SOURCE: www.niagara-gazette.com

February 20, 2024

NEW @GNN_Sports_:

Jim Printup (NW) and Al Costanzo (NT) didn't know March 7, 1964 would start a tradition in Niagara County. But they're proud being part of the original six state qualifiers.

Their efforts have still impacted the region 60 years later.https://t.co/srxaUEMCqg

— Joe Kraus (@ByJoeKraus) February 19, 2024

The sights and sounds never faded for Jim Printup and Al Costanzo. The crowd was larger than anything they experienced in Niagara County.

When they walked into Long Island's Walt Whitman High School on March 7, 1964, they didn't know any match wrestled that day would be the foundation of a rich wrestling tradition. They just thought it was pretty cool to be part of the tournament that day.

Printup (Niagara Wheatfield), now 78 years old, and Costanzo (North Tonawanda), 77, were two of Niagara County's original six state qualifiers who competed at the second NYSPHSAA championships that day. Fast-forward 60 years and 21 competitors from 11 different schools in the region will travel to states Friday and Saturday in Albany, potentially even producing the 26th state champion from Niagara County.