Another wrestling tournament brought another championship performance from Nyack’s Emily Rodriguez.

Rodriguez captured the 185-pound title at the Eastern States Classic girls freestyle tournament on Sunday, Jan. 11, pinning Putnam Valley’s Delina Gritz in just 1:32 at the Impact Athletic Center in Clifton Park. The victory marked a strong early-season statement from one of New York’s top wrestlers.

“Honestly, it’s very rewarding,” Rodriguez said. “It was my first big tournament of the season, and it kind of shows what the rest of the season is going to look like.”

Rodriguez’s dominance at Eastern States came as no surprise. The Nyack standout is the reigning New York State girls wrestling champion at 185 pounds, having won the title at last season’s NYSPHSAA Championships. Her state run was historic, as it came during New York’s first officially sanctioned girls wrestling championship, and she pinned every opponent she faced on her way to the title.

In doing so, Rodriguez became Nyack High School’s first wrestling state champion since 1988 and the first girls wrestling state champion in school history. Her achievement earned statewide recognition, including a formal resolution from the New York State Assembly honoring her accomplishment.

Beyond her success on the mat, Rodriguez has established herself as one of Nyack’s most accomplished all-around athletes. She is a tri-varsity competitor who has also starred in field hockey and lacrosse. In field hockey, she is a multi-time Section One All-League selection and holds the school record for most saves as a goalie. She also received the Coaches Award in lacrosse, highlighting her leadership and versatility.

Rodriguez’s athletic excellence extends into the classroom as well, where she has maintained high honor roll status throughout her high school career.

Already named to the New York Girls Wrestling Dream Team and recognized as one of the top wrestlers in Section One, Rodriguez’s Eastern States Classic title further cements her status as a favorite to repeat as a state champion.

With the season just getting underway, Rodriguez appears poised for another dominant run — and another year of making history for Nyack.

Thiells, NY — North Rockland High School student-athlete KiKi Daly reached a major milestone, scoring her 1,000th career point during a home game against Mamaroneck.

Daly is the first North Rockland girls basketball player since 2015 to join the prestigious 1,000 Points Club, marking a significant achievement for the program.

Coaches and school officials praised Daly’s accomplishment as a testament to her years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to Raider Pride. Her leadership and performance on the court have played a key role in the team’s success.

The North Rockland community celebrated the milestone during the game, recognizing Daly’s contributions to Raider athletics and her impact as a leader on and off the court.