Sidney Sabers Wrestling: Youthful Grit and Championship Spirit Define 2025 Season
Winter Season Recap with Head Coach Tony Ferrara
The 2025 wrestling season for the Sidney Sabers was one of promise, perseverance, and pride. Under the guidance of Head Coach Tony Ferrara, the Sabers navigated a season defined by a remarkably young roster, a few standout performances, and the kind of quiet determination that sets the stage for a bright future.
While results are often measured in wins and losses, this season was about foundation-building. With only two seniors on the squad, the Sabers fielded one of the youngest teams in Section 4—but that didn’t stop them from competing at a high level, earning a sectional title, and nearly sending a freshman to state.
Senior Leadership Shines: Caden Higley’s Championship Run
Every strong team needs a leader, and for Sidney, that leader was senior captain Caden Higley, who competed at 108 pounds. Caden's impact went far beyond the mat. He was the heart of the program, guiding younger wrestlers, leading by example in practice, and delivering under pressure when it mattered most.
His biggest highlight? Capturing the Sectional Championship and earning a trip to the New York State Wrestling Tournament in Albany. That accomplishment not only capped off a stellar season for Caden but also inspired his teammates, many of whom were stepping into varsity competition for the first time.
“Caden made the state tournament and was a great leader,” said Coach Ferrara. “He set the tone for what we expect from Sabers wrestlers.”
A Young Core on the Rise
Though Caden was the senior standout, the 2025 season will also be remembered for the emergence of a talented freshman class, most notably Dylan Webb, who wrestled at 101 pounds. Despite his youth, Dylan nearly earned a trip to Albany himself, coming just one match away from qualifying for the state tournament.
“Dylan showed tremendous growth throughout the season,” Ferrara noted. “Being that close to the state as a freshman shows his potential.”
The experience he gained this year—navigating tough opponents, pressure situations, and tournament environments—sets a strong foundation for future success.
With Dylan leading the next wave, and many of his classmates gaining mat time alongside him, the Sabers are preparing to build a competitive program anchored by this growing core.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Wrestling is as much mental as it is physical, and the Sabers' 2025 squad proved mature beyond its years when handling adversity. Whether facing tough losses, battling injuries, or rising to the challenge of more experienced opponents, the team never backed down.
“For being that young, they responded great,” said Ferrara, reflecting on how his team battled throughout the season.
In a sport where individual responsibility is high, the young wrestlers on Sidney’s roster embraced the challenge, learned from every match, and took significant steps forward in both skill and mentality.
Senior Impact Beyond the Spotlight
While Caden Higley understandably drew the headlines, Coach Ferrara also recognized the other senior on the roster for their contributions. Though unnamed in this recap, that senior played a vital role in supporting the team culture, staying involved, and helping guide the underclassmen.
With only two seniors to lean on, the responsibility of leadership was magnified, and both embraced it. They brought energy, focus, and example-setting—qualities that won’t show up in box scores but are critical to a team’s long-term development.
A Program Poised for Growth
Looking forward, the optimism around Sidney Sabers wrestling is palpable. With so many underclassmen returning and a season’s worth of experience now under their belts, Coach Ferrara is excited to see how this team develops over the next few years.
“They have three bright years to develop,” he said, already anticipating the next step in the program’s progression.
Key returners like Dylan Webb and the rest of the underclassmen are expected to step into larger roles—both competitively and in leadership. With the right offseason mindset and commitment to improvement, the Sabers are in a prime position to become a contender in the coming seasons.
Offseason Focus: Strength and Mat Time
Coach Ferrara knows that growth in wrestling doesn’t stop in March. His message to his wrestlers heading into the offseason is simple: stay active, stay strong, and stay on the mat.
“We’re hoping all the kids lift weights and get mat time in open tournaments,” he said.
Strength training, particularly for younger athletes, will be crucial in helping the Sabers compete against older, more physically developed opponents. Likewise, offseason tournaments offer invaluable experience, helping wrestlers refine their technique, build confidence, and prepare for the demands of varsity-level competition.
With a full offseason of hard work, the foundation laid in 2025 can become a launching pad for even greater achievements in 2026 and beyond.
Tracking the Team’s Progress
Fans and supporters eager to follow the Sabers' development can keep up with results, rankings, and updates through the Section 4 Wrestling Forum, where local wrestling activity is actively tracked and discussed throughout the season.
While the Sabers may be flying under the radar now, don’t expect that to last much longer.
A Season That Set the Stage
The 2025 Sidney Sabers wrestling team may not have been the most experienced or the most decorated, but what they lacked in age, they more than made up for in heart, discipline, and potential. From Caden Higley’s inspirational title run to Dylan Webb’s near-miss at state, every match, every practice, and every challenge helped define this squad as one with tremendous upside.
In short, this was the season that planted the seeds—and with the right nurturing, the Sidney Sabers are ready to grow into a dominant force in the years to come.
Coach Ferrara and the entire Sabers program have every reason to look forward with confidence and excitement, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Share With