By Steve Siniski
Sweeping all nine-weight classes that battled on the mats, the Bruins were boosted by victories from several wrestlers that were able to get their feet wet in preparation for the tough rounds that lie ahead.
Of the nine wins, eight were by pin-fall and one by decision in the 69-0 team victory.
"It helped the younger wrestlers get some varsity wins," coach Mike Robinson said. "We're looking forward to the next couple of league matches. We want to go in and establish ourselves."
Following a dual meet with Oceanside on Tuesday, Baldwin matches up with Sewanhaka West this Friday. The week ends with the Bruins traveling to Longwood high school in Suffolk County for a tournament on Saturday, a competition featuring some of the top talent on Long Island. Bellport, Bethpage, Kellenberg, Smithown East and Smithtown West are all scheduled to attend.
Matt Ponterilli (112-pound weight class) and Matt Stoddard (189) each walked away with victories against the Tigers, with Stoddard taking a hard-fought 7-4 decision. Nick Krokowski (125) and Billy Redmond (140), both emerging stars for the Bruins, also won their respective matches.
For Krokowski, it was a continuation of a strong start boosted by his fifth-place finish at the Mid-Hudson Tournament in Poughkeepsie, which took place on Dec. 27 and 28. Redmond, meanwhile, ran out of the gates in December and hasn't cooled off yet in what's become a breakout campaign.
"He's put on some weight and muscle," Robinson said of Redmond, a four-year member of the team. "He's focused and determined on being successful. You can see that when he wrestles and practices. He's come a long way."
The Bruins turned in a strong performance at the 41st Annual Mid-Hudson Tournament, finishing eighth among the 14-team field. The star of the team was Vinny Pecora, who not only walked away as the winner of the 103-pound weight class; he also took home the honors for Most Outstanding Sophomore.
"He's relentless,' Robinson said of Pecora. "He goes after his opponent and doesn't give up. He's tough on top, good on his feet. We're expecting big things from him."
Keron Williams, who took fourth place in his weight class, and Nick
Azcona, a fifth-place finisher at 215 pounds, were among the top finishers for Baldwin at the two-day tournament. Vinny Famularo has also maintained his status as one of the Bruins top competitors, taking on some of the best competition in the county.
"We're right where we're supposed to be," Robinson said. "We'll see what the rest of the league schedule has in store for us. We're looking to get through the leagues and get to the County Qualifiers."
