John Glenn Wrestling Caps Historic Season with State Dual Meet Title and Multiple Individual Honors
The 2025 winter wrestling season will be etched in the history of John Glenn High School as one of the most dominant and successful campaigns in program history. Under the leadership of veteran head coach TJ Brocking, the Knights reached unprecedented heights, highlighted by their New York State Dual Meet Championship and a string of individual accolades that reflect the depth and strength of the program.
Coach Brocking, who just completed his 20th season at the helm, called it the “perfect season,” and with good reason. From a spotless 13–0 team record to multiple state qualifiers and all-state wrestlers, the 2024–2025 campaign stands as a testament to talent, preparation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
A Season of Champions: Dual Meets and Individual Brilliance
At the heart of this banner year was Tommy Aiello, who etched his name into the John Glenn record books as the school’s first-ever two-time state champion and the first three-time all-state wrestler. Competing at 116 lbs, Aiello’s historic run served as the backbone of the team’s dominance.
Joining him in elite company were Aidan Lee, who earned 4th place in the state at 124 lbs, and Carmine Gerbino, who placed 7th at 215 lbs. These wrestlers not only stood out on the state level but were also instrumental in securing regional dominance, helping John Glenn secure titles across the board—from the Suffolk County Dual Meet Championship to the Suffolk County Individual Tournament and League 7 Championships.
The team’s crowning moment came when they captured the New York State Dual Meet title, avenging a runner-up finish from the previous season. “Winning the state dual meet championship was our ultimate goal this year,” said Coach Brocking. “To accomplish that really made the year special.”
Rising Stars and Breakout Performers
While seasoned stars like Aiello, Lee, and Gerbino led from the front, the 2025 season was also a breakout year for several under-the-radar wrestlers who rose to the occasion when their number was called.
Dylan Bulger, for instance, went from not placing in the county tournament to qualifying for the state tournament at 160 lbs—a stunning leap that encapsulates the team’s depth and internal development. Wrestlers like Luca Palisciano and Aras Buz, originally second-string athletes, stepped into the spotlight and also qualified for the state tournament, proving that John Glenn’s bench strength could compete at the highest level.
Younger athletes like Peter Bell, Niko Drakopoulos, Gianni Vargas, Ashton Presti, Keith King, and Ricky Jimenez transitioned into starting roles and showcased their potential, laying a solid foundation for the program’s future.
Senior Karahn King is the other state qualifier.
Championship Pedigree and Senior Leadership
In Coach Brocking’s words, “We’ve had a lot of success in my twenty years, but this senior group won the most championships.” Their accolades are staggering:
4x Suffolk County Individual Tournament Champions
3x Suffolk Dual Meet Champions
1x New York State Dual Meet Champions
Their legacy goes beyond hardware. These seniors were the emotional and tactical anchors of the team, maintaining focus, grit, and poise through pressure-packed moments and high expectations.
The season wasn’t without its challenges—injuries struck the roster at various points—but the team remained resilient. “The kids behind the injured starters really stepped up,” Brocking said. “There was a lot of pressure after losing in the state finals the previous year, but we stayed the course.”
Looking Ahead: Youth Movement and a New Chapter
Losing such a successful senior class would cause concern for many programs, but Coach Brocking remains optimistic about the future. “We have a good group coming back,” he said. “They just haven’t gotten the experience yet because of the kids that have been ahead of them.”
This transition opens the door for a promising group of athletic freshmen who, if properly developed, could carry on the John Glenn legacy of excellence. Coach Brocking emphasized that the offseason will be critical: “The commitment of our younger kids coming back is the number one issue for us. They’re extremely athletic and tough. They just need to get on the mat.”
By the Numbers: A Legacy of Success
Coach Brocking’s tenure as head coach is a masterclass in consistency and achievement. Across two decades, his teams have compiled an eye-popping 289–48 record, producing:
6 New York State Individual Champions
2 New York State Dual Meet Team Championships (2010, 2025)
25 All-State wrestlers
90 State Qualifiers
38 Individual County Champions (D1 & D2 combined)
12 League Tournament Titles
10 League Dual Meet Titles
This year alone saw nine state qualifiers, with eighteen wrestlers placing in the individual county tournament—a depth of talent few programs in the state can match.
Where to Find More
For fans and wrestling enthusiasts eager to track the Knights’ ongoing success, Coach Brocking directs them to MaxPreps, where both season stats and historical data from his entire coaching career are available.
From league matches to state tournaments, the journey of each wrestler is meticulously documented, offering a comprehensive look at one of New York’s most respected high school wrestling programs.
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Sustained Excellence
The 2025 John Glenn wrestling season will be remembered not only for its undefeated record and historic titles but also for the culture of excellence that Coach Brocking and his staff have built and maintained over 20 years.
From legendary seniors to fearless underclassmen, from setbacks to state glory, this team embodied what high school athletics should be: a space for young people to grow, push limits, and rise to greatness.
“We reached all our goals,” said Coach Brocking—and then some.
Now, with a new crop of talent waiting in the wings and a standard that’s never been higher, the Knights look forward to defending their crown and continuing a tradition that’s become synonymous with winning, grit, and pride.
25 All-State wrestlers
90 State Qualifiers
38 Individual County Champions (D1 & D2 combined)
12 League Tournament Titles
10 League Dual Meet Titles
This year alone saw nine state qualifiers, with eighteen wrestlers placing in the individual county tournament—a depth of talent few programs in the state can match.
Where to Find More
For fans and wrestling enthusiasts eager to track the Knights’ ongoing success, Coach Brocking directs them to MaxPreps, where both season stats and historical data from his entire coaching career are available.
From league matches to state tournaments, the journey of each wrestler is meticulously documented, offering a comprehensive look at one of New York’s most respected high school wrestling programs.
Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Sustained Excellence
The 2025 John Glenn wrestling season will be remembered not only for its undefeated record and historic titles but also for the culture of excellence that Coach Brocking and his staff have built and maintained over 20 years.
From legendary seniors to fearless underclassmen, from setbacks to state glory, this team embodied what high school athletics should be: a space for young people to grow, push limits, and rise to greatness.
“We reached all our goals,” said Coach Brocking—and then some.
Now, with a new crop of talent waiting in the wings and a standard that’s never been higher, the Knights look forward to defending their crown and continuing a tradition that’s become synonymous with winning, grit, and pride.)
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