Hewlett Finishes First After Rough Match Against Plainedge

The Hewlett Bulldogs faced off against conference foe Plainedge Red Devils last Wednesday in a battle for first place, which was televised on MSG Varsity.

Unfortunately, the Bulldogs ran into an opponent that was both prepared and motivated to maintain their position atop the conference. After dropping their first three matches, senior Captain Simon Greebel (120) and sophomore Owen Bachelder (126) won their matches with the hopes of being able to turn the momentum back to their team. This was not to be as the Bulldogs proceeded to lose the rest of their matches until senior Captain Lester Enriquez (285) won his match by forfeit as Hewlett lost 57-13.

While Coach Stephen Jones was a little disappointed in his team, he did acknowledge that they were coming off a very difficult week where they wrestled three straight days.

“Not to make excuses for our boys, but some of them appeared to be wrestling without their usual urgency,” Coach Jones said. “Perhaps the week before took something out of them, but my coaches and I expect them to bounce back this coming Saturday at the Ed Solosky Memorial Tournament, hosted by Kellenberg High School.”

Apparently, Coach Jones and his assistant Coach Ryan Murphy made the right adjustments as the Bulldogs dominated the Kellenberg Tournament right from the start and ending up taking first place, outscoring the second place Ward Melville squad by 77 points. In discussing the team's efforts and success after Saturday’s tournament, he said, "The boys were very impressive today. We made the right adjustments from the disappointing Plainedge match. We will continue to work hard and get better. The most important part of the season is the end part. We need to make sure we are peaking come February. From the looks of our boys, they all seem to be on the right tack."

Leading the Bulldogs were Greebel (120) and senior Captain Robert Rosenberg (138), who both took first place in their respective weight classes. Bachelder (126), junior Captain Oran Revivo (132), Charles Tsack (145), Matthew Kaminer (220) and Enriquez (285) each took second. Andrew Kevelson (138), Samer Baig (182), and Sal Basco (195) each took third. Tredd Smith (152) took fourth and Paul Lane (285) took fifth.

The Hewlett Bulldogs next match is at home on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m., where the team will honor its graduating seniors.