| 2003-2004 Long Island Wrestling Team Preview |
| Huntington HS appears to be the top team on Long Island, slightly ahead of Islip, their top rival, whom they edged in last year's county tournament (107-106.5) and in a classic dual (25-24). This season should see them battle for both the League V and Section XI title. The Blue Devils will be led by returning county champion Shawn Riley (37-2) who finished third at the state meet, he will compete at 125 pounds. Two county runner-ups that will vie for county crowns are Shaheim Bradshaw (145) and junior Jack Sullivan (189) along with all-county Charlie Paar (160). Other top prospects include Brian Lifson (96), Frank Sangiovanni (140) and LI football standout Pierre Delva at 215 pounds. Coach Lou Giani embarks on his 34th season and hopes to crown his 23rd state champion (state leader) this season. He has a group of highly talented matmen that could certainly add to that total. Islip HS will be led by two-time county champion and two-time state runner-up junior Tom Magnani (78-4 career mark) at 119. Connetquot transfer junior Mike Rudden (third at 112) will compete at 125 and all-county sophomore Joe Macaluso will move up to 112 to give them a solid lightweight contingent. Coach Joe Patrovich, now in his eighth season, hopes this will be the year for both the Bucs and his son. Ryan Patrovich (38-1) only a sophomore will probably compete at 145-152 lbs. and hopes to improve on his third place finish at the 2003 county meet. Other standouts are Paul Vaeth (125), Chris Wade (135) and Dan Petroro at 140 pounds. The resurgent Riverhead program will be one to reckon with as coach Rocky Davey should boast a strong squad this season. The Blue Wave will be led by returning county titilist junior Matt Scott (31-6) who will be at 135 lbs. County medallists that will bolster their lineup are Chris Raynor (125) and Chris Darrow (130) along with league champion Micah Brown at 160 pounds. Massapequa HS looks to have the inside track and are a slight favorite to capture the Nassau championship. Coach Gary Mims begins his 25th season and now has Al Bevilacqua back in the room, along with a strong coaching staff. The Chiefs will be led by county runner-up senior Ron Lanzilotta (189 lbs.) and Dan Bonanno (third at 96) who will move to the 103-pound class. Other standouts are potential champion Shane Strumwasser (96), Kevin Driscoll (119), Matt Cellan (130), Chris Chimeri (152), Dan Young (160) and Kevin Phillips at 171 pounds. Sachem HS will have a balanced lineup and are led by tough sophomore Chris Iorio who finished fourth in the county at 103, he could be a finalist at 112. Coach Jack Mahoney enters his 32nd season and the Flaming Arrows point to Glenn Confessore (103), Rob Goldberg (112), Mark Colasuonno (125), Mike Losito (145), Scott Zeffiro (160), James Sykes (171) and Ken Kennedy at 275 pounds. The Brentwood Indians will be led by defending county champion Ken Torres (30-3) who finished fifth at the state meet, he will be at 112 or 119 pounds. Other top grapplers are Peppy Cabrera (103), Julio Warren (112), Randy Medina (125), Omi Ortiz (145), all-county Anthony Rivera (160) and Mike Rojas at 171. MacArthur HS has won the past three Nassau titles, but this season they will most likely be a strong challenger. Coach Howie Greenblatt begins his 18th season and will have the Generals ready come tournament time. They look to county runner-up sophomore Steve DeLorenzo (103) and all-county Bruce Popko (119), along with other highly-touted grapplers; Matt Meyers (112), tough sophomore Dan Calvacca (135), Sal Villante (152) and Ed Loscalzo at 160 pounds. |
| by Jim and Tony Nordland |
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