Lynbrook wrestlers gain steam

Working at full strength for the first time all season, Lynbrook earned a solid third-place finish at the Cyclone Wresting Tournament at South Side on Dec. 18 and is looking to be a factor in Conference 3B.

“Some guys got off to a bit of a slow start after helping the football team win a Long Island championship,” Owls coach Bob Bennett said. “They needed a certain amount of practices before they could wrestle. Now that we have them back we’re able to fill every weight class and compete.”

Lynbrook placed third in the eight-team South Side event with 140 points and had four finalists, including 285-pound champion Mario Pucchio, a senior who missed the majority of last season with an injury. “It should give us confidence moving forward,” Bennett said of the strong showing. “I think we’ll be fine and hopefully finish .500 or better.”

Senior captain Dan Marom is the team’s top wrestler according to Bennett. The 125-pount county qualifier reached the final of the Cyclone Tournament where he came up short against Nick Gangi of Mepham. “Dan’s a fighter,” Bennett said. “He was down six points in a recent match and came back to win. Not too many kids have as much mental toughness as he does. He’s well conditioned and has strong legs. He’s a leader in the room and on the mat. If anyone on our team can make All-County, it’s him.”

Junior Brandon Warshall is another Owl with county tournament experience and potential to go far in February. He opened the season with a fourth-place finish at the Battle at the Beach Tournament in Long Beach and was runner-up at 135 pounds to Mepham’s Louis Hernandez in the Cyclone Tournament. “Brandon did a lot of work during the offseason,” Bennett said. “His technique is improved, as well as his mentality. Hopefully he can place in the county.”

Freshman Sasha Carberry had an unlikely semifinal victory in the Cyclone Tournament, pinning his opponent after digging a large deficit. He went on to place second at 112. “He’s young and learning every day,” Bennett said. “It was a big win for his confidence.”

Third at South Side, senior Jon Espinosa (215) is a strong, scrappy competitor and quality leader who was part of Lynbrook’s magical football season. Bennett expects him to be a key at the top of the lineup against conference rivals Lawrence, Bethpage, Valley Stream South, Great Neck North, and Glen Cove in dual meets.

Sophomore Charlie Curcio is another hard-working individual with potential to make noise as the season unfolds. His experience from last season, coupled with his practice tips from older brother Pete, a former Lynbrook standout, will come in handy, Bennett said.