Over the weekend, Bronco Campsey, East Hampton’s star wrestler, became the first Bonacker to achieve 100 wins in almost 40 years. Campsey, a junior at Pierson High School, notched wins 100 through 103 in competition at Westhampton Beach, surpassing Eric Kaufman, who graduated with 102 wins in 1987.
“Right now, Bronco is the winningest wrestler in Bonac history,” Kathy Masterson, East Hampton’s athletic director, said of his accomplishment. “What’s most impressive is that he’s only a junior and it’s only halfway through the season.”
Campsey, who is wrestling at 126 pounds, was named one of the best 100 wrestlers on Long Island this year. Last season, he won a 6-1 decision for the Suffolk Division I title at 108 pounds. He was runner-up in both the state tournament and the Eastern States Classic, and has been key in rebuilding Bonac wrestling since he joined the team.
“Bronco — since he walked onto the mat — has been a huge presence,” Masterson said. “This is just another notch in his belt as to the things he will accomplish and has already accomplished in his career. About five or six years ago, there were not a lot of kids involved in wrestling. It was a dying program, and the energy level now — Bronco brings a level that other kids want to be a part of. He’s just a classy, classy young man.”
A chance to catch a glimpse of Campsey in action comes at the next home wrestling match at the high school on Friday, Jan. 16, at 5 p.m.
