Somers Opens Season with Milestone Victory

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When Derek Kuchinsky’s pin put Somers up 26-9, the December 4 match versus John Jay seemed pretty well in hand. So an 8-1 deficit for Joe Simoncini didn’t appear all that urgent. The 157 pounder wasn’t scoreboard watching, though.

“He was on top, I rolled him though and pinned him,” said the Tusker, and the nine point swing proved pivotal in Somers 37-33 home victory.

A double forfeit to start the match, Somers fell behind 3-0 with Samuel Kern’s 13-7 victory over John Jackson, and while still on the light side of docket, the 118 pounders were definitely a pair of heavyweights. David Corrales and Ethan Steuber have both been to the state tournament and their paths finally crossed.

But for Steuber, there was more at stake than just bragging rights. “I knew what was on the line,” said the senior, “my 100th win at home.”

Corrales deep double leg takedown attempt in the first period was not a good sign, but the eventual century club member reverted to his standard form. “I like to fight all my matches like that,” he said, “never give anything up.”

An understatement since the John Jay Wolf was left back peddling. Steuber refused to give in and got the takedown for a 3-0 first period lead.

The score stayed status quo for the rest of the second, and to start the third, Corrales opted for his strength. He let Steuber up and proceeded to execute a takedown that closed to a one point margin.

No turn from the top, though, Corrales let Steuber up again. Unable to bring Steuber to the mat, Corrales had to settle for high praise from his opponent. “Great competition,” said the Tusker, “there’s no one else I’d want to get my hundred wins against.”

Onto the 126 pound wrestlers, the drama didn’t last long. Loghan Dwyer got a quick takedown and cruised to a 14-0 major decision.

Still, John Jay answered back. Emerson Flamm got the fall with nine seconds left in the second and took a 9-8 lead.

Not for long, Ryan Ball received a forfeit and Cal Ehrmann wasn’t on the mat much longer at 144 pounds. “A takedown with a double leg, taken to a half and that was it,” said Ehrmann with his 35 second first period pin.

Kuchinsky meant business too. He took a 12-1 lead in the second, but five points wasn’t good enough. “We’re looking for pins here,” said the 150 pounder, and with 57 seconds left in the second, Kuchinsky was in the end zone for six.

26-9, Hunter Carini determined to end the run nonetheless. The Wolf got the takedown and put Simoncini on his back two times. Up the only direction left, the 157 pounder cut the lead in half with a double leg take down and refused to be held down in the third period.

He got a reversal and ran a half nelson to the pin with 50 seconds remaining in the match. “I feel very proud of how I performed,” he said. “My third ever varsity match, it’s very good to win.”

The big cushion then withstood a pair of John Jay pins, and after swapping forfeits, Joe Ferrer’s second period pin at 285 pounds didn’t dampen any spirits. “I’m pretty stoked to get the victory,” concluded Kuchinsky.

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