After a decent season last year,  the  FDR Wrestling team looks like they’re  hungry this year for a championship. With the return of their captain Jonibek Davronov, the question is- can he lead them to the championship? Before practice, I sat down with Coach Daiello for a short interview.

1. Coach Daiello, what are your goals for this season?

My team’s goal this season is to make the playoffs. Individually, I would like to see my Captain Jonibek Davronov, who placed 3rd in the city last year, win the city title this year and go to the New York State Tournament.

2. What can we expect this season?

I expect our team to do well this season. With a good number of returning starters, and some very tough new team members, we will be difficult to defeat as a team.

3. As a coach, how do you improve your wrestlers for competition?

Wrestling is a physically and mentally demanding sport.  I try to balance physical conditioning with the development of wrestling skills, so that our team members feel confident in their stamina and skills in competition.

4. Who are the top wrestlers this season?

Captain Jonibek Davronov, along with Husan Usmanov and Samandar Usmonov are expected to lead our team in practice and competition. Jonibek, Husan, and Samandar are very dedicated wrestlers, who give 110% every time they step on the practice and competition mats. I am also excited to see other returning members like Daniel Bardzimashvili, Furkat Mahmudov, Shohruh Burkhanov, and Mohammad-M Rahman, who continue to improve their wrestling skills.

5. How do you train the newcomers?

I try to partner new members with experienced ones as much as possible in practice, and the new members have shown great potential. I incorporate skills-based drills into our daily warm-ups and cool down routines, so that new members start to build muscle memory of the types of movements needed to be a successful wrestler.

This team looks more determined this year and focused to make it to the playoffs. We will stay tuned, until next time, GO COUGARS!