Mastrianni set to aim even higher next year
Vincent Mastrianni is a sophomore wrestler for Colonie.
Saturday, Mastrianni completed his second trip to the state championships held at MVP Arena and finished fourth in the Division I 116pound bracket after being seeded ninth.
With his overall performance Friday and Saturday going 4-2, Mastrianni finished the season 47-6.
Q: How would you characterize your state tournament experience this year?
A: Last year, I would just say it didn’t go how I wanted. It all ended really poorly. This year went a lot better. It was my goal to place (in the top eight for a podium finish) this year and I did a lot better than I thought I would do.
Q: I have seen competitors go to the state tournament, whether they were a high seed or low seed, and many fall apart after being eliminated from championship consideration. How happy were you to be able to overcome the loss in the quarterfinals and work your way back to finish fourth?
A: When I lost that match in the quarterfinals, I was a little nervous going into the blood rounds to place. After I won my first match, I realized I could beat anyone in the consolation bracket. Once I got past wrestling the No. 1 seed, I knew I could compete with anyone there. The win gave me confidence that I could beat the next person.
Q: Do you feel having the experience of being at the state tournament last year better prepared you for this year’s event?
A: Yes, I have already been through it and know everything that happens down there. Going out for the walk-out prior to the start of the tournament, everyone was nervous. People that have been there before know what it is like. I have been at big places before. It was not new to me. You get used to it.
Q: Someone from our section, Burnt Hills-ballston Lake junior Liam Carlin, finished fourth as a freshman, second last year and won a state title this year. When you see that type of progression, is a similar path something you want to follow the next two years?
A: I would like to win it next year. I don’t play any other sports, so I will be focused on wrestling for the next 300 days to get ready for the next state wrestling tournament.
Q: How proud are you of getting seeded in the middle of the 116-pound field and coming away with a fourthplace finish?
A: It is a big honor because I have looked up to people to where I am now. I thought of them as the top dogs and now I am up there. It is very gratifying.
Q: Did you meet your preseason goals?
A: My preseason goals were to win sectionals and place at the state tournament. I wanted to get seventh or eighth. I didn’t think I would get to the top four.
Q: I imagine the preseason goals for the 2024-25 season will be even bigger, right?
A: Maybe next year, I can get on the top of the podium.