Mike Zarif one of four Mount Sinai grapplers to win in D-II tourney
Mt Sinai's Michael Zarif wins against Donald Wood from Center Moriches in the 138 pound weight class during the Suffolk Division II wrestling championships on Sunday Feb 11, 2018. Credit: Bob Sorensen
There was only one way Mount Sinai senior Mike Zarif was going to win the 138-pound Suffolk Division II wrestling championship. It was going to be his way.
“I was going to be aggressive and have no regrets,” said Zarif, who was a county runner-up last year. “I was going for the takedown and the win and that was it.”
Zarif surrendered a 3-2 lead midway through the third period and went into overtime tied at three against Center Moriches senior Donald Wood. As the two scrambled for position late in overtime, Zarif countered a Wood takedown attempt and spun behind the Red Devils wrestler for the two points and a 5-3 win to claim the 138-pound crown Sunday night at the Health, Sports and Education Center at Suffolk CCC in Brentwood.
For his accomplishment, Zarif was named the tournament’s Champion of Champions. Zarif was one of four Mount Sinai champions as the Mustangs rolled to the Division II team title with 241 points. Wood became a four-time runner-up in Suffolk’s Division II.
The Mustangs also crowned Michael O’Brien at 120, Mike Sabella at 182 and Jake Croston at 195 pounds. It was the school’s first team title since 2006.
“We placed 14 guys in the tournament and I’m real happy with the team title,” Mount Sinai coach Matt Armstrong said. “I thought we wrestled well. There were a few disappointments and I’m hoping they get wild cards in the state tournament.”
Center Moriches, which earned the team title last year, finished second with 222 points behind Jordan Titus, who earned the 106-pound crown. Titus was a state runner-up a year ago
Mattituck twins Luke Bokina (132) and Jack Bokina (145) also won Suffolk Division II titles. The twins were both state runners-up a year ago.
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
