Nationals Appearance in Year One
Coach Recco led the team to a 7-6 record in duals in his first season with the Golden Eagles wrestling program. At the Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference Championships, Brockport had two champions in Liam Bullock and Eli Sims. The pair led the team to a 2nd place finish at the tournament. Later in the season, Sims was joined by teammate Joe Yanis with 3rd place finishes at the NCAA Mideast Regionals. The pair of wrestlers went on to compete at the NCAA Division III Championships to wrap up Recco's first year with the program.
Welcome to Brockport
SUNY Brockport Athletic Director
Erick Hart announced the hiring of
Sam Recco as the new head wrestling coach on Monday, Sept. 19, 2022. Recco will be responsible for all aspects of Brockport's nationally recognized wrestling program, and he will also serve as an Area Coordinator in Brockport's Residential Life/Learning Communities.
"We're excited to welcome
Sam Recco as the new head coach of our wrestling program," said
Erick Hart. "He's an accomplished college wrestler, a rising star in the profession, and he will be an excellent addition to our entire campus community. "
Recco, originally from Lyndonville, NY, spent the last year as an assistant coach at his alma mater of Edinboro University (Division I wrestling) where he helped guide 141-pounder Gabe Willochell to an NCAA Championship appearance. He also led multiple student-athletes to podium finishes at the MAC Conference Championships.
"Brockport has such a storied history in wrestling & I'm honored to be the next coach in charge of making sure that that trend continues," said
Sam Recco. "The Golden Eagle wrestlers are in good hands. I can't wait to get started & representing the green & gold on & off the mat!"
From 2019-2021 he was an assistant coach for men's and women's wrestling at Lincoln College where he gained valuable experience in building their women's program from the ground up. While at Lincoln, he helped coach an NAIA National qualifier and multiple conference place winners. Prior to his time at Lincoln, he was an assistant coach at General McLane High School where he mentored multiple Pennsylvania State qualifiers and podium finishers.
He's a 2017 graduate of Edinboro where he earned a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Athletic Coaching. Recco played a key role on some of the best wrestling teams in program history, helping the Fighting Scots to two top five team finishes at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, including a third place finish in 2015.
He was also an accomplished wrestler in high school winning the 120lb New York State Championship in 2012. He also placed sixth at states in 2011 and he was a two-time Section V Champion.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to be taking over the Golden Eagles wrestling program. It feels like a dream come true," said Recco. "Me being back in New York State & coaching in my hometown area (Section V) means so much to my family, my friends and I."
Recco will graduate with his master's in business administration (MBA) from PennWest University in December 2022.
