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Overcast Lynbrook focused on big picture
Coach Renz looking to continue trend
Though a lack of numbers won’t allow Lynbrook’s wrestling team to field a full lineup, coach Rich Renz is looking to continue a trend of getting the Owls to peak at the right time.
“We don’t have a large roster, but the kids we have are really talented,” Renz said after the Owls completed a sweep of the competition at the Lynbrook Sportsmanship Duals. “We’ve done a nice job the past two years of wrestling our best at the right time, and I’m hoping we can do it again.”
While Lynbrook has fewer than 30 kids in its program, Renz believes the varsity squad will be competitive in Conference 3B, which includes Bethpage, Glen Cove, Lawrence, Manhasset, Roslyn and Valley Stream South. “Forfeiting a few weight classes will hurt, but I think we’ll do well in the weights we have someone,” he said.
The likely loss of sophomore Anthony Salamone (138 pounds) for the season due to a knee injury suffered playing football is a tough one, Renz said. Salamone was runner-up in the qualifying tournament last winter and competed on the big stage at the Nassau County championships. “He works as hard as anyone and is a very big part of the team,” Renz said. “He’s not going to rush back, so I think we’ll just look to get him back on the mat next year. He’s still coming to practice and supporting the guys.”
Lynbrook has a handful of wrestlers knocking on the door to achieve All-County status, Renz said. Senior Chris Francia (195) and freshman Matt Swanson (106) came within one victory of doing so last season, and sophomore Anthony Arena (132) is also in the conversation.
Francia, currently ranked No. 5 in the county in his weight class, opened the season with a runner-up finish in the Battle at the Beach Tournament hosted by Long Beach. He then defeated each of his counterparts from Carle Place, Valley Stream North and Oceanside in the duals at Lynbrook. “Chris is exciting to watch,” Renz said. “He’s fast, aggressive and strong.”
