Mepham wins Sprig Tournament

Mepham produced four finalists, including two champions, on the way to topping an 11-team field at the Sprig Gardner wrestling tournament hosted by the District on Dec. 8-9.

The Pirates totaled 225 points, led by 132-pound champ Kyle Althenn and 145-pound winner Albert Cepeda, to edge Kings Park (214) and Kennedy (211) for the crown.

“The boys were really psyched,” Mepham coach Sean Arresto said. “It was a little unexpected because we’ve got a young team. We were looking for top three.”

Althenn, a junior, is not only seeking a third straight All-County finish, but also a trip to Albany for the state tournament. “He’s reached the Nassau semifinals two years in a row and his sights are on the county final and more,” Arresto said.

Cepeda, a senior, enjoyed breakthrough campaign last winter with 25 victories after recording one win as a sophomore. “He’s stronger on his feet and finding ways to get takedowns,” Arresto said.

Sophomores Griffin Karp (120) and Matt Hegi (195) were runners-up at the Sprig and bring loads of potential, Arresto said. Hegi won over 20 matches last season, while Karp was a qualifying tournament champion.

Kennedy had four champions at the Sprig, including returning All-County performers Brandon Mercado, Jack Krug and Boaz Smart. The Cougars, who feature eight seniors in their starting lineup, figure to be the team to beat in Conference 3B. 

Mercado (106 pounds) was All-County in 2015-16 and a qualifying champ last season as a junior. “He’s pound-for-pound our top kid,” Kennedy coach Brian DeGaetano said. “His motivation factor is really high.”

Krug (182) picked up his 100th career win in the Sprig and is a six-year varsity wrestler. “He started with us as a 99-pounder and now he’s a county contender at 182,” DeGaetano said. “He’s tough to beat.”

Smart (220) is among the county favorites in his weight class. “He’s very athletic for a big kid and moves like a lightweight,” DeGaetano said. “He’s got a lot of confidence and he should be in the mix come February.”

One of the X-factors for the Cougars is senior Dan Shafran, who won the 195-pound title at the Sprig. It’s only his second season as a competitive wrestler, DeGaetano said, and “All-County material.”

Junior Greg Brach (99) is off to a fine start with a tournament win plus a runner-up finish at the Sprig, and seniors Ari Bergfeld, Lev Bergfeld, Evan Johansen and Jake Redaelli are all key pieces in the lineup.

Calhoun’s efforts at the Sprig was led by junior Jake Marine, a returning All-County finisher at 126 who was second in the tournament at 138, junior Tobias Harrington (third at 170) and senior Michael Simmons (fourth at 145.) 

Marine also won the Hank Paris Tournament in early December and is “fast, tough and coachable,” Colts coach Tom Schiavo said.

Harrington, who pulled some big upsets down the stretch last season, brings an unconventional style and All-County hopes. Simmons is part of a solid senior group that includes Noorali Soomro, Peter Romero, Cooper Gindele, Matt Burke, Austin Olson and Dean Paolillo.