The Island Trees Bulldogs Wrestling team finished the 2013-2014 season with an overall record of 18-8. The team defeated Syosset in the Dual Meet Championship playoffs 34-27, and then lost to Plainedge in the second round 48-29. The team had a strong season and was ranked no. 8 in Nassau County. The Bulldogs entered 22 wrestlers in the Nassau County Qualifying Tournament, out of which, eleven of the team’s All-League grapplers qualified for the coveted Nassau County Wrestling Tournament. Six wrestlers also received All-Conference honors, with one wrestler earning a wildcard into the tournament, for a total of 12 Island Trees wrestlers competing.
Island Trees students receiving All-League honors, while placing in first through fourth place in the qualifier, include: sophomore Tyler Butrico, who finished 3rd in his weight class at 106 lbs.; junior Chris Donnelly, who finished 2nd in his weight class at 113 lbs.; senior Rich Tufano, who finished 4th in his weight class at 132 lbs.; senior John Nicolino, who was the Qualifier Champion at 145 lbs.; sophomore Kevin McDonough, who finished 2nd in his weight class at 160 lbs.; senior Anthony Reyes, who finished 2nd in his weight class at 195 lbs.; senior Ed Sanchez, who finished in 2nd in his weight class at 220 lbs.; senior Rich Claiborne, who finished 4th in his class at 220 lbs.; and sophomore Paul Parada, who finished in 2nd at 285 lbs.
Receiving All-Conference honors placing 5-6 in the qualifier were: freshman Joe Sarchie, who finished 6th place at 99 lbs.; senior Miguel Dilone who finished 6th at 126 lbs.; sophomore Chris Williams who finished 5th at 132 lbs.; senior Joe Piscopio who finished 5th at 145 lbs.; senior Brandon Fourquet, who finished 6th at 170 lbs., and junior Joe Bohorquez, who finished 6th at 182 lbs.
Matt Gund was a Qualifier Champion, at 120 lbs. Gund had a very impressive tournament coming in as the no. 5 ranked wrestler in his weight class. Matt would go on to finish in 3rd with a final overall season record of 34-7. Vinny Manna at 285 lbs. was also a
Qualifier Champion. Manna was the no. 2 ranked wrestler in his weight class and for the second time this season defeating no. 3 ranked Tim Gungor of Massapequa to advance to the Nassau County Finals.
In the finals, Manna lost a tough match to Seaford’s James O’Hagan, who is one of the top wrestlers in the country. Due to Manna’s season record of 36-5, the amount of points and quality wins accrued throughout the season, he received a “wildcard” to compete in the New York State Wrestling Tournament held in Albany. The state wrestling tournament is one of the most highly regarded tournaments in the country.
Apart from Manna and Gund, John Nicolino 34-8, Anthony Reyes 34-10, and Chris Donnelly 33-10 would also finish with 30 plus wins, this season.
— Submitted by Varsity Wrestling Coach Louis Tuorto
