Breakout performances highlight VSN's start

 Valley Stream North wrestling has battled through injuries and an extremely difficult Conference 3B schedule to still find victories on the mat, particularly with some of its top individual performers.

A major highlight has been the emergence of sophomore Andrew Poh, who at 108 pounds, has taken the county by storm, with the potential to become a Nassau County champion as soon as this season, said coach Chris Bottjer.

At the Paul P. Grammatico Wrestling Tournament in Valley Stream on Dec. 9, Poh defeated three opponents to reach the finals against Baldwin’s Nahkin Stevens, and not only defeated him to win his weight class but was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament.

At the Ralph Janssen Holiday Tournament at Valley Stream North one week later on Dec. 16, Poh defeated his Freeport opponent in the quarterfinals of his weight class and his Plainedge opponent in the semifinals before being edged out by Stevens in a rematch,10-9, in the final. 

In all of his dual meets so far, Poh has won his matches by pinfall.

Drastic improvement in technique and footwork has been key for the young wrestler. “He’s a predator,” said Bottjer. “He looks to put kids on their back, and he quite enjoys it.”

Senior Nicola Petrucelli, who has also had a strong season and Bottjer said is one of the team’s leaders, finished fourth in his 138-pound weight class at the Dec. 16 tournament.

Another senior leader, Akinwale Omojola, at 145, has also wrestled well this season, winning his dual meet matches on Dec. 8 against Sewanhaka and Dec. 12 against Jericho, and placed 4^th in the Dec. 16 tournament. His teammate James Romano also placed seventh in the same weight class. 

Junior Naomi Gonzalez has certainly made her name known this season, placing sixth in the Dec. 16 tournament in the heavyweight class. Her judo experience translates on the mat, said Bottjer, who also praised her technical skills. With a strong second half, he said, she could threaten for the Long Island championship in her weight class.

Senior Cameron Rochester scored a dual meet victory, 16-0, against his Lawrence opponent on Dec. 12 in the 160 lb. weight class and placed in the semifinals in the Dec. 16 tournament.

While the team overall placed ninth in the Dec. 9 tournament and tenth in the Dec. 16 tournament, Bottjer lauded his wrestlers’ maturity and resilience against some of the most talented squads in the county.

At their dual meet win earlier this month against Lawrence, 42-12, a victory was also scored by Michael Muoio (138) by pinfall. 

As the team looks towards a strong finish in the new year, Bottjer said he’s very excited to see Poh’s continued progress. None of his staff, he said, foresaw the breakout season he is currently experiencing. At this rate, he may very well be hoisting a trophy by year’s end.

“I think he’s our best shot,” said Bottjer. “He’s making a statement and pinning every kid.”