South Side seeks playoff berth

The South Side Cyclones’ wrestling team has not reached the playoffs in seven years under head coach Mike Robinson. But a roster that boasts an All-American grappler and others who are ready to take their abilities to the next level could help end that drought this winter.

For the second straight year, the Cyclones will join forces with East Rockaway to compete in a tough Conference 3B that also features strong teams from MacArthur, Kennedy, Mepham, Manhasset and Great Neck South. The squad had dropped two of its first three meets so far this season, losing to Oceanside 40-33 on Dec. 6 before dominating Clarke 57-33 a week later. They lost another tight battle 45-41 to Roosevelt on Dec 15.

Despite the slow start, Robinson is confident that the talent is there to remain competitive throughout the season and into the county meet, where eight wrestlers qualified last February. For that to happen, the team must also improve on its 8-12 mark in dual meets.

“We have some experienced guys coming back this year,” Robinson said. “[We have] a lot of ninth and tenth graders ready to step up. Our league is no joke. Our goal is to get to the playoffs.”

All eyes will be on junior Kyle Mosher, who entered the season with a career 146-26 record. He has qualified for the New York State wrestling championships and advanced to the semifinals there in each of the last four years, including a fourth-place showing in the 138-pound weight class at Albany, and was also named to both the All-State and All-County teams last season. 

Mosher will be competing this season in the 152-pound class and picked up a pinfall victory against Roosevelt.

“He’s a cut above everyone else,” Robinson said. “He’s one of those elite wrestlers in Nassau County and New York State. He leads our team every day and he’s the type of guy that sets the tone for everyone else.”

Senior Jacob Rubin was the qualifying champion in the 113-pound class last season and split four matches at Hofstra to fall one win short from All-County status. Junior Nick Shimkin, who picked up a victory against Roosevelt, is another wrestler to watch after losing 1-0 on an escape by Rubin in the individual championships at Massapequa in February. Rubin is competing at 126.

Robinson is also high on junior Greg Lethbridge, who earned one of the wild cards to the county championships after placing fifth in the qualifier. Lethbridge is a football player who has embraced the sport of wrestling.

“He’s got that strength, he’s got that drive and intensity,” Robinson said. “Hopefully, he can be one of those All-County kids.”

Senior Tygah Scott (285) made noticeable strides throughout last year and qualified for the county competition. From East Rockaway, senior Austin Halak reached the 152-pound finals in February’s qualifier as a first-year competitor and will be joined by Daniel Devalle  (160), Andy Shulov (113), eighth-grader Andrew Cancel (99) and Thomas Chojanki (126).