Red Raiders wrestling team a work in progress

Although his team has struggled a bit in the early going, Keyport High School wrestling Coach Al Smith believes his Red Raiders will become more competitive as the season moves on.

Keyport puts a young team on the mats, particularly in the lower weight classes. Smith’s roster of starters includes four freshmen and two sophomores, and more frosh may make their way into the lineup, the coach said.

"The most important thing for us is to get some experience for our younger guys," the veteran mentor explained. "Some of our younger guys just don’t have a lot of experience, and they’re still making the adjustment. But we’ll get better, and I think we’ll win at least the same number of matches as last year."

The Red Raiders, 1-3, put up four wins a year ago, and three returnees from that club have been key contributors this time. Brian Sims has sparkled at 103 pounds where he owns a perfect 10-0 mark. The sophomore standout also took first place in both the Matawan and Holmdel tourneys, and won the Most Valuable Wrestler Award in the latter event. At the other end of the lineup, seniors Adam Reis and John Dowling have performed well. Reis is 8-3 with seven pins at 189 pounds. He finished third in Matawan and second in the Holmdel tourney. Dowling, the heavyweight, is also 8-3 and took second place in his weight class in both tourneys. Last season Dowling was the runner-up in the District 22 competition.

In addition, senior Michael Hunt has four wins at 160 pounds and junior Rich Menges is beginning to turn it on after a slow start. Menges’s record now stands at 4-5 at 130 pounds. The Red Raiders have been without Ed Jensen, who is close to returning after missing the first weeks with a dislocated shoulder; and junior Rocco DiPoalo, who will compete in the 135- to 145-pound range. Jensen won 10 times a year ago, while DiPoalo, who is out indefinitely with a broken ankle, won seven matches.

Other members of the Keyport team include senior Leroy Klasko (152 pounds); sophomore Al Kester (112); and freshmen Marvin Bruno (125), Bill Jensen (140), Josh Hammond (145), Steve Lambrecht (160), Sean Smith (160), Chris Hynes (189) and Pat DeNardo (215).

"This is a team with a lot of potential," Smith said. "They’re working hard and learning. I think they’ll get their share of wins."

The Red Raiders, whose victory came against St. Rose, return to action this afternoon when Shore Regional comes to visit. On Saturday, Keyport will travel to Metuchen for a morning match.

— Warren Rappleyea