YORKTOWN, N.Y. —Yorktown’s youth wrestling program had a standout performance at the NYWAY Youth State Championships in Syracuse, reaffirming its position as a power in youth wrestling. This elite-level tournament, featuring brackets with 30 to 50 wrestlers, serves as a key benchmark against national-level events. Under the leadership of coaches Jimmy Kaishian, Chris Pyle, and Chris Murray, the team achieved even greater success than in previous years.
The tournament began with an impressive showing from James Murray, Declan Flanagan, Christiano Jaramillo, and Liam McCormack. Flanagan, McCormack, and Jaramillo finished first, second, and third, respectively, while Murray, giving up significant weight due to being 5 pounds under the lowest weight class at his age, narrowly missed returning to the podium for a third consecutive time.
Flanagan, who finished as a runner-up last year, came back stronger than ever, dominating his finals match with a decisive 7-0 victory. Known for setting the pace and bringing unmatched energy, he left no doubt about his place atop the podium.
McCormack reaffirmed his status as one of the state’s best, storming through his first three matches, outscoring his opponents 29-4, and securing a pin to reach the finals. In a hard-fought championship bout, he fell just short in a 1-0 decision. Despite clock issues affecting his match, his coaches remain confident in his ability to excel moving forward and beat anyone in the state at his weight and age decidedly.
Jaramillo showcased remarkable resilience, improving on last year’s performance to finish third. In a controversial semifinal match, he appeared to secure a decisive takedown, with the referee initially awarding three points. However, the call was later reversed, forcing Jaramillo to refocus. He rebounded with a key victory before securing a pin in his third-place rematch of the quarterfinals against the No. 2 seed, capping off a stellar performance.
Coach Jimmy Kaishian praised the team’s progress, stating, “It’s hard not to be excited about the future of Yorktown wrestling. These young athletes are improving tremendously through offseason training, taking risks, and competing fearlessly. They continually seek out the toughest competition, and any program would be fortunate to have such a strong foundation to build on.”
In the afternoon session, Dennis Willette and Marcelo Carazo demonstrated their growing potential, putting together impressive moments in their matches. While they fell short of podium finishes, their performances highlighted the hard work they’ve put in to close the gap on their competition.
Jace McCormack wrapped up Day 1, competing admirably despite a challenging draw. Known for his fearless approach, McCormack embodies the spirit of Yorktown wrestling. He serves as a mentor to younger wrestlers, setting an example both on and off the mat. As he transitions into his second year at the varsity level, his presence will be missed at the youth level.
Day 2 saw Nicholas Hobson showcase his elite talent, securing a strong third-place finish in a competitive 27-man bracket. Across seven matches, he conceded only one takedown, demonstrating incredible defensive skill. His only loss came in a late third-period scramble where he gave up a reversal. His ability to defeat three opponents who had previously beaten him exemplifies the growth he’s achieved through hard work with both his varsity and club teams.
His varsity coach, Jimmy Kaishian, remarked, “Nick’s commitment to improvement is paying off. He’s competing with confidence, and we’re excited to see how far he can go in the coming months.”
Hobson, alongside McCormack and Luca Lore, is helping to pave the way for the next generation of Yorktown varsity wrestlers, serving as both role models and a blueprint for younger wrestlers.
Rounding out the tournament, Cole and Chase Magsmen gained valuable experience in their first trip to Syracuse, earning hard-fought wins. Their fearless approach is a promising sign for the future, and the coaching staff is eager to see their continued development next season.
With a growing foundation of talented wrestlers, Yorktown’s youth wrestling program continues to elevate its performance. The program’s commitment to hard work, resilience, and fearless competition ensures a bright future ahead as these young athletes prepare for even greater success in the years to come.
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