New York - Upstate Chapter

Official State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame


Female Wrestling Moving Forward with Many Firsts

The Board of Directors of the Upstate New York Chapter want to thank a past honoree and Board member who assisted in the promotion of the first girls wrestling tournament in Section IV history this year. Hall of Famer, Rick Armstrong (2012) Section IV Wrestling Chairman, and Assistant Wrestling Chairman, Jeff Nolan, were very instrumental in organizing the championships at the Visions Federal Credit Arena. Brandon MacWhinnie also played a central role in facilitating the event. Additionally, Section IV Executive Director, Bill Bryant, and Chapter Board President, Carl Koenig, played a major role in making the girls’ tournament a success. A picture of the champions and Bill Byrant appears below.

This year the Upstate Chapter is proud to announce that our nominee for the Tricia Saunder’s Award, Sofia Macaluso, was selected as the National Winner of the Saunder’s Award. Sofia wrestled at Minisink Valley for Coach Kevin Gallagher and was also coached by her father, Heath. Sofia’s sister Mia won the State and Northeast Regional Award in her senior year as well. The sisters will be wrestling at East Stroudsburg University next year. Sofia and her mother, Nikki, will be traveling to Stillwater on June 4th to receive the award. The Board of Directors of the Chapter are delighted for the Macaluso family and kudos to Sofia for her many accomplishments.

Our Mission: To honor the sport of wrestling by preserving its history, recognizing extraordinary individual achievements, and inspiring future generations