In these parts, you’ve probably heard the term “Sachem Family” thrown around a lot over the last few years. It’s a term used to foster respect and interpersonal relationships between everyone in the Sachem Central School District. And when a member of the Sachem Family is in need of help, everyone shows up.
Such was the case Wednesday when some of the top wrestling programs in Suffolk County came together under one roof for the Sachem Takes Down Cancer bout as part of a fundraiser for Sachem alum Paul DiIorio.
On adjoining mats in the gymnasium at Sachem East, both East and Sachem North’s wrestling programs captured dual meet victories. Sachem East beat William Floyd, 57-15, while Sachem North beat Brentwood, 35-30, in a non-league battle.
DiIorio was a four-year varsity letter winner, two-time All-League and All-County wrestler, and team captain at Sachem East. He graduated near the top of his class at East and went on to complete a biochemistry degree in the honors program at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which will require a lengthy treatment process and regular visits to Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan.
“He was a great wrestler, but even more impressive is the person that he is off the mat,” said Sachem East coach Sean O’Hara. “He’s a great human being. We’re more than happy to help with any support we can give him.
“It was important for us to come together. William Floyd and Brentwood, both great programs, were happy to be a part of the event. Working with Sachem North, they all know Paul, and were here for support too.”
Sachem East picked up an easy victory on the evening, complete with eight tech falls.
“As a team we wrestled well. We had a couple of real strong performances,” O’Hara said. “It was a good step in the right direction. We’re going to keep working hard and improve.”
Sachem North, however, had a chip on its shoulder coming into the match since Brentwood beat the Flaming Arrows last year during a league match and the Indians are perennially one of Suffolk’s top programs.
Sean O’Hagan’s pin over B.J. Jackson at 132 pounds was the key match of the evening for the Flaming Arrows. O’Hagan lost to Jackson, 7-4, last year in the league finals.
“Sean has worked ridiculously hard over the last year and he’s going to surprise a lot of people this year,” said Sachem North coach Ray Pickersgill. “As a freshman he placed fourth in the county. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t place this year.”
Sachem rattled off wins from Matt Marino, Jimmy Sanzone and Mike Falcon to keep Brentwood at arm’s length. Gio Santiago lost a close match to Carlos Toribio – wrestling up from 170 – at 185 pounds. Steven Mills also wrestled strong with a win at 220 pounds.
But as much as the night seemed to be about wrestling, it was really about Paul DiIorio and supporting his journey and quest to beat cancer.
“Right away we were on board to do something,” said Pickersgill. “We’ve all known Paul and [his brother] Chris since they were younger. We’re here to help.”
The Sachem Family is always there for one another.
RELATED: PHOTOS: Click to view more images from the meet
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro