Anthony Schettino, Port Washington's wrestling coach, has a mission. He aims to grow support around the Vikings' wrestling team, celebrating the team's hard-working athletes.
That effort was in full-force during Port Washington's on Friday night against Hicksville by a score of 51-15. The victory was was not only one more step for the team toward the playoffs but also a chance for program's alumni to relive memories and cheer on their former team.
More than 150 people watched Schreiber's wrestling team defeat Hicksville on Friday's alumni night; the team's record is 12-3. This alumni night event started three years ago and alumni attendance has steadily grown since it started.
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About 35 alumni of the Schreiber wrestling program attended the event. National Hall of Fame Coach Robert "Buzz" Busby, who coached the team from 1965 until 2001, also appeared and was "very impressed" by the evening's turnout.
"Wrestling's a great sport for kids," Busby said. "It gives you something you can't get anywhere else."
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For Busby, the discipline and character building that comes from wrestling is invaluable.
Of current Head Coach Anthony Schettino, Busby said that he's doing a "great job with the program." Busby hopes the program continue building and getting better.
"They're headed in the right direction," Busby said of the wrestling program. "The program has become more and more successful every year."
Schettino also hopes that the program continues to grow and said "the future bodes well for the team" as it includes many young members. He has also seen increasing interest in the program each year.
During alumni night it was evident that "people recognize what wrestling did for them," Schettino said. In his case, he attributes a lot of his success in life to the work ethic and mental toughness he gained from wrestling.
