For the Lyons Lions Varsity Wrestling Team, this season was about more than wins and podium finishes. It was about the bond that brought them together.
Head Coach Hugh Spink, last year’s Coach of the Year, describes wrestling as something deeper than a sport. “It’s a brotherhood,” he said. “They know what they are going through, and that’s created a tight-knit family culture. By the end of the season, they cheer each other on, build each other up, support each other, and stick up for each other.”
This February, that brotherhood made history. For the first time in his career as the varsity wrestling head coach, Coach Spink witnessed seven of his Lyons wrestlers standing on the sectional podium.
Senior Braydon Dapolito captured the 285 lb Class B2 Sectional Championship, becoming the first Lyons wrestler to win a sectional title since 2010 graduate Kyle Gravino. Braydon finished his four-year career with an 86- 45 overall record. What makes his story even more special is that he never considered wrestling before his freshman year. Encouraged by former seniors Mitchell VanAuken ‘25, Vernon Jinks ‘25, and CJ Magwood ‘25, he joined the team and grew into a champion.
“He has been a joy to coach,” Coach Spink said. “To see his growth over the last four years has been a privilege. He has built confidence and trust in his abilities to do what he needs to do to succeed.”
The Lions’ success extended across the lineup. Senior Jayden Joseph, in his fourth year on varsity, compiled a 32- 6 record and placed second at sectionals. “JayJo is a great, well-rounded kid,” Coach Spink said. “When you support and guide him, he goes far because he takes it to heart.” Eighth grader Christian Weber, already in his second varsity season, also earned a second-place finish and continues to show tremendous potential.
Ninth grader Aidan Peters, wrestling in his very first year, finished with a 23-10 record and placed fifth at sectionals. Fellow ninth grader Preston Arevalo battled back from injury, earned a waiver to compete, and placed third with a 10-6 record. Greg Kesel, in his third year, went 20- 9 and placed fifth, showing steady growth and persistence. Senior David Friend returned from a football injury and placed sixth, consistently putting his teammates before himself.
“You could throw anything at this group, and they would do it,” Coach Spink reflected. “They did all they could throughout the season to push themselves. Coach Petersen and I take great pride in coaching this group of young athletes."
While wrestling is considered an individual sport, Lyons has built something much bigger. With 13 weight classes, there is a place for everyone. Athletes of all shapes and sizes can tap into their potential and find belonging on the team. Coach Spink, who also serves as a modified football coach, takes pride in recruiting athletes who may never have considered wrestling. Braydon’s journey is proof of what can happen when someone gives the sport a chance.
Coach Spink himself is deeply rooted in the Lyons wrestling program (pictured center, 1984). A 1984 Lyons graduate and standout student athlete, he returned in 1991 after graduating from SUNY Cortland. Encouraged by his former mentors at Lyons CSD, Mr. Verkey, Mr. Meyers, and Mr. Boice, he pursued a teaching career and began helping support longtime head coach John Lawson with the Lyons Wrestling Program. He still calls on Lawson for advice today. The lessons he learned as a student athlete from his mentors at Lyons are the same values he now passes along to his wrestlers.
“My ultimate goal as a coach is to guide these athletes to be good citizens who put good into the world and lead happy and healthy lives.”
Years after graduation, former wrestlers still stop him in town to say thank you. That, he says, is the true measure of success.
With a historic season behind them and young talent rising through the ranks, the Lyons Lions wrestling program is firmly back on the map. The focus now is simple. Continue building the culture. Invite more students to experience it. Keep working hard and have fun.