The Carle Place Grapplers captured the Nassau County Division III B Dual Meet Championships on Feb. 7 at WT Clarke High School.

Patrick Daly's pin in the 215 lb. class capped an exciting comeback by the Frogs in their 39 - 31 defeat of the Jericho Jayhawks. After a frustrating disqualification at 140 lbs., Greg Waters, Brian Webber and Brandon Navarro recorded pins against the Jayhawks.

The championship was truly a team effort as every member of the squad recorded at least one win in bouts against Cold Spring Harbor, Garden City and Jericho.

Pins by veterans, upsets by underclassmen and physical and mental toughness by all the wrestlers epitomized an outstanding effort which salvaged a very frustrating season for Carle Place. The loss of team captain Craig Shackatano to appendicitis, numerous small injuries and several personal tragedies plagued a squad which had visions of greatness. This week's championship energized the Frogs as they prepare for the County Qualifying Meet.

Early Saturday, the Frogs defeated Cold Spring Harbor in the quarterfinals. Led by Joe Veneroni, Nick Sardis and Nick Serr the matmen won by a wide margin; 63-15.

An exciting bout against the Garden City Trojans resulted in a 33-33 tie. Carle Place was victorious based on the tie-breaking criteria (seven match wins to six). Wins by Nick Sardis, Greg Waters, Joe Veneroni, Nick Serr, Rich Carbone, Chris Robinson and Brandon Navarro provided the margin of victory.

Fayaz Dar, Nick Sardis and Matt Germain, medal winners in the Nassau County Novice Tournament were instrumental in Carle Place's victories. Sophomore, Scott Petrizzo, freshman, Andre Figueiredo and eighth-grader, Rich Carbone led the surge for Carle Place. Senior, Chris Robinson (140 lbs.) and junior, Mike Demetriou continued their drive to the county championships with very strong efforts. Freshmen, Nino Iannucci (152 lbs) and Austin Rodriguez and sophomores, Ayaz Dar and Enrico Chiarlitti provided the Frogs with the depth that characterizes championship teams.

It's all about Pride!