Community

Nyack Wrestler Emily Rodriguez Wins Eastern States Classic Title

Published

4 months ago

January 12, 2026

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.

Community

Brian Burns Hosting NY Giants Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium May 30

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Brian Burns is bringing football fans and families together for a fun-filled charity event this spring as the annual New York Giants Celebrity Softball Game returns to Clover Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

The celebrity softball showdown will feature current and former New York Giants players competing against one another on the baseball diamond. Burns will captain a team made up of current Giants players, while former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead a veteran squad featuring players from the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.

Fans can expect appearances from several popular NFL stars and former Giants greats, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Arvell Reese, Ahmad Bradshaw, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara, with additional guests expected to participate throughout the evening.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Burns and his brother Stanley McClover. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and raising awareness within communities nationwide.

Longtime Giants superfan Joe Ruback — better known to fans as “License Plate Guy” — shared his excitement about the event’s return.

“Getting this amazing group of athletes together for a high-energy, fun-filled day, all while supporting an incredible cause like Hype 4 Life, never gets old,” Ruback said.

The evening will feature more than just softball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy a dodgeball competition, a home-run derby and opportunities to interact with players throughout the night. Attendees can additionally enter a raffle for a chance to win a custom New York Giants-themed golf cart.

Event Schedule:
• Parking lot opens — 11 a.m.
• Gates open — 2 p.m.
• Dodgeball — 5 p.m.
• Home-run derby — 6 p.m.
• Celebrity softball game — 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $50 and are available through SpidaGame.com, where fans can also find updated rosters and event details.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Stanley McClover’s son, “Champ,” who is on the autism spectrum and is also Brian Burns’ nephew. Through fundraising events and outreach efforts, the organization works to support autism awareness initiatives and families navigating ASD challenges.

Ruback, one of the most recognizable Giants fans, is famous for wearing a lanyard of New York Giants license plates around his neck at games and fan events. Outside of football, he also serves as Athletic Director at the Biondi School in Yonkers, New York.

Community

Gran Fondo Bicycle Race Brings Energy and Traffic Delays to Rockland County

Published

22 hours ago

May 17, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With detours and some traffic delays throughout the day, many Rockland residents chose to make the best of the situation and enjoy the atmosphere as the Gran Fondo bicycle race made its way through Rockland County. Families, spectators, and local supporters gathered along the route to cheer on riders, turning the event into a fun and energetic community experience despite the temporary disruptions.