Timmy Halaby. On Sunday, March 8th, three of Garden City's best wrestlers entered one of New Jersey's toughest tournaments. Central Jersey is the home of some of the best wrestlers in the United States. Tommy Reina, Timmy Halaby and Jack Reina have been dominating 7th graders in Long Island this year, but New Jersey is always a different story.

Earlier in the week Tommy Reina defeated the Nassau County Champ in a Middle School Match. Tommy rode his hot streak into New Jersey and used his excellent leg riding skills to stifle his opponents, bringing home the 2nd place trophy.

Jack Reina was entered into a large bracket and would need to be perfect today if he wanted to grab a gold medal. Jack was flawless until the last match of the day. His opponent jumped to a 4-0 lead and appeared as though he was going to have his way with Jack. This is when Jack started to "up his game". Jack scored 5 unanswered points to take the lead and he never looked back, adding another first place trophy to his collection. The opposing coach admitted to Coach Halaby that "Jack was as tough as nails."

Jack Reina. Timmy Halaby wrestled at the always tough 125 lb. weight class. Timmy's bracket contained the New Jersey state champion. Both boys breezed through the tournament until the final match. One of New York states best vs. the New Jersey state champion. Both boys came out wrestling furiously. New Jersey took an early 2-0 lead and threatened to score more, but Timmy fought hard to keep the score close. The score remained 3-0 until the final period, when Halaby tied it up with a terrific takedown. As the match was almost finished, the boy from New Jersey looked like he was going to escape but Halaby did not allow it. The match went into SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME. Both boys came after each other like their lives depended on it. The crowd was on their feet. Halaby took the first shot, but the New Jersey boy fought it off. Both boys were wrestling their hearts out. It looked bleak for Halaby, but in a show of mental toughness he found the strength to flip the New Jersey state champion off his feet in a headlock to gain the takedown. Halaby brought back the 1st place trophy to Garden City.

Tommy Reina. These three boys and many others will be heading up to Binghamton for the New York State Championships. We wish them all luck. Once again I would like to thank the Lofrese family for all their hard work.