Conor O’Hara, a senior 132-pound grappler who is Sachem East’s career wins leader with 152 high school victories, had narrowed his college choices recently to the Air Force, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and a foundation spot at the U.S. Naval Academy.
After visiting the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and meeting the wrestling coaching staff, O’Hara decided to accept the appointment to Air Force and will continue his wrestling career as a Falcon. After visiting the campus, O’Hara felt Air Force was the best fit.
“I really enjoyed my visit to Air Force,” he said. “Coach [Joel] Sharratt and his staff are excellent coaches and have built quite a program. The members of the team seemed great and I am excited to start the next chapter of my life at Air Force.”
Sharratt, who competed for coaching legend Dan Gable at the University of Iowa where he was a National Champion and a three-time NCAA All-American, spent a lot of time with O’Hara giving him insight into life as an Air Force wrestler and the challenges he will face both on and off the mat.
“I am very grateful to Coach Sharrat for his interest in me, he has been a great help in this process,” O’Hara said. “I am very fortunate to have such a great opportunity and look forward to attending Air Force and competing for him.”
O’Hara leaves Sachem East as one of their most decorated wrestlers. In addition to being the career wins leader, he is Sachem East’s only three-time All-County wrestler, two-time State Qualifier, and five-time All-League wrestler.
“Conor had a terrific career at Sachem East and was a pleasure to coach. We will certainly miss him as a wrestler and a leader, as he has been a big part of our recent success,” said Sachem East coach Sean O’Hara. “Although he will be missed, the wrestling program is excited for future. Air Force is an excellent choice both academically and athletically.
“Conor has always been one of our hardest working and most disciplined wrestlers and those attributes will prove vital to him at Air Force. The Air Force Academy will certainly be a challenging experience for Conor but also a rewarding one. Continuing his education at Air Force will give Conor a great environment to learn, grow, and serve. It’s quite an honor to be accepted and he is very fortunate to have this opportunity.”
The Conor O’Hara File
- Career Record: 152 – 29
- Most wins in Sachem East history: 152
- 5X – All-League
- 2X – League Champion
- 3X – All County
- 2X – State Qualifier
- 2X – Team Captain
- As a Captain Conor led the team 2013 Section XI Championship, 2013 League Dual and Tournament Championship, 2012 League Dual and Championship, and a 37-1 dual meet record of the last two seasons.
