The Reggie Jones & Paul Gillespie East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament returned to Long Beach on Saturday, attracting 230 participants on Riverside Blvd. Beach. The event, which began at 10 a.m. and ended at 1:30 p.m., marked its second year since being revived in 2024 after a 12-year hiatus.
Organizer Miguel Rodriguez, a 1999 Long Beach graduate and former wrestler, said participation grew by 100 compared to two years ago. "We had people come from all over the country," he said. Rodriguez, who competed last year, watched from the sidelines due to a knee injury.
The tournament honored late Long Beach wrestlers Lazar LaPenna, Joshua Encarnacion, Michael Berube, and Gerrin Hagen, with each of the four rings named in their memory. Longtime wrestling supporter Jason Parker was also recognized.
Competitors ranged in age from 6 to 75. Among the winners was 14-year-old Presley Eidens, a Nassau County champion and two-time state qualifier, who went 3-0 in her bracket. Luke Palmisano, a 1998 Massapequa graduate and former Duke wrestler, competed after a 20-year break, and 13-year-old Jack O'Grady won his bracket for the second time in three years.
Matches consisted of a single three-minute period starting from the neutral position, with the first wrestler to score three points advancing. Medals were awarded to the top four finishers in each division. Next year's event is likely to be held Aug. 7.
Source: liherald.com
