Sports
Vikings Wrestling Hoping For Continued Success
Team hasn't recorded a losing season on the mat in close to three decades.
The Port Washington Vikings wrestling team hasn't had a losing season since the early 1970s, and according to head coach Anthony Schettino, that trend is not about to change.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing how our older guys do in the Section 8 championships," Schettino said. "I'm also very excited to see how the younger guys progress over the course of the season. They are the future of the wrestling program."
Over the off-season, the Vikings added assistant coach Dave Foxen, a former collegiate wrestler that has considerable experience on the mat.
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"Coach Foxen has brought so much experience and wrestling knowledge to the squad this year," Schettino added. "He improved us tremendously. I think it's also important to mention the work that our volunteer coaches like Tony Coccerelli have put in, adding to our success."
As always, the varsity and junior varsity squads travel together as they head into a long season that extends from September (if they take part in off-season practices) through March. Some of the key upcoming matches include the Glen Cove Tournament on Dec. 30, and the annual Port Washington Alumni Wrestling Night, which will take place after the New Year.
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"The alumni match is always a big deal for us in Port Washington," Schettino said. "There will be a series of youth wrestling matches, varsity, and junior varsity matches following that."
Leading the way for the Vikings this season will be team captains Mike O'Brien at 215 pounds, and Luke Klumpp at 145 pounds. Klumpp began the 2009-10 with an outstanding 9-1 record and has been shutting out the majority of his opponents. Schettino hailed Klumpp as the most improved member of the wrestling squad since last season.
"He's a good model for the rest of the team," Schettino said. "He shows us how hard work can bring you to where to want to be."
In their four matches thus far this season, the Vikings hold a 2-2 record. The Vikings posted victories at Hewlett (36-33) and Oceanside (69-9), while they fell to Island Trees (40-20) and Herricks (44-24). Port Washington's next two matches will be held at Schreiber High School against Jericho and Plainview JFK on Jan. 6 and Jan. 8, respectively.
