Marco Photos

Photo by Tracy Boulian, Daily News

Seeking the light — One light hangs low in the gym, positioned over the center of a wrestling mat. All other lights are out. From the dark stands, spectators cheer as competitors take to the mat for the district meet finals. That single light changes the ambience of wrestling, says Palmetto Ridge wrestling coach Mark Rosenbalm. Palmetto Ridge is one of a handful of schools in the state that have the device, known as a mat light. "It makes you feel more excited to be there," says Richie Dehnz, 16, a sophomore at Palmetto Ridge High School, who would go on to become state champion in his weight class this year. A wrestler has to perform well to get a chance to compete under the mat light, used only in the finals, highlighting the difference between it and regular competition. Purchased in January 2005, the light was only used twice this season — for this district meet finals and for a junior varsity dual meet beforehand. Palmetto Ridge took third in the state this year, with four wrestlers reaching the state finals and three — Denz, Elias Rey and Zack Mastro — finishing as state champions. The team had a record of 33-3 in dual meets. "It was phenomenal for a second-year program," says Rosenbalm. "You couldn't ask for better. They worked hard all year, and it paid off." Published February 27, 2006

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