Five wrestlers whose time is now for a title

It's time. There can be no more disappointing setbacks. And there should be no more upsetting losses in the county finals. This is it for Alex Gomez - the last shot at winning a Suffolk wrestling championship.

The Brentwood wrestler has experienced some serious heartbreak on the mat. The senior has one last shot to stand atop the winner's platform at the county tournament next month at the Indoor Sports Complex at Stony Brook University.

"He's been through a lot of tough losses, knows how to handle adversity and grown from those experiences," Brentwood coach Ralph Napolitano said. "He's had his share of big wins in tournaments and had a great career. He's intent on topping off his career with a county championship. The last three years he's lost to the eventual state champions."

Of course, Gomez wants to capture that elusive county title. But he won't be stopping there. The highly-regarded Brentwood grappler is also a top contender for the state title at 125 pounds.

"I've qualified and wrestled at the state tournament for two years," Gomez said. "That's the goal, to win a state title. And I know I can do it."

Gomez could become only the third wrestler in Suffolk history to place in the county tournament six times. That accomplishment would have him join an exclusive club with two of Suffolk's all-time greatest wrestlers in Jesse Jantzen of Shoreham-Wading River (1995-2000) and Ryan Patrovich of Islip (2001-2006).

"It's right before him and he needs to stay healthy," Napolitano said. "He's mentally ready to exorcise those demons of years past and stand among the best. He's a very focused kid this season that doesn't get rattled."

Gomez was 38-3 last season and qualified for the state tournament as a "wild-card." He took fifth in the state. He is currently 17-0 and has a career record of 155-26.

Gomez, who emerged as a talented seventh grader, will have taken the longest to a county title. But there are so many wrestlers who've met the same fate over the years, falling just short of the title.

Here's a look at four more wrestlers whose time is now.