Sports

Thomas, Carrera take titles in North Babylon Tournament

BARBARAELLEN KOCH PHOTO | Christian Krumbiegel at wrestling practice this week.

While the Riverhead Blue Waves had four wrestlers reach the finals of the North Babylon Tournament on Saturday, their coach, Wade “Rocky” Davey, said he was disappointed with his team’s overall performance so far this season.

Riverhead had two champions Saturday. Pat Thomas topped North Babylon’s Ryan O’Brien, 6-2, in the 140-pound final. At 171 pounds, the Blue Waves’ Mario Carrera won a 9-4 decision over Freeport’s Kevin Sanchez in their title bout.

“Beating Sanchez, a returning all-county wrestler, was a big win for Carrera,” said Davey.

Riverhead’s Christian Krumbiegel (135 pounds) and Anthony Infantolino (112) were runners-up in their weight classes.

Two other Riverheaders, Riverhead’s Ryan Gevinski (96) and Shawn Yarborough (285) placed third, while teammate Dan Normoyal (125) finished fourth.

The early-season tournaments are designed to prepare wrestlers for the league part of the schedule. Davey has not liked what he has seen. “I am disappointed so far,” he said. “The kids are not wrestling up to my expectations. More time on the mat will help them.”

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