Peter Graham wins Suffolk league title, inks name in Smithtown West wrestling lore

For as long as Peter Graham remembers, his goal has been to see his name on the wall in the wrestling room of Smithtown West High School. But not just anybody gets that honor, it has to be earned by winning a league championship.

Graham recalls looking at what seemed like a gigantic wall when he was 5 years old and although some intimidation remained as he grew bigger, the goal became more realistic. But it didn’t mean it was easy.

“This being my senior year, I just wanted to put it all out there on the mat,” Graham said. “I’ve been wrestling since I was 5 years old with coach [Ken] Leverich as my coach and it’s just been great. But since I was little, I’ve always wanted to have my name up on that wall in the wrestling room.”

Graham had one final opportunity on Saturday to earn himself Smithtown West immortality.

He accomplished that after a pinfall victory over Deer Park's Brandon Bailey in 5 minutes, 28 seconds to claim the 145-pound title at the Suffolk League IV wrestling championships at Smithtown West on Saturday. It was one of the most back-and-forth championship bouts of the afternoon.

“He’s definitely a strong wrestler, so I was expecting good competition,” Graham said. “It’s not too common to go out there and get the pin, it really shows something, and I’m really proud I was able to get that.”

Graham led 4-3 after the first period before Bailey scored six straight points in the second period. Graham had a strong finish to the second period, cutting Bailey’s lead to 10-9, before securing the pin while holding a 13-10 advantage.

The end of the second period was key for Graham’s confidence.

“Securing those points really set in my mind that I could win it,” Graham said. “And then I continued until I got the pin.”

Graham was one of five Smithtown West wrestlers to secure victories, as the Bulls edged Bellport, 238-232, for the most team points. Tyler Conzo (101), Colten Ford (124), Max DeSousa (131), and Nick Zins (170) also won for Smithtown West.

Huntington's Christian St. John was named the meet’s most outstanding wrestler after pinning Jack DiMaggio (Smithtown West) in 4:43 to win the 152-pound title. It was just DiMaggio’s second loss of the season and St. John expected a tough match.

“I knew [DiMaggio] was really good so I had to step it up,” St. John said. “But I was just sticking to my game, trying to get the front headlock and working off that. I was just trying to stay calm and do what I do.”

Zins, a sophomore, won his second league title after pinning Adam Beckwith (East Hampton) in 1:47 at 170 pounds.

Even though he was ecstatic for himself, he was also proud to see Graham win as a senior. Zins and Graham train together and have played a key role in each other’s success.

“It was amazing,” Zins said. “He’s been working toward that all year. I’m extremely proud of him and we’ve really been working together as a team and it’s a lot of hard work paying off.”