Photo: Last year's winners Hewlett Bulldogs
The East Hampton High School wrestling team will begin their season by hosting the 39th Annual Sprig Gardner Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, December 13th.
The eight high school teams that will step on the mats include Bayport, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Ward Melville, Hauppauge, Riverhead, Westhampton and East Hampton.
The young men will compete in fifteen weight classes: 99, 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285 pounds.
“The Sprig continues to be a true community event,” said Coach Steve Tseperkas. “The Varsity tournament will be held in the high school gym on three floors and the JV tournament will be held in the Wrestling Room. Wrestling will continue throughout the day and will feature All-County and All-State wrestlers from some of the teams.”
Qualifying will start at 9am. The semifinals will begin around 2 p.m. and the finals will begin around 6 p.m.
The awards ceremony will follow the finals and consolation matches. Back by popular demand, the Master of Ceremonies for the day's events will be Steven Tekulsky.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students, while children under 10 are free. Tournament commemorative long-sleeve T-shirts will be sold for $20 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Long Island wrestling under the leadership of Frank “Sprig” Gardner began in East Hampton in 1933. A year later Gardner accepted the position of Athletic Director and head wrestling coach at Mepham HS in Bellmore. Sprig Gardner is considered the “Father of Long Island Wrestling.” Many of those who wrestled or trained on Long Island in the 60's, 70's and 80's had attended wrestling clinics he conducted. His influence is felt even today.
