The Daler wrestling team (13-6) ended up sixth in the county in both the dual meet and tournament rankings by Nassau County coaches. This hasn't happened for at least eight years. Given that the team is still young, it could mean even better things lie ahead for this scrappy and competitive group of wrestlers. Recognition should go to all of the wrestlers and the excellent leadership and direction by coaches Garcia, Portee, Smith and Warren. The Daler pool of talent has grown significantly this year and seems to be on the right track to continue on that path into next year. Given this fact, the Daler team has challenges in front of it. There are four teams that the Dalers would like to seriously challenge and beat next year. Those teams are, first and foremost, the Dalers' perennial nemesis, Massapequa, then East Meadow, Long Beach and MacArthur. The Dalers took on all these teams this year with unsuccessful but impressive results. They hope it will be different next year.

The Daler wrestlers are preparing for the Qualifying Tournament which will be hosted by Farmingdale High School. Joining the Dalers at this event will be Bellmore JFK, Garden City, Mepham, Levittown Division, Lynbrook, Sewanhaka District, Jericho, West Hempstead and Friends Academy. The Dalers will be vying for a first place finish in the tournament but they will have to outdo Bellmore JFK ranked fifth in the county. Coach Garcia thinks that the Dalers are as ready as they can be to challenge Bellmore.

"I think that if our wrestlers stay focused and set individual goals for themselves, the team will do very well in the Qualifying Tournament," Garcia predicted.

Leading the Dalers into the tournament will be seniors Mike DeFeo and Richard Slinger. DeFeo is currently ranked fourth in the county. He is focused on a first place finish at the Qualifying Tournament and a fourth place, at worst, in the County Tournament. Juniors Danny Cion, Joey Guidice, Chris Parris and Justin Venezia plan on earning a trip to the County Tournament by placing in the top four at the Qualifying Tournament. Parris returns as a second place winner last year and will probably face Antonio Peques of Uniondale in a rematch for the county title. Parris lost to Peques in overtime during this year's dual meet against Uniondale. The sophomores who are headed for the Qualifier are Greg Booth, Ryan Burtis, Brendon Grech, Robert Ianne, Chris Manez, Michael Munroe, Steven Panarelli and Joe Sheehan. Panarelli, currently ranked number one in the county at 160 lbs., could very well take it all. He is not only willing, but is ready to take on all challengers. Joining in on the challenge in their respective weight classes will be freshman George Turner and middle school students Nakyli Bathey, Charlie Ross and Shane Weber. The Qualifying Tournament should prove to be an invaluable experience for them. All in all, the team expects to have solid performances from each of its wrestlers. They predict it will be a season in which the Daler wrestling community can be proud.