Cyclones shine in tournament

South Side had an impressive showing in its wrestling tournament last Saturday, crowning three champions and compiling 179.5 points to finish runner-up to Mepham in the eight-team event.

“We competed in two tough tournaments leading up to ours and it helped the kids a lot,” said Cyclones coach Jason Washington, noting the MacArthur and Sprig Gardner (Bellmore-Merrick) tournaments. “This was definitely our best showing in our tournament in quite some time.”

Seniors James Rodriguez (140 pounds), Christian Lethbridge (171), and Steve Meoli (215) captured titles in their respective weight classes to lead the way for South Side, which also had 103-pound sophomore Tom Cozier lose a tough 2-1 decision in the finals against Mepham’s Jamie Dunn.

Rodriguez, a returning All-County winner who was runner-up in the Sprig Gardner Tournament hosted by Bellmore-Merrick the previous weekend, pinned his way through the Cyclone Tournament. He handled Declan Gray of Chaminade in the finals, pinning him in 1:11. The fast start for the experienced and talented Rodriguez comes as no surprise to his coach. “He was dominant in winning the tournament for a second year,” Washington said. “He should be a contender for the county title again.”

For Lethbridge, the first-place tournament finish was the first of his wrestling career. “He controlled his opponents throughout the day and saved his best for last,” Washington said. “He’s making smart decisions on the mat.”

After placing fourth at MacArthur and third in the Sprig, Meoli put it all together to repeat as a champion in the Cyclone Tournament. “He added some slick moves during the offseason,” Washington said. “He came through with big moves at crucial times.”

South Side’s depth in the lower weights continued to shine as Cozier took second place and freshman Ryan Holzgruber finished right behind him in third. Sophomore Paul Wolfrom was third at 119 pounds, sophomore Sam Modico was fourth at 96, and sophomore Mike Petrone, who has been slowed by injury, placed fourth in the MacArthur Tournament.

“We have a lot of options in the lower weights,” said Washington, who hinted Cozier could move down to the lightest weight class after the New Year. 

The Cyclones also welcomed junior Will Nelson back to action last Saturday. He won three matches and picked up third place at 145. Senior Joe Fierro was fourth at 125 and sophomore Jordan Titus was fourth at 135.

Freshman Kevin Rafferty made some noise at 160, finishing fourth. “It’s not easy for a young kid to compete in an upper weight,” Washington said. “He’s a tough kid and is showing he belongs in varsity matches.”

The dual meet season is just around the corner and South Side has some stiff tests on tap. Wantagh, Plainedge, Division, Hewlett and Roslyn are Conference 3A foes.

“We’re able to fill more weight classes than past years,” Washington said. “It’ll be nice not to give away so many points on forfeits.”