This Week's Student Spotlight: Nanuet's Dan Breit

School: Junior at Nanuet High School

Age: 16

Dan Breit has had a phenomenal wrestling season. He was one of three Nanuet High School wrestlers who won the Section Title, propelling them to make the journey north for the State Championship. This year's State Championship tournament was held at the Times Union Center in Albany.

Breit won his weight class at the Rockland County Wrestling Championships, held at Tappan Zee High School this year. Over the past two years he placed 2nd in 2010-2011 and 5th in the 2009-2010 seasons.

Breit came in 6th at Eastern States this year, which was one of the most difficult competitions prior to the the States.

"Eastern States was in Loch Sheldrake, NY. There was a lot of tough competition there. Pretty much every wrestler there was an above average wrestler," said Breit.

This year it was the Section One competition that was a highlight for him.

"In Sections this year I had a bye in the round of 16, then pinned in 7 seconds in the quarter finals, pinned in 52 seconds in the semi-finals and pinned in 1:59 in the finals. It was very exciting knowing that all my hard work had paid off," said Breit.

Over the past four years he has been moving up the ranks and his growth and ability has been awarded. He has won the following awards, in addition to the Rockland County Championship:

* All-league in 11-12, 10-11, 08-09
* All-section in 11-12
* Placed 6th in 09-10 season

Breit also excels on the football field as a halfback and middle linebacker and on the high school baseball team playing first base.

He's been playing all three sports since he was a young boy. Breit began wrestling in the 3rd grade through the Nanuet Mat Club. He was also involved in the Orangetown Patriots and Nanuet Little League programs.

It wasn't until 8th grade that he got serious about his future in wrestling. It is clear to see that his journey each year on the mat continues to improve, each season getting one step closer to the ultimate - the State Championship.

He made it to the State Championship as a Junior which gives him another year to prepare for a full sweep of the Rockland County Championships, Sections, then on to conquer the States in his senior year.

According to Breit's coach, Carmine Serra, there is a different level of talent at the States. Although Breit came out strong in his first match, he wasn't able to hold on to the lead the entire tournament.

"That's the difference up there, everyone you wrestle is a Section champ from somewhere and one mistake can mean the difference between winning and losing.  Dan wrestled well, especially considering it was his first time up in Albany. This will help Dan for next year," said Serra.

A trip to the State Championships for wrestling as a junior is a great accomplishment! Congratulations on a great wrestling season! We look forward to seeing you on the baseball field and to what next year may bring.