Chaminade Wrestlers Gear Up for 2010-11 Opener

Echoes of dribbling on the Athletic Center's basketball court were drowned out on Monday afternoon by ferocious thudding emanating from the ceiling above as the varsity and junior varsity wrestling teams conducted a heavy practice with the East Meadow Jets.

The practice marked Chaminade's first scrimmage of the season before they motor into the Herricks Invitational Tournament Saturday at Herricks High School. While the varsity team is currently scheduled to compete, the JV squad's participation is tentative.

Sprints, push-ups, sit-ups, and jumping jacks were the easy part of the practice for both squads as Chaminade head varsity assistant coach Scott Cole directed both clubs to split up by weight class and commence doing some "hard drilling"; heavyweights partnered up and executed single-leg takedowns on each other, followed by double-leg takedowns, "pummeling," or under-hooking, and hand-fighting before the lightweights took their turn.

"Take deep breaths and keep bouncing!" Cole said, instructing the wrestlers to switch and alternate performing their takedown of choice.

According to Cole, good cardio and overall conditioning are essential to his young team's success. "Even those who aren't the most skilled wrestlers can pull out wins if they can withstand the six minutes by being in good shape," he said.

The rigorous training only intensified after the wrestlers were broken into small groups by weight class and began grappling in rotations. When Cole asked the athletes if they were tired, grunts of exertion and squeaking of shuffling sneakers on the mat paused only long enough for a resounding and unified "No!"

Chaminade began scrimmaging with East Meadow several years ago, and Cole says that practicing with the Jets is a key element in . "The coaches are great guys," he said, "and the kids are tough and hardworking."

Aside from the physical and technical challenges brought by the talent at East Meadow, their sheer numbers also bode well for Chaminade's large team. The Jets' crew of at least 30 makes for the same number of new body types the Flyers can work with, as Cole explained "mixing it up" is very important. "The team needs to practice with guys who have different strength levels and different wrestling levels than what they are used to," he said.

Although Chaminade will not face East Meadow this season, they may compete against each other in an upcoming tournament on Dec. 10 at Baldwin High School.

Flyers' senior captains Bobby Wallace, Mike Rizzo, Mike Jones and Sean Andrews will focus on readying their underclassmen-heavy team for that meet and others against potent rivals, including Kellenberg, Monsignor Farrell and St. Anthony's.

"With good senior leadership and a lot of talented freshmen coming in," Cole said, "we are looking forward to getting out there and starting the season."