Eight qualifier finalists for Hewlett

Although hard-fought losses were the rule and not the exception for Hewlett wrestlers in the finals of last Saturday’s Nassau Qualifying Tournament hosted by Mepham, the Bulldogs enjoyed a strong showing they hope will carry into the county championships this Friday and Saturday at Hofstra.

Coach Stephen Jones saw eight Bulldogs advance to the finals of their respective weight class, however, only senior Lester Enriquez prevailed. Enriquez captured the 285-pound title by pinning Manhasset’s Brian Suga in 59 seconds. “He’s been in the mix all season,” Jones said of Enriquez, who has a record of 25-5.

Many other fine performances for Hewlett ended in defeat by the narrowest of margins. Eighth-grader Lucas Pincus gave Mepham’s Jamie Dunn all he could handle in the 106-pound finale before dropping a 4-2 decision. Senior Simon Greebel (35 wins) fell 5-1 to Bellmore-JFK’s Robert Person at 120, freshman Owen Bachelder was nipped, 6-5, by Manhasset’s Mike Fera at 126, junioir Oren Revivo was pinned by Mepham’s Tom Mauro, senior Rob Rosenberg (35 wins) lost a tough 3-1 decision to Bellmore-JFK’s Rich Luxmore at 138, sophomore Tredd Smith (152) fell to Manhasset’s Matt Downey, 4-0, and junior Matt Kaminer nearly upset Calhoun’s Jenard Rosemond at 220, falling 3-2.

The Bulldogs totaled 247 points and finished runners-up to Mepham in the seven-team event. They also had Charles Tsakh place third, and Alex Gordon grab fourth. “We’ve had a great year and have a bunch of county contenders,” Jones said. “The kids are excited and ready for the big stage. We’ll look to turn the close losses around.” 

Lawrence crowns three