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The squad recently took home a Division II title at the Section 1 duals. It is quite the achievement for a program that only has existed since 2000.
The wrestling team is coached by Will Carano, who helped get students into wrestling and get the community behind the team.
"There was no program before then," Carano said. "There was no wrestling culture here."
A youth wrestling program helped build up the team and now Carano is enjoying the success.
"It's all come to fruition," Carano said.
Carano praised his students for being good athletes as well as good students who are positive role models in the community.
"I don't give them a list of rules," Carano said. "All I ask is that you be a good person, a good student and a good wrestler."
The coach also praised the Putnam Valley Parks and Recreation Department for their support of wrestling in Putnam.
"I couldn't do this on my own," Carano said.
Carano said the team is always looking to get more wrestlers as they don't have enough for every weight class.
"It makes it hard to compete for titles since we have to forfeit matches," Carano said.
The wrestling team has been led by captains Will Messinger and Sam Honors, two seniors. Carano has praised them for their leadership and helping others adjust to the rigors of wrestling, which involves three two-minute rounds.
"You have to be in shape, it's grueling," Carano said. "It's a lot easier said than done."
Putnam Valley alumni are also helping the program. Chris Bruno, a former wrestler, was at practice on his holiday break from New York University.
"He could be out making money or enjoying his time off," Carano said. "That's huge for our program."
Messinger said that while winning at sectionals is great, it doesn't change the teams goal of competing for a state title.
"I've never seen a team like this," Messinger said. "We want to work hard and we want to win. Every single guy gets it."
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