Chaminade's wrestling season was a journey defined by resilience, dominance, and achievement, culminating in a run that carried the Flyers from early-January duals all the way to postseason podiums. With every match, tournament, and senior milestone reached, the Flyers proved that they were a team that could rise to the occasion.

"It turned out to be an impressive season after graduating and losing so much talent last year," head coach Scott Cole said. "We ended up doing very well, winning the varsity dual meets championship and taking second place at States, beating very talented programs along the way. In addition, we went 21-3 in dual meets and had so many placewinners at NSCHSAA Leagues. All in all, it was very positive."

The Flyers began the January portion of their schedule on a high note with a commanding 55-16 varsity victory over Holy Trinity, while the JV squad followed with a dominant 60-18 win.

Those performances seemed to set the tone for a program hitting its stride at the right time, as just days later, Chaminade's roster would showcase its depth in two mid-month tournaments.

Thirty-five Crimson-and-Gold wrestlers competed at the South Side MLK JV Tournament, while 16 Flyers traveled to Rhode Island for the LaSalle Academy Grappling Classic Duals. At South Side, the team produced 10 champions: Ethan Rorer at 103 pounds, Luke Afanasewicz at 118, James Dunn at 138, Nick LaGrega at 144, Shaye Sykes at 150, Tom Keane at 157, Dan Grayson at 165, Kayden Tantillo at 175, Liam Hennessy at 190, Carmelo Chavez at 215, and Henry Fried at 285.

Meanwhile, in the Ocean State, Chaminade went 4-0. The undefeated trip was highlighted by an impressive 77-6 victory over Lincoln High School as well as a 52-24 win over the event's host, LaSalle Academy. 

On January 22, the Flyers celebrated Senior Night against Kellenberg, honoring the 12 wrestlers who were approaching the end of their high-school careers. Chaminade's varsity squad came out on top, 40-22, showcasing both skill and the leadership that comes with experience.

Just days later, on January 27, the team traveled to St. Anthony's for another dual meet. In Huntington, varsity won, 52-20, while the JV squad were similarly dominant, winning 64-11.

This momentum carried straight into the CHSAA Varsity Dual Championships, held at Monsignor Farrell High School on the weekend of January 31. Chaminade opened with decisive wins over Fordham Prep (76-6), Xavier (54-20), St. Mary's Buffalo (72-12), and St. Joe's by the Sea (80-0). Senior Chris Ferranti, competing at 165 pounds, reached a major personal milestone by capturing his 100th career win during the tournament. By the end of the weekend, the Flyers had posted a 7-1 record, finishing as runners up and closing the dual season with an impressive 21-3 record.

At the NSCHSAA League Tournament, on February 8, 31 of Chaminade's 33 grapplers placed, and the Flyers claimed both the NSCHSAA league championship and the NSCHSAA dual meet crown. 

One week later, at the CHSAA States Sectional Qualifier Tournament, Chaminade continued to shine. Facing loaded programs like St. Francis from Buffalo, the Flyers finished second overall, with 14 of 26 wrestlers earning podium finishes. Senior Brendon Katimbang, competing at 144 pounds, captured the CHSAA title and advanced to the New York State Championships in Albany. 

"I just prepared so much throughout the season that going into States, I wasn't even stressed," Katimbang said.

In Albany, Katimbang placed seventh, earning All-State recognition. As a league, the CHSAA finished second at the New York State Public Championships, marking the best finish in section history.

The numbers alone tell an impressive, season-long story, highlighted by a 21-3 varsity dual record, NSCHSAA league and dual meet championships, 14 CHSAA placewinners, one CHSAA champion, and an All-State performance.

Beyond the statistics, however, this Flyers' season will be remembered for the resilience they demonstrated, how well they performed under pressure, and the culture of leadership exemplified by seniors like Ferranti and Katimbang. With eight placewinners returning next season, the program's future looks just as bright.