By ANDREW McCLURE
However, it didn’t take long for it to grasp the attention of the student body, as the team, which is composed of athletes from Sewanhaka, Elmont, and Floral Park high schools, began its second season in front of a packed house at Sewanhaka.
While last Thursday’s dual match with West Hempstead ended in a virtual draw, Sewanhaka West’s Rocco Sorace’s enthusiasm was like that of a coach who just brought home a state championship. “I couldn’t believe how loud it was in the gym,” Sorace said. “The referees said they have never seen as much excitement from a wrestling crowd. It was a great day for the program.”
Sorace, who was a Nassau County champion wrestler as a senior at Lynbrook in 1985, has a young team, but expects to have a competitive season. The program has grown from 25 boys in its inaugural season to 47 in 2007-2008.
Senior captain Eric Blasich is the team’s most accomplished wrestler. As a junior, Blasich qualified for the county meet in the 152-pound weight class. Sorace, who attributes Blasich’s success to his speed, strength and agility, expects him to be an All-County winner. The other captain, sophomore Miguel Ponce, wrestles in the 160-pound class. Ponce recently finished in fourth place at the prestigious Battle of the Beach Tournament at Long Beach. Sorace expects big things from both of his captains. “These two are so driven to succeed,” he said. “They’re gaining more experience and getting better.” Both Blasich and Ponce attended wrestling camp this past summer at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Sophomore Carlo Perez is the anchor among the lightweights for Sewanhaka West. The feisty Perez, who competes at 112, has improved immeasurably. Other sophomores who are expected to make big contributions are Joe Haneman (119) and Michael Ost (125).
In the super heavyweight class, Sorace went to the football field to find juniors Sajaad Chagani and Joe Gianotti. The super heavyweight class is for wrestlers under 285 pounds. Neither had wrestled before, but both are having tremendous early success on the mat. Sorace is very pleased with the progress both have made in their first year.
No wrestler provides more inspiration than sophomore Chris DeJesus, who is wrestling for the junior varsity, DeJesus is legally blind. DeJesus uses great instincts and gives it his all every time he competes. Sorace expects DeJesus to wrestle at the varsity level as a junior.
Sorace, who is assisted by Jason Rubenstein, is optimistic about the present and future of the program. “We’re not the best team around, but we’re making big strides,” Sorace said. “The kids have an identity at the school. Winning is nice, but the fact that the kids are having fun and people are taking notice is what’s important.”
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