Wrestling
By: Mike Molaro
For the first time since the Hopewell Valley Central High School wrestling program began eight years ago, the Bulldogs will be able to fill all but one weight class this season.
Ironically, the only slot HoVal is missing is 103 pounds. In the past, the Bulldogs had challenges finding bodies for the middle-to-upper-weights.
Now head coach Bob Crognale is searching for someone to go to the mats as his "leadoff" wrestler.
HoVal, which in the past has scrambled to fill half its lineup, won’t be giving up those valuable forfeit points this year and should stay competitive in a majority of its matches.
"We have a pretty solid team this year," said Crognale, who is beginning his seventh season with the Bulldogs. "Barring injuries, we should be OK."
Hurt by injuries and forfeiting weight classes, the Bulldogs checked in at 5-12 last year. This season HoVal fields potentially one of its most potent lineups in history and, with 21 wrestlers, one of its largest rosters ever.
Losing 215-pounders Peter Castiglione and Jacob Affleck to graduation, the Bulldogs will look to senior veterans Joe Griffin (140 pounds), Tom Verbeyst (145), and Will Randall (160) for leadership and key victories.
Crognale’s lineup for Saturday’s season opener at the Garden State Classic at Princeton High School should be freshman Mark Johnson or sophomore Ryan Hamor at 112; sophomore Greg Czyzewski at 119; junior Corey Agin at 125; freshman Brett Williams at 130; freshman Frank Dvorak at 135; Griffin, Verbeyst or Luke Palus at 145; senior Matt Strattman, who suffered a broken elbow last season, or freshman Mike Yaros at 152; Randall; senior Brian Yaros at 171; senior Nick Boczkowski at 189; senior Chuck Sista or senior Nicco McGee at 215; and junior Mike Williams or freshman Brian Kirby at heavyweight. Senior Beth Allen at 130 should also see valuable mat time.
"We should be able to fill all weight classes except 103," added Crognale. "We’re still looking.
"We have leadership coming from different places and different people. We have a nice group of freshmen. They are working hard and making a nice transition from the middle school to high school. The practices are tougher than they’re used to but our competition dictates that."
Crognale and assistant coach Bob Bonnette have a close working relationship.
"Bob has been with me since we started the program," Crognale said. "We share the same values and philosophy about wrestling. That’s very important."
The coaches like what they see in the workout room and are confident the Bulldog team that goes to the mats this season just might surprise a few people.
"I’m excited about this year," added Crognale. "We have to wait and see as to where we are until we have a few matches under our belts. It’s nice knowing that we can send just about a full lineup out there every night and not have to forfeit matches.
"The 21 guys is the most we’ve had in a long time. We have a nice balance of seniors, juniors, and sophomores. We will pick and choose where to put the freshmen. If we stay healthy, we’ll be OK."