Baldwin’s managed to carry over momentum from the 2018-19 wrestling season and is looking to be a factor at the county championships come late February.
The Bruins, who capped last winter with 11 county qualifiers and a trip to the quarterfinals of the team playoffs, captured their first four dual meets, including knocking off rival Oceanside as well as its first two Conference 2A opponents to build the early momentum coach Jim Murphy was looking for.
“You always want to peak at the end, but it’s also nice to have a strong start,” Murphy said. “I think it shows all the work these guys put in during the offseason. They got a real taste of success and they’re hungry to keep it going. We’re going to get tested in the next week so we’ll see what we’re made of.”
Both of Baldwin’s All-County finishers — Matt Kong and Jahlil Treasure — and both of its qualifying tournament winners — Paul Wehr and Shea Booth — all graduated. However, five sophomores who competed on the big stage at the county tournament at Hofstra are setting the tone for this season’s lineup, Murphy said.
Isaiah Blemur had 19 wins, while Kahlil Cuffe, Jelani Dowe and Jendy Rodriguez racked up 17 apiece. In addition, Romani Williamson held his own while facing more experienced competition at 182. They’re all off to fine starts as juniors, along with senior Keshawn Rose and sophomores Stanley Zapata and Daniel Martinez. Rose also has county tourney experience.