Lynbrook wrestling exceeds expectations

Seniors Matt Trotta and Jon Espinosa, and junior Matt Mott all took home individual crowns to lead a strong performance by Lynbrook in last Saturday’s Nassau County qualifying wrestling tournament at MacArthur.

Trotta was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler after capping a three-win day with a thrilling 9-8 decision over top-seeded Carlos Torres of Westbury in the 172-pound title match. Espinosa rallied in the 285-pound final, beating Kennedy’s Jeff Scialo by pin, and Mott worked his way past Westbury’s Steven Vidal in the last 195-pound bout.

“We practically doubled our performance at last year’s qualifier when we had no champs and five kids in the top four,” Owls coach Rich Renz said. “It was a great day. We’ve had ups and downs during the season, but everyone stuck together and worked hard.”

Lynbrook, which went 8-13 in dual meets, will have at least eight participants at this weekend’s Division I championships at Hofstra. Senior Eddie Ferrall was runner-up in the qualifier at 138 pounds, junior Charlie Curcio (126) placed third, and senior Kenneth Jorge (152), junior Nick Mascia (285) and sophomore Chris Francia (160) finished fourth.

“We could also get a wild card or two,” said Renz, noting freshman Matt Liguori (fifth at 99), junior Jason Espinosa (sixth at 172), and sophomores Nick Maramis (fifth at 182) and John Marcus (sixth at 182) could have their seasons extended. “We’ll see what happens, but either way I’m pleased with how we did.”

Trotta, who is headed to the countywide event for the first time, won a see-saw battle over Torres in the finals. “He’s extremely strong with excellent technique,” Renz said of Trotta, who has battled a nagging ankle injury. “He’s got a very good shot of finishing in the top six in the county.”

Mott, the No. 1 seed in the qualifier, was trailing Vidal after two periods but found a way. “He’s powerful and flexible,” Renz said. “If Matt wrestles smart and he’s on, he’ll be right there at Hofstra.”