Sachem East Tops No. 1 Ranked Team in NYS at Baldwin Cup

The Sachem East wrestling team is off to a strong start after an impressive opening week, which included a dominating dual meet victory over Syosset and a second place finish at the tough Baldwin Bruins Cup.

The Arrows traveled to Baldwin on Friday and Saturday for one of the toughest early season tournaments on Long Island.

Sachem was lead by three champions; Doug Iadanza (99 lbs.), Jakob Restrepo (126lbs.), and Christian Nunez (195lbs).

The freshman Restrepo was impressive as he beat two seniors, including returning All-County Jorge Barrerio of Freeport on the way to the title at 126.

“We knew this tournament would have a very competitive field, and we put it on the schedule to challenge our team out of the gate,” said Sachem coach Sean O'Hara.

Sachem was up to the challenge as the Arrows finished second in the 11-team field behind only Nassau power Long Beach. The Arrows topped New York’s top ranked Longwood Lions and Catholic school powerhouse St. Anthony’s.

“We saw some real good things this weekend and we also saw some weaknesses," O'Hara said. "We competed well, but we have a lot of work to do. It’s early in the season and going toe-to-toe with some of the island’s top teams was great for our wrestlers."

O'Hara said the led the tournament the whole way until the final round, and had the opportunity to finish first and didn’t.

"We need to learn from our mistakes and improve,” he said.

Ten other Sachem wrestlers battled their way to the podium: 

• Anthony Pistone – 2^nd 152
• Billy Merone – 3^rd 152
• Anthony Messina – 4^th 132
• Conor O’Hara – 6^th 132
• Jackson Mordente – 4^th 138
• Michael Pistone – 4^th 145
• Zac Nobre – 4^th 170
• John Vigh – 4^th 195
• Mike Rothbaum – 5^th 126
• Mark Tracy – 5^th 160