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Southampton Press
January 21, 1999
Canes Place Fourth at Kujan Tournament
By Chris Hunter
Although the team didn't equal last season's second-place performance at the Kujan
Brothers Memorial tournament, the Westhampton Beach wrestling team did have one first-place and six third-place
finishes to take fourth overall at this year's tournament last Saturday at William Floyd High School. Louis Vecchio
continued his amazing season by winning the 112-pound weight class, while teammates Jay Fredette (103), Tai Phung
(119), Sean Kellenberger (152), Ed Godzieba (160), John Amato (189) and Mike Hadley (215) all took third-place
finishes.
Vecchio pinned his opponent in the opening round of the tournament and then won a 6-0 decision in the second round
to advance to the finals. "It (the second round match) was his toughest match of the season," said Hurricane
coach Paul Bass. "Vecchio did a good job on Saturday." The junior went on to take the 112-pound championship
by pinning his opponent at 1:09 of the first round in the finals.
Fredette continues to impress in just his first season at Westhampton Beach. The freshman placed third last Saturday
at William Floyd and is quickly learning to become a dominant wrestler. "Jay had never wrestled before this
season," said Bass. "He is learning to have intensity every night. The kid isn't afraid of anyone."
After pinning his opponents in each of the first two rounds, Fredette dropped the finals match, 14-8, to the fifth-ranked
wrestler in the county. "Third in this tournament isn't too bad for a first-year freshman wrestler,"
said Bass. "Jay gave him everything he could handle."
Phung also took third by defeating his 119-pound opponent, 9-3, in the consolation match. The junior lost 8-2 in
the second round to fall out of contention for the title. Westhampton Beach juniors Kellenberger, Godzieba and
Hadley and senior Amato also took third-place finishes in the tournament.
The Kujan Tournament came on the heels of the Canes' first League IV victory of the season at Half Hollow Hills
West, a 40-21 victory on Friday, January 15. The Hurricanes evened their league record at 1-1 with the win.
Hills West jumped to an early 18-6 advantage over the Canes, only to see the Hurricanes come back for the victory.
Although the team's experienced wrestlers didn't come out strong, Westhampton Beach got surprise performances from
three young wrestlers in the win.
"Our underclassmen wrestled real well," said Bass. "They are the reason we pulled out the win."
KC Heinrich took a 5-4 win at 171 pounds, while Tony Reid (140) and Jim Hille (145) each won in their first varsity
matches. Reid won his varsity debut by pin and Hilly used an 11-7 decision for his victory. Sophomore Ryan Hatt
won his match at 135 pounds and junior Pat Hadley pinned his opponent in the 215-pound heavyweight division for
the team's final win.
The Hurricanes hosted League IV opponent Sayville on Wednesday (after deadline) and will travel to Deer Park tomorrow
to take on the Falcons at 6 p.m. in another league match. The team will then have almost a week break before its
next league match at home on Wednesday, January 27 at 5 p.m. versus East Hampton.
Issue Date: Southampton Press 01/21/99
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