Lyndonville High grad Sam Recco is named head wrestling coach at SUNY Brockport

Contributed Photo – Sam Recco

SUNY Brockport Athletics Department press release
SUNY Brockport Athletic Director Erick Hart announced today the hiring of Lyndonville High graduate Sam Recco as the college’s new head wrestling coach.

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 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 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 and I’m honored to be the next coach in charge of making sure that that trend continues,” said Recco. “The Golden Eagle wrestlers are in good hands. I can’t wait to get started  representing the green and gold on and off the mat!”

From 2019-2021 Recco 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.

Recco is 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 at Lyndonville High winning the 120 .lb New York State Championship in 2012. He 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. “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.