Somers Wrestling Kicks off Season with Four Way Match at Peekskill

On Thursday November 30, the Somers wrestling team traveled to Peekskill for a four way match versus Hen Hud, Peekskill and Mamaroneck. The coaches figuring out the pairings, the outcomes did not count toward team records. But the decisions did register individually and a win for Ryan Ball didn’t have him getting too far ahead of himself.

“I have to keep working harder because there’s always room for improvement,” said the sophomore.

A pretty tall order since he took third in the states last year, but he also has the goal of reaching 100 wins. Thirty away, said the 116 pounder, “It makes a statement in the wrestling community.”

So does being part of the Tusker team. “It’s a good community,” he said. “We’re like a family, we respect each other and have each other’s backs.”

Besnik Sejfijaj agreed, and his victory had him hoping that there’s some varsity matches for him this season. 9-1 last year on JV, he aims to improve his strength and conditioning, while continuing to capitalize on his preference for the neutral position. “On your feet, there’s more range of what you can do,” said the junior. “You can drop down, go from behind, you can attack from anywhere.”

It didn’t come quite so easy for Dalton Baloy. “I felt rusty,” said the 131 pounder who still won his match.

He tore his shoulder last year and missed much of last season. His opponent may not have noticed, though. “I hit a fireman’s carry, which set me up with a half nelson,” said the senior.

Good for a pin, he prefers wrestling from the top. “In control, you have free reign and can create your own moves,” Baloy clarified.

Not so easy for Steven Collins, the JV wrestler knows he has to improve breaking opponents down on the top. But he made good work on his feet. “I pinned him with a cradle,” said the 124 pounder. “He went to stand up, I got his leg, and I was able to lock my hands.”

Alex Wissa hopes to get some varsity time this year too. “I got to win my wrestle offs in practice,” said the 131 pounder.

A victory today, Wissa showed his opponent the ceiling. “I ran a half, reloaded and finished him off,” said the grappler.

With a mirror image, the same went for Rob Vrabel. “I pinned him with a reverse half,” said the 152 pounder.

The key was in the palm of his hands. “Wrist control, I had that, and he couldn’t do anything,” Vrabel revealed.

At 138, Liam Dwyer looked equally powerless as his match wound down. Hit with a stall warning in the 3rd period, he was still able remain upright from the bottom and escape with a 5-4 win.

Admitting he was gassed, a drop in weight class was the main culprit. “I cut eight pounds so normally I don’t get that tired,” said the senior. “I have to manage my weight and conditioning better.”

Still, he got the points he needed from a Granby roll. “It’s quick and explosive, and no one can really counter the move,” said Dwyer.

So he’s got his sights set on a sectional championship and putting a dent in the state tournament. The captain of the team won’t get in the way of the vision either. Vrabel sees his role as supporting teammates in hopes of building the bond Somers wrestlers have long known. In this, the captain takes his lead from Coach DiSanto. “Three years ago, he welcomed me in as part of the family, and that’s the example he always sets,” the wrestler concluded.