47.0°,
Mostly Cloudy Lynbrook seeks conference title
Coming off a successful season that included a dozen qualifiers for the Nassau County wrestling championships, Lynbrook coach Rich Renz is looking for the Owls to pick up where they left off and accomplish bigger things in 2015-16.
“Most of the team is back,” Renz said. “It’s a hard-working group of kids and we have high hopes. We’re seeded first in our conference and the goal is to win it.”
Lynbrook, which has six wrestlers ranked in the top six of their respective weight classes countywide, broke out of the gate in strong fashion with a fifth-place showing in the 22-school Battle at the Beach Tournament hosted by Long Beach on the first Saturday of December.
“Hopefully it’s a good indicator of what we’re capable of,” Renz said. “It’s one of the toughest tournaments around.”
Senior Anthony Arena paced the Owls by capturing the 170-pound Battle at the Beach title. Arena, who seeks a third consecutive appearance in the county tournament, was faced with a large deficit when he pinned Joseph Giorlando of the host Marines at the 5:05 mark. “Anthony’s one of the hardest workers in the room and wrestles with a lot of heart,” Renz said. “He’s one of our captains and someone we’re expecting a lot from.”
Junior Zachary Kornberg, also seeking a third trip to the county tournament, was runner-up at the Long Beach event at 182 pounds. He competes year-round, Renz said, and is looking for a spot on the All-County podium come February.
Sophomore Joe Becker (106), who placed second in the qualifying tournament last winter and almost reached the All-County podium, also reached the finals at the Battle at the Beach. “Joe is a strong and athletic kid,” Renz said.
Junior Matt Swanson is Lynbrook’s lone returning All-County grappler and has done so twice. He’s ranked fourth in Nassau at 132 after placing sixth last season at 126. “Matt has been one of our best wrestlers for years and he just keeps getting better and better,” Renz said of Swanson, who placed third at 138 at the Battle at the Beach. “He’s the real deal and he really loves the sport. He competes year-round.”
