North wrestling's roster numbers down, but not talent
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Williamsville North is fielding its smallest wrestling team in at least five years (27 wrestlers), but returns many grapplers who should make an impact this season.

Returning wrestlers for North includes sophomore Tommy Kellner and seniors Nathanael Carbrey, Jake Caprow and Ben DesSoye.

Kellner already has 50 career wins and last season at 103 pounds, won the Depew Tournament. He was also second in the Class AAAA Tournament which qualified him for the Section VI State Qualifying Tournament. He should wrestle at 119 this year.

Kellner is committed to the sport, wrestling in a bunch of in-state tournaments in the offseason through Super VI wrestling at University at Buffalo.

"He's definitely put in the time," said North coach Brian Swatland. "I believe it's the one thing he really loves to do... He also never gives up when he's out there which is a good trait to have."

Carbrey finished 27-11 last year, which included a 3-0 record in the 130-pound division of the Williamsville North Tournament and was named the tournament's most outstanding wrestler. He should wrestle at 140 this season. Carbrey also wrestled throughout the summer at Super VI wrestling.

"Statistical wise, Tommy's the best coming back but technique wise, it's Nathanael," said Swatland. "He's a smart kid who has transformed himself into a good wrestler. He studied the sport a lot in the offseason."

Caprow won 18 matches last year was second at the Depew Tournament at 119 pounds.

"He should have a pretty solid season," said Swatland. "He's a strong kid. Before football season started, he was benching 215. He weighs 135."

Seniors Ben DesSoye (275), who placed in four tournaments, Phil Constantinou (152-160) and juniors P.J. Abbarno (152) and Matt Aloisio (171) also return.

"Phil, P.J. and Matt are the three best kids (on the team) at those weight classes," said Swatland. "It will be a matter of moving around and seeing where to get the best match-ups."

Carbrey, Caprow, and Constantinou are team captains.

North finished 6-4 last year in a competitive ECIC Division I. Its four losses came against West Seneca West, Jamestown, Clarence and Lancaster, who were all ranked in the top ten in Western New York large schools at the end of last season.

"Hopefully, we can beat one one of those tams and be in the upper echelon of teams," said Swatland.

North 2006-07 Schedule 12-6 W.S. West................... 6 p.m. 12-8 at Jamestown ........... 6 p.m. 12-9 at Amherst Duels Tourn. (with Amherst, Grand Island, and Depew) ..................................... 1 p.m. 12-20 Hamburg.................. 6 p.m. 12-22 Lancaster................. 6 p.m. 1-5 at Niagara Frontier Wrestling Officials' Association Tourn. (Niagara CountyCommunityCollege) . TBA 1-6 at Niagara Frontier Wrestling Officials' Association Tourn. (Niagara CountyCommunityCollege) . TBA 1-12 Frontier...................... 6 p.m. 1-13 at North Tourn. .......... 9 a.m. 1-17 at Sweet Home......... 6 p.m. 1-19 at ECICs (East Aurora) 4 p.m. 1-20 at ECICs (East Aurora) 9 a.m. 1-26 at Clarence........... 6:30 p.m. 1-27 at Depew Tourn. ...... 9 a.m. 1-31 at Orchard Park ....... 7 p.m. 2-9 Class AAAA at Clarence TBA 2-10 Class AAAA at Clarence TBA

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com