VSN deals with early adversity

Injuries suffered during football season as well as on the opening day of wrestling practice has led to a thin lineup for Valley Stream North, which still managed a successful start to the conference dual meet campaign with a 53-24 victory over Lawrence on Dec. 20.

“Our numbers are concerning at the high school and middle school levels,” Spartans longtime coach Tom Maddock said. “We’re down to about 26 healthy guys and we’re probably going to have to forfeit four or five weights. We’re just looking for the kids to keep working hard every day and do the best they can individually.”

After four projected starters — senior John Ruddick (collarbone), junior Anthony Iuilano (collarbone), sophomore Chris Iuilano (shoulder) and sophomore Tim McGrath (shoulder) were injured the fall, one of North’s top returning grapplers, junior Joe Gisonda, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury on the first day of wrestling practice. Both Gisonda (160 pounds) and Chris Iuilano (182) underwent surgery. In addition, Iuliano’s replacement, junior Ben Fuoco, is questionable to compete this winter due to an Achilles injury. “The injuries really started to pile up late in the football season,” Maddock explained. “Then, losing Joe Gisona, someone we expected a lot from this season, during our first practice was really tough.”

As shorthanded as they’ve been in a couple of decades according to Maddock, the Spartans will rely heavily on Theo Savitt, a senior who placed third in North’s annual Ralph Jansson Holiday Tournament at 132 pounds and earned a pin over Lawrence’s Adrian Rosales in 4:15 at 145 in the conference opener. “Theo is moving very well on his feet,” Maddock said. “He’s doing well so far and we’re just focusing on him wrestling complete matches from start to finish without any letdowns.”

Another senior, Mike Winslow, is a captain along with junior Adam Amin and Maddock expects him to benefit from the 2-pound weight allowance after the New Year. “Mike’s a tough kid and he should do well at a lower weight than he’s been wrestling,” Maddock said of Winslow, who also placed third in the host tourney and recorded a pin in the win over Lawrence.

Amin had a tough start in the win-loss column, but the coach said he’s a talented and hard-working wrestler whose rugged road is unlikely to continue. “He’s run into some top competition early,” Maddock noted.

Senior Dan Acosta will look to grind out some wins at 160 and should benefit from last year’s experience. Junior A.J. Romano has upped his game from last winter, Maddock said, and taking a more aggressive approach. Romano was fourth in the VSN Tournament and won by major decision in the conference opener. Junior Joe Munson (160) worked out a solid 3-0 win in the Lawrence match.

Romano’s and Munson’s younger brothers, both eighth-graders, cracked the varsity lineup and have already tasted victory. Against Lawrence, Michael Munson took a major decision, while Vinny Romano scored a pin. “They’re gaining a lot of experience,” Maddock said.