The wrestling season has begun, which means intense practices, fierce matches and being “‘bout it.” If you find yourself in the fitness center after school one day, you may hear music playing, bodies slamming against mats or running in the upstairs hallways. This is a sign that wrestling season in is full swing.
Last season, the team had a 12-2 record from the regular season and had an overall record of 16-3 including playoff matches, which is a strong foundation to build on in the upcoming season. The team made a strong playoff run and was able to obtain a spot in the WPIAL championship, coming in second place, before competing in the state playoffs and being eliminated in the first round. Even though the team was not successful in their efforts to hoist the championship trophy, they are determined to get redemption.
“Our goals are set high as a team. We are looking to capture the WPIAL title and go to Hershey,” senior Dean Ward said when asked what the expectations were for the team as a whole.
Taking the reins this season are seniors, Ward, Evan Sweesy and Kody Komara. Two of the three captains placed at the state individual competition last year, with Sweesy placing eighth and Komara placing third in their respective classes. These two have joined an elite group of only 11 wrestlers in school history to have placed at the state level.
Though the team may be striving for success, they are without a teammate that they had last season. Junior Michael Muron will miss the entire 2016-2017 season due to an ACL tear during a football game in September. Levi Bonzo was the only senior wrestler the Bulldogs had last season, which means almost all of the wrestlers from last season will be returning this season.
The team is coached by Jim Covert. “The expectations are always the same every year. It doesn’t matter who’s on the team. They can good, bad, or even mediocre, but all I ask of them is to try to their best ability. Whether it be a regular season match or the WPIAL championships, their best effort is all I ask of them and I will be happy.”
When asked about Coach Covert, Ward stated, “he’s an awesome guy, he treats every single one of us like family and knows how to coach each one of us to get the best out of us.”
The electricity is in the air and the team is eager for a memorable season. They are going to work, fight and be ‘bout it.