In his final season as a high school wrestler, Anthony Caputo is determined to make the most of the time he has left. After earning a conference championship honor his junior year and being appointed as a captain his senior year, Caputo is determined to lead his team to victory. Junior varsity wrestling coach Matthew Renz noted that in his two years of being a wrestling coach, he can attest to Caputo’s leadership: “As a captain, Anthony is dependable: you can always count on him. He is able to also have that quality filter down to his teammates… I see firsthand how all of the JV wrestlers look up to Anthony, and he has that ability because of how he acts as a leader, being someone in the wrestling room whom the coaches know we can turn to at any point.”
Caputo first began wrestling when he was six years old. He was inspired by his father, who wanted him and his older brother, Ralphie, to participate in a sport together. They decided on wrestling, and it became a bonding experience for them both.
When looking back on all of his years wrestling, Caputo noted one of his fondest memories: “[It was] my freshman year when I got to wrestle with my senior brother, Ralphie.” He said he learned so much that year, and cherishes the time they had together for that season.
A notable part of the wrestling team is its comradery. Through spending hours together after school at practices and cheering one another on during their matches through wins, losses, impressive pins, and more, friendship is a foundation of the wrestling team. Lucas Brown, a senior and friend, has known Caputo since youth wrestling. He looked back on their time going out for qualifiers last year and spending their senior match together being a time to reflect on. Brown expressed, “[Anthony] displays his leadership roles and is able to get us all amped up to wrestle our best.”
Renz shared a story that exemplifies the qualities Caputo holds that make him a spotlight athlete: “Last year, during county qualifiers, Anthony was in the finals and an underdog based on seeding, but that was the only area [where] Anthony was an underdog since he always had the confidence in himself to win the match. He did not waiver, back down, or hesitate during his match that he ultimately won, taking first place.”
Caputo added that he was “very honored” to be selected as a captain for the wrestling team this year. Both Renz and Brown noted how vital Caputo’s leadership skills have been to not only his successes, but the success of the team. He views that honor as a culmination of the hard work he has put in since he was six years old, and he strives to earn that title each and every day.
Caputo has an impressive record of 23-6 so far this season,which reflects his hard work. Winning about 90% of matches is a tough feat, and his successful season is both a product of his dedication and a reminder for young wrestlers of what can come with hard work. Additionally, at the Section VIII Nassau County Qualifying Tournament hosted at Farmingdale High School on Saturday, Feb. 7, Caputo earned an impressive fourth-place finish.
However, Caputo is not notable or impressive just because of his record or accolades—the way he carries himself and approaches the sport is admirable to both his coaches, teammates, and opponents. These qualities are what make Caputo a true spotlight athlete. In Renz’s words, “Anthony [is continually] an asset to the Lynbrook wrestling program, and we will surely miss him next year after he graduates.”
Caputo is still debating whether he wants to pursue wrestling in college. He currently has two offers from universities and is actively weighing his options to ensure he chooses the correct path for himself. Regardless of whether or not he chooses to take the sport to the next level, there is no doubt that he will use the lessons he has learned from it to aid himself in life and will continue to lead by example, the same way he does on the wrestling mats.
