An appreciation by John Canty

WARWICK-In a season that had as many as five Section 9 teams ranked in the top 20 in the state and the Section 9 state team place second in the state at the NYSPHSAA Division I Tournament, the Warwick Valley wrestlers posted a 14-5 overall record and a 6-2 league record. Led by seniors Craig Monahan, Eric Petersen, Antyon Stewart and Dwight Herrmann, (all of whom won more than 20 matches) the Wildcats enjoyed their most successful season in their short history. Dramatic wins over established successful programs Newburgh Free Academy, Northern Adirondack and Cornwall solidified Warwick wrestling as an up and coming program in New York State. The Wildcats finished in the top five in all of the team scoring tournaments entered this season: First Pawling; first Montgomery Duals; second Pearl River; third Colonie; and fifth NFA Duals. Mike Santalla became Warwick's second Section 9 tournament finalist, while Andrew Greenlaw placed third and Antyon Stewart finished fifth. Kevin Connolly, Mike Knapp, Joe Stolzenberg, Pat Sweeney and Shaun Barrett also all finished with more than 20 wins on the season. Although the losses of the four seniors will be felt, captains Shaun Barrert, Mike Knapp and Joe Stolzenberg will look forward to leading the Wildcats to greater heights in 2005-2006.