Wrestling is often viewed as an individual sport. This year’s Manhasset team (10–2 in dual meets) has shown what can happen when a tight-knit group is willing to go to war for the teammate next to them. From team lifts to post-practice meals, the sense of togetherness has helped fuel a season defined by growth and success.
This special group managed to win the Manhasset Tournament, Commack Tournament and East Islip Tournament, where it defeated East Islip, ranked second in Suffolk County. Manhasset continued to rack up accomplishments throughout the season.
“We also had our highest team finish ever at the Windsor Invitational over Christmas break, which is the second-biggest tournament in the state,” said Manhasset head coach Stephon Sair. “We took fourth place out of 37 teams. In the regular season, we won the conference championship. In the dual meet playoffs, we lost to Long Beach in the Nassau County semifinals. It was a tough match that I think we were right there to win. If a few matches go the other way, we’re in the finals against Massapequa.”
This group is headlined by senior captains Will Russell (118) and Henry Jarvis (165). They’ve had a special family-like senior season, thanks to their teammates.
“I’d say the team culture,” Russell said, regarding what makes this team so special. “We’ve been more together and have that camaraderie. We keep each other accountable and it’s made the season more fun. There haven’t really been arguments; everyone’s been supportive.”
“Wrestling is seen as an individual sport, but this year we’ve done more team things,” Jarvis said. “We go out together, do team lifts on Sundays, and we’re pretty much always around each other during the season. That brotherhood gives us an extra edge.”
To get to the Nassau County semifinals, Manhasset had to go through 18-0 Bellmore JFK.
“We were the No. 6 seed and they were the No. 3 seed,” Sair said. “At the time, they were 18-0, ranked third in Nassau County and ranked in New York State. A lot of people thought they’d make a run to the finals. We beat them 40-20, which is a big margin in wrestling. That performance showed our team is here to make noise and that our guys stepped up against an undefeated team.”
“That was a big step for us as a team,” Russell said. “We knew they were tough and that every match would count. Some didn’t go our way, but others really did and helped us pull out the win. Being the six seed and beating the three seed in pretty dominant fashion was the result of a lot of hard work and everyone having each other’s backs.”
Since being called up to varsity as an eighth grader, Russell earned an all-county honor twice, finished in second his sophomore year and he’s having his best season thus far.
“Will’s been a staple in our lineup since eighth grade when he tested up to varsity,” Sair said. “From the moment he got here, he’s been a super hard worker and really into wrestling. He was All-County as an eighth grader, so we knew he’d be a big contributor. Aside from his wrestling, his leadership commands a lot of respect. The kids look up to him, and we’re hoping he can cap off his career with a state title run.”
A switch in offseason regimen might’ve been the key to Russell’s breakout senior season.
“Two years ago, I kind of made a switch in the offseason,” Russell said. “I started training at a different club, KD Training Center, and I think that’s helped me improve technically. I’ve also worked with mental coaches to get my mindset ready for tournaments, and that’s helped me put everything together and compete at the next level.”
With lots of success in his senior year, Jarvis could clinch states with a successful performance at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Hofstra University.
“He’s having a great year,” Sair said. “He’s won three tournaments and took second at the Windsor Tournament, which is extremely competitive. He’s currently seeded third going into counties and we think he has a shot to make states and finish in the top two.”
Jarvis credits his success to the coaching staff.
“I think it all comes down to our coaching staff,” Jarvis said. “I feel like this year we’ve been more put together as a group. The workouts we’ve done together and everything under our coaching staff, have put us in a great spot.”
Manhasset has received contributions on the mat from seventh grader Jackson Frangella (175), sophomores Robbie Obser (110) and Spiro Kavvadias (165), juniors Anthony Glass (215) and Lucas Pai (126) and seniors Brady Healy (175) and Marcus Davis (285).
With one more box to check on Sunday, Manhasset looks to cap off its dominant season by sending a few kids to states.
