The Island's top 5 wrestlers, No. 1: Dylan Palacio
Long Beach's Dylan Palacio won by a fall against Wantagh's Doug Rogers in the 160 lb weight class. (Jan. 28, 2012) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
No. 1: Dylan Palacio
Grade: 12th
School: Long Beach
Weight: 160
Record: 33-0
While the rest of this list required extensive thought and second-guessing, the top spot was never in doubt. Palacio is far and away the Island's top dog and has been nothing short of unbeatable, hardened by the disappointment of finishing third at last year's NYSPHSAA tournament. Anything less than a state title, and Palacio says he'll consider this season a failure.
Of his 33 wins, 27 have come by either pin or technical fall. He won the Easten States tournament in January, which is considered to be one the top tourneys in the Northeast. He cruised past SWR's John Keck (41-1) by major decision and took down reigning state champion Brian Realbuto of Somers in the Eastern States final.
He is the runaway favorite to win his third county championship in four years, and if all goes according to plan, he will cap his undefeated season with that long-awaited state title.
