Senior leadership fueling Jets

Though wrestling is often thought of as an individual sport, there’s still strength in numbers, especially when it comes to scoring points in dual meets or tournaments. And to that end, East Meadow has had some struggles, if only because the Jets are a little short in the numbers game and giving up anywhere from 12 to 18 points every time they take the mat in a dual meet.

Even though the Jets have been shorthanded, it hasn’t exactly slowed them down. They’ve won three of their first five Conference 2-A dual meets and ripped off a 4-1 mark at last weekend’s tournament at Clarke. “Not having a full lineup, I couldn’t ask for anything more from these guys,” East Meadow coach Chris Chritchley said. “They’re putting everything out there.”

East Meadow knocked off Baldwin (53-15), Garden City (49-21 with 12 Trojans points coming on forfeits), Clarke (40-30 in a battle that came down to the final match) and Holy Trinity (69-15). The only loss came to Syosset (36-32) in a match the Jets were giving up six points. Sophomore Adam Smith turned in one of the weekend’s best performances, winning all five of his matches, including an 11-3 major decision over the Rams’ Christian Lopez at 113 pounds.

Strong leadership from the senior class has helped keep East Meadow moving forward with Vinny Pannullo (120 pounds), Nick Marinello (126), Mike Moraitis (145), Chris Whitenack (160), Evan Pantofel (170) and Nolan Travis (195) all making contributions. Marinello, one of the team’s most improved wrestlers, already owns a victory over South Side’s Chris Cataldo, an All County returnee. “Being a senior and having the strength of a senior [has helped] and he’s also picked up confidence,” Critchley said of Marinello’s leap forward, which has also made for some tougher training in the team’s wrestling room. “Winning builds confidence.”