By:TONY BELLISSIMO
The host Jets won the seven-team event, while the Owls followed up a .500 dual meet season by placing sixth, with 113 points.
"We came into the qualifier looking to get five to seven kids through to counties and that's what happened," Coach Bob Bennett said. "Some young guys picked up a lot of experience and that should bode well for next season."
For Giordano, Sollog, senior Brian Vecchio, sophomores Chris Kuchta and Nick Scaglione, and freshman Matt Gill, there's still work to do. "Everyone has a shot to be All-County (top six in each weight class)," Bennett said.
Giordano was the county runner-up at 135 pounds last winter and is on track to take the final step. In the title bout in the qualifier, he rallied, after being down 4-1, to capture a 9-7 decision over Sal Hanna of East Meadow. "He's really hungry coming off last season," Bennett said of Giordano, who went 13-1 against dual meet competition, losing only a 5-4 decision to Matt Morgan of South Side. "He's only lost when he's wrestled outside of his weight against the best competition."
Sollog had three pins and needed just 1:02 to finish off an opponent from Wantagh in the final. He and Scaglione are returning county qualifiers. "Nick has the heart of a lion," Bennett said of Scaglione, who placed fourth at 112. "He's wrestled hurt all season long ... but it hasn't stopped him."
Kuchta (215) and Gill (171) placed third, and Vacchio (140) landed fourth. The top four in each weight class advanced.
The county championships start Saturday at 10 a.m. The semifinals begin 9 a.m. Sunday and the finals at 7 p.m.
