Lynbrook eyes conference top spot

Duplicating last season’s impressive accomplishments on the wrestling mat won’t be easy for Lynbrook, which finished among Nassau’s top 10 teams and had four county semifinalists in addition to 10 dual meet victories.

“Last year was special,” Owls coach Rich Renz said. “We peaked at the right time.

“Our first goal this season is to win the league,” he added. “It’s the same exact setup and it’s going to be tough.”

Lynbrook competes in Conference 4A with defending champion Valley Stream North, Clarke, Mineola, North Shore and Valley Stream South.

The Owls’ hopes are led by returning county finalists Matt Swanson and Zachary Kornberg. Both are senior captains with a combined seven seasons of varsity experience already under their belts.

Swanson, who earned a wild-card berth to the state tournament last winter and came within a single victory of finishing in the top six, was 45-5 overall. He was edged by Hewlett’s Lucas Pincus for the 138-pound county title and is motivated to get back to the finals and try to finish the job, Renz said. He’s in his fifth varsity campaign and will be somewhere in the 132-145 range come tournament time in February. “Matt’s so motivated and talented,” the coach said. “He’s strong, moves really well and is always prepared. His mat awareness is tremendous.”

Kornberg also topped the 40-win mark last season and was runner-up to Long Beach’s Tyreek Bromley at 195 pounds. “Zach may face some bigger guys but he’s as mentally tough as anyone,” Renz noted. “He’s technically sound and has great leg work.”

Junior Joe Becker reached the All-County podium last season, placing third at 106 pounds, and Renz believes he can take the next step and grapple for the county championship. “Joe has high hopes again,” Renz said. “He’s very strong and quick. We always knew he had potential to go far at counties.”

Junior Matt Renz, the coach’s son, is a three-sport athlete and a two-time All-Conference wrestler. He’ll be at 285 but moves like a lightweight and is powerful. “His goal is to be All-County,” the coach said.

Junior Matt Ferrante (120) and sophomore Tyler Heaney (126 or 132) are returning county tournament qualifiers and keys to Lynbrook’s dual meet lineup. “Matt puts a lot of time in and is much stronger and technical this season,” Renz said. Senior Brett Serro is a captain and looking forward to another exciting season at 160, the coach said.

Senior James Barbato is a returning starter expected to fill the 145 or 152 slot, while juniors Addison Molinaro and Justin Harvin compete at 170 and 182, respectively. The coach is pumped about the potential of freshmen Sean Curley and Joe Mattia at 99 pounds. They’ll jostle for the starting spot.

The Owls could prove deeper than they were last season with junior Garrett Handel at 195, sophomores Henry Quilca (170), Justin Weinberger (120), Jake D’Agostino (126) and Johnny DiBenedetto and freshman Dave Becker (145.)