Q&A with New Rochelle HS wrestlers Mariella Koufalis and Matteo Crino
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — We go behind the scenes of New Rochelle High School鈥檚 wrestling team, led by head coach Eddie Ortiz! In recent years, the team had ALL-STATE wrestlers like Jordan Wallace, Jake Logan, and Steve Burrell. Its current team is young but ambitious and ready to make a statement on and off the mat!
Two of New Rochelle鈥檚 inspiring athletes are Matteo Crino, who is in the eighth grade at Albert Leonard Middle School, and Mariella Koufalis, a senior at New Rochelle High School. Matteo, undefeated on the modified level last year, has been moved up to wrestle varsity for New Rochelle High School as an eighth grader! Mariella 聽Koufalis is the highest decorated female wrestler on the team. They are both high achievers and are seeking to get better each day. New Rochelle is excited for them to leave a legacy on the mat.
I had a chance to interview both of them.
What got you into wrestling?
Matteo Crino: My dad really influenced me from a young age. He鈥檚 the wrestling coach at White Plains high school, and we鈥檝e been wrestling for a while now 鈥� since the first grade.
Mariella Koufalis: My older brother wrestled, and I loved the competitive atmosphere!
What are you excited about for this season?
Crino: It鈥檚 really fun. I like the intensity of drilling and matches. It鈥檚 very fun for me!
Koufalis: To wrestle my final high school matches before colleges and perform even better than last year!
What do you do to stay in routine for wrestling?
Crino: I wrestle at GPS Wrestling Club (GPS) two to three times per week, and I lift with the New Rochelle High School wrestling team three days a week!
Koufalis: I’ve been going to tournaments, lifting with the team and at home, practicing at GPS as much as possible, and taking private lessons at Rugged Wrestling Club!
How do you handle adversity, especially as an eighth grader?
Crino: I鈥檝e been training with some of the high school wrestlers at GPS. There are a lot of really good guys there. It helped a lot over the summer. I鈥檓 not scared at all; I just know I need to work harder! Off the mat, I stay on top of my studies. I don’t wait if I have a challenge with something. I鈥檒l ask my teacher or my dad for help.
As a female wrestler going against some of the boys, how do you handle adversity?
Koufalis: When I first started, it was a little tough, but I quickly adapted. At the beginning of the match, the score starts at 0-0.
How do you balance school and your sport?
Crino: I usually come to practice or lift, and I do my best. When I go home, I get straight to my homework. Sometimes I鈥檓 up late at night finishing up, but it鈥檚 worth doing what I love!
Koufalis: Whenever I have a free period, I do my homework and study. After practice, I usually take a nap, and then I get to work on my studies. School is my top priority. If I ever feel overwhelmed with school. I鈥檒l take a few tutoring sessions too.
What are your hobbies outside of wrestling?
Crino: I like hanging out with my cousins, and I like playing the drums!
Koufalis: I don’t have too much free time, to be honest. When I have some, I like to relax, hang out with my girls, drive around town, and eat good food!
Clearly, both athletes, as well as their teammates, have great heads on their shoulders and really understand lifelong concepts of sacrifice, hard work, and time management! This reporter can鈥檛 wait to see what this year brings them!
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