Freeport boasts youthful roster

Freeport wrestling is looking to rise up again after finishing third in the counties last winter with a senior-laden roster.

The Red Devils returned a youthful team to the mats that 22nd-year head coach Joe Chetti hopes can progress throughout the winter and be positioned to capture future championship matches. Seven returners placed among the top eight in the counties last year and are looking to move up on the podium.

“We are going to be a young, but we have a lot to look forward to,” Chetti said. “If the guys work hard, sky is the limit for them.”

Junior Myles Norris placed third in the counties at 285 last year and made strides toward winning a championship by attending a competitive heavyweight boot camp over the summer. Norris suffered an injury during the Freeport football team’s Long Island championship win against William Floyd and Chetti is hopeful he can return to the mats around Christmas time.

“He is a major key for us,” said Chetti of Norris. “He could win it all.”

Lee Mauras also returns with championship aspirations after finishing fourth in the state at 132. Mauras was also on doorstep of a county title last year dropping the final to Wantagh’s Justin Vines. “He can win the state’s this year,” said Chetti of Mauras. “He has more potential than anyone around.”

Sophomore Jerry Ellis (120) and junior Neo Fearon (145) are both making strides this season after qualifying for the counties last year. Troy Saraldi is also primed for a breakthrough season following a 2017/18 campaign in which he placed second in the league and earned valuable experience competing in the Nassau County championships at Hofstra.

Among newcomers on the roster, freshman 99-pounder Ty Liel Robinson has quickly established himself as force to be reckoned with. Robinson shined on the John W. Dodd Middle School team last year and early on in his high school career is showing championship potential.

“He has embraced the sport,” Chetti said of Robinson. “He has the chance to be our next big champion.”

Chetti credits his assistant coaches Matt Celon and Woody Cromarty for keeping Freeport in position for individual champions even in a rebuilding year following many graduation losses. Cromarty, a former standout wrestler at Amityville High School, replaced longtime assistant coach John Nuzzi.

Despite lacking experience, Chetti set up a grueling non-league schedule to prepare the Red Devils for a championship push in February. Freeport’s took on Suffolk County power Patchogue-Medford in the 2018/19 opener and captured four matches. The Red Devils then hosted the annual Haise Invitational with matches against Brentwood and Connetquot,

Freeport will close its regular-season dual meet schedule with a home match on Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. against Sewanhaka East. The Red Devils will then look for a strong finish at the county dual championships on Jan. 19 at Clarke.