The Sailors defeated the rival Tuskers from Somers High School Thursday. Athletic Director Tom Baker congratulated LaVallee, who has been head coach for 24 years, on the "tremendous milestone.”
"Paul LaVallee has been the backbone of our wrestling program," Baker said in a press release. "He has worked extremely hard to make this program one of the best. Every year, alumni come back and visit him, always speaking to him about the pride he instilled in them."
One alumni who LaVallee has stayed in contact with is 2007 graduate Shane Turrone. Now an assistant coach with the squad, Turrone saw 100 wins under LaVallee.
“Coach LaVallee has been an inspiration to all of the student-athletes who have wrestled at Hen Hud," LaVallee said. "The knowledge he has for the sport is amazing. Coach gives every wrestler a chance to get on the mat, as long as you commit 100-percent, and all kids get a chance to get on that mat.”
Jack Wagner, a senior wrestling nearing 100 victories himself, said LaVallee has had a big influence on him.
"He has led us to lots of success and has led this program to be a winning program," Wagner said. "It has been my pleasure to have been on his team.”
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In his tenure with the Sailors, LaVallee has seen league championships and tournament championships. He has worked with two-time state champion Anthony Alberti in 1989 and 1990, as well as many Section 1 champions. Mark Grant won the title in 2013.
The post-season starts Feb. 8 when the Sailors head to Divisionals at Pearl River High School. Senior night is Wednesday, Jan. 23.
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