The defending Division 2 champs looked poised for another run this season, just don’t tell that to coach Carmine Serra. Out of the four section champs that Nanuet had in 2010-11, only one is returning for this season, but there is still plenty of depth (led by two-time state qualifier Anthony Calvano). The Golden Knights should be in the mix with Edgemont for another D2 title. Nanuet likely won’t be as dominant as it was last season, but will still certainly be in contention.
Serra, who is entering his fourth season as the Golden Knights head coach, offered up the following information:
How did your team do last season? Dual meet record: 6-2; league champs; D2 section champs; had six state qualifiers.
Who are your top returning wrestlers? Anthony Calvano (should wrestle in the 120-132 lbs. range; section champ in 2009-10; state qualifier in 2011), Joe Dillon (should wrestle in the 99-106 range; defending section champ), Matt Dillon (should wrestle in the 120-132 range; section title runner-up in 2010-11) and Dan Breit (should wrestle in the 182-220 range; section title runner-up in 2010-11).
Who are the top wrestlers that you lost to graduation? Jesse Rahimzadeh (section champ in 2010-11), Rich Berkery (section champ in 2010-11), Greg Caneparo (two-time section champ) and Anthony Paratore (state qualifier in 2011).
What is the biggest strength of your lineup? We have a good deal of depth and, in some weights, we have experienced wrestlers ready to step in. We are basically a young team (only two seniors), but many of our underclassmen have been three or four year starters.
What is your biggest concern entering the season? In a rebuilding year, we still have high expectations, and with the large school schedule we wrestle, we are hopeful our wrestlers will develop by the time we hit February. Also, due to our schedule, as always, our seeding is somewhat compromised. That’s always a hurdle for us.
Which team(s) is your biggest rival? Edgemont is clearly the favorite (in Division 2), with Pleasantville, Pawling, and Westlake close behind. As it stands now, I see us somewhere around fourth or fifth.
Will you host any tournaments this season? The Conklin Memorial Tournament on January 7.
Thursday’s preview: Mahopac
7 Comments
4th or 5th? Nanuet is very much in the running for a section title. I like the coaches approach but don’t buy into that low of a showing.
Really 4th or 5th? Yes Nanuet lost a few good wrestlers to graduation but the upperclassmen are ready, willing and able to fill those spots. They should have no problem being top 2!
Wow Coach forgot about the national place finisher freshmen they have coming up at 106-113. This stud should help carry the team to another championship.
What freshman do they have coming up?
Hi-C… a.k.a. Mike Skokos…do you really need to constantly talk about your son?? We know you’re a proud father, but give us a break… if he’s that good we’ll all find out soon enough… you constantly singing his praises with pseudonyms doesn’t do much for him or you… it’s kind of ridiculous… please grow up…
Hahaha
Pleasantville will also be very young this year with two seniors