The Ted Petersen JV Wrestling Tournament was held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at the Island Trees Middle School. A heartfelt speech was given by Island Trees teacher and wrestling official Paul McCarthy about coach and friend Ted Petersen. "Coach Pete" was a man who cared for our youth and was a coach and teacher at Island Trees for 31 years. He was committed to the promotion of respect, fairness and good sportsmanship. In his honor, this event was created.

The Island Trees team made an impressive showing that day. Aaron Lerner at 103 lbs. placed fourth, Matt Anderson at 96 lbs. placed third and Chris Lorenzini at 152 lbs. placed second. Three grapplers: Mike Santor (112 lbs.), Julio Barea (135 lbs.) and James Lyons (140 lbs.) were all crowned first place champions.

One of the most exciting matches of the evening was by I.T.'s Matt Fiorello. Fiorello lost in the quarterfinals by a slim margin of 11-10 to the eventual champ of the tournament.

Coaches Damian Garcia and James Volpe would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Eileen Petersen for all of her love and support over the years; and to Linda Archibald who has attended Island Trees matches faithfully and for scoring at the tables for decades.

Frank Gauck freely gave of his time, expertise and TLC matside to our wrestlers all day and is integral to our success.

Always a "team" effort at Island Trees, the coaches would also like to thank the "wrestling" parents for providing homemade goods and running the concession that day. Steve Connell, athletic director, kept the entire event organized and running smoothly as usual. Superintendent Richard Segerdahl attended the event and was a welcomed guest.

The Ted Peterson Tournament was a great success and an encouraging indicator of a young, but strong and growing Island Trees Wrestling Program. Middle School coach Sam Thompson is very pleased with the results he has been seeing at the younger grades.

The Island Trees Wrestling Program is looking fit for the future!