Most wrestlers set a goal of one day being crowned Section 9 Champion. Winning two or even three Section 9 titles is something that most wrestlers only dream about accomplishing! Well let’s take a look at the wrestlers who have done the unthinkable – they are our 4X and 5X champions! I have also included a list of the 4X and 5X state qualifiers as well as an active 4X champ who has a chance of becoming the 1st ever 5X Division 2 champion! If I have accidentally omitted anyone please let me know through the comment section or at sectionixwrestling@gmail.com. Enjoy!
5X Section 9 Division 1 Champions
Troy Bouzakis (Pine Bush) 1986-1990
Jamie Franco (Monroe Woodbury) 2005-2009
Cody Ruggirello (Valley Central) 2006-2010
Shane Connolly (Warwick) 2008-2012
5X NYS Division 1 Qualifiers
Johnny Stramiello (Pine Bush) 2010-2014
Evan Barczak (Monroe Woodbury) 2013-2017
Marco Vespa (Monroe Woodbury) 2015-2019
4X Section 9 Division 1 Champions
John Scanlon (Pearl River) 1966-1969
Paul Ciccone (Suffern) 1967-1970
Paul Pietropoalo (Nanuet) 1973-1976
Gary Fischbein (Monroe Woodbury) 1980-1984
Jeff Lewis (Valley Central) 1985-1988
Lou Ruggirello Sr. (Valley Central) 1986-1989
Mike Bucci (Red Hook) 1987-1990
Mike Mitchell (Cornwall) 1992-1995
Phillip Mansueto (Middletown) 1995-1998
Ricky Scott (Valley Central) 2002-2005
Louie Ruggirello Jr. (Valley Central) 2003-2006
Ryan Ferro (Warwick) 2014-2017
4X Section 9 Division 2 Champions
Max O’Meara (Red Hook) 2005-2008
Greg Brunner (Tuxedo) 2008-2011
Taylor Benson (Red Hook) 2013-2016
Dillon Ross (Onteora) 2015-2018
4X NYS D1 Qualifiers
Mike D’Amato (Wallkill/Valley Central) 2004, 2006-2008
Mike Vespa (Monroe Woodbury) 2007-2010
Taylor Laraia (Newburgh Free Academy) 2007-2010
Vinny Vespa (Monroe Woodbury) 2012-2015
Michael Raccioppi (Minisink Valley) 2012-2015
Active 4X Section 9 Division 2 Champion
Nick Ross (Onteora) 2017-present
Evan Barzac is wrestling for D1 Drexel University and ranked as the pre-season #24 by flo!