Farmington's Historic Wrestling Team Honored by Board of Education

The Board of Education hosted Farmington High School’s wrestlers Monday night, honoring a remarkable team and its coach for something no one else in town had ever done.

The wrestling team, coached by Eric Misko, had finished its regular season perfectly, going 32-0 and racking up the most ever wins by an undefeated team in Class L. After winning the CCC West title and placing third at the state Class L meet, the team sent the second-most wrestlers to the State Open.

“We’re so proud of you. You have done something no one in the history of the school system has done,” Board Chairman Mary Grace Reed told team members gathered in the FHS library.

Superintendent Kathleen Greider, herself a wrestling mom, said she was so pleased to see the team succeed. 

“People don’t really understand,” Greider said. “As a wrestling mom, I know the dedication it requires and the character the sport builds.”

More than other sports, Greider said, wrestling teaches character, dedication and grit.

“I could not be prouder of our wrestlers and coaching staff. Erik is an incredible coach and mentor who builds that sense of family,” she said.

Misko, who tallied his 300th win during the season, was also named Class L coach of the year by the Connecticut High Schools Coaches Association.

“It was great for me as a coach to watch as they started to believe in it… and watch them come together as a group. Each night a different person had the chance to be the hero, culminating in the Simsbury match,” Misko said.

He introduced captains Chris Thomas, Mike Berlandy, Garrett Hastings and George Sticca, who all spoke of how the team had been a family to them. They each politely thanked the Board of Education, gave kudos to their coach and thanked the other wrestlers for their hard work.

“This team is the best group of guys,” Hastings said. “I look at them and see 30 something brothers I’ll have for the rest of my life. I’m going to look at them and see that match in Simsbury and those fun nights at Applewoods when we got to eat our pancakes.”

The students shared how they had pulled together, working not just for individual wins but for the good of the team. 

Ryan Rigney, who was named all-state in Class L, told the board his favorite moment of the season came during his last match.

“I had worked so hard and put so much dedication in the last match and it came tied in regular time…. In the third period I ended up escaping with 2 seconds left – it was the best feeling,” Rigney said. 

His mother, Lisa Rigney explained the significance.

“It’s not just about the win but they only gave up three points. Every point matters… These guys went up against some of the hardest wrestlers in the state and didn’t get pinned. They were amazing all season long,” she said.

Athletic Director Jack Phelan applauded the team’s character. 

“The big word that keeps coming to my mind, watching Garrett Hastings and George Sticca as freshmen and now is leadership. It’s very special with this team the leadership they’ve shown.”