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Sixteen years ago, the United States lost one its greatest wrestling heroes – Dave Schultz.  On January 26, 1996 Schultz was shot and killed by DuPont heir John E. duPont at the Foxcatcher Wrestling training facility in Newtown Square, PA.  duPont, later convicted and found to be mentally ill, was the sponsor of  Foxcatcher Wrestling.  He died in prison on December 9, 2010.

Perhaps the most decorated wrestler in US history, Schultz, like many other great wrestlers, did not even take up the sport until junior high school.  Schultz’s senior year in high school (1977, Palo Alto, CA) is generally considered the greatest individual season by a high school wrestler in US history.  During that season he won the US Nationals in Greco Roman (open division…against grown men), he pinned a former 2X NCAA champion at an “open” college tournament, and he capped off the season by winning the California HS state title.  Schultz was a 10X World Champion, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and NCAA Champion.

Check out the link below for a recent article by Philly.com which does an outstanding job of Recalling the Schultz – duPont Tragedy.

Congratulations to Cornwall Head Wrestling Coach Don Blaine for recording his 400th career victory.  The milestone achievement occurred when his team defeated New Paltz 75-10 this past Sunday at the Highland Duals.  Blaine is the first Section 9 wrestling coach to reach 400 wins and now ranks in the top 15 in New York State history. 

Blaine began his coaching career in 1983 and earned his first victory in December of that year against Wallkill.  Twenty-nine years later he has amassed an incredible record of 402-120-1 including 11 league championships.  Blaine has coached 23 Section 9 champions, 7 state placewinners, and one 2X state champion (Paul Paquin).  In 2011, Coach Blaine was inducted in the the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame.

What his peers say:
“Congrats to Coach Blaine on his 400th.  He is a great guy and has consistently turned out quality teams.  The Goldback/Dragon Dual is always one of the highlights of our season.  We will continue to do our part to keep him from getting to 500 any time soon!”                             NFA Head Wrestling Coach and fellow Hall of Famer Jeff Cuilty

“Don Blaine is the coach that I try to emulate my coaching style after.  He is a true example of how hard work and dedication pays off into success.” 
                                          Monroe Woodbury Head Wrestling Coach Steve Fischbein

“Congratulations Don.  The 400 wins speak for itself, but the real story is Don Blaine the man.  He has been a great role model for so many kids and other coaches for a long time. The kids that wrestle for Don are hard working, fight till the end, and compete with great sportsmanship …all a direct result of their coach.  Congrats to a good friend.”  
                                           Minisink Valley Head Wrestling Coach Kevin Gallagher 

Kohl Tournament at Suffern (MW, PJ) is now scheduled for Sunday 9:30 AM start.

Gene Brigham Memorial Tournament at Minisink Valley (MV, RV, Middletown, Onteora, Goshen, and Wallkill) is now scheduled for Sunday 9:00 AM start.

Edmont Tournament (Monticello, Tuxedo) is now scheduled for Sunday.

Lansingburgh Tournament (NFA) is still on for Sat./Sun.

Congratulations to Section 9 referees Wayne Carroll, Greg Tavano, and Gunnar DeJong.  All three of these veteran officials have been selected to work the New York State Wrestling Championship Tournament in February.  Jeff Traver, who works both Section 1 and Section 9 matches, has been selected to work the state tournament as well.  Traver, however, will be representing Section 1.  Congratulations and good luck to all four of these outstanding officials!