Freeport seeking a big finish

After a strong showing last season, Freeport aims to finish among the county’s top wrestling programs this winter.

The Red Devils return four All-County performers from a 2016-17 team that placed eighth in team points during the Nassau County individual wrestling championships on the big stage at Hofstra University’s Mack Sports Complex. Longtime Freeport head coach Joe Chetti said a returning mix of senior leaders and young talent should position the team for some more award winners in February.

“I’m very proud of my seniors because they are very good mentors to the underclassmen,” Chetti said. “We have a good group that has been working hard.”

Among Freeport’s returnees ready to shine again include senior Chad Elder, who reached the county championship consolation finals at Hofstra as a junior. Senior Frankie Paulino, who placed fifth at 132 pounds, is slated to hit the mats at 152 this season. Sophomore Lee Mauras is back wrestling at 132 this winter after a big freshman campaign in which he finished sixth at 120 pounds in the county championships.

Chetti has high hopes for senior Ikce-Wicasa Quiles after he lost a close 3-2 bout to Wantagh’s Nick Coppola in the 182-pound consolation finals. After leading Freeport football to the county finals, Chetti said Quiles is poised for a big final high school wrestling season.

“He is one of the top dogs in the county,” Chetti said of Quiles. “He is a superb athlete.”

Sophomore Myles Norris also was a big part of Freeport’s drive to the county football finals and is slated to be a major force on the mat at 285 pounds after qualifying for the counties as a freshman. Chetti said he is hopeful that senior Donavan Watson, who was injured during football season, can return to be a factor at 220 pounds.

Senior captain Sebastian Norris is providing leadership on and off the mat and is eyeing a big winter at 120 pounds a season removed from qualifying for the county championships. Chetti is also looking for contributions from sophomore Neo Faroon (132) and Baldwin Cepeda (126).

Chetti said he was encouraged early on in the season when the Red Devils took third place at a tournament hosted by Hewlett High School and beat out all Nassau County teams including longtime power Long Beach. He said the performance was a confidence boost for a tough looming schedule, including the program’s first invite to the prestigious Eastern State Duals on Jan. 12.

“It’s one of the premier in-season tournaments,” Chetti said. “It’s a chance to go against the best in the state.”

Chetti said he would like to reach the semifinals of the Nassau County dual championships in late January and place among the top four at the individual finals at Hofstra. He credits assistant coaches Matt Celon and John Nuzzi for helping position the program for big heights.

“I’m fortunate to have these guys on my staff,” he said. “Without them it’s a task that can’t get done.”