Just like most of their sports teams, Bellport’s Wrestling team came into the year as a favorite to win yet another league title as they were last year's defending dual meet champions.
Despite being a significantly younger team than in years past, the Clippers seemed to embrace the “young and hungry” narrative to will their way into capturing yet another League Title under head coach Chuck Maragioglio.
“We graduated seven seniors from last year’s dual meet championship team,” said Coach Maragioglio. “So we knew we had some spots to fill and needed to get our young guys ready to compete.”
Although this year's Bellport Wrestling team winning the League Championship might be a bit of a surprise to many in league opponents due to their young makeup of underclassmen, the Clippers head coach didn’t think it was a big surprise at all.
“I wouldn’t say it was totally unexpected because that’s one of the goals every year,” Maragioglio said. “However, we have a young lineup. Only two seniors. One junior. Other 10 weight classes are filled up by guys from 8-10th grade. As a staff we knew that we were asking a lot, but they stepped up to the challenge.”
Despite being a young team, they were still loaded with talent, including returning county champion Camryn Howard who is currently in 8th grade and was a big piece of the puzzle for the Clippers this winter.
The 8th grade phenom is currently unbeaten this season and he looks like a lock to repeat as county champion in his weight class.
The Clippers two seniors- Izaiah Green and Anthony Santana - have been instrumental to the team’s success.
“Green and Santana have provided leadership all year and it’s been very important to the young guys,” said Maragioglio. “Izaiah is currently 24-1.”
According to Maragioglio, Thomas Smith and Henry Caceras have been consistent at the top of the lineup. Along with Smith and Caceras, Maragioglio was extremely impressed with Bellport Football star Kingston John. “(John) has really developed into a key component.” Said Coach Maragioglio, “He has really impressed me this year and his development was crucial towards us achieving our goals.”
After winning yet another League Title, the Clippers head coach wanted to reassure the public that his team is looking beyond winning the championship and hopes his guys finish out the year strong.
“It’s always nice to win a League Title; that feeling never gets old,” Maragioglio said. “But we have bigger goals for the year and the program. We are focused on trying to win the League Tournament in February. We are looking forward to competing in the county and state tournaments.”