Chris Messina has been associated with wrestling for over forty years.

From his high school days as a varsity wrestler at Hauppauge to his position as head wrestling coach, he has always been a very visible part of the Long Island wrestling community.

His record as a coach and his service to Long Island wrestling is second to none.

As a high school wrestler he amassed 105 victories as a four-year varsity starter. He served as the team captain and was four-time all-league (two-time champion), and a two-time all-county finisher.

At Slippery Rock State College, Chris was a four-year varsity wrestler, served as team captain for two years and was two-time NCAA qualifier and a Pennsylvania champion in 1975. After graduation, he served as assistant wrestling coach for two years.

Returning to Long Island, Chris served as junior varsity coach for two years before taking over the varsity position in 1980. His record as varsity coach at Hauppauge High School is among the finest on Long Island.

His teams have a 361-77 record while winning 18 league tournament championships and 15 dual meet championships. His 1999 team was Suffolk County champion and his teams have finished second four times. Hauppauge has been ranked in the top five in New York five times. He has coached many Suffolk County and New York State Champions including his son Mike in 1999.

His peers have recognized him with many awards including New York State Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2002, Suffolk County Coach of the Year in 1999, and League Coach of the Year for 16 seasons.

Chris is an an active member of many wrestling organizations and served as president of the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association form 2004 to 2008. He has served as the National High School Coaches Association New York State Representative since 2000. Chris is an active board member of the Friends of Long Island Wrestling and also serves as the Hauppauge Wrestling Camp director.

Chris Messina has been a true champion of wrestling for most of his life and is a worthy recipient of the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award.