Paul DiIorio was a gamer in every sense of the word when he wrestled. Sachem East coach Sean O’Hara referred to him as the ultimate competitor who was the best at wrestling “whistle to whistle.”
DiIorio, now off the mat as an alum, is fighting a different battle – cancer – and he’s still tough as nails when it counts most. Wednesday he was on hand for the “Sachem Takes Down Cancer” event held to raise funds for DiIorio and his family as he continues his fight.
The current grapplers at Sachem East and Sachem North didn’t disappoint. Both high schools took home dual meet victories against their respective opponents and DiIorio was seen applauding loud and supporting the student-athletes performing for him.
DiIorio was a captain and all-county wrestler for Sachem East and still holds the program record for most pins in a season with 29.
“He had an outstanding work ethic and competitive nature,” said O’Hara. “We’re happy to support him and his family.”
Sachem East, the defending Suffolk County champions, dominated Patchogue-Medford, 43-16, behind victories from Connor Farrell, Sean Dee, Bobby Fazio, Doug Iadanza, Anthony Messina, Pete Longo, Jakob Restrepo, Austin Serra, Ryan Malloy, Mike Pistone and Mark Tracy.
Messina’s victory was No. 100 of his varsity career.
Sachem North had rallied midway through its dual meet against rival Brentwood and won 34-33 on the heels of Austin Gatti, who beat his opponent, Jose Andrades, 10-9, in the final seconds to seal the win.
“I told him before he went out there that if he wins, we win,” said Sachem North coach Ray Pickersgill.
Also winning for Sachem North were Matt Stallone, Sean O’Hagan, Matt Marino, Anthony Nunziatta, Bobby Turner, Ken Oberlies, and Anthony DiMatteo.
As good as the wrestling was, it wasn’t just about victories. It was about DiIorio and his family.
“That’s what’s great about a night like this,” said Pickersgill. “It’s not just our Sachem Family, but the entire wrestling community comes out to support one of our own.”
PHOTOS: See more images from this year’s event
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro