Some wrestlers transition to coaching with an uncanny ability to convey those attributes that are found to be essential to participants yearning for success on the mat. They empower individuals with all the tools necessary for the journey and instill courage and confidence to capitalize on the opportunity to compete in the wrestling arena. Wrestlers soon embrace all the passion for the sport that seems to radiate from such special coaches.

Tom Magnani is one such coach.

Tom was a four-time All-League wrestler at Copiague High School from 1968-1971. After graduation, he wrestled at SUNY Oswego from 1972-1974. His college career had to be put on hold because the United States army drafted him in 1972. Tom was stationed in Germany and wrestled for the 1/54th Battalion from 1972-1974. Tom resumed his college education in 1975 and wrestled as a starter for Slippery Rock University from 1975-1977.

Tom began his coaching career in 1978 at his alma mater, Copiague High School. The following year, coach Magnani was hired in the Half Hallow Hills School District to teach health and coach wrestling at Candlewood Junior High School. In 1989, coach Magnani became the assistant coach at Half Hallow Hills East High School and was named the head wrestling coach in 1998. During his tenure at Hills East, the “Thunderbirds” won over 200 dual meets, seven league titles and enjoyed an undefeated season in 2005. Coach Magnani was named League Coach of the year four times. In 2010, Tom was presented with the “Grand Master Award” by the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association. Tom has coached Long Island wrestlers on numerous state and national teams. Many of the wrestlers he has coached over the years have gone on to successful college careers.

Tom is very active in promoting youth wrestling across Long Island. He continues to work with kid wrestling programs in Copiague and Half Hallow Hills. He helps create the highly acclaimed Wildcat Youth Program at Walt Whitman High School. Tom is the founder of the renowned All-Star Wrestling Camp. Tom is constantly volunteering his time in any way he can to help promote wrestling at every level.

Tom’s work ethic and passion for wrestling has helped shape hundreds of wrestlers into successful adults. Many former students continue to seek Tom’s advice and guidance as proud members of his “Wrestling Family.”

Helen and Thomas have four children. The boys Lucas and Thomas, are both New York State wrestling champions and All-Americans. The girls, Cecilia and Lindsay, are both New York State gymnastics champions and All-Americans. For Helen and Tom Magnani, wrestling and sports competition, is simply a way of life.

We are proud to welcome Tom Magnani into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.