Gary Pesko is a household name in the varsity wrestling world. Pesko is the head coach of the Sayville Golden Flashes Varsity Wrestling team. This fall, he will receive the “Lifetime Service to Wrestling” Award from the Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Pesko has been at the helm for 31 years and wrestled on the team in 1983 as a student. The level of dedication and commitment to a program is unmatched. Hence why he’s receiving a lifetime service award. The award is “given in recognition of years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in the youth through the sport of wrestling,” according to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
The Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame was first established in 1992. As an organization, they aim to foster and promote awareness and appreciation for amateur wrestling, they provide continuous support of amateur wrestling programs in schools and youth organizations, they cultivate a positive community for the existing programs, and they want to honor outstanding individuals,
Pesko wrestled for Sayville in 1983 and won the league title for the first time in school history. Years later, as a head coach, he led the school to another league title and its first-ever Suffolk County Championship in 2022.
The Sayville alum stayed on the Island and went on to wrestle collegiately at Hofstra University. During his four years at Hofstra, he was named a two-time All-American and was a runner-up in the NYS collegiate tournament. Pesko wrestled in the 118lb weight class as a freshman before moving to the 126lb weight class for the remaining three years.
Coaching came early for Pesko as he was the junior varsity coach while he was still an active wrestler himself at Hofstra. He spent five seasons at the helm of the JV team before making the jump to varsity, taking over for head coach Chuck Russo. The Golden Flashes have operated under Pesko ever since.
In 2026, Pesko was named League 6 Coach of the Year. In January, Pesko notched his 300th career win at the helm of the Golden Flashes. As a head coach, this is his resume: 300 wins, League Dual Meet Champions ‘96, ‘23, ‘25, ‘26, League Tournament Champions ‘22, ‘25, ‘26, and Suffolk County DI Tournament Champions ‘22. Pesko has coached 10 All-State wrestlers, 1 NYS champion, 57 All-County wrestlers, 7 County champions, 18 County runner ups, and 53 League Champions. This is all listed on a limited edition commemorative t-shirt that the Golden Flashes are selling on their team store.
Congratulations to Gary Pesko on his Hall of Fame recognition. It’s an honor of a lifetime to receive a prestigious award in recognition of your dedication and passion for the sport. Varsity wrestling at Sayville and on Long Island is proud of you and all you’ve accomplished!
