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“I began lifting and running right after that,” said Pastore during a break in a four-team wrestling workout at Yorktown on Saturday. “I also started going to a lot of spring tournaments so I could wrestle as much as possible.”
Pastore, a varsity wrestler since eighth grade, won the 145-pound title last February. In 2011, Pastore was a sectional finalist.
Along with the spring wrestling tournaments, Pastore said he attended three summer wrestling camps where he participated with many high-quality wrestlers.
“The more time I spend on the mat the more it has paid off,” Pastore said. “I feel that I am better in all positions and I have gotten better physically and mentally.”
The commitment and dedication to the sport does not surprise Irvington coach Steve Aufiero.
“Brett has always been committed and worked very hard and, as a result, has made great strides in the sport,” said Aufiero, who was a standout wrestler at Westlake. “Brett brings a great variety of technique and style to our room.
“Brett’s approach is that he wants to wrestle every tough wrestler to get the best competition," he said. "And whether he wins or loses, he focuses on what he needs to work on because he always wants to do better.”
Pastore was in a group of four at the workout, which included Yorktown senior and 2012 Division I 145-pound sectional finalist Joe Mastro.
As successful as Pastore as been individually, Aufiero said, he has been even more valuable as a leader.
“Everyone looks up to Brett,” Aufiero said. “He stays after practice to work with the younger guys. Brett is a crucial part of our program.”
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