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The Irvington senior needed just 72 seconds to complete his goal, pinning Edgemont’s Jack McCormack in the 152-pound final at the Section 1 Small School Qualifier for the New York State Wrestling Championships.
This was Pastore’s second consecutive sectional title. Pastore, along with all of the individual champions, earned a berth in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships Feb. 22 and 23 at the Albany Times-Union Center.
It was a sweet victory for Pastore, who recalled a painful moment in 2011.
“Two years ago, I lost in the final in our gym,” said Pastore, now 35-4 on the season and 140-40 for his career. “Having the finals back here and winning it feels great.”
Though Pastore was seeded first and was a returning champion, he said he was a little nervous. However, Pastore did not show it as he immediately secured a takedown of McCormack. Once McCormack was on the mat, Pastore began executing his pinning move.
“I went right after him because I felt if I could win it in the first period I had to go for it,” Pastore said. “I didn’t think I was going to pin him, but I’m glad I did. There’s nothing like getting a pin, especially in a sectional final.”
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