By Ken Weingartner, Sports Writer
When Monroe Township High’s Brett Rutzler is involved in a wrestling match, he hears little being said around him.
In some instances, this might be considered positive – proof he is focused on his task. At other times, though, it is less helpful. Like, for instance, when a coach is offering instructions.
”It usually comes in one ear and goes out the other,” the forthright Rutzler said with a laugh. “I’m a little hyper out there. I really would like to improve on listening more.”
Rutzler has been able to put together a strong season despite his hearing woes. The senior, in his first full year in the varsity lineup, improved to 12-8 last week with a major decision over South Brunswick’s Cody Shelcusky at 171 pounds. It was one of the bright spots for the Falcons, who saw their lineup depleted by injuries and illness in a 43-21 loss to drop to 17-3.
”I didn’t think I was going to do this well, but it’s been going great,” Rutzler said. “The coaches have been great at teaching us stuff.”
Rutzler has wrestled for three years in addition to playing football. He was asked to try wrestling by Allen Rushing, who is an assistant football coach and co-head coach for wrestling, along with Sal Profaci. The reason for the invitation? In Rutzler’s words, “He saw I was a maniac.”
During the football season, Rutzler flourished at defensive end. Despite being undersized (listed at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds) he was a force on the line and returned both a fumble and an interception for touchdowns during the campaign. His speed, which benefited him on the gridiron, also helps him on the mat, where he wrestles at 160 or against larger foes at 171.
”I’m really quick,” Rutzler said. “I’ve wrestled at 171 four times and won all four matches. I think my quickness tires them out. I’m good at scoring points; I don’t pin a lot of people. If they do something wrong, I can catch them and pin them.
”But what I try is to come out and work hard right from the beginning and keep a good tempo going through the match.”
Just make sure to talk to him before he gets out there.
BACKPOINTS: The Falcons will be without standout 215-pounder Jake “The Snake” Nale for possibly two weeks because of knee surgery. Nale, who missed the South Brunswick match, is 18-2 this season.
Joining Rutzler in winning matches against South Brunswick were heavyweight Frank Olexson, Brendan Hodel (112), Sam “Bam Bam” Emburgia (119), Brian Mackiewicz (130), and David Saley (135).
Top records for the Falcons, who had a week off following the South Brunswick match and return to action tomorrow – Emburgia 19-1, Nale 18-2, Saley 17-4, Cory Widom 16-6, Hodel 16-7, Olexson 15-5, Kyle Jensen 15-6, Chris Garibaldi 13-8.
Monroe’s 17 wins this season is a record for the program, topping the 16 the Falcons won last year.
The Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament is Feb. 1-2.
