Expectations grow at Uniondale

Uniondale’s wrestling roster is minus an All-County returnee for the first time in many years, coach Tim Godoy said, but not without talent, chemistry and senior leadership.

“Last season was a bit of a mixed bag,” said Godoy, in his 27th year at the helm. “We were young and a little inconsistent. As a program, we had to hit the reboot button after Covid. It was a big obstacle that we had to overcome and we’re finally moving in the right direction.”

The Knights still managed to place a solid 15th in the county last winter, led by then-senior Angel Banegas, who reached the 118-pound final and went on to place fourth in the state. He was also the second-ever All-American in program history.

Several award-winners and a handful of others with county tournament experience return to lead Godoy’s senior-laden squad. He said the conference appears wide open on paper with only Freeport (first) and Massapequa ranked above the Knights. “We’re capable of winning it,” he said.

Sophomore Joshua Pierre-Paul, coming off an All-Conference campaign and a busy offseason, sets the tone for Uniondale in the lower weights. He won 8 of his first 10 matches and Godoy considers him as a darkhorse to earn his way onto the All-County podium. “He came on strong late last season and hasn’t slowed down,” said Godoy, who’s assisted by Harold Coffin and Adrian Berry. “He has a tremendous amount of ability and never tires.”

Senior Jorge Gomez (124 pounds) is on a mission after falling one win shy of All-County. “He has what it takes and is a full 6-minute wrestler,” Godoy said. “He’s seasoned and is looking to prove people wrong and take the next step.”

Battle tested senior Brandon Juncal (131) is a returning county qualifier who brings excellent footwork. “If he can turn those close matches around, he can break through and go far,” Godoy said.

Senior Luis Lizama (215), one of the school’s top football players, is explosive on the mat and eager to earn All-County honors following a heartbreaking defeat in what they call the “blood round” last season. “He’s hungry and ranked among the county title contenders,” Godoy said. “I don’t think he’s worried about rankings. He’s just taking things one match at a time.”

Junior Jaden Lewis-White (285) is another football player looking to make noise and picked up some quality December wins, Godoy said. “He was in a stacked qualifier last year but this year 285 is wide-open,” the coach noted.

Scrappy sophomore Tajae Tamar starts at 101 and broke out of the gate strong. Senior Oscar Aparicio (116) has an All-Conference resume and is exciting to watch, Godoy said. Seniors Ikenna Okoye (160) and Beckan Caracamo (145) are also important pieces of the dual meet lineup, Godoy said.

“The kids put in a ton of offseason work and there’s great chemistry in the room,” Godoy said. “I’m cautiously optimistic we’re going to have a very positive season.”