The Holyoke High School Wrestling Team received the 2023-24 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Sportsmanship Award on Saturday, February 17 at the Division 2 State tournament at Algonquin High School in Northborough, MA. It is a highly sought-after award that is given to one team for each of the MIAA-sanctioned sports.
As stated on their website, “The MIAA is committed to encouraging and promoting the high ideals of sportsmanship, integrity and ethics, as well as developing a positive environment for athletic events at all levels of interscholastic competition. The goal of interscholastic athletics is to give young people the opportunity to expand their educational horizons by experiencing fair and friendly competition with their peers. Ingrained in this competition is respect for rules, regulations, opponents and officials.”
The MIAA also states that: “Nominated teams should exemplify the tenets of good sportsmanship to the highest degree and are not required to qualify for the state tournament for consideration. Award criteria include Teamwork, Fair play/respect for opponents, Ethics, and Citizenship.”
Coach Vincent Silano, shared “I am extremely proud of this team of athletes. They are respectful, hardworking, and committed. It has been an absolute joy to coach this team. It truly takes a village, and we could not have done this without the continued support of our school leaders, Assistant Coaches Aarin Feliz, Coach Luis Robles, and Coach Sheldon Rhoden, and our many volunteer coaches.”
“Congratulations to our Wrestlers and Coaches for this awesome recognition,” added Athletic Director Mel Martin. “This team of athletes and coaches are extremely dedicated to their sport and treat everyone--teammates, coaches, fans, opponents and officials--with respect. I am very proud of the way they have represented Holyoke and promoted sportsmanship throughout the entire season.”
Additionally, three wrestlers qualified for the Division 2 State Tournament:
Jackson Nbonihamkuye, 106 lbs. He placed 3rd at the Division 2 West Sectional tournament.
Steven Santiago, 113 lbs. He took 1st place at the Division 2 West Sectional tournament.
165 Jonathan Marrero Rivera, 165 lbs. He placed 4th at the Division 2 West Sectional tournament.
Congratulations to the Holyoke High School Wrestling Team!
Head coach: Vincent Silano
Assistant coaches: Aarin Feliz, Luis Robles, Sheldon Rhoden
Volunteer coaches: Matt Begley, Russell Rivera, Jose Berrios, Juan Santiago, David Brazeau, Jeremy Scutellaro
Wrestlers
First Name | Last Name | Campus | Grade |
Yadiel | Belen | Dean | 9 |
Andres | Bravo-Marcano | Dean | 12 |
Zaire | Burton-King | Dean | 10 |
Angel | Calderon | Dean | 12 |
Jeremiah | Charles | Dean | 12 |
Manuel | Fernandez | Dean | 12 |
Abinadab | Garay Cintron | Dean | 12 |
Izabella | Guzman | Dean | 12 |
Felix | Marrero-Cruz | Dean | 11 |
Antwon | Navarro | Dean | 10 |
Melvin | Ortiz Rodriguez | Dean | 12 |
Jack | Perez | Dean | 10 |
Aaiden | Reyes | Dean | 9 |
Manuelle | Rivera | Dean | 12 |
Luis | Rivera | Dean | 11 |
Ian | Rivera Soler | Dean | 12 |
Jenaye | Rodriguez | Dean | 12 |
Cecilio | Sanchez | Dean | 9 |
Ezequiel | Vazquez | Dean | 10 |
Parker | Brunelle | North | 9 |
Dereck | Concepcion | North | 12 |
Jadyn | King | North | 10 |
Johann | Lopez | North | 9 |
Jayden | Molina | North | 10 |
Ivan | Rivera | North | 9 |
Jonathan | Rivera marrero | North | 10 |
Jacob | Rosa | North | 9 |
Steven | Santiago | North | 10 |
Jackson | Nbonihamkuye | Opportunity Academy | 11 |