Baldwin packs plenty of promise

Baldwin wrestling coach Jim Murphy says there are many learning days ahead for the Bruins, who got off to a promising start by registering six place-winners at the MacArthur and Sprig Gardner (Bellmore-Merrick) tournaments to open the season.

“We have some growing up to do, but it’s expected,” Murphy said. “We’re getting better. We competed really well in the first day of the Sprig and had six semifinalists and three still alive in the wrestlebacks, but then we came back and went 3-19 the next day.

“We’ll just keep throwing challenges in front of the kids and good things will happen,” he added. “They’re working hard, and we’re looking for about 10 of them to do really well come February.”

In their first action of the season, the MacArthur Tournament on Dec. 6, the Bruins had one finalist. Senior Samuel Banagas, a first-year wrestler, lost a hard-fought final to Chaminade’s Alex Cappellino in the 285-pound weight class. Banagas was pinned in 5:23. “Sam has some skills,” Murphy said. “We pulled him off the judo mat and onto the wrestling team. He gives us some senior leadership and is off to a nice start. There are just a few things he needs to work on, like defending against leg attacks he’s not used to. He has a lot of potential.”

Junior Ronaldo Escobar made the finals in the Sprig at 113 pounds. He came up short against Dom Cassidy of Commack, 6-4. “I feel he’s going to do very well at the county tournament,” Murphy said of Escobar, a qualifier last season. “He does a lot of things well.”

A strong offseason could go a long way for senior John Quinn, who is trying to become the third All-County wrestler in his family. A returning county qualifier, Quinn will go at 126 or 132 come crunch time. “He’s only been on the mats for two years, but he’s working hard to make up for lost time,” Murphy said. “He works hard and has developed a passion for the sport.”

Another big season for junior Jack Thibault could be in the cards. He recorded 36 wins and qualified for the county tournament as a sophomore, and placed in both tournaments so far. He was fifth in the Sprig at 138 pounds but is likely to compete at 145 by season’s end. “He’s a tough competitor,” Murphy said.

Senior Baktawar Khan (113) placed fifth in the Sprig, and either him or Escobar will go up to 120 in dual meets. Senior Desmond Kelly (152) brings four years of experience, and senior Danny Fisher (195) is a returning county qualifier. Junior Dennis Feeney placed third in the Sprig at 160 pounds and is another returnee with county experience. Sophomore Jon Debique tops the depth chart at 182 and was fourth in the Sprig while moving up a weight.

The Bruins are part of Conference 1B along with East Meadow, Hicksville, Oceanside, Sewanhaka East, and Sewanhaka West.