Baymen Rise to the Occasion in Smithtown

The atmosphere was palpable on Tuesday, Jan. 4 when the Hampton Bays Baymen traveled to Smithtown Christian for their homecoming — There was a raucous crowd looking to support the hometown contestants and they were not afraid to show it.  Unfortunately for Smithtown and their fans, the Baymen had other ideas.

It being only their second duel meet, the Baymen needed a good result.  Hampton Bays looked to get off to a quick start in league by notching a victory.

The Baymen were short handed with the absence of senior Dylan Flynn, who was afflicted with a staff infection on his forehead that did not clear up in time to play. As a result, the Baymen would need other wrestlers to step up. Flynn’s160 pound slot filled by freshman Cody Nolan and to the delight of coach Rafael Lievano, Nolan did not miss a beat. 

Making what seemed to be a mockery of his opponent Russell Pirkle, Nolan was able to take a commanding 18-5 lead before landing a pin with 41 seconds remaining in the match. This gave the Baymen a 30-12-team lead, which they never relinquished.

 "He had the best performance of his young career," said coach Lievano.

After the 160-pound bout, the Baymen won six of the next nine matches to cruise to the comfortable 54-24 victory over Smithtown Christian.

Hampton Bays will have another league match on today against Mattituck/Greenport. The Baymen will have little down time to make weight and prepare for another league foe, but the resounding victory behind them, the Baymen will try to remain undefeated.