Valdey Pierre made a significant impact for Sachem North, propelling the wrestling team to its first county championship in over three decades.
“I wasn’t aware that the county title was at stake,” said Pierre, a senior competing in the 285-pound category, reflecting on his pivotal performance at the Suffolk finals.
“After stepping off the mat, my coach informed me, ‘You just secured the county championship for us.’ That moment was pure joy,” he added.
Pierre’s calculated 4-0 triumph over Erick Mejia Zavala from Amityville not only clinched the team victory but also earned him a spot at the individual state championships for the second consecutive year, slated for late February.
This year, Pierre is determined to capture his first medal in Albany.
“Last year, I faced a significant weight disadvantage, but now I’ve gained mass and better filled out my frame,” explained the 17-year-old, who competes in the 285-pound class, weighing in around 230 pounds.
“I feel like I’ll probably get on that podium this year,” added Pierre, now closer to 270 pounds.
The big man, also an offensive lineman committed to play at Pace University, has been putting in plenty of weight-room work and said his fall sport experience helps on the mat.
“It’s a lot of hip stuff I’ve learned, also hand fighting,” he said. “It translates.”
Pierre also has a super supporter in his corner — younger sister Chloe, who is “a really light 185” on the girls wrestling team as a sophomore.
“We’re trying to get her on the county podium now,” Pierre said of her junior season.
The Fighting Tomcats found their new hangar.
American Soccer Club of the NPSL announced its home games will be played in the heart of Nassau County at 10,000-seat Mitchel Field in Uniondale for its second season, moving a few short blocks from Hofstra University to the larger stadium this May.
Hungry for more, the team also announced Embassy Diner of Bethpage as its official eatery.
