Following a record-breaking season in 2014-15, which saw the Port wrestling program finish with not one but two Nassau County Champions, All-State and multiple All-County wrestlers, the NYS Scholar Athlete team distinction (7th year in a row), Captain Sam Goldman (Harvard) earning the News 12 Scholar Athlete distinction and a top-10 team finish with only seven wrestlers entered in the Nassau Championships, they’ve been hard at work utilizing that success as motivation. The county champs were Sam Goldman, 126 lbs., 4th in NY State and Elmer Mendez, 220 lbs., 7th in NY state.
With a strong start to the 2015-16 season, Port has had impressive showings in three of the toughest tournaments in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as knocking off tough league rivals Calhoun, Center Moriches, Putnam Valley, Smithtown East and Edgemont.
The Viking coaches are constantly working towards building and maintaining a championship program while providing the members of their team with the skills necessary to succeed both on and off the mats.
“We strive to provide a positive atmosphere and environment that will shape every wrestler into not only a successful athlete but a successful individual, while attempting to put them in the best position to get into the colleges and universities of their choice,” said Anthony Schettino, head wrestling coach (two-time Nassau County Coach of the Year, Long Island Sportsmanship of the Year recipient) and former Schreiber wrestler (All-County, All-Conference, Conference Champion, Schreiber Captain, NCAA wrestler, Veteran Freestyle All-American and World Team Member).
Schettino continued, “There’s no magic formula for success in wrestling. What you put in you get out, and the more work you put in the more success you get out.”
The Vikings are in action at home on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 5 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. for their annual AJ Gober “Voice of the Vikings” Alumni, Friends & Family Night. This special evening is in memory of a very special individual, AJ Gober. Gober was not only an outstanding teacher and friend to many but also the long-time announcer for all sports at Schreiber High School. During his tenure, Gober was the “voice” of the Port Washington wrestling program for many years before handing over the reins to his son, CJ, who continues his legacy. The Vikings are requesting anyone interested in an action-packed evening to come and help support the team and fill the stands.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, starting at 8:30 a.m., the Vikings will host the annual Busby Classic. This tournament is named after legendary former head coach of 37 years and National Hall of Fame member Coach Robert “Buzz” Busby. This tournament, held at Schreiber, will include top teams from Nassau, Suffolk, as well as Mt. Hope, RI.
