Steven Santiago, an 11th-grade scholar-athlete from Holyoke High School North Campus, reached an extraordinary milestone at the New England Championships, securing his 100th career win and finishing the season with an impressive 101 wins on Sunday, March 9. He went 2-2 at the tournament, placing among the top 12 wrestlers in all of New England.
“His journey to New Englands was nothing short of remarkable,” said Holyoke’s head wrestling coach Vincent Silano. “His runner-up finish at the Division 2 State Tournament qualified him for the All-State Tournament, where he placed 6th overall. This finish earned him a coveted spot in the New England Championships—the biggest tournament New England high school wrestling has to offer—a lifelong goal he has worked tirelessly to achieve.”
Steven Santiago’s season highlights
Two-time Division 2 West Champion at different weight classes (113 lbs and 120 lbs)
Runner-up at the Division 2 State Tournament (improving from 6th place last year)
6th place at the All-State Tournament (qualifying him for New England Championships)
Competed at the New England Championships, finishing in the top 12
Defeated the Vermont and Rhode Island state runner-ups in his first two matches at New Englands
“Steven is not only an exceptional athlete and leader, but he has also set a new standard for wrestling at Holyoke,” Coach Silano said. “He is the first wrestler in a decade to achieve these milestones and is on track to become the best wrestler in Holyoke history. Meanwhile, the entire team and coaching staff have elevated the program to new heights, paving the way for even greater success in the years to come. Parents and guardians have stepped up in major ways as well—including donating food for long days at competitions and promoting a New Englands Support trip attended by teammates to support Steven in his first New Englands Tournament experience.”
Beyond his individual success, Steven served as a team captain and led his teammates to a strong season. With his leadership, Holyoke had three Division 2 State qualifiers and two alternates, as well as seven total placers at the Division 2 West Tournament.
Division 2 State Qualifiers
Luis Rivera (144 lbs, Senior, Dean Tech) – 3rd place, Division 2 West
Jack Perez (165 lbs, Junior, Dean Tech) – 4th place, Division 2 West
Zaire Burton-King (113 lbs, Junior, Dean Tech) – 4th place, Division 2 West
Division 2 State Alternates
Jayden Molina Santana (126 lbs, Junior, HHSN) – 5th place, Division 2 West
Parker Brunelle (285 lbs, Sophomore, HHSN) – 5th place, Division 2 West
Additional Division 2 West Placers
Josiah Cendeno (106 lbs, Junior, HHSN) – 6th place, Division 2 West
Cecelio Sanchez (157 lbs, Sophomore, Dean Tech) – 6th place, Division 2 West
Team Accomplishments and Growth
Regular season record: 10-11 in dual meets
1st place as a team at the Franklin Tech Eagle Duals
6th place as a team at the Western Mass Division 2 Sectional Tournament
“These achievements demonstrate just how much this team has improved in the span of one year,” Coach Silano said. “The hard work, commitment, and leadership from both the athletes and coaching staff have transformed Holyoke Wrestling into a highly competitive program on the rise.”
Coach Silano was also recognized for his achievements earlier this year, when he was named the Division 2 West Coach of the Year on February 15.
“This award is truly a reflection of the dedication and impact of our entire coaching staff—Aarin Feliz, Luis Robles, Sheldon Rhoden, and volunteer Coach Matthew Begley—who have played an instrumental role in the team’s success. I am beyond blessed to be surrounded by such inspiring coaches,” Coach Silano said.
The momentum behind this program has also inspired David Brazeau, Jose Berrios, and Eric Lukomski to establish a Youth Wrestling program for students in grades 3-8. “This initiative is an exciting step forward, ensuring that wrestling in Holyoke continues to grow for all the right reasons and that future generations of athletes have the opportunity to thrive,” Coach Silano said.