A father and son, the Swezeys from Long Island, will compete at the ASICS 2005 East Coast Beach Nationals in Long Beach, N.Y.
Gary Abbott/USA Wrestling
The Swezeys of Great River, N.Y., a father and son combination, have entered to compete at the ASICS 2005 East Coast National Beach Wrestling Championships, which will be held in the city of Long Beach, N.Y., on Long Island, Saturday, August 13.
The father, Bill Swezey, 45 years old, competed for West Islip High School on Long Island in the late 1970’s. He was a New York State runner-up in high school, and went on to win a EIWA title on the Div. I level in college.
The son, Bill Swezey, 16 years old, is going into his junior year at East Islip High School on Long Island, competing for coach Guy Leggio.
“I think this is a great idea,” said the father Bill Swezey. “Being outside and wrestling is great. For the spectators, it will be interesting.”
The father will be competing in the Open division, while the son will wrestle in the high school division.
The Swezeys are just a few of the many wrestlers expected to enter this exciting new wrestling event. To register for the ASICS 2005 East Coast National Beach Wrestling Championships, visit:
http://www.mwausa.org/usa-beach-wrestling-championship-2005.html
“We go to the beach a lot and my son and I wrestle on the beach. It’s fun. The fact they let older guys in is great. I been thinking going into open tournaments in the past. The fact it is just takedowns is nice for somebody like me,” said the father.
The elder Swezey was one of the best wrestlers on Long Island, considered a hotbed of wrestling in the state and region. In 1978, Bill was the Suffolk County champion at 132 pounds, and placed second in the New York state high school championships, representing Section 11.
He went on to compete for William and Mary College, and twice competed in the NCAA Div. I Championships at 142 pounds. As a junior, he was second in the EIWA Championships, and he won a EIWA title as a senior. In college, Bill was a psychology major.
Bill now works in sales for Michael C. Fina, a leader in employment recognition programs. He has three children, son Bill (16), son Christopher (14) and daughter Catherine (12). His son Christopher is also a wrestler. Father Bill still keeps in good shape, mostly by running, doing some light weight lifting and wrestling with his sons. He is only about 15 pounds heavier than when he competed in college.
The son Bill was a member of the East Islip wrestling team this past year as a sophomore. He was not available for interview, as he is busy getting better at wrestling by attending the J Robinson Intensive Wrestling Camp in Minnesota until the end of the month.
“It is good practice for him,” said father Bill of his son’s interest in beach wrestling. “We are trying to get all the East Islip kids there.”
Bill Swezey believes that a lot of people who have wrestled, like himself, will get involved with beach wrestling. He sees that the new sport is perfect for wrestlers who live near the water.
“When you are at the beach and are a wrestler, you are always playing around by wrestling,” said Swezey. “For example, when I get together with (former Commack wrestling star) Mike Mankowich at the beach, we always end up wrestling. It’s a natural thing. This will grow into something.”
For the Swezeys, the ASICS 2005 East Coast National Beach Wrestling Championships are an exciting new way to enjoy the sport that they love.
“I am just going out to have fun, and hopefully get a few takedowns. It is the same thing with my son,” said Swezey. “I will wrestle guys 20 years younger than me. There is not too much pressure. Hopefully, I will see some old friends, some familiar faces. It will be a great thing.”
Wrestling Gear
