By: Kyle Moylan
The number of top finishers may have gone down for New Egypt and Allentown in the second wrestling tournament of the season, but that had more to do with the number of teams and level of competition than anything else.
After placing second with a pair of champions in the first wrestling tournament of the season, New Egypt placed eighth in the 14-team Hawk Classic, held this past Sunday at Manchester.
"It’s important that the kids see some of the stronger competition," New Egypt Coach Adam Angelozzi noted when asked why his team entered such a difficult event.
Lee Hopkins was the top finisher for New Egypt, placing third in what was a loaded 160-pound weight class. Five different wrestlers in the weight class had placed in district action in the past.
"Lee finished ahead of two of those five guys," noted Coach Angelozzi. "Lee had a good day."
Johnny Law (171 pounds) and Martin Morfin (215 pounds) both placed fourth in their weight classes.
Chris Springer (135), Dan Gold (145) and Patrick Riordan (112) all finished tied for fifth place in their weight class.
"It’s good for the kids to go out there and wrestle four or five matches," noted Angelozzi. "They know when they get to that three-four or five-six slot that they have really been through a battle. It’s the best training they can get for a season."
New Egypt will open the season with a quad meet on Saturday at St. Rose. New Egypt will also wrestle against Clayton and Keyport.
AHS
Matt Schottlander, wrestling at 119 pounds, had Allentown’s best finish of the day with a fourth place. Sean Mulligan, 103 pounds, placed fifth in his weight class.
Allentown Coach Bob Mussari was also pleased with the way Bruce Allen (two wins at 160 pounds), Nick Pape (130 pounds) and Steve Zawada (145 pounds) wrestled.
"The thing I’m happy about is the fact the freshmen are really working hard at it," Mussari noted. "The guys that won were juniors and seniors. Next year we’ll have that experience and we’ll have more place winners and maybe some champions."
Allentown will open the regular season this Saturday when it hosts Steinert in an 11 a.m. start.
