On Saturday, Nov 27th, the Kenilworth Rec Wrestling Team made its annual trek out to Quakertown PA to compete in the ultra competitive "Turkey Day Duals" tournament. Although the boys didn't place quite as high as we have in years past, the team left with a 2-2 record against some EXTREMELY tough teams.
The day started off slowly with a 64-23 setback against Council Rock of PA. Highlights of the match were pins by Christian Burns at 85lbs and Jeff Velez at 160lbs and a tech fall by Nicky Rappa at 50lbs.
After some regrouping, the boys put up a valiant effort in a 54-41 loss to a very good Bridgewater NJ team. Highlights of the match were some VERY big wins for Timmy Murphy (5-4) over Van Miller at 100lbs, Ray Wetzel (9-0) over Brock Gandrillas at 72lbs and Mike Ramos (8-0) over Ben Hines at 64lbs. Also, pins from Nicky Rappa and Eoghan Savona at 135lbs helped the cause.
In the third match of the day, the team finally got on track with a 64-45 win over Pennridge of PA. The kids responded to the two tough earlier losses in the best way possible, with a lot of pins. Among those who pinned their opponents were Nicky Rappa, Matt Armamento at 64lbs, Ray Wetzel, Christian Burns, Frank Chessa at 90lbs and Sal Gorka at 105lbs.
The boys finished up the day with a big 61-45 win over Quakertown PA. Once again, the team responded with a lot of pins led by Diego Stanziola at 80lbs, Vincent Rappa at 76lbs, Nicky Rappa, Timmy Murphy, Sal Gorka, Eoghan Savona and Jeff Velez.
Stand-out wrestlers for the day were the group of undefeated kids Eoghan Savona (4-0), Nicky Rappa (4-0), Christian Burns (2-0) and Jeff Velez (2-0). Also, there were stellar performances by Ray Wetzel (3-1) and Timmy Murphy (3-1). The coaching staff of Allan Cozze, Frank Chessa, Willy Corbesiero and Vinnie Rappa were extremely happy with the effort and results of the tournament. All of the hard work the boys have been doing in the room really showed. Considering that our teams lineup was not quite full, everyone couldn't be happier. We are all EXTREMELY proud of all of our kids that had the guts and toughness to compete in such a high level event and we all know that it will truly make everyone better in the future!
Keep up the hard work boys, and good luck during the season! |
