2010-11 Preview: Sachem East Wrestling

After finishing last year as one of the top teams in Suffolk County and garnering respect across the state from beating No. 2 Shenendehowa, Sachem East is looking to resurface in 2010-11 as a contender.

Injuries to some of the teams top grapplers may set the Arrows back slightly, but head coach Sean O'Hara is confident his team is ready to wrestle at leagues and counties with a strong lineup once everyone is healthy.

Last season: East was 26-3 overall and 5-1 in League I and finished seventh overall at the Suffolk County Division I wrestling championships

Head coach: Sean O'Hara, 7^th season

Top wrestlers (weight order)

Mark Florian, 103 pounds: He broke his leg in an early practice this season. Florian was a two-time All-League wrestler and recorded over 30 wins last year. His loss will have a huge impact for East.

Conor O'Hara, 112 pounds: Last year he was second in the county at 96 pounds. He compiled 35 wins and will make the adjustment to a higher weight class this year at either 112 (most likely) or 119. "He's preparing himself to wrestle older guys," said Sean O'Hara, his uncle. "He's been working all off-season and is a real hard worker and student of the sport. We think he's up to the challenge."

Tyler Monsees, 119 pounds: He has won several varsity matches and is experienced. He was close to placing last year at the League I championships, but fell just short.

Jackson Mordente, 125/130 pounds: A sophomore, last season he wrestled at 112 pounds – one of the toughest classes in the county. He's back with more skill and even better technique.

Billy Merone, 140 pounds: A two-time All-League wrestler, he had over 30 wins last season wrestling at 130 and 145 pounds. He'll stick to 140 this season and is one of the more talented grapplers in the room for East. "He's a fierce competitor," O'Hara said. "Count on him to wrestle the whole match and never give up."

Sean O'Malley, 145 pounds: He was All-County last year and placed third in Suffolk. The three-time league finalist comes into the season with 100 career wins and is 21 away from tying his brother Dan's school record. Also on the chopping block for history is Matt Ferber (105 wins) and Chris DiIorio (117 wins). O'Malley has been wrestling since eighth grade. "His knowledge of every position is key," O' Hara said. "He's a tireless worker and has his eyes set on being an All-State wrestler."

Anthony Piscone, 145 pounds: He's flexible, athletic and uses some moves that are rare, O'Hara said. He's added some technique to it all in the off-season, as well.

Rob Ceder 152/160 pounds: He was all-league last season, won a couple of matches at the county tournament and has made huge improvements from his freshman year.

Frank Merante, 189 pounds: A league champ at 171 pounds last season, he is battling an ACL injury he suffered over the summer practicing for the Empire State Games. He had surgery in August and is likely to be back on the mat by January. "Pound for pound, he's one of our strongest guys," O'Hara said. "This year, he's added technique to that strength."

Heavy weights

• Zach Nobre, Christian Nunez and Stephen Casali: "They're all very talented, athletic kids," O'Hara said. "Sometimes it's tough to compete at those upper weights when you're younger. All three are sophomores, so we're excited about the future."
• Chris Estevez, who will wrestle at 285, is back from his one-year stay in Florida and should grab some necessary points for the team. This year, 96 and 285 can score points in dual meets.

Others to keep an eye on

• Anthony Messina, 119 pounds
• Mike Rothbaum, 119/125 pounds

Key loses

• Chris DiIorio, 189 pounds (county champ), playing football at C.W. Post
• Mike Merante, 160 pounds (sixth in county)
• Mike Schrul, 140 pounds (league champ)
• Dominick Messina, 125 pounds (fourth in league)

Key matches: League I has some of the top teams in the state. Longwood, arguably the best team in Suffolk County, as well as Brentwood and Sachem East all ranked in New York's top 11 last season.

• Dual meet (non-league) vs. Syosset, Dec. 8
• Tournament – NYS Early Dual – NY's Civil War at Shenendehowa, Dec. 11/12
• Tournament – Massapequa Holiday, Dec. 29
• Dual meet vs. Brentwood, Jan 5
• Dual meet (non-league) at Union Endicott, Jan. 8/9
• Dual meet vs. Longwood, Jan. 28