Last week, Sayville wrestlers Justin Liu, Justin (JP) Siracusa and Kevin compete in the Empire State Games (ESG), a sporting event patterned after the Olympics. These three Sayville wrestlers were ready for an experience of a lifetime. They had the opportunity to meet and compete with athletes from all over New York State and experience dorm life at Buffalo State University.

They proudly wore their official Empire State Games warm-up suit to the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday evening where they marched in the Parade of Athletes, enjoyed a fireworks display and concert by Third Eye Blind, where Justin and JP were lifted overhead and crowd surfed through the stadium.

The boys did not have any matches on Thursday so they took advantage of the
opportunity to exercise, mingle with other athletes and watch other sporting events that were going on that day.

On Friday and Saturday, the freestyle wrestling competition took place. The boys proudly wore their red and blue reversible singlets and went out and did their best on the mat. On Saturday, Siracusa (106 lbs.) placed 4th and Liu placed 5th in their Freestyle Wresting weight classes. They were each very happy with their standing. Like many athletes, these three wrestlers went to the Games for the experience and to do their best.

It wasn’t all about coming home with medals. Not only were three medalists for each event brought up to the podium, but those athletes placing 4th through 6th were also brought up for recognition and were just as proud as the athletes with medals hanging around their neck.

The boys all appreciated their Empire State Games experience and feel inspired to do their best to qualify for next year’s Games in Rochester. They would like to thank Team Long Island’s volunteer wrestling coaches for helping make their experience a wonderful one. The boys plan to continue to improve their skills by practicing and competing as part of Sayville’s Wrestling Club and Sayville High School’s Wrestling Team. A special thank you goes out to Coaches Gary Pesko and Mike Vetrano for their year-round commitment to Sayville’s wrestlers.

From left to right Justin Siracusa, Kevin Bethea, Justin Liu
Justin Liu (blue)	Justin Siracusa (red)
Kevin Bethea (red)