Talented Freeport sets lofty goals

Freeport wrestling took a big step last year with an individual county champion and two others reaching the podium.
With a deep returning roster comprised of veterans and young talent, 23rd-year head coach Joe Chetti is eyeing an even bigger finish this winter. Much of the team got a late start after taking part in the Freeport football team’s Long Island title run, but Chetti hopes to be clicking when it matters most on the county championship stage in February.
“I’m focused on that county tournament at the end of the season,” Chetti said. “I like to compete in the best tournaments in preparation for that day.”
Chetti set up a challenging early season schedule that took his wrestlers to the King of the Mat tournament at Hewlett High School where Freeport placed fifth despite having a reduced roster. The Red Devils will also compete against the state’s top grapplers in the Eastern State Duals at Sullivan County Community College in January.
Freeport did lose its county champion from last year, Lee Mauras, who transferred to Hempstead High School. The program does return however, senior Myles Norris, who was runner-up in the counties at 285 pounds last year before placing second in the New York State Championships as a wildcard entry. Norris dropped a narrow 4-2 decision in the state finals to Commack’s Joey Slackman, who is now wrestling on the collegiate level at the University of Pennsylvania.

“He has high aspirations,” said Chetti of Norris and his drive to be a state champion. “He is the guy to beat this year.”
Other seniors looking to reach the podium in their final season on the wrestling mats include Troy Saraldi (220), Giancarlos Solano (170) and Neo Fearon (145). Saraldi earned All County honors last year with Solano and Fearon just missing the podium as juniors.  
Chetti said junior Jerry Ellis, who wrestles at either 132 or 126, is also capable of a breakthrough year after qualifying for the counties the last two years. His younger brother, Terry Ellis, could also make an All-County run as a sophomore at 132 or 126.
Terry Ellis is part of a group of sophomores poised to shine on the county championship stage along with Jason Figueroa 160), Elijah Lapalmer (145), Ty’Liel Robinson (113), Angel Cazeras (120 or 113) and Pedro Collado (138 or 145).
“There is a lot of young talent that is back along with some great veterans,” Chetti said. “It’s a nice mix.”
Freeport takes on a challenging dual meet schedule in January that features a road match at defending county champion Massapequa on Jan. 15. The individual Nassau County championships are set for Feb. 15-16 at Farmingdale State College with the New York State Championships to be held on Feb. 28-29 at the Times Union Center in Albany. 
“I think we’re going to get better later in the season,” Chetti said. “Sky is the limit.”