MASTIC BEACH – Prior to this wrestling season, the William Floyd Colonials knew that they had a special group of young men. How special though was to be determined by how focused these young men were and how hungry they are to put their school on the map and the mat, when it comes to the sport of wrestling.
Newsday turned their spotlight on towards three wrestlers from the tough Colonial team for the 2025-26 season. Jack Meyer, David Gonzalez and Josiah Lors were all highlighted as in the top 100 best wrestlers on Long Island. This was the first time each young man received this honor and feature. Each of these stellar young men had tremendous junior years last year and were expected to carry the underclassmen on their backs to a season possibly like no other.
Josiah Lors (215lbs) is the returning Suffolk County Champion. Lors has also achieved a major milestone by hitting the prestigious 100-win mark, joining the “Century Club.” He follows teammate Jack Meyer, who accomplished the feat last year. Lors is now the ninth WF wrestler in program history to reach 100 career wins.
Jack Meyer (138lbs) is a two-time returning All-County placer and three-year Captain, who is currently focused on rewriting the history books at Floyd. Meyer is closing in on becoming the WF All-Time Win Leader, a record of 145 wins held for 24 years by Jon Barone. Meyer is a fierce competitor and one of the toughest multiple sport athletes Floyd has housed.
David Gonzalez (190lbs) is a returning All-County placer. He is currently enjoying a stellar season, highlighted by his two tournament championships and a strong showing at Eastern States. Poised for a deep run in the upcoming county championships, Gonzalez is peaking at the perfect time.
As the season continues to roll on, this team certainly hasn’t disappointed. As a matter of fact, so far, they have exceeded expectations. This past week they had a convincing win over Riverhead to clinch their first League One championship in several decades. Earlier in the week they beat an undefeated Brentwood team to put them at the top of league one. The championship was sealed by a heroic performance from Jayvyn Johnson, whose 16-8 major decision win earned the team four crucial points. Johnson’s return to the mat was nothing short of miraculous, coming back from a severe ankle sprain suffered three weeks prior—an injury many feared would sideline him for the remainder of the season. His determination epitomized the team’s relentless spirit.
It’s much of the behind the scenes sacrifices, training and the coaches really pouring everything they are and know into these kids for years now. This type of success as a team doesn’t happen by chance or luck. It’s hard work day in and out, all year long.
The Colonials’ undeniable surge in the wrestling community is a direct reflection of its dedicated coaching staff and the culture they have built. Head Coach Mecca, alongside Coaches Passaro, Stoia, Murtha, Croteau, and Sontag, has consistently pushed these young men beyond what they believed were their limits. The intensity, leadership, and unwavering dedication brought by each coach are visible in every wrestler’s performance. The coaching staff has fostered a culture where each athlete holds themselves and their teammates accountable, creating a powerful bond and brotherhood that is the true hallmark of a successful wrestling program.
“It’s a wrestling family at William Floyd. From the wrestlers, coaches, parents & alumni, who have supported the program. We instill values that are not only seen on the mat, but in all areas of these young men’s lives,” proudly states Coach Murtha. “We are built on hard work, heart and grit, which has been seen over the last 5 years of having been a coach here. It’s even more so evident this specific season. We had a goal, we showed up, we worked, believed and now we are on top of League One.” Murtha also said that a solid youth program is the true key to any winning program.
As the County championships quickly approach, the green and white machine is running in headfirst to continue making history and making their school and community proud.
