Seaford’s wrestling roster features an interesting mix with all four high school grade levels represented in its starting lineup.
The Vikings, runners-up to Clarke in the Nassau Division 2 championships last winter, were tasked to replace four starters will battle the likes of perennial powerhouse Plainedge, the top D1 team in the state a year ago, Island Trees, Cold Spring Harbor and Locust Valley. Clarke moved up to D1.
“We had a nice season but it was still a building season with a lot of young talent,” Seaford coach Dave Takseraas said. “We brought most of our starters back and it’s a great group of kids, so we’re excited to see what we can do.”
Returning to lead the way are state qualifiers Connor Murphy and Joel Diaz. Murphy, a junior, is the defending county champion at 108 pounds moving up two weight classes to 124 as Diaz steps in to 108 after finishing county runner-up at the lowest weight.
“Moving up two weights is going to be an adjustment for Connor,” Takseraas said of Murphy. “He still has high hopes and expectations. He’s a quality athlete and competitor. He’s going to scrap for every point he can get.”
Diaz, a freshman already in his third varsity campaign, won the Manhasset Tournament Dec. 7 for the third time in as many seasons. He’s a year-round wrestler who travels across the country to compete in high-level tournaments. “He’s hungry and talented and puts as much work in as anyone,” Takseraas said. “He has all the tools and the sky is the limit.”
In terms of leadership, Takseraas and the Vikings are leaning heavily on senior Eddie Wiesneski, a 131-pounder who earned All-County honors as a sophomore and fell one win short of repeating that status last season. “He leads us at practice and is motivated to get back to being All-County,” Takseraas said. “He’s an extremely hard worker and is a role model for the younger guys in the program. He has everyone’s respect.”
Rob McNamara is another senior with All-County aspirations. He’ll compete at 215 pounds and the coach is expecting him to rack up wins and be a factor come February.
Freshman Brock Conway is one of Seaford’s young guns who cracked the starting lineup around the midway mark of last season. He was fourth in the county at 138 and once again will battle against mostly seniors and juniors as he moves all the way up to 160. Conway placed second in the season-opening Uniondale Tournament.
Offseason work should pay dividends for junior Yannis Thomas, who’ll start at 138. “I’m excited to see what he can accomplish,” Takseraas said. “He’s been so dedicated since last season ended.”
All-County at 108 a year ago, sophomore Brendan Fox is a quick learner who placed second in each of the first two tournaments at 116. “He’s a strong kid and a really good athlete,” Takseraas said.
Eighth-grader Colden Friedman starts at 101 and placed second in the Manhasset Invitational to set the foundation for what Takseraas believes will be an impact season for the youngest member of the team.