Woodlands grapplers set for another solid season on the mats
By Skip Pearlman
Last year’s Woodlands High wrestling team won its first league title since 1997, and went on to place fifth in the section in Division 2.
So there’s little doubt that coach Jason Parker and the Falcons will be aiming to repeat, and then improve their performance in the sectional tournament.
But it won’t be easy.
Woodlands will be without All-Section 152-pounder Elder Calim, who finished second at sectionals, as well as All-League picks Giovanni Betances, Houston Porter and Marshawn Dickson.
But those losses open the door for young wrestlers looking to make a name. “We have some solid returning wrestlers,” Baker said, “and some up-and-coming athletes. And I definitely think we have some potential standouts.”
That list starts with returning All-League seniors Daniel Kraemer (160, fifth at sectionals) and Awa Nyambi (132, sixth at sectionals), who will serve as team captains. “They’ve both had some success, but they haven’t approached the All-Section area yet,” Baker said. “They are hungry to do that this season, and both are capable.”
Baker is also expecting big things from returning All-League juniors Antonio Espada (126, fourth at sectionals) and Sumner Kataka (138, fifth at sectionals), as well as returning senior Miguel Lopez (170)
“Antonio and Sumner got very close to All-Section last year,” Baker said. “I believe they can take the next step, and get to the finals. These guys (Kraemer, Nyambi, Espada and Kataka) all have great motivation.
Seventh-grade, 99-pounder Nasim Norman and junior 285-pounder Dondi Crawford top the list of newcomers to the varsity who are likely to be heard from.
“Nasim came here from New Rochelle last year, and I think he can be a great wrestler,” Baker said. “He picked up the sport so fast… And Dondi wrestled a few years ago, but he’s not your typical 285-pounder… he’s very athletic, he can move like not many 285-pounders. It will be interesting to see him in action. They’re two great additions.”
The Falcons compete in a league with Irvington, Croton, Edgemont and Hastings.
Baker said the team will need to grow as the season goes on, and repeating as league champs will be a challenge.
“I think the team has to grow to do well in dual meets,” he said. “It will take some coming together to repeat last year (league title). It will take us improving and learning… there will be some growing, but I think we’ll adapt. Sectionals will be tough. Pearl River is now in Division 2, and they’re typically good. Our goal is to have some individuals place higher, then we can move up as a team… we want to put ourselves in position to do well.”
Woodlands opens the season December 3 at the Section 1 Dual Meet Championships at Irvington HS at 3:30 p.m.
Examiner Media – Keeping you informed with professionally-reported local news, features, and sports coverage.
