Lynbrook loaded with talent

Lynbrook wrestling entered this season riding high off its successful campaign a year ago that saw the team win a conference championship while boasting 14-All Conference wrestlers, as well as three All-County and its first All-State wrestler in more than 30 years. Overall, the team finished eighth in Nassau County, “an unbelievable feat for such a small school,” said longtime coach Richie Renz.

And with most of his roster returning, Renz hopes to build off those feats, with the help of a notable newcomer: freshman Ally Fitzgerald, the first female wrestler in Lynbrook High School history.

Fitzgerald has already made her mark this season in a big way, winning the 99-pound weight class at a tournament at South Side High School on Dec. 16 – the first female to win a sanctioned high school wrestling tournament on Long Island. She was also crowned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

“It was an amazing experience to be there and be part of history of high school wrestling on Long Island,” Renz said. “I was so happy for Ally because she works so hard to be the best she can be.”

Her historic victory is one of many highlights that Renz expects this season, with many of his All-Conference wrestlers returning. His son, Matthew Renz, has also gotten off to a strong start, winning his 295-pound weight class in tournaments at Uniondale and Long Beach to start the season. At Uniondale, he was crowned the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler. “It’s the best he’s ever wrestled,” the elder Renz said. “He’s working real hard.”

Senior co-captain Joe Becker (113 pounds) was also crowned champion at both tournaments, fresh off his county title a year ago.

Other All-Conference returnees Renz said he’s excited about include Sean Curley (106 pounds), Matt Ferrante (113 pounds), Tyler Heaney (145 pounds), Johnny Dibenedetto (160 pounds), Addison Molinaro (170 pounds), Justin Harbin (182 pounds) and Garret Handel (195 pounds).

But on a team stacked with talented athletes, Renz acknowledged that most eyes will be focused on his young star, Fitzgerald. “She’s very technical,” Renz said. “She’s a hard worker, she trains a lot and competes in the offseason throughout the country. She brings that hard work, dedication and commitment to the team.”

As long as his wrestlers remain healthy, Renz said, they have the ability not only to compete for another conference championship, but to perhaps advance to the state championships. “I’m looking forward to being in the conference finals and hopefully winning it,” Renz said. “I’m hoping to get more All-County kids this year and hopefully get more kids to the state.”

But as the team readies for the second half of the season after the holidays, Renz said that keeping his athletes on the mat will determine their success. “I’ve been very happy with the work ethic the kids have put in,” he said. “They’ve been working hard, and we’ve been wrestling very well. The key is to try to keep everyone healthy.”