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We're talking Berlin, where nobody can dispute that the defending three-time state champion wrestling team doesn't deserve such fanfare. We're talking Berlin, where the graduation of three championship-caliber wrestlers doesn't spell rebuilding.
The Redcoats showed that they have reloaded quite effectively Thursday by overwhelming Maloney, 69-8, in a festive non-league season opener.
"Where I'm from in New Jersey, a wrestling match is a happening," Berlin coach Jim Day said. "The band, the cheerleaders, the drill team at halftime, just like Connecticut treats basketball. Wrestling needs to be elevated to that level. I hope we can make it a regular thing so others will want to see what we're all about."
Maloney found out.
The Redcoats registered eight victories by fall, five of them in the first period. Six of the winners were either freshmen or sophomores. One of the defeats was by forfeit at 103 pounds. With Berlin winning 12 of the 14 bouts, "Another One Bites the Dust" became No. 1 on the pep band's hit parade.
"We're young so it was nice to get off to a good start," Day said. "We'll find out a lot more
From B1
about the team Saturday at the Berlin Invitational."
Senior Andy Reindl got Berlin off to an auspicious debut by sticking Mike Poirier in 47 seconds at 215 pounds. Heavyweight John Russo followed suit with Russ Robinson falling in 2:51.
Berlin sophomore Chris Santerre had his hands full with senior Jeff Belen at 112. Santerre fell prey to an early takedown, but quickly scored a reversal. When Belen pushed back from the bottom, Santerre held him off and pinned him in 58 seconds to seal a dramatic turnaround.
While 2000 State Open champion Mike Laroche is no longer around, his legacy lives in the person of younger brother Chris. The freshman outlasted rugged Maloney sophomore Greg Murdy and recorded his first varsity pin at 5:32.
With returning state placewinner C.J. McCormack missing weight, sophomore Mike Robinson came off the junior varsity to top Jeff Murdock, 12-5. Freshman Jim Solek pinned Maloney senior Lem Galena in 2:46.
Seniors Bill Aust (152) and Derek Aivano (135) needed just 1:28 and 1:44 respectively to record their first falls of the campaign. The revelry surrounding the match provided a slightly different atmosphere for Aust and his mates.
"I was more nervous than usual at the beginning but it was better at the end," Aust said. "I think it gives you more motivation."
Sophomore Justin Giarnella turned in an impressive performance at 160 against Matt Cuccaro. After scoring eight takedowns and grabbing a 19-6 lead, Giarnella won by disqualification. The unsportsmanlike penalty that was assessed cost Maloney two team points.
"Justin keeps expanding his techniques and is really becoming creative," Day said.
Carl Ciarcia (4:25) pinned Faraq Saleh in 4:25 at 145 pounds. Returning placewinner Jim Punkunus needed just 32 seconds to stick Steve Cross at 171.
"We've been looking forward to this," said Punkunus, a senior. "We've really been focused. We came out and did what we should."
John Riedel ended the evening by making quick work (49 seconds) of Phil Horbock at 189.
"We're young. We're going to have our ups and downs but it's going to be interesting," Day said. "Any downs are not going to be from a lack of effort or lack of intensity."
