Two Patriots Honored for Winning State Titles

Ward Melville High School student-athletes Cydney Crasa and Nicholas Piccininni continue to set new records for their sports, and each performed flawlessly at the recent New York State championships.

Cydney, a sophomore on the varsity gymnastics team, has not lost a dual gymnastics meet since the seventh grade and holds several impressive titles. During this year’s state championship, she earned a near-perfect score of 9.55 on balance beam, earning her first place and her fourth New York State title. She has set a Suffolk County record of 9.725 on balance beam; has earned four Suffolk County team championships, four Suffolk County titles as an individual in each event, and four state event titles in floor, vault and balance beam (twice); is a two-time Long Island MSG Varsity Athlete of the Year; and is a New York State Scholar-Athlete. Cydney will be competing in the Junior Olympic Nationals in Mississippi this May.

Nicholas, a high school junior, has set a new standard for wrestling not only within the program at Ward Melville, but also in Suffolk County and New York State. With a season record of 45-0, Nicholas went on to earn another Suffolk County and New York State title earlier this year. His overall career record is 183-3, with 133 consecutive wins. He is a four-time League I Champion, a four-time Suffolk County Champion, a four-time All-State wrestler, a three-time New York State champion, and a 2013 All-American. He is currently ranked fourth in the nation in the 120-pound weight class.

“We are so extremely proud of you and your accomplishments,” said Erin Blaney, executive director for health, physical education, recreation and athletics, during a recent Board of Education meeting. “On behalf of the Board of Education, district administration and athletic department, I congratulate you, your coaches and your parents on these outstanding achievements.”

Photos provided by the Three Village Central School District