Glen Cove shows its promise

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The duality between the focus on building team prosperity and individual success is one that is the central focus for high school wrestling. Last season, the Glen Cove Big Red wrestling team found difficulty in dual meets but had many representatives finish high at the county meet. The young nucleus of talent returns for another shot at individual glory and a spot in the team playoffs.

“We have seven returning county qualifiers from last year’s team,” head coach Chris McDonald said. “We’re looking pretty good so far; we’re getting good work in.”

Glen Cove is excited to have back its star at 160/170 pounds, Sal Guastella. The senior returns from a successful season where he was one win away from qualifying for the county championship. Guastella also recently just made Glen Cove High School history by becoming the all-time wins leader with his 111th career varsity win. His all-time varsity record sits at 111-42, one that has accumulated since eighth grade. “We’ve got really high hopes for him,” McDonald said. As of right now, Guastella sits at 11-2 on the year and is ranked third for his weight class in Nassau County.

McDonald points to other very talented wrestlers on his roster as well, including junior Isiah Jackson. “He won his qualifier last year and is 11-2 this year just like Sal,” McDonald said. Jackson sits at No. 6 for Nassau County at 106 pounds. Junior Edson Murillo finished 3rd in qualifier last year and is their starter at 113 pounds. Freshman Eamon Doyle returns to varsity after being on the team one year ago as an eighth grader. Junior Eder Leiva made qualifiers in both his freshman and sophomore years and looks to make it three in a row with an improved year.

Junior Rafael Alma (195), sophomore Phil Aguilar (220), junior Brandon Rivera (285), along with Victor Vaughan, Peter Reyes and Julian Correa all make up a very formidable Glen Cove starting front.

Glen Cove also has two girls on the varsity roster, Deborah Benitez and Ahlianna Chambers.

The Big Red will attend the South Side meet this weekend and four of Glen Cove’s top wrestlers will be ranked highly for the event. Murillo will be ranked first for his weight class while Jackson, Guastella and Leiva will be ranked second for their weight classes.

“Our goal for this meet is to get a couple of guys in the finals,” McDonald said. He continued to discuss what his goals are for the team come the end of the season. “These guys have to take in all the experience they’ve had in years past and good things can happen,” McDonald said. “We would love to be in the playoffs.”

The Big Red field a very young and talented group that all have ability and drive. One of McDonald’s best assets is time. The only senior on the roster is Guastella, who has been and will continue to be a leader and secondary coach in the practice room. Beyond that, this young group has time to grow and develop more as individuals, and a unit.