By:Steve Siniski
The younger wrestlers have a [strong] work ethic and look to keep up with the more experienced [guys], Leonard said, noting the example Clarke-s captains have set on and off the mat. They see how the [older wrestlers] are preparing for the second half and are starting to prepare the same way.
Boosted by the talent of veterans Greg Rathe (152/160 pounds), Mike Grimes (171), James McKenna (189) and Chris Merguerian (215/275), it-s easy to see why the team-s leading the way in league play.
The fearsome foursome has been dominating in the upper weight classes, partly because they also serve as workout partners in the practice room for each other. Throw in some inspired efforts by the likes of Billy Cavanagh and freshman Billy Hamilton (112), whose pin in a non-league battle with Kennedy last Saturday nearly triggered an upset (Clarke lost by just three points), and the seeds for an emerging program have been sowed.
Team needs are also placed first by the Rams, specifically in the middle weights where the bulk of the youth lies. Need match experience? No problem. Junior Adam Welt has shuffled from 145 pounds all the way up to 160, while Cavanagh has gotten mat time at 125, 130, 135 and 140, allowing Leonard the opportunity to fill out his lineup card and get others much-needed experience. Despite the constant shuffling, Welt recently ran off a five-match winning streak.
Junior Mike Curatolo and his brother Mike, a freshman, have performed well in shared time at 140 pounds. The varsity team has the numbers which is part of building the program and we also have a lot of brothers [on the team], Leonard said, noting that Joe Gaynor (145/160 pounds) and Matt Gaynor (112), along with Dave Welt come from strong family trees.
The three-point loss to Kennedy at last Saturday-s Mepham Quadrangular was particularly encouraging because the Rams can use the match against an upper-level opponent as a measuring stick. It shows the level that where at and how much more we need to go [higher], Leonard said.
