Seaford motivated for success

Seaford wrestling suffered major graduation losses from last season, but entered the 2014-15 campaign with many grapplers motivated to create new success for the program.

Among the seniors lost from last year were James O’Hagan, who became the first Seaford wrestler to capture a state title, and All-State honoree John Lauretti. This year’s Seaford roster features 60 wrestlers, which head coach Dave Takseraas says is the most since he started coaching with the program 15 years ago.

“It’s been great having that many guys in the room,” said Takseraas, a 1996 Seaford graduate who took over the head coaching duties last year following the retirement of Sal LiStrappo. “We knew there was going to be some big shoes to fill, but we’re excited because it is an opportunity for others to step up.”

Taking on a leadership role this season are senior captains Pat Bizzaro (145 pounds), Tom Flynn (220) and John Falzarano (160). Bizzaro returned to the mats for his senior campaign after missing all of last year because of a shoulder injury suffered during football season.

“He’s been eager to get back on the mat,” Takseraas said of Bizzaro. “It’s been a long road back for him.”

Vikings juniors who are shining this year include Jack Lasher (152), Frank Lauretti (195) and Kevin Digney (182). Also stepping up as underclassmen have been sophomore John Cantwell (106), freshman Tyler Volpi (126) and eighth grader Joe Blasi (99).

“It has been a good mix of returning guys and new guys stepping up,” said Takseraas. “They are in the room everyday working hard.”

Seaford hosted its annual Patrick J. Butler Memorial Wrestling Tournament on Jan. 10 with the Vikings going 3-1 with wins over Long Beach, Oceanside and Uniondale. Weissberg, Lasher, Falzarano and Flynn all went 4-0 in the annual event that honors the late Patrick Butler, who wrestled at Seaford and was killed in a car accident as a sophomore in 2004 just hours after the Vikings captured a county title. Weissberg and Falzarano took home co-MVP awards. 

“This is always a big day for us,” said Takseraas of the memorial tournament in honor of Butler that started in 2005.  

Seaford will also be holding its 21st annual Bob Gerbino Night this Friday at 7 p.m. against Lynbrook in honor of the late Seaford coach who founded the school’s wrestling program in 1956 and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008. The program will also honor Seaford wrestling alum and former Columbia head coach Ron Russo.

Takseraas said a chief goal this season is to capture the Conference 4A title, which the Vikings have achieved 11 of the last 12 years. He said he’s also striving to see at least five All-County wrestlers and finish among the top 10 in Nassau. The Nassau County individual championships are slated for Feb. 13 and 15 at Hofstra University’s Mack Sports Complex.