Wantagh Wrestling Honors the Season of Giving Through Annual Toy Drive

The Wantagh Wrestling Team proudly participates in the Toys for Tots program each year as a meaningful way to give back to the community that has long supported its athletes and program. Now in its fourth year, this cherished tradition was launched by Ariell Clem alongside Coaches Ray Hanley Sr. and Paul Gillespie with a clear purpose: to show student-athletes that wrestling is about far more than wins, medals, and championships—it is also about character, compassion, and service.

Through their involvement with Toys for Tots, Wantagh wrestlers are reminded of the importance of helping others, particularly children and families who may be facing hardship during the holiday season. Collecting and donating toys allows the athletes to experience firsthand what it means to give selflessly and to understand how even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact.

Each year, the initiative brings the team closer together while reinforcing the core values of the Wantagh Wrestling program: respect, responsibility, and community pride. Giving back has become an integral part of the team’s culture, and the athletes take great pride in knowing they are helping bring joy and hope to families in need.

The program is grateful to support Toys for Tots in partnership with the John Theissen Children’s Foundation and looks forward to continuing this meaningful tradition for many years to come. Wantagh Wrestling firmly believes that building strong athletes begins with building strong people, and serving the community remains a central part of that mission.

This season, the Wantagh Wrestling program continues to grow and thrive, with 60 wrestlers across both the JV and Varsity levels. Approximately 16 athletes are projected varsity starters, while the remaining wrestlers play key supporting roles—ensuring that every athlete will have the opportunity to compete this weekend.

The upcoming two-day tournament marks a major moment for the program. Saturday will feature the high school competition, with five teams in attendance and a full day of exciting matchups. On Sunday, the focus shifts to the youth program, where nearly 300 young wrestlers are expected to take the mats.

It promises to be an exciting weekend that showcases the strength, unity, and depth of the Wantagh wrestling community—from its youngest athletes to its varsity competitors—and highlights the pride the program takes in bringing everyone together.