Finley Wrestling Welcomes Newcomers to the Mat

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School wrestling team is set for its first week of practice, commencing on Monday, January 13 at 3 p.m. in the school gym.

Finley has enjoyed a traditionally strong wrestling team over the years. Head coach Travis T. Smith is hopeful this year’s squad will be tough, too.

Practices will be held daily in the school gym from 3:00-4:30 p.m. The sessions will include conditioning, instruction, drilling and scrimmaging. Workouts can be intense, but are always fun.

Finley has home meets scheduled with Elwood, Kings Park, Northport, Great Hollow and Nesaquake and away meets at Candlewood, Oldfield, Accompsett, Stimson and Commack.

The first meet is set for January 28 when Elwood visits Finley for a 4:45 p.m. meet. The final meet is at Commack on March 20 at 5 p.m.

All seventh and eighth grade boys are welcome to join the team. No previous experience is required. As many as 50 wrestlers are expected to ultimately join the team.

Wrestlers should wear at t-shirt, shorts and sneakers at the first practice. If they already have wrestling shoes, they can wear them. Sweatpants and knee pads are fine, too.

For more information contact Coach Smith at tsmith@hufsd.edu.

Every student needs to get re-qualified by the school nurse for each sport season. The nurse can only clear those who have completed a physical exam within the past 12 months and who present an interval health history form. Questions should be directed to Finley nurse Kay Khokhar at kkhokhar@hufsd.edu.

The nurse requires the following forms to be on file:

1. Required NYS Health Examination Form (click for link)

Physical exams can be performed by private doctor or school doctor and are valid for one year.

2. Interval Health History for Sports Participation (English/Spanish) (click for link)

A new form is required for each season; must be completed by parent/guardian, signed in ink and dated within 30 days of the start of the season.

Wrestlers should submit the Parent Consent Form for Athletes (English/Spanish) (click for link) to Coach Smith no later than the first day of practice.