South Side braces for tough schedule

South Side began its preparations for a challenging Nassau Conference 3A wrestling dual meet schedule with three December tournaments, including the annual Cyclone Tournament.

“So far, so good,” coach Mike Robinson said. “We competed in three strong tournaments and got a lot of early work in.

“We’re in a real tough conference,” he added. “It’s deep in talent. To be competitive we have to fill every spot in our lineup, and our top guys have to come through and score for us.”

Workout partners Ryan Holzgruber and Mike Petrone broke out of the gate strong in December. Holzgruber, a junior who came one win short of earning All-County honors last winter, won the 106-pound weight class at the Sprig Gardner Tournament hosted by Bellmore-Merrick, beating a tough Jamie Dunn from Mepham in the finals, while Petrone, a 120-pound senior, captured first place in the Battle at the Beach Tournament in Lynbrook, knocking off Tyler Constantine from Clarke in the finals.

“Their work ethic is tremendous,” Robinson said of Holzgruber and Petrone. “They’re two of the guys we’re relying on to lead the way all season. Both are off to great starts and are All-County candidates.”

Holzgruber finished third in the Battle at the Beach and was runner-up in the Cyclone Tournament. “He looks physically stronger and is improving technique every day,” Robinson said.

Petrone, a captain, was runner-up in the Sprig and Cyclone tourneys and someone the coach said could be primed for a breakout season. He took a 10-2 record into the conference dual meet schedule.

Senior Paul Wolfrom placed in all three tournaments, including third in the Sprig. He’ll be a key in the lineup at 132 pounds. “He hit just a few little snags in the tournaments, but they were nothing major and he’s going to have a fine season,” Robinson said. Wolfrom scored an important pin in South Side’s 44-39 dual meet win over East Meadow on Dec. 14.

Senior Harry Dantona clinched the victory over the Jets with a quick pin in 24 seconds at 285 pounds. Dantona, a returning county qualifier, will play a vital role in the upper weights along with junior Kevin Rafferty (189) and senior newcomer Matt Focer (220.) 

Rafferty, who led the Cyclones football team in tackles in 2012, helped Robinson recruit some gridiron guys to the wrestling mat, the coach said. Focer is one of them. “We’ve added some size and strength,” Robinson explained. “We’re just working on some technique and strategy.”

Highlighting the middle of the lineup, from 145 to 160 pounds, are juniors Lucas Derkatch, Frankie Alaimo and Brian Kenneally.

“A lot of kids put in a lot of time during the summer and fall,” Robinson said. “We’re looking forward to a good season.”