Wrestling: Glenn 2011 Preview

Following a prolific year on the mats, the  wrestling team is looking for even more in 2011. The Knights went 26-1 a year ago en route to a second consecutive Suffolk County championship and seventh-place showing at the state Division I Tournament. Kevin Meinsen won a state championship in the 130-pound weight class.

"Last year's team and the year before were hard working kids; they put in the time needed to win," senior Kevin Massa said. "We are just going to have to do the same thing if we want to win."

As senior Joe Giaramita said, "We are trying to keep the intensity the same way it was last year. We did lose a couple of great wrestlers from last year, and we want to improve everybody and their wrestling techniques."

Last Season: 26-1 overall, 7- 0 League VI.

Coach: T.J. Brocking (fifth year).

Key Players:

• Joe Giaramita, senior, 189 pounds
• Kenny Meinsen, senior, 135 pounds
• Kevin Massa, senior, 152 pounds
• Vinny Punzone, senior, 119 pounds
• James Dukrone, junior, 130 pounds

Position Breakdown: In order to remain on top, Glenn will look to a largely new cast to pick up where the graduating class left off.

"This year's team is a little bit different than the years we have had past," Knights coach T.J. Brocking said. "We have a bunch of newer guys that basically have been some backups last year. Now it is their time to step up and be the superstars."

It will be the group of All-Suffolk upperclassman that will lead the charge towards states. Posting a combined record of 146-16 last season, seniors Kevin Meinsen (38-4), Joe Giaramita (39-3), Kevin Massa (36-4) and junior James Dukrone (33-5) provide Glenn with a formidable attack.

"[Giaramita] just has athleticism, strength, he's got technique, he's got it all to win," Brocking said. "[Dukrone] put a lot of time in the offseason...wrestled in the national championships, placed in the sophomore nationals...and seems ready to go."

The backbone of the team, however, may be found within guys like Meinsen and Massa, who will look at this as their time to shine.

"Those two guys have almost been in the shadow of some of our good guys who have graduated," Brocking said. "And now it is their time to hopefully step up and win the whole county tournament."

Expectations: Glenn  finished the 2010 season as the state dual meet champions, as awarded by the New York State Sportswriters. The Knights have similar aspirations, hoping to repeat in both the county and state meets. It's a mindset that expressed by members of the team.

"I think everyone on the team wants to win the county, and we want to win the state title as well," Jiarmita explained.

As Brocking touched on, "We look to improve…and look to hopefully defend our state title we won last year."

Key Meets:

• Jan. 7: Westhampton @ Glenn, 4 p.m.
• Jan. 12: Glenn @ Rocky Point, 4:30 p.m.
• Jan. 14: Amityville @ Glenn, 4 p.m. 
• Jan. 19: Glenn @ Mount Sinai, 4:30 p.m.
• Jan. 29: Multi Team Dual @ Glenn, 9 a.m.