BY RICHARD JEROME
Staff Writer
CHRIS KELLY staff Spotswood’s Drew Mackey puts the squeeze on Sayreville’s Sal Richusa during a recent heavyweight bout in Spotswood. On paper, the Spotswood High School wrestling team is winless in seven tries. But Coach Joe Koslowski is encouraged, and he’s taking the long view.
“We’ve lost to some top teams, like Monroe, J.F.K., Sayreville and Bishop Ahr,” he said. “We have 22 dedicated kids on the roster, and right now we’re going through our growing pains. But these kids are getting better every day. They’re learning to become physically and mentally tough. The future looks bright.”
Among the more accomplished wrestlers on the team are juniors Andre Hage (171 pounds) and Randy Crotzer (189), and sophomores Drew Mackay, who grapples in the heavyweight class, and Kyle Harper, a 145-pounder. Senior Tim Dubovick has experience at 152.
Looking at the rest of the roster, junior Steve Hernandez is at 119, while Matt Lavelle wrestles 125. A sophomore, Joshua Castillo competes at 140, junior Rob Duffy is at 215, Jon Liebowitz, a soph, is in the 160-pound class. Other sophs include Paul Cella (171), Rob Gunther (130), Matt Gunther (125), heavyweight Jeff Drozd, Maurice Phillips (135) and Brian Curci (140).
The Chargers have a considerable list of freshmen: Dave Lynch (152), Zack Elaroussi (135), Joe Matromarino (135), Michael Collins (140), Nick Colella (119) and Andrew Brandao, at 103.
Assisting Koslowski on the sidelines are Darrick Green, Richard Widmer, Matt Rosenblatt, Jeff Augliera, Chris Witt, Adam Augliera and Pat Betterton.
“I think our program is being built the right way,” said Koslowski, whose Chargers meet Roselle Catholic and Manville tomorrow. “We have an excellent support system from the administration and faculty. We’re trying to build a tradition of excellence in the classroom as well as the mat. Once the winning starts, which will be soon, it’s going to be something special.”