Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Coach G's Blue & White Intra Squad Match Recap


Blue & White Results

133lbs:
At the 133lbs match, returning sophomore starter Robert Ruiz of CT took on freshman Scott Stevens of PA. Ruiz built a commanding 6-3 lead off of an assortment of takedowns in the first period with Stevens scoring escapes.  The second period began on the mat for Ruiz who quickly reversed Stevens and built up some more riding time.  Stevens was finally able to get an escape only to give up one more take down to end the period down 10-5.  In the third period Stevens got a quick escape and fought Ruiz hard on their feet but did surrender a final takedown to end the match 12-7 in favor of Ruiz.

141lbs:
Returning NCAA qualifier Rick Durso picked up where he left off defeating freshman Brandon Giovanetti 15-4 in what was a solid showing for the true freshman from Ridgewood, NJ.  Durso paired multiple takedowns with solid defense and a tough top game, which he used to turn Giovanetti multiple times to earn the major decision.

157lbs:
In one of the closest matches of the day, lone senior and returning 4yr starter Eric Norgard took on newcomer and local standout Rob King of Garden Spot, PA.  After a scoreless first period, Norgard rode King out the entire 2nd.  After an early escape in the third period the two deadlocked on their feet until Norgard scored a last second takedown, showing that experience is always worth something in the sport of wrestling.

165lbs:
In another battle of old school vs. new school Colin Lahiff a junior from Massachusetts tool on Colin Gironda a freshman from Long Island, NY.  The match was a battle of hand fighting and half shots through the first period ending in a 0-0 tie.  Lahiff chose bottom to start the 2nd and earned an escape to take the lead 1-0.  With under a minute to go in the 2nd Gironda got in on a nice single leg shot, finishing it for 2 on the edge of the mat.  A restart would help Gironda earn a riding time advantage but Lahiff was able to manage a last second escape at the end of the period, which would later prove costly for Gironda.  In the 3rd Gironda chose bottom and Lahiff was able to burn off any riding time advantage the rookie had earned in the second period.  With less than a minute to go and the match tied at 2-2, Lahiff cut the freshman loose giving GIronda a 3-2 lead and putting himself in a make or break situation.  If he did not score a takedown he would have given the match to Gironda on the free escape but if his plan worked out he would have made the right decision to bring things back onto their feet.  The two locked up in the middle of the mat as the clock ticked down from :20s.  :19, :18, :17, BOOM!!! Lahiff dropped into a low leg single and Gironda quickly scrambled to tie up the veteran grappler.  :10, :09, :08, Lahiff secured the other leg of Gironda and the referee signaled for the takedown. “TWOOOOO!!!!” :04, :03, :02, :01 match over! Lahiff wins 4-3 with a last second takedown in what will undoubtedly be the start of a long rivalry between these two find grapplers.

174lbs:
At 174lbs sophomore, Adam Schroeder of NJ wrestled Sophomore Brad Bailey of PA in the final round of the 174lbs weight class.  Earlier in the day Bailey had defeated freshman, Ekow Eshun of NYC, 10-0.  The first period started with Schroeder securing a quick 2pt takedown and 2pt near fall on Bailey.  A game Bailey would come back with his own reversal to end the first period on top but down 4-2 in the scoring.  In the 2nd, Bailey chose bottom and Schroeder quickly locked up a ¼ nelson and secured the only fall of the day.

184/197lbs:
184lbs Sophomore Paul Alessandrini wrestled 197lbs sophomore Isaiah Cromwell in an exhibition match between these two weights.  The match started out with a lot of hand fighting, as both wrestlers were looking for upper body ties.  Cromwell was able to transition an underhook to a double leg takedown for two points before the two wrestlers rolled out of bounds.  On the restart, Alessandrini got a quick escape, but before he could settle into a rhythm Cromwell hit another shot to a takedown to end the period.  Both wrestlers exchanged ride outs in the 2nd and 3rd periods, resulting in Cromwell winning the match 4-1.

285lbs:
In a match of the big boys, returning 285lbs starter Alex Henry, a sophomore, took on a much smaller 230lbs freshman and 2x FL state champ Chuckie Kerkesner.  The match was the most exciting of the day with the larger and more experienced Henry coming out on fire with a quick double leg takedown.  Kerkesner was able to make it back to his feet for the escape and after some good hand fighting from the freshman, Henry was warned for stalling to end the first period.  In the 2nd, Kerkesner earned another escape only to give up another double leg takedown to the massive Henry.  After a quick escape followed by some pummeling Henry secured his third and final takedown of the match.  With more than a minute left on the clock, Kerkesner earned his escape and quickly dropped into a sweep single on the hard charging Henry.  Kerkesner secured the takedown near the out of bounds and started to build up riding time as the period came to a close. Henry was able to earn an escape before the buzzer and both men entered the 3rd period with Henry up 7-5.  In the third period Henry chose down and quickly got to his feet for the 1pt escape and the 8-5 lead.  As the 3rd period wound down, Kerkesner saw his opening and dropped into another one of his slick sweep shots, turning the corner before Henry could counter.  Kerkesner secured his two points for the takedown and was able to hold onto the top position and ride out Henry for the remainder of the period earning the riding time point necessary to send the match into overtime tied 8-8.    In the sudden victory over time period the young wrestler from Florida showed a lot of fight against the bigger and more experienced Henry, hand fighting and wearing Henry down, forcing him into a bad shot to which Kerkesner countered for the takedown and win 10-8.  We look for BIG things to come out of these two fine wrestlers and they will both contribute to the success of the team this season!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

5pt Touch Fall Tackle

Q: What would a football game look like if wrestlers played in it??? Hit play, then double click video below for your answer... A: Awesome!!!!

The New Victory Dance...

Gonna give something cool to the first F&M Wrestler to celebrate a win like this!!!