Phil Mattera fit right in with the heyday of Delhi wrestling in the early 1980's. The Deer Park High School graduate was a two-time NJCAA Region 3 champion in the 150 lbs. category in 1980 and 1981, followed by taking the podium at '81 nationals with a sixth-place finish. Additional accolades included being a two-time champion at the Corning Invitational and Mohawk Valley Invitational, as well as winning the Niagara Invitational. He held the school record for career wins (101) and career pins (49), and was chosen as SUNY Delhi's 1980-81 Male Athlete of the Year. During this time Mattera was also an Academic All-American and a USA Bronze Medalist at the 1980 Junior Pan-American Games in Greco-Roman wrestling. After earning his AOS in Plumbing & HVAC, Mattera received a full scholarship to compete at Hofstra University, winning back-to-back East Coast Conference titles and qualifying for NCAA Division I nationals in the 150 lbs. category in 1982 and 158 lbs. in 1983. Mattera was named to the NJCAA Region 3 Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1987. After graduation he worked in the construction field and served in the New York City Department of Buildings, holding the titles Administrative Chief Inspector, Assistant Chief Inspector, Supervising Inspector and Building Inspector. He was a responder and survivor during the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, and in the months following performed inspections on surrounding buildings to ensure safety and reform. His service earned him multiple Commissioner's Awards and the 2017 New York City Community Champion Award.