| MacArthur HS appears to be the team to beat as the Generals are the top-ranked team in the state and on Long Island, along with being currently ranked 22nd in the nation by Amateur Wrestling News. Coach Howie Greenblatt begins his 17th season and returns four Nassau County champions; Matt DeLorenzo (103), sophomore Bruce Popko (112), state medalists Adam Molano (152) and third place finisher Gian Villante at 215 pounds. Other top prospects that will add to a balanced dual squad are Steve DeLorenzo (96), Dylan Reitmayr (135) and Brent O'Donnell at 171 pounds. Last season the Generals won both the Nassau Dual Meet (11-0-1) and county championships (228 points) and are heavily favored to capture their third consecutive title. Islip and Riverhead will battle with defending county William Floyd for the Suffolk County title. Islip head coach Joe Patrovich has three potential county champions, as St. Anthony's transfer, sophomore Tom Magnani (112), freshman Ryan Patrovich (140) and senior Gino Bartoli (160) will all be tough to beat. Magnani was state runnerup last year and both Patrovich and Bartoli were League V champions and earned all-county status. Other top grapplers include; Chris Wade (135), all-county junior Dan Petroro (145), Tom Leggio (152), Joe Esposito (160) and Steve Hyland at 171 pounds. Riverhead coach Rocky Davey hopes to improve on their third place finish at the county meet and will send a multitude of quality matmen to this year's tournament. The Blue Wave will be led by three returning all-county matmen; Aaron Tyte (112), Chris Raynor (125) and Chris Darrow (130). Other top grapplers are; Dan Darcy (119), Matt Scott (135), Micah Brown (152) and League III champion John Capwell at 171 pounds. Defending Suffolk tournament champion William Floyd could have two champions in John Barone (152) and Phil Archer (171). Barone, only a sophomore finished third and Archer was county runnerup, both are legitimate contenders. Other top prospects for coach Terry Phelan are Dave Locke (96), Tim Boe (112), Anthony LoGuidice (119), Charlie Landman (125) and Mike Locke (140). Smithtown could be the favorite in the tough Division I as coach Pat Smith looks to Tom Cuccinello (96), Sean Eagan (103), Bill Davey (140), Chris Toomey (160), Steve Jordan (189), Ben Reiter (215) and Greg Casarona at 275 pounds. Perennial power Huntington will again have a strong lineup as coach Lou Giani enters his 33rd season. The Blue Devils will be led by all-county Shaheim Bradshaw (145), along with Dan Kapner (112), Shawn Riley (119), Jon Wagner (125), Charlie Paar (152) and Pierre Delva at 189 pounds. Sachem should have a balanced lineup and will be led by all-county seniors; Rick Caravaggio (145) and Tom Gossweiler (189), both are potential county finalists. Coach Jack Mahoney's Flaming Arrows also have sophomore Glenn Confessore (96), tough freshman Chris Iorio (103), Jeremy Maldonado (125), league place-winner Cliff Burwell (140), Andrew Hartman (160) and junior James Sykes at 171 pounds. Brentwood could have a county champion with junior Ken Torres at 103 pounds. He was county runnerup last year to teammate and state champion Tom Finnerty. Other Indian standouts are Peppy Cabrera (96) Omi Ortez (130), Vic Arias (135), Anthony Rivera (145), and Martino Sotile at 160 pounds. Longwood will also be in the hunt as they are led by returning county champion senior Mike Tutunjian (119-125) along with lightweights, league place-winner freshman Chris McAleese (96) and league runnerup senior Mike Timpone (119). Others to watch are John Chidichimo (140), Mike Sganga (189) and Brian McQuade at 215 pounds. Massapequa should have a formidable team on the mat and will be led by senior standout and Nassau County runnerup Mike Labella (189-215). Coach Gary Mims also looks for young lightweights Shane Strumwasser (96), Dan Bonanno (103) and Matt Cellan (119) to get the Chiefs started off in their dual competition. Other top propsects include potential county finalists; Ben Dashefsky (160-171), Ron Lanzillota (189), Joe Gallopini at 275 pounds. Hauppauge coach Chris Messina hopes his Eagles will challenge for the Division 4 title. Some of their top matmen include county place-winner Sal Ianello (119) and Casey Ress (140) and Frank Marro at 145 pounds. 12/27/02 |
| 2002-2003 LONG ISLAND WRESTLING TEAM PREVIEW by Jim and Tony Nordland |