A Look at Valley View H.S. Wrestling
Published: December 4, 2009
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share thisValley View’s wrestling program is looking for the big guys to follow the lead of the little guys.
Although experienced in the lighter weight classes and having only lost two starters to graduation, inexperience at the upper weights could stifle the Cougars. Valley View is focused on rebounding from last season’s 5-13 record, becoming competitive in the Lackawanna League Division ll, and qualifying for District 2 Class AA Duals.
While coach Chris Reese admits his athletes must improve their overall conditioning, he hopes they will follow the lead of pint-sized threats Pete Santarelli, Don Joyce and John Joyce. Santarelli, a senior who is Valley View’s most decorated wrestler, is a two-time District 2 Class AA medalist and two-time Northeast Regional qualifier. He took third at districts at 112 pounds last season, and was a runner-up as a sophomore. Meanwhile, senior Don Joyce took sixth at districts at 119 last year, while his little brother John Joyce, a freshman, took fifth at 103.
“If the kids continue to work hard, they have a great opportunity to qualify (for district duals),” Reese said. “Our light weights are the strength of our team. (We have) inexperienced upper weights.” Senior second-year captain Joe Klinko, a 172-pounder, will be counted on to pull the lineup together and keep the squad focused.
Other returning seniors include Jerry Hosie (130), Armond Preschutti (152), Brett Oakley (189) and Shane Venesky (215). Underclassmen headed back to the mat are juniors Fred Mitchell (135), John Munley (140), Tyler Chesko (145), Nico Cruciani and Brandon Rotell (160).
Juniors Mitchell Griffin (103), Shane Butler (140), Eric Selemba (171) and Tyler Zipay (189), sophomores Matt Wolfel (145), Nick Krehel (160), Chris Dodgson (160) and Mike Galanti (heavyweight) and freshman Billy Williams (103) are all new to the mix.
Discipline, improved consistency and the continued development of the bigger guys seem to be what will decide if the Cougars will be as threatening as a team as the guys in the lighter weight classes are individually.
“If the kids get to the proper weights we should be able to surprise some people in Division ll,” Reese said.
