Wrestling: Holyoke receives MIAA Sportmanship Award

The Holyoke High School wrestling team received the MIAA Sportsmanship Award at the Division 2 state tournament last weekend. The sportsmanship award is given by the MIAA to one team in each sport.

Award criteria includes teamwork, fair play/respect for opponents, ethics, and citizenship.

“I am extremely proud of this team of athletes,” Holyoke head coach Vincent Silano said in a release. “They are respectful, hardworking, and committed. It has been an absolute joy to coach this team. It truly takes a village, and we could not have done this without the continued support of our school leaders, Assistant Coaches Aarin Feliz, Coach Luis Robles, and Coach Sheldon Rhoden, and our many volunteer coaches.”

“Congratulations to our wrestlers and coaches for this awesome recognition,” added Holyoke Athletic Director Melanie Martin. “This team of athletes and coaches are extremely dedicated to their sport and treat everyone – teammates, coaches, fans, opponents and officials – with respect. I am very proud of the way they have represented Holyoke and promoted sportsmanship throughout the entire season.”

At sectionals on Feb. 10, Steven Santiago won the 113-pound weight class, Jackson Nbonihamkuye placed third in the 106-pound division and Jonathan Marrero Rivera placed fourth at 165 pounds.

At Divisionals Feb. 16-17, Nbonihamkuye went 1-1. Rivera lost his first match but advanced to the semifinals of the consolation bracket. Santiago went 1-1 and advanced to the semifinals of the consolation bracket – he earned a spot to compete in the All-State meet at Salem High School this weekend.