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Light Drizzle Seaford's gym of honor
Gerbino wrestling night features tribute to fallen alumni
The annual Bob Gerbino Wrestling Night is always a special event at Seaford High School, but this year it had extra-special meaning.
Before Seaford’s wrestlers took on Lynbrook last Friday night, the district rededicated the gymnasium in honor of all Seaford graduates who have served their country in the armed forces. The gym was initially dedicated in 1968 to seven — which later became eight — alumni who were killed while serving in the Vietnam era.
The half-hour ceremony featured a flag presentation by Seaford cheerleaders, a military color guard, music by the high school band and chorus, the unveiling of a new plaque and the tolling of a bell for the eight alumni.
“We thought this would be a good way to honor the Seaford alumni who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Superintendent Brian Conboy, explaining that district officials felt that the meaning behind the high school’s Memorial Gymnasium has been lost over the past 47 years.
The Bob Gerbino Wrestling Night, in its 21st year, is named for the founder of the district’s wrestling program and sponsored by Friends of Seaford Wrestling. Gerbino, who died in 1998, coached the team for 20 years. The event typically serves as a reunion of past Seaford wrestlers, many of whom filled the bleachers last Friday night.
One was Ron Russo, who wrestled at Seaford from 1962 to 1965 under Gerbino and who was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. (Gerbino was inducted in 2008.) Russo said it was thrilling to be back in his hometown, but it was a bittersweet night. His wrestling and lacrosse teammate, Daniel Gladding, is one of the eight late graduates the gym is dedicated to. The others are James Fowler, Kenneth Vogel, Steven Freese, Carl Nygren, Thomas Peterson, James Heinbockel and John McNamara.
“It is our most sincere hope that we won’t have to add other names to the wall,” Conboy said.
Eight students came up to the podium, each reading a name and telling a little about their military service, as well as the day they were born and the day they died. After each name, Retired Navy Chaplain the Rev. Ronald Close and Navy Petty Officer Maria Ciara Tiomico tolled the bell.
