Though the North Shore wrestling team is young, the goal still is the same as last season’s successful run.
At last February’s Nassau County championships, North Shore placed four All-County wrestlers and qualified one grappler to states. Two prominent wrestlers have graduated in Isaac Bratter, (state qualifier, county runnerup) and Kevin Becker, who placed third in counties.
But there’s a pair of All-County studs returning in senior Matteo Porres and junior Brendan Freund to complement a group of up-and-coming talents.
North Shore coach Anthony Facchini hopes to see Porres/Freund vie for the county championship in a few months.
“They got a tough go but have the possibility of winning it this year,’’ Facchini said. “We also have young guys putting in the work in the offseason. They’re going to hope to be All County.”
In his vision, Facchini aims to have at least four of his wrestlers achieve All County honors (top 3), advance two into the finals and send one to states in Albany.
At 138, Porres was county runner up last season. “Porres is tough as nails and has a great cross-face cradle (move),’’ Facchini said. “He gets after it, steps up to the plate, He’s definitely a gamer.’’
A third place county finish by Freund last season was satisfying but winning it at 131 pounds is the goal.
“He’s strong and tough,’’ Facchini said. “He definitely has a winner’s attitude and gets after it in every match. It definitely helps him in his matches.’’
The exciting infusion of young blood is best exemplified by sophomore Matthew Grossman, who as a freshman wrestled at 124. Now Grossmanl zooms up to 145 pounds after a rugged offseason.
“He’s a tough, hard-nosed wrestler and put work in the offseason,’’ Facchini said. “I’m excited to see him. He got in the weight room and built up his muscle. He looks strong and wrestled well in the offseason. He’s someone to look out for.’’
The youth movement is also highlighted by freshman Vincent Verderosa, who wrestled varsity in eighth grade at 152 pounds. “He’s tough, young and fast,’’ Facchini said.
Verderosa is an example of how the newish feeding system in the Sea Cliff/Glen Head is thriving.
Five years ago, former Vikings coach Mike Emmert stepped down and formed North Shore Youth Wrestling in 2019. Facchini, his assistant, took over as head coach.
“We’re definitely young but the future is bright for North Shore wrestling,’’ Facchini said. “We have 100 kids in the youth program. And these ninth-graders are the first crew from that program. Mike has done a great job with that program.’’
On the veteran side, there is senior captain Jack Damphouse, who only started wrestling last season after being on the football team. “We’re looking for good things,’’ Facchini said. “He’s a hard-working young man who brings a level of intensity. He’ll be looking to place this year at the county tournament.’’
Two other junior wrestlers to watch are Alex Ickowitz at 215 pounds and Vincent Suraci (170). “They work hard in the room every day,’’ Facchini said.