Sewanhaka East has strength in numbers
The strength of numbers and the return of many solid athletes should lead to a successful season on the mat for the Sewanhaka East wrestling team in 2013-2014.
Over 40 young men attended tryouts, giving Sewanhaka East, a team made up of athletes from Carey and New Hyde Park, a full lineup composed of experienced wrestlers in nearly every weight class.
With Carey advancing to and winning the Long Island championship game in football, many of the wrestlers on the roster are still working themselves in wrestling shape. Sewanhaka East will compete in dual meets against Sewanhaka West, Uniondale, Syosset, Massapequa, and Freeport.
Sewanhaka East head coach Ian McConnell, who begins his fourth year leading the varsity, likes what he has. “While we don’t have one standout wrestler, this is the strongest all-around team I have seen here in a decade with the program,” McConnell said. “We’re going to match up real well in dual meets, and could be able to surprise some people in some weight classes.”
Carey senior Erick Vilchez, a four-year varsity performer, should be tough to beat in the 138-pound weight class. Vilchez, who was one round away from capturing All-County honors as a junior, is a three-sport athlete that McConnell believes can compete for the county title.
Senior James Kadnar, also from Carey High, advanced to the second round of the county tournament last season. He comes into the season ranked third in the county at 220 pounds. McConnell also expects big things from Tyler Davis. The hard-working senior will wrestle at both 138 and 145 pounds.
Eighth-grader Daniel Kerner (99 pounds) finished in fourth place at the MacArthur Tournament held on December 7. Kerner, who is the youngest starter on the team, has a tremendous attitude and a big upside. In the 106-pound class, Sewanhaka East had New Hyde Park freshman Ashok Kumar.
Athletic sophomore Angelo Cona should be very competitive at 113. Senior Joseph Aluzzo, a first-year wrestler, has talent and raw ability. McConnell believes Aluzzo can surprise people in his weight class.
