LOST – For all the damage that Covid-19 has caused everywhere, no high school sport has been hit harder than wrestling.
Nonewag and Northwestern, programs that thrived before the pandemic, squared off in their opening game Wednesday evening at Northwestern High School.
Nonnewaug, a storied Class S power, may be unique, with 17 kids on the roster filling all but one of the 14 weight classes.
Northwest, on the other hand, is typically more so. program, the Highlanders fielded five starters from their seven-man squad Wednesday, all but two of them freshmen, before Vivid and a close encounter to challenge Nonnewag’s Berkshire League supremacy.
The roster is up from three last year.
“I’m excited to have some freshmen,” coach Dan Langer said. “If they stick with the program, we can build on them.”
Even the Chiefs, the defending league and Berkshire/NVL Tournament postseason champions, have a roster with more freshmen and sophomores in a sport that is more experience-based than most.
There was enough experience — and hope — on hand Wednesday for four quick pins — all in the first period.
Senior Kayden Guillet (138 pounds), junior James Mahon (170) and sophomore Jeff Bernandy (152) led experienced Nonnewaug with pins.
Freshman Beaudeen Demoise represented Northwestern Hope with a pin of 132.
The Chiefs committed all but two turnovers for the final score of 66-12. Forfeit wins include Jack Wendell, the defending Section S champion of Newark, who was third at 182 at the state open.
“Everybody likes to win, but losing really doesn’t do you any good,” said Nonewag coach Dave Green.
Quick pins and forfeits ran out quickly, so Green suggested a joint practice session after the meet.
Both teams will be hoping for better matches in the weekend’s tournaments, which are the blood of the sport.
Other local teams – Gilbert and Terryville / Thomaston in BL; Holy Cross/Oxford/Derby and St. Paul Catholic in the NVL – regular season dual meets may or may not offer a real experience.
For now, freshmen in all of these groups are encouraged to bring their friends.
[ad_2]