Ever since his freshman year of high school, senior Elias Vanegas has been a key figure in Lynbrook wrestling. Now in his final year, he looks to surpass expectations and lead the Owls to counties once again.
The Vanegas family has wrestling in their blood. Named the third-best wrestler in Connecticut in 2001, Vanegas’s father is responsible for introducing Elias to the sport at the age of four. Wrestling against his brothers, Dylan and Fabian, Vanegas gained a lot of experience, even during his childhood. “Most of my favorite memories are from my brothers and I wrestling, going through our moves with each other, and just growing my skills alongside my best friends,” Vanegas explained. His brother Dylan, a Class of 2024 graduate, was an All-County wrestler. His younger brother, Fabian, looks to follow in his brothers’ footsteps as a part of the Class of 2027.
In addition to wrestling, Vanegas loves coaching all his friends on the team, whether it’s during a match or after school. “When I coach, I’m very honest with people, and I’m always trying to support everyone by always being in their corner through thick and thin,” he emphasized. One of Vanegas’s favorite memories was coaching his younger brother during the Cliff Clark Classic Duals in Bay Shore in December 2023, when Fabian pinned two opponents twice his size with the help of his older brother’s leadership.
Fabian is very grateful for everything that his brother has done for him. “Elias has been there for me my whole life. Having a brother on the team is an experience like no other, and he’s constantly working with me to help me get better,” he mused. “I know I can always rely on him, and I’m glad to call him my teammate and my brother.”
Varsity wrestling coaches Richard Renz and Benedict Tieniber share a great deal of pride from the growth they have seen in Vanegas since he joined the program. “He has grown and matured into a fantastic wrestler and an even better role model for Lynbrook High School. He’s always doing what he can to help other wrestlers reach their maximum potential, and his hard work and dedication to his craft has a very positive effect on the other wrestlers.” Renz said. Tieniber agreed: “Elias has grown into a great wrestler and an even better person. When he’s not on the mats, he helps as a volunteer coach with the Lynbrook Titans and Middle School team. He is a leader beyond his years, and everyone he helps listens to his insight.”
Last year, a lack of upperclassmen opened the door for Vanegas, then a junior, to step up and fill the vacancy on the varsity team. Alongside juniors Ryan Benson and Zachary Tinyes, Vanegas was named captain and was one of seven grapplers to represent Lynbrook at counties. He dedicates his success to his family and friends, saying he would not have been able to get to where he is today without their support: “My family always tries to make it to all of my matches, and everyone is always there for me.”
Once his high school career comes to an end, Vanegas hopes to continue wrestling in college and even further. “If I get the chance to continue wrestling in college, then I’m going to do it as much as possible,” he commented.
Renz and Tieniber only wish the best for him once he leaves the nest. “I want Elias to keep on being a role-model to others who are trying to reach their full potential in whatever they do. I want him to remember the friendships and relationships he developed throughout his wrestling career, and I hope he applies his dedication, his determination, his morals, his teamwork, and everything else he has learned from wrestling to his own life.” Renz said.
For any wrestlers looking to improve their game, Vanegas emphasizes the importance of never giving up, no matter how hard it gets: “Wrestling will be the hardest thing you ever do, and it only gets more difficult. The more you involve yourself in your skills and focus on becoming a better wrestler, you can go anywhere you put your mind to.”
