2025-26 PreSeason Pound for Pound Rankings

1. Griffin LaPlante (St. Francis)

LaPlante has been on a meteoric rise since he introduced himself to the section in 2023. Already a 2X CHSAA Sectional Champ, 2X Eastern States Finalist, 2X NYS Finalist and won NYS Championship Gold on his return to the finals. It’s crazy to say that even with all of those accomplishments this young man is just scratching the surface of what he is going to add to his resume by the time he finishes his scholastic career. LaPlante seemingly hasn’t left the mat, competing in National Events racking up wins against multiple Top 10 Nationally Ranked Opponents. Heading into the 2026 Season LaPlante has put himself in National Rankings and will be looking to defend his State Title, and you don’t want to miss a second of when he’s out there, so don’t blink, because his matches could be over just like that. 

2. Cullen Edwards (St. Francis)

Edwards has been on an absolute tear since arriving to the CHSAA. The Second Red Raider on this list (and not the last) Edwards has won CHSAA Sectional Gold in every outing. So far a 2X CHSAA Sectional Champion, Edwards has added some big names to his list en route to those Championship wins. Edwards has also podiumed twice in his trips to the NYS Championships. Edwards also has some National Level Experience notching some big wins during this past Off Season just placing 5th at the Prestigious Grappler Fall Classic which he also won in 2024 (as the 11 seed, the first in GFC History). 

3. Tanner Catrabone (St. Francis)

The 3rd Red Raider on this entry, Tanner managed to introduce himself with a bang in his freshman season. Catrabone placed 3rd in his first trip to the Prestigious Eastern States Classic and was One of 3 Freshman to win the CHSAA Sectional Championships last season. He then went on to finish 2nd at the NYS Championships. Starting his career with a high note there’s no telling what this young man is going to accomplish. 

4. George Johnson (Iona Prep)

One of two Gaels on the list, Johnson is a 2X Eastern States Classic Placewinner, County Champion, 2x CHSAA Sectional Champion, and finished his season as a NYS Medalist. Johnson can be seen having fun during his matches, oftentimes jumping over his opponents. Johnson is a bonus point machine often leading the Gaels to blowout victories, or even helping give the Gaels the edge against more competitive teams. Johnson’s pin victory helped seal the win in the Gael’s nail-biting Dual against NYC Team Rival Monsignor Farrell. 

5. Rory White (St. Francis)

White is one of the standout Red Raiders on the team. Always down for a good scrap he has a never can die attitude that has helped put him over in big matches. Falling just short of his goal in 2024 it always still felt like White was destined to claim his title and it was just a matter of time. 2025 seemed to be that year for White as he placed 7th at the Prestigious Eastern States Classic, like mentioned above Sectional Gold, and placed 4th at the NYS Championships. 

6. William Wortkoetter (St. Francis) 

A Red Raider who knows how to make his presence felt on the mat. Wortkoetter is a quick pinning machine who has no problem shooting like a lightweight which not too many of his opponents expect wrestling at Heavyweight. Wortkoetter in his first outing with the Red Raiders managed to capture Eastern States Gold, CHSAA Sectional Gold, and Bronze at the NYS Championships. Now committed Division 1 to Mercyhurst, Wortkoetter is looking to end his scholastic career on a high note before starting his NCAA Career.

7. Zachary Caldwell (St. Francis) 

Caldwell is the last Red Raider on the entry. Caldwell in his first outing with the Red Raiders placed 4th at the Eastern States Classic, won CHSAA Sectional Gold, and placed 7th at the NYS Championships. Caldwell has had some off season success as well just recently taking 3rd at the Grappler Fall Classic. Caldwell has also committed Division 1 to Mercyhurst and will be joining his fellow Red Raider to join the Lakers. We can’t wait to see what the dynamic duo can do on the collegiate level!

8. Brett Crawford (St. Anthony’s) 

Crawford is a returning CHSAA Sectional Champ from 2023 where he won the crown at 102lbs and just missed out on a podium finish having fallen in the blood round at the NYS Championships. Since then he has made the finals of the CHSAA Sectional Championships knocking off former State Medaled Opponents proving why he’s a consistent Top 10 Wrestler in the State. Crawford will be joining Caldwell and Wortkoetter for the Mercyhurst Lakers and will be looking to reclaim his title and get his Podium Finish at the State Tournament before his scholastic career ends in March. 

9. Fotis Koufalis (Iona Prep) 

Koufalis is the younger brother of Kosta Koufalis (2024 CHSAA Sectional Champion and NYS Bronze Medalist) and has already announced himself on a high note. One of 3 Freshman CHSAA Sectional Champions Koufalis has a shot at becoming a 4X CHSAA Sectional Champion (First in Program History). Koufalis proved that it doesn’t matter if you take a few losses on your way to the top as 3rd time was the charm for Koufalis to beat the one opponent who plagued him all last season, and he did it in the Sectional Finals, what a bittersweet way to get to the top. Keep an eye on Koufalis because he can very well end up on the State Podium in March. 

10. Brennan Sprague (Monsignor Farrell)

What isn’t there to say about this final entry on this list. When you think of all of the standout Lions, usually the one who stands apart from the rest is Sprague. Sprague’s unorthodox style has proven to be his biggest asset in applying his technique in matches, beating some of the best the country and other countries have to offer. Although falling short this past season of winning his first Sectional Title, Sprague is an Eastern States Classic Medalist finishing 8th at 116lbs. During the Off Season is where Sprague seems to thrive the most making the Fargo team for his second time, beating 3x Minnesota State Champ/#15 Ranked Wrestler in the country at his weight. Sprague even represented the USA in International Competition at Estonia at the Tallin Open/Kristjan Palusalu (Europe’s Largest Wrestling Tournament) where he placed 5th in Freestyle and 2nd in Greco Roman. So don’t blink when Sprague is on the mat because it can very well be over like that. 

2025-25 Pre Season Team Rankings

With the season a month away, what a better time to check out the upcoming landscape of our CHSAA Wrestling Season. With returning Hammers and Teams on the rise, let's take a look at our field of competition and break down our Top 10 Teams heading into the 2025-26 Season.

1: St. Francis (Red Raiders)

The Red Raiders went on a tear last season practically dominating just about every event they competed in. The Red Raiders won CHSAA Sectional Team Bronze, Eastern States Team Gold, CHSAA Monsignor Martin League Team Gold, CHSAA Sectional Dual Gold, and capped off a successful season with NYSPHSAA State Team Gold. The Red Raiders have a bunch of returning hammers to their lineup and with their newest additions there’s no doubt they might be staying at the top. 

2. Iona Prep (Gaels)

The Gaels are not to be forgotten. The Gaels have taken the section by storm starting in 2020 narrowly winning NYSPHSAA Team Gold back in 2023. In 2025 Iona Prep earned a Bronze Team Finish at the Eastern States Classic, Silver at the CHSAA Dual Championships, Silver at the NYC League Championships, and Silver at the CHSAA Sectional Championships. The Gaels have some hammers returning in the lineup and some Gaels that are looking to shake things up in a big way. 

3. Monsignor Farrell (Lions)

The Lions are the returning CHSAA Sectional Team Champions. The Lions between 2005-2020 held a NYC/State record for not only having a Sectional Champion, but for those champs to then go on and either place or win the NYSPHSAA State Tournament 2 weeks after. The Lions also hold another record as the only 3 NYS Champions to come from Staten Island have come from Monsignor Farrell High School. The Lions in 2025 have won their Annual David Ironman Invitational, Donald Douglas Memorial (Formerly known as The Mayor’s Cup) Team Gold, earned Bronze at the CHSAA Sectional Dual Championships, CHSAA NYC League Team Gold, and capped their season off with CHSAA Sectional Team Gold. Their first since 2009. 

4. Chaminade (Flyers)

The Flyers are looking just as strong as ever heading into the 2026 Season. In 2025 The Flyers placed Silver in the CHSAA Nassau-Suffolk League Championships, finished in 4th Place at the CHSAA Sectional Championships ahead of their Long Island competitors with 9 Individual Sectional Placewinners (1 Champ), and an Individual All State Medalist. With most of these guys returning the Flyers can very well become in contention again and reclaim the Sectional Title they won back in 2020. 

5. Kellenberg Memorial (Firebirds) 

The Firebirds had many memorable moments in the 2025 season. Winning the Nassau-Suffolk League Championships as a team, placing 5th place as a team in the CHSAA Sectional Championships with 8 Individual Sectional Placewinners (2 Champs), and 2 Individual All Medalists. The Firebirds have always been a threat to top ranked teams. No one can forget their classic Dual with Monsignor Farrell at the Dual Championships where Farrell won via criteria on a tied 44-44 score. So the Firebirds very well have what it takes to be at the top and claim Sectional Team Gold. 

6. St. Anthony’s (Friars)

The Friars have been a dynastic program in our Section winning consecutive Sectional Team Golds and Individual Golds. In 2025 the Friars finished Bronze in the Nassau-Suffolk League Championships, placed a total of 6 Individual Sectional Medalists (1 Champ), and an Individual All-State Medalist. The Friars are a young team and have a good chance to announce themselves as the dangerous presence they have been known for. 

7. St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute (Marauders)

The Marauders have been a staple program in the Monsignor Martin League. The Marauders hold the lone 4x Individual Sectional Champion in Monsignor Martin History. Speaking of, the Marauders Captured the Monsignor Martin League Team Championship and even pulled off an upset dual victory over St. Anthony’s during the Dual Championships. Keep an eye out for the Marauders in the upcoming season as they can yet again might string together some big wins again. 

8. St. John the Baptist (Cougars)

The Cougars have been an exciting team to watch compete within the section. Another Strong Island school that is very young in talent but has still managed to compete with the best our section has to offer. These studs, some of which have more experience now lead the Cougars into a more serious Title Conversation within the next upcoming years. Almost pulling off the upset dual win against Monsignor Farrell in a back and forth dual meet that sought the Lions digging deep for the win. The Cougars during the end of the season captured Team Gold Amongst the Division 2 Schools with a total of 3 Individual All Sectional Medalists at the CHSAA Sectional Championships. 

9. Holy Trinity (Titans)

The Titans are the last of the five Strong Island Schools in our rankings. Last year the Titans had their first Sectional Champion in 4 years (Since Brian Holder in 2020). The Titans finished in the Top 5 at the Nassau-Suffolk League Championships but that did not let that stop them from finishing Silver for the Division 2 Schools at the CHSAA Sectional Championships with a total of 3 Individual All Sectional Medalists. The Titans are always improving with each outing and you can always make for an exciting matchup during the season. 

10. St. Joseph by the Sea (Vikings) 

The Vikings have been on a rise recently and are constantly improving and learning from their previous outings. The Vikings finished Bronze in the NYC League Championships and Bronze for the Division 2 Schools at the CHSAA Sectional Championships. Never count any of the Vikings out as they are known to occasionally break brackets and come out on top against some tough competition. Keep an eye out for the Vikings in the 2026 Season. 

January 16, 2025 Match Night #2 Ranked Iona Prep vs #5 Monsignor Farrell

The NYC League Rivalry between Iona Prep and Monsignor Farrell has not disappointed since it started in 2020. Today’s Dual meet had a lot of great matches that I can’t wait to discuss. The dual meet was very back and forth and came down to the very last bout of the night. So let’s not stall and get right into the News. 

#2 Ranked Iona Prep took on #5 Ranked Monsignor Farrell this evening in the Lion's Den and the Dual Meet did not disappoint. The matches were back and forth and we even had a match of the year contender at 160lbs. The dual meet started at 108lbs after a forfeit after 101lbs. The bout was a fun one that saw Steve Ruggierio (MF) taking on Fotis Koufalis (IP). Ruggierio took the lead with the first takedown but Koufalis managed to take a good lead after putting Ruggierio onto his back for a 3 count. But Ruggierio’s relentlessness had him put up 3 straight takedowns to take the lead and win the match putting the Lions up by 9 in the first 2 matches. Lion standout Brennan Sprague garnered another pin for the Lions at 116lbs, as well as another forfeit for the Lions at 124lbs. Shane Degl got the Gaels going with a pin of their own at 131lbs. At 138lbs Kenneth Keltto (IP) vs Lucas Tait (MF) had a scrap. It was a lot of back and forth action that had Tait up by 1 late into the 3rd period. But it was noticed on the weigh in book that Tait had not had his weight written down on the weigh in sheet, so the match was stopped and the Gaels were awarded the forfeit victory. At 145lbs Vincent Tripaldi, one of Iona Prep’s trio of Bronze Medalists from the Eastern States Classic took on Anthony Taylor of Farrell. Taylor kept the match competitive but Tripaldi had some finesse to show off with a nice misdirection spin behind. Unfortunately in one of their flurries Taylor had hit his head and needed Injury time, and using up all of his Injury time and unable to continue the Lions injury forfeit at 145lbs. 

George Johnson (2nd of the Trio) was next up for the Gaels at 152lbs when he took on Quinn Hunt (MF) getting the fall in just 3:41! The next bout was match of the night Johnny Bonura (MF) taking on Rafael Rodriguez (IP) in an exciting bout. Rodriguez was on fire opening the bout up with a beautiful textbook low single. Rodriguez was able to find his offense very well and got himself rolling up to a 10-3 lead with 20 seconds left in the match. Bonura was undeterred, forcing the upper body attacks on the way out of bounds. Then, in the final 15 seconds Bonura tries to force the upper body position and Rodriguez (aware of this) shoots a textbook double as Bonura gets an underhook and throws Rodriguez to his back, as time expires preventing the pinfall. The ref throws up three takedown, four nearfall, Johnny Bonura steals the win at 160lbs with a 1 point lead in the final second! What a win for the Lions. Sean Foley (IP) got it back for the Gaels with 6-5 victory over Nick Zadvinsky (MF) in an back and forth bout. Iowa Hawkeye commit Paolo Ciatto (IP) put another 6 points on the board for the Gales in dominating fashion with a pin over Mike Gebbia (MF) in just 1:57! JP Deliso (MF) got the Lions back in the win column with a pin of his own for the Lions in just 2:59, putting the Lions within 3 points of the Dual. And, in classic Dual Meet Fashion winning bout comes down to heavyweight. The match features Carlos Malespin (IP) vs William Aguirre (MF), and was a classic heavyweight bout. The match was 1-0 in favor of Malespin with the Lions having choice to start the next period. Aguirre chooses to start the period on bottom in hopes to tie the score, but Malespin had a tough ride on top breaking Aguirre down to get his powerhalf and the dual winning pin in 3:47. 

The Gaels and Lions gave us an awesome preview to the NYC League Championships coming up in February. Most of the matches could be rematches in the League Finals and possibly hold team title implications. The Gaels are now 2-0 against the Lions this season but don’t count them out just yet, as they are notorious for making adjustments in the post season. The Lions are returning League Team Champs and are looking to repeat as they approach the League Championships, but the Gaels might have something to say about that as they look to claim more Individual Titles and bring the League Title back home to New Rochelle. 

Today’s Dual Meet did not disappoint in the slightest, with fun exciting matchups for just about every type of wrestling fan and spectator. The Gaels and Lions brought the grit to today's Dual Meet and I can’t wait to see the rematches in February. Who takes home the Gold?