Smithtown's Bair and Nappi Wrestle Back at Division I Suffolk County Tournament

Smithtown East’s Steve Bair and West’s Joe Nappi are the only Bulls wrestlers still left in the Division I Suffolk County tournament.

Bair lost in his second round 103-pound match to Commack’s CJ Labate, but bounced back in the wrestle back bracket to beat West Babylon’s Michael Almonte, 4-3, in triple overtime. He’ll wrestle Northport’s Kenny Gallagher Monday at Stony Brook University for a chance to go the distance and finish third in the weight class.

Nappi lost his first round match to John Glenn’s Kevin Massa, and since Massa advanced to the semis, Nappi was awarded a spot in the wrestle back bracket. He beat Eastport-South Manor’s Fumnanya Agbimson, 2-0, and will face Northport’s Donovan Devaney next.

Smithtown Christian has two semifinalists

Smithtown Christian’s Peter Schneider will wrestle Bayport’s Joe Palma in the Division II Suffolk County semifinals, while Joshua Edmonsen, wrestling at 285, will face Center Moriches’ Connor Murphy in that semifinal.

Josh Russo placed fourth at 135.

Notes & Quotes

-Huntington’s Nigel McNeil, wrestling at 119 pounds, has not lost in two years and advanced to the semifinals with easy wins Sunday afternoon.

-Hauppauge’s Chris Mauriello, wrestling at 96 pounds, will wrestle in the semis Monday. He is the younger brother of Nick, who was recently in the news for his battle with MRSA.

-Longwood leads all teams with six wrestlers in the semis, while John Glenn has five.

-Overall point leaders Division I: Longwood (100), John Glenn (68), Sachem East (55), Connetquot (55) and Huntington (53).

-Overall point leaders Division II: Bayport (188.5), Center Moriches (117.5), Mattituck (110.5) and Port Jefferson (99).

-Rocky Point head coach Darren Goldstein on the county finals: “This is the big show. It’s what everybody trains for all year long."