Minutemen Youth Wrestling

Due to the snowstorm our first match has been canceled. See everyone at practice next week. Coach Moss

By KEN LIPSHEZ, Staff Writer December 22, 2002 BERLIN -- The main idea is to win, but the essence of early-season tournaments is for young wrestlers to get as many bouts as possible. The Berlin High wrestling team succeeded on both accounts. C.J. McCormack, Carl Ciarcia, Justin Giarnella and John Russo took individual honors Saturday to lead the Redcoats to the team title at the Berlin Invitational. The Redcoats amassed 261 points to outdistance Ridgefield (201) and Avon (169.5). Giarnella, who defeated teammate Eric McCurdy in the 160-pound final, was named by the coaches as the tournament’s most outstanding wrestler. McCormack, returning to the mat after a year’s absence, won at 145 pounds by injury default. Ciarcia outlasted Mike Zapp of Ridgefield, 11-9, to claim the title at 152. Russo, one of the state’s top heavyweight contenders, pinned Neil Amato of Xavier in 3:01. "Winning is always the priority but having so many teams here this year enabled all our kids to get lots of matches," Berlin coach Jim Day said. "I saw the maturation throughout the day and I’m pleased with the outcome." The champions received support from seven second-place finishers and two who wrestled back to take third in the consolation bracket. Dave Tevlin (98), Mike Crowe (112), Chris Santerre (119), Dan Madey (125), Chris Laroche (130), Jim Solek (140) and Matt Powell (189) lost in the finals. B.J. Madey (135) and Dave Sataline (215) won consolation championships. Ciarcia had three first-period takedowns but turned Zapp loose each time instead of trying to turn him. Zapp closed the gap with a reversal at the end of the second period and a three-point near fall to start the third. "In my other matches I had a hard time riding kids so I figured if I was intense on my feet, I could make things happen," Ciarcia said. "I stood strong and I still won but I had to pay a little bit in the third period." Russo brings a quickness to the heavyweight division that continues to serve him well. He’s trying to find his wrestling legs after helping the Berlin football team reach the Class L playoffs. "Being quick definitely is key," said Russo, who at 250 pounds, will see many heavier foes throughout the season. "I’m not going to overpower them or move them around when I’m in close. You’ve got to circle them and get to their feet." Day was pleased with the work of his underclassmen at the lower weights. "Once they got to the finals they had a tough time but our freshmen and sophomores did a heck of a job," Day said. "Crowe, Solek, Laroche and Dan Madey got to the finals against quality competition. "I’m also pleased with Powell, who had a great semifinal match. B.J. Madey had one bad match but had a strong tournament."

Another good showing by the Minutemen at the Southington Tournament. On Sunday, January 11th. The Minutemen traveled to the Sharkfest 2003. The group attending these tournaments continue to improve as shown in the results. 1st Place Finishers were: Mason Powers (2 pins), Jacob Eliades (1 Pin) and Ryan Butler 2nd Place Finishers were: Cameron Banks, Ryan Bisson, Matthew Cotes (1 pin), and Colin Cunningham. 3rd Place Finishers were: Tim Norton, Jack Banks, Tyler Cunningham, Jeremy Eliades and Brendan Butler. Wrestling well but not placing was Ritchie Skwiot.

By Ted Witulski/USA Wrestling Attending a Coaches College More than a few wrestling coaches have dangled the commitment carrot in front of wrestlers. “If you just dedicate yourself more, and work hard in the off-season than you could be a state champ next year“, as the familiar speech goes. Coaches want to light the fire under their wrestlers so that they will start down that path of deeper commitment to their success in the sport of wrestling. When the wrestler finally buys into giving more to his training the winning will take care of itself. A great wrestling coach has high expectations for his/her wrestlers. But, a great wrestling coach also has high expectations that he/she will measure himself/herself by. Then the “off-season“ rolls around wrestling coaches will encourage their wrestlers to do what it takes to be a champion—dedicate—commit—to the sport of wrestling. Hopefully, the wrestling coach will also work hard in the off-season so that he comes even better prepared for the next wrestling season. A terrific way to learn more about coaching and the sport of wrestling is to get involved with USA Wrestling's National Coaches Education Program. A coach that is knowledgeable about the sport of wrestling should get certified at the Bronze Level. The Bronze Level is really the second step in the certification process, but the Copper Level is not required to get Bronze Certified. Once a coach has earned Bronze Certification, then he/she can attend the Silver Level Coaches College. A Silver College is an intensive wrestling experience designed for coaches to learn more about excelling in the sport of wrestling. A Silver College offers coaches both on the mat technical instruction as well as in class learning and discussion of important coaching topics. The five-day college heightens any wrestling coaches desire to succeed in the sport of wrestling. Coaches that attend a Silver College will be joined by other coaches from across the country in their pursuit of wrestling knowledge. Last year, coaches from thirty-three states attended USA Wrestling Silver College training. Among the coaches attending the sessions are often former elite athletes, like Olympic Bronze Medalist Rodney Smith who attended the Silver College in St. Paul in 2003. The networking with other coaches and elite athletes is just one of the many benefits of the week's activities. In the classroom, the participants will enjoy sessions led by specialists in fields of wrestling. Last summer, National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser entertained a group by sharing his thoughts on mental toughness drawing from his vast personal background as an Olympic Champion and coach. Coaches will also receive information on strength training, sport psychology, nutrition, and program development. The Silver College is an all-encompassing experience that will give coaches the tools to take back to their wrestling teams and lead their squads to greater success. As a part of the experience, the college also dedicates a great deal of time to on the mat technical instruction. The Silver College draws upon the best athletes and coaches in the nation to work with the participants involved. In up to four technique sessions a day coaches might learn snaps and singles from Olympic Champion Tom Brands, and high-crotch setups from World Champion Zeke Jones. At one recent Silver College eight World and Olympic demonstrated technique for the coaches. Even if your program primarily wrestles scholastic tournaments coaches will learn great skills from the Coaches College. Some of the sessions may be dedicated to freestyle and Greco-Roman turns, but very often coaches will be able to take helpful advice back to their scholastic programs. The Silver Coaches College, will make a difference in any coaches ability to help his/her program to succeed. The week of wrestling will build upon past knowledge and update coaches with the latest trends in wrestling. USA Wrestling's National Coaches Education Program asks coaches to commit to the sport of wrestling by attending one of the Silver Level Coaches College across the United States in the summer of 2003. The wrestling experience will improve you as a coach and help your team excel.

Monday-Tuesday August 18-19, 2003 Connecticut Contact Alex Thomas delawareoac@aol.com