Brett Owens – Horseheads Wrestling – Tribute to a coach, man, and father

The Upstate New York Chapter of the NWHOF is mourning the loss of a remarkable coach, mentor, and friend, Brett Owen. In his seven seasons with the Horseheads Blue Raiders, Brett built a legendary wrestling program, capturing five consecutive Section IV Division I Championships, five Dual Meet Tournament Championships, five STAC West titles, and a stellar 104-32 dual record. But if you asked Brett, he would tell you it was always about the kids. He had a rare, infectious energy that made everyone around him want to work harder and be better. He poured his heart into his wrestlers, changing lives and weaving a passion for wrestling into the very fabric of his school. Brett's spirit lives on in every athlete he coached, and his memory will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Kyle Dake is victorious at Final X

Congratulations to Kyle Dake on a record/setting performance at Final X. Kyle defeated defending world champion, Zahid Valencia, in a best-of-three series to make the US World Team at 86 KG. This berth marks Kyle making the World Team at three different weights. We believe this is a historic run as no other senior wrestler has made a US world or Olympic team at three different weights. Team USA will wrestle at the World Championships this October in Kazakhstan. Great job, Kyle! 

Nick Coreno announced as new Jamestown Community College wrestling coach

 On June 11th JCC announced Nick Coreno as the new head coach of Jayhawks Wrestling. Coreno is a 2025 graduate of Gannon University, where he was an All-American wrestler at 165 pounds and a two-time Division II national qualifier.

In the official JCC press release, athletic director Brian Sisson and Coreno said:

"To say we're thrilled to have a former All-American wrestler taking over the program here at JCC is an understatement," said Athletic Director George Sisson. "Nick has a college wrestling resume that is hard to match and, even more importantly, brings an academic standard that may be unmatched," finished Sisson.

"Being able to give the kids a shot at achieving their wrestling and academic goals is my top mission," said new JCC wrestling coach Nick Cerone. "I am excited to build a culture where it's not only a family but also a brotherhood within the JCC wrestling room. It is a great opportunity to give back to the wrestling community.

The full release can be found at this link:

https://www.jccjayhawks.com/sports/wrest/2025-26/releases/20260611fov0p4

Utica University hires Pankil Chander as next men’s wrestling coach

Cedarhurst, Long Island native Pankil Chander is the next head coach of Pioneers wrestling according to a release from the University on May 20th. Chander coached previously at Wilkes University as the associate head coach of the Colonels.

Utica athletic director Kristin St. Hilaire said in the official press release:

"We are thrilled to welcome Pankil Chander to Utica as the new head coach of our men's wrestling program. Pankil's passion, commitment to the student-athlete experience, and vision for building a championship culture make him an outstanding fit for Utica University.  I am excited for the future of our wrestling program under his leadership."

The full release can be found at this link:

https://uticapioneers.com/news/2026/5/20/mens-wrestling-pankil-chander-selected-to-usher-in-new-era-as-head-coach-of-utica-mens-wrestling-program.aspx

Nickel City Duals has exciting offseason wrestling action

The annual Ilio DiPaolo’s Nickel City Duals on June 6th in downtown Buffalo was another great day of offseason wrestling for upstate boys and girls. The KD6 Black team hailing from Buffalo was victorious over Superior Elite hailing from the Rochester area in the 1st place match in the boys’ Gold Bracket with a 28-20 final score. KD6 fell behind 9-0 after the first three bout but then won six of the last nine weights including five bonus point victories to claim the title. In the girls’ division, FLX Fury from the Rochester region claimed the team title going 6-0 and posting dominant scores throughout the day. 

Upstate New York area high school wrestlers headed to Fargo

168 wresters hailing from Upstate New York area schools and cities will compete in the 2026 United States Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota. The tournament begins on July 9 and concludes on July 18.

Upstate wrestlers representing public school NYSPHSAA sections, Catholic schools, and Independents are entered in all section divisions for Fargo (four boys and two girls).

Upstate New York entries by division:

16u boys’ freestyle – 27

Junior boys’ freestyle – 28

16u boys’ Greco-Roman – 34

Junior boys’ Greco-Roman – 24

16u girls’ freestyle – 27

Junior girls’ freestyle – 28

Good luck Upstate New York wrestlers!

Mike Fusilli’s NYS college wrestling notes: United States Military Academy head coach Troy Nickerson

1. What drew you to the position?   

The United States Military Academy speaks for itself.  The value that the Academy puts on Athletics is second to none and the support it through the roof.  Additionally, the values that West Point instills in all of their Cadets directly translate into what it takes to be an elite level wrestler.

2. What were two highlights from your first season?

Beating Navy for the 3rd consecutive year in a row and 8 of the last 12 seasons and getting to know our Old Grads. Our Alumni have great pride in graduating from here and that will allow us to continue to grow in the years to come.

3. What can fans look forward to in the next five years?    

Winning. We look to carry on a strong tradition of success here at West Point along with taking the program to another level.

Upstate New York Chapter Golf and Social is August 10th

The Upstate New York Chapter of the NWHOF is planning to have a social event this summer at O’Hara Restaurant located at the Millstone Golf Course in Elbridge, NY.

The purpose is to offer past honorees and advocates/friends of wrestling an opportunity to enjoy each other’s fellowship. We are planning to have a lunch at 1:30 pm and anyone interested in golfing should arrive between 8:00 am and 9:00 am – there are no tee times at Millstone, first come, first served. If you go between these times you should be finished by the time of the luncheon. 

This is NOT a fund-raising event. Just a chance to say hello, enjoy good friends, and reminisce about the past. Please feel free to come a little earlier to talk with your friends.

Where: Millstone Golf Course - 354 NY-5, Elbridge, NY 13060

Who: Past Honorees and friends of wrestling

What: Lunch & golfing – we will have three lunch options. Individuals will be responsible for the cost of their lunch and golf.

When: August 10, 2026

Please let us know if you are planning to attend by August 3, 2026. We will need numbers for the catering at the restaurant.

Contact – Carl Koenig – 607.244.8432 – carlkoenig@stny.rr.com or Bob Zifchock – 845.649.3752 – rcz_20@yahoo.com