The “high-risk” sport of wrestling began their competitive season on Feb. 17.  Because of the “high-risk” title, the Viking’s wrestling team is playing its shortest season, only lasting a few weeks.  In total, the team is scheduled to have six matches, with the season ending at the end of February.   Coach Schettino and the team are excited and looking forward to a successful season after one week of matches. 

For the boys, the season began with one of, if not the shortest preseason in Schreiber’s history.  Many of the players kept in shape and worked on their craft in club wrestling, but that could not compare to having a full preseason with the Vikings.  Luckily, the team is filled with dedicated wrestlers, so many were prepared coming into the season. Despite this, the team still had some growing pains to work through during their preseason.  

“I’d say the biggest issue with this season is the short time we had to practice.  With a lot of new guys coming up from Weber we only had about a week and a half to teach them new moves and technique,” said senior Tommy Mascia, one of the team’s five captains. “I really didn’t know if we were going to be able to get any wrestling in at all so I’m really glad it worked out and we were able to compete,” said Mascia. 

Mascia credits the coaching staff with putting together a great preseason program to help develop the incoming wrestlers, allowing them to start their season off with plenty of confidence. 

Vikings Wrestling kicked off their season with a home match on Feb. 17 against Locust Valley.  It was clear that the whole team was itching to get their season started after a long delay.  

“I would say that the entire team was super energetic and stoked to have our first match.  Since it’s a short season, we know every second matters and we were all super focused and ready to go win every match possible,” said sophomore Jake Cohen.  

The excited wrestling team has used their energy to win and carry that success into the next match.  The squad traveled to Jericho for a win, in which Jett Gillis and Antonio Intintoli both had their first career varsity pins.  At home again, the boys took down Sewanhaka a day later to complete a 3-0 week to start off the year, aided by a dominant week from co-captain Declan Neville.  The season will end on Feb. 28, after they face off against Lynbrook, North Shore, and Garden City.  

On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Coach Schettino looked to continue his team’s hot streak to begin the year in a home match against Lynbrook.  Again, they were victorious with a 33-18 win, improving to 4-0 on the year.  Coach Schettino’s leadership has been crucial to the success of the team.

“Coach Schettino’s hard work every day has pushed the team to work harder,” said junior Freddy Rios.  

With the uncertainty surrounding high risk sports entering this school year, all of Schreiber’s student athletes are thrilled to be able to participate in their sports even in a limited capacity.  

“This has been the toughest season in my 30 years coaching the program and likely the toughest in the history of our program.  Our guys have stepped up to the challenge and have given all of themselves in an effort to first get through this season and second to be successful while doing it.  Being one of now only 4 undefeated teams in Nassau County shows both the talent and level of commitment from our athletes,” said Coach Schettino.  

The Schreiber community hopes to continue watching the wrestling program succeed, this season and beyond.