Three-Peat for Mepham's Hernandez

Mepham’s Louis Hernandez was back in familiar territory last Sunday night — at the center of the podium at Hofstra after capturing a third straight Nassau Division I wrestling championship.

Hernandez, who won a state title last winter, took the 152-pound county title in dominant fashion before more than 5,000 spectators at the Mack Sports Complex. He capped off the crown with a 14-4 decision over Wantagh’s Nick Vines in the finals.

“It feels great,” said Hernandez, who will try to repeat as a state champion Feb. 28-March 1 at the New York State Championships at Albany’s Times Union Center. “Winning counties three times is a feat not many kids are able to accomplish. This was the toughest of the three to close out. When you’re the top dog, everyone has a game plan and goes all out to try to beat you.”

After receiving a first-round bye, Hernandez advanced past Ryan Coder of Plainedge, Dan Colantonio of Seaford, and Anthony Cerrone of Manhasset on the way to the finals. His victory over Vines was his 38th of the season and 143rd of his career, Mepham coach Rich Anderson said.

“He’s been pretty dominant,” Anderson said. “He’s relentless. He strives for greatness, and he’s gotten there.

“Louis is a great influence on the other kids,” he added. “He brings everyone else’s level up. His workout partner, Matt Assael, was All-County at 145. They worked hard together every day.” 

Hernandez’s only loss of the season came by disqualification for an illegal slam. 

“It’s going to take a lot more hard work in the next two weeks to win another state title,” Hernandez said. “I’m not exactly where I want to be. I need to be more calm, cool and collected out there and conserve my energy better. Sometimes I take too many shots early.”

Improving his skills when he’s on top is something Hernandez said he’s worked on with coach Anderson. “I’ve been looking to ride guys out a little longer instead of taking them down and letting them up,” he said. “I feel I’ve improved in that area and I’m not giving up as many points.”

Assael finished fifth in the county at 145 pounds — the weight class Hernandez competed at last winter. Assael, who had 35 wins on the season, went 3-2 at Hofstra, winning two tough decisions and pinning his quarterfinal opponent, Seaford’s Anthony DiMonda. 

Joel Zambrano followed up a big Qualifying Tournament title by reaching the county final at 106. He finished runner-up to Plainview’s Peter Pappas and had a record of 24-9 this season. “Joel had two great back-to-back tournaments,” Anderson said.

John Sherlock (132), who also finished atop in the qualifier, earned All-County honors as well, rallying for fourth place after losing his initial match. “John was one of our senior leaders,” Anderson said.