From the Coach: Greeley Wrestlers Go to Sectionals

Horace Greeley High School is sending, a record, eight wrestlers on to the New York State Championship Sectional round this coming Saturday, February 11th.

113-pound junior, Kirby Atlas earned his 30th win this season and a spot at sectionals for the second consecutive year.  Kirby was determined to get back to the show (Sectionals).  Kirby has worked tirelessly all year to hone his skills on the mat.  He comes out of the gates on fire and does not stop until the final whistle. 

120-pound junior, Bing Bing Xie earned his first shot at sections placing fourth in a tough weight class.  Bing Bing has had a great year.  He was sidelined mid-year with a troubling knee.  We rested him for two weeks before the divisions and he came back with a vengeance.  He wrestles angry - he hates to lose and loves to win - a perfect combination. 

126-pound senior and captain, Jon Russo compiled his 30th win this season and took second place in the division, earning his right to get on the bus Saturday morning.  Jon is wrestling better now than I have ever seen him wrestle.  He is peaking at the right time and I think he will be a top four seed in the section.  Jon has fun when he wrestles; he does not over power his opponent, he over techniques them. 

132-pound sophomore, Mitchell Klein earned his first shot at the section title by placing forth.  Mitchell missed a couple of matches with injuries and is just getting warmed up again.  Mitchell is like a diesel engine; he takes a little while to get going but once he is warm he is unstoppable.  He will be a very dangerous wrestler this Saturday. He has the ability to beat anybody in that tournament and I hope he does. 

170-pound freshman, Brock Cvijanovich was the biggest surprise of the night.  He placed third in the division and will be competing for his first ever Section 1 title.  Brock does not realize he is a freshman and should lose to the upperclassman.  He is one of the most determined athletes that I have ever been around.  Brock is, and will continue to be, one of the best wrestlers to come out of Greeley. 

195-pound junior and captain, Scott Wymbs placed second to earn his third shot at the title. Scott was once again in the match of the night.  It seems like the whole gym stops every time Scott steps on the matt.  The match was tied 2-2 when his opponent illegally head butted him and opened a cut in his head.  Scott won the match on the penalty but was not permitted to wrestle in the finals.

220-pound sophomore, Billy Marino was asked once again by me to wrestle up a weight class.  Billy is giving up 25 pounds on all of his opponents but still finds a way to beat them.  Billy has improved so much this season that I expect him to place this weekend at sectionals. 

285-pound junior, Brent Lobien was Greeley's sole champion this weekend.  Brent went in as a third seed, losing the week before to the second seeded kid.  In a rematch in the semi finals, Brent pinned the kid in the first period securing his position at sectionals and a shot at the division title.  Brent weighs 235 pounds and the weight class is 285.  Most of the guys the he wrestles are much heavier than him.  Brent took apart his opponent in the finals, winning by major decision 12-4.  Brent is very coachable.  We worked out a game plan and he carried it out flawlessly.  I feel he is on top of his game and will do great next weekend. 

Good luck to all the men this weekend.  Wrestling begins on Saturday at Clarkstown South High School and culminates the following day at Pace University with the finals slated for 4:00pm.  Come support our Greeley wrestlers.