The Bees wrestling program is taking on all comers and should continue its recent run of success with another hard-hitting season this year. A remarkable turnaround considering that just three years ago the team was in peril and had just eight wins during the 2005-2006 season. Coach Ken Brown was forced to build his program from the bottom up and saw success possible within five to six years. Remarkably the program has responded quicker than anyone, Brown included, could have imagined. Case in point this season; the team has begun this year with 17 wins and just five losses, which also marks the third straight season in which the Bees have double digit win totals. Compared to just eight wins during the ’05-’06 campaign, the Bees are officially revitalized.
One of the biggest reasons for the team’s fast turn around has been senior Kyle Sheridan, who weighs 215 pounds and at press time had a record of 27-0. After posting just two individual wins during his 2006-2007 season, Sheridan has since responded with 52 total wins and just 10 losses over the past two years. A nagging back injury has limited Sheridan in the past but he has remained patient and worked extremely hard during the off season to improve himself. Coach Ken Brown applauded Sheridan for his work ethic and what the senior has done to improve. By tournament time the Bees could be the squad to beat, especially with a healthy Sheridan leading the charge.
“We have a legitimate shot at winning sectionals,” Brown said.
Not to be forgotten is fellow senior Sean Hennigan. His 160-pound frame may come off as a bit deceiving, but his success is just as great as Sheridan’s. In fact Hennigan has more career wins, 60 to Sheridan’s 57, which includes a 19-3 mark so far this year. The light Hennigan has won his last two matches which helped Baldwinsville maintain victories over Indian River and Oswego (a win for an individual wrestler helps score points for the entire team). Part of the biggest building blocks for the Baldwinsville wrestling team over the years have been these two strong willed seniors and there is no doubt that next year their absence will be felt.
While some stars may be leaving after this season, others should quickly rise on the team. One name to look out for is freshman Anthony Finocchiaro, who weighs just 112 pounds, but like some of his teammates he to was 27-0 at press time. Finocchiaro has just 14 total losses since 7th grade and amazingly his last loss was close to a year ago in the division championships.
There is still another month or so of matches and much left to be played out, but if the past few years have taught us anything it’s that the Bees will be a championship contender. The team is both hopeful and extremely confident that they have what it takes to above all the rest. The division championships take place February 28th in Albany and the team is looking for their first sectional championship in any weight class since 2005. If Ken Brown has his way the team will end that streak.
Jan
29
B'ville Wrestling is Slamming the Competition
Paul Lyboult 01/29/09
CATEGORY: General Education