal of the 2012 recruiting season.
10. Sam Speno (Fox Lane)
Projected 2011-12 High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 133
Analysis: While fearful of beating a dead horse, Speno is another guy whose potential and growth in the past year I could not overlook. He too has the guts and heart of a lion. A three-time NYS qualifier, Speno announced his presence with authority in 2009, finishing fifth in a deep 96-pound bracket of talented underclassmen (with all four placewinners older than him having moved onto the NCAA DI level). For this reason, he headed into his sophomore campaign as a favorite to again being among the Empire State's best. However, bad luck would intervene when a string of upsets resulted in him running into returning state champion Mike Soria (twin brother of the previously mentioned Max) in a 103-pound elimination match to determine who would place. Giving it his best shot, Speno was unable to defeat the Soria (two years his elder), and fell 6-0, thus coming one "w" short of the podium. Rather than sulk and feel sorry for himself, the Fox Lane gem went back to work with a fire in his belly; a true man on a mission. This "take no prisoners" attitude proved to be worth its value in silver as during the regular season, Speno would beat former NYS finalist/2010 NHSCA Junior Nationals champion Sean McCormick on multiple occasions, further confirming that if you wanted the state title, you would need to go through him. This notion would come to fruition as Speno figuratively spanked his first three opponents, pinning his first victim midway through the second period and outscoring his other two foes by a combined score of 19-4 (including a 6-2 victory over returning NYS fourth-place finisher Asher Kramer, also of Section I), thus locking up his first career finals appearance at 112 pounds. Unfortunately, awaiting him on the top half of the bracket was none other than McCormick, who in relying on his senior experience managed to even the score, securing the necessary takedowns to walk away with the 5-2 decision and deprive Speno of that much craved crown.
Sam SpenoBreaking down his strategy for us, Speno expressed that the key to victory comes from being aggressive and getting off first. As he phrased it, "If I stay on the attack and continue to get in deep, my opponent is going to have no choice but to wrestle from a position of disadvantage."
Still weighing his college options, Speno did say that he is looking to go DI and wants to attend a school that offers a strong program in physical education. Working in his favor is the knowledge that almost all prominent NCAA DI teams have above average schools of education. Thus, he will have his pick of amazing opportunities.
Honorable Mention:
Danny Ventura (Fox Lane), 2nd in '11 at 119*
Tom Page (Eden), 5th in '09 at 96, 3rd in '10 at 112, 3rd in '11 at 119*
Jeff O'Lena (East Rochester), 6th in '09 at 96, 5th in '11 at 119*
Corey Dake (Lansing), 4th in '09 at 96, 4th in '10 at 112, 6th in '11 at 119*
Jimmy Kyreakedes (Dobbs Ferry), 6th in '10 at 103, 4th in '11 at 119*
Kevin Strong (Frewsburg), 5th in '09 at 103, 3rd in '11 at 125*
Malik Rasheed (Longwood), 5th in '09 at103, 2nd in '10 at 112*
Ben Haas (Salamanica), State Champion in '11 at 145*
Lucas Malmberg (Marathon), State Champion in '11 at 96, NHSCA AA in '11 **
Mark Raghunadan (Long Beach), 3rd in '10 at 96, 2nd in '11 at 103, Fargo Double AA in '10**
Jacob Goddeau (Peru), State Champion in '09 at 96, 4th in '10 at 103, NHSCA AA in '11**
Tyler Button (Phoenix), 4th in '10 at 145, 3rd in '11 at 145, NHSCA AA in '09**
Tristan Hamner (Medina), 5th in '10 at 152, 3rd in '11 at 152, NHSCA AA in '09, '10, '11**
Matt Lashaway (Queensbury), 2nd in '11 at 171, FloNationals AA in '11**
Tony Lock (Pioneer), 4th in '10 at 171, 2nd in '11 at 171, NHSCA AA in '09**
Austyn Hayes (Phoenix), 4th in '10 at 171, 6th in '11 at 171, NHSCA AA in '09, '10**
Ryan Todd (Lansing), 2nd in '10 at 189, 2nd in '11 at 189, NHSCA AA in '10**
Zach Diekel (Whitehall), 4th in '09 at 171, 5th in '10 at 171, 3rd in '11 at 189, NHSCA AA in '09**
Kacee Sauer (Holley), 2nd in '10 at 285, 2nd in '11 at 285, NHSCA AA in '09**
Pat Skinner (Kellenberg Memorial), 6th in '11 at 103, NHSCA AA in '11***
Sean McCabe (Connetquot), 3rd in '11 at 112, NHSCA AA in '10***
Dylan Caruana (Kenmore West), 6th in '11 at 125, NHSCA AA in '11***
Jamel Hudson (St. Anthony's), 5th in '11 at 135, NHSCA AA in '10***
Aaron Dudley (Hudson Falls), 6th in '11 at 145, NHSCA AA in '09***
Keegan Cerwinski (Greene), 6th in '11 at 160, NHSCA AA in '09***
Tony Fusco (Shenendehowa), 4th in '11 at 189, 2009 NHSCA AA***
Cole Lampman (Shenendehowa), 5th in '11 at 285, NHSCA AA in '10
* '11 NYS finalist or former multiple-time NYS placewinner
** '11 NYS finalist or former multiple-time NYS placewinner + NHSCA, Flo, or Fargo AA
*** NYS Placewinner + NHSCA, Flo, or Fargo AA
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