Fabian cruises to state championship with pin

Shoreham-Wading River senior T.J. Fabian dominated through four rounds of the Division I New York State Wrestling Championships, clinching the 126-pound state title with an emphatic pin of Keanu Thompson in the finals Saturday night at Times Union Center in Albany.

Fabian, closing in on a technical fall, pinned Thompson with nine seconds left in the match.

Fabian became the fourth state champion in school history, joining a prestigious list headlined by four-time champion Jesse Jantzen.

“It’s the best feeling in my life,” Fabian said.

After a disappointing third-place finish in the county tournament, Fabian responded with a near flawless tournament at the state championships. He gave up only one point in his four victories.

“Getting the first seed in states helped me so much,” he said. “I got a great spot in my bracket. I was just excited for every match.”

Fabian came out firing in each match, scoring quick takedowns and constantly beging the aggressor on the mat.

A four-time league champion, his hard work paid off with the ultimate prize. And he’ll leave Shoreham with the all-time record for career pins (132), according to coach Joe Condon.

In the semifinals Saturday morning Fabian pinned Fredrick Dunau of St. Anthony’s in 3 minutes 32 seconds.

Fabian won his first two matches Friday by a combined score of 17-0.

Fabian, a two-time state placewinner, finishes the season 51-1. His career record is 185-24.

To follow along from the finals, click on the live blog below.

Scroll to the bottom to see updated brackets heading into the finals. A live blog from the semifinals and consolations is below that.

Division I New York State Wrestling Championships by