Trojans Wrestling Coach Looks Back on Successful Season

Few wrestling fans across the area expected much from ’s squad this season. However, the Trojans made the most of the winter campaign and opened plenty of eyes across the region.

Nearly one month after the wrestling season, head coach Anthony Stagliano took time to reflect on what his wrestlers accomplished this past season as they laid the foundation for a potential championship run in 2012.

“We exceeded my expectations for the year,” said Stagliano. “We exceeded them team-wise, and we also had some individuals do some really good things. It was a pretty successful year.”

Winning a championship would have been an unrealistic goal for the Trojans with the likes of Norristown in their league, but Wissahickon put together an impressive 16-8 season highlighted by victories over rivals Upper Dublin and Plymouth Whitemarsh.

The win over Plymouth Whitemarsh came in the final match of the season and was extra special for Stagliano.

“I had coached there for 12 years before coming to Wissahickon,” Stagliano said.  “One of my assistants had also wrestled there. We definitely wanted to prove something. It’s also a pretty big rivalry. We hadn’t beaten them in quite a few years.  To win and win convincingly was pretty nice.”

One of the keys to the Trojans’ success was the bond built between the wrestlers throughout the season. A mix of talented underclassmen combined with a select group of seniors resulted in a strong team both on and off the mats.

The character of the wrestlers combined with Stagliano’s approach kept the wrestlers happy and successful at Wissahickon.

“One of things we wanted to do was have a loose bunch,” said Stagliano. “We try to make everybody part of the team.  We had a pretty good atmosphere. We kept it light and kept it fun. We worked hard, but we didn’t overdo it.”

The senior that led the way for the Trojans was Paul Wisloski. He finished with a record of 37-8, but provided more than just victories for the Trojans. Wisloski displayed strong leadership and made the transition easier for his new head coach.

“He did an absolutely awesome job,” Stagliano said. “He’s a leader on an off the mat, and he’s a hard worker beyond belief. I think other kids looked up to him the way he handled things. He did it by example, and he was a vocal leader, as well.”

It is never easy for a new coach to take over a program in any sport.  The coach must walk the fine line between installing a new approach and keeping the returning athletes happy. Stagliano took his experience from his previous coaching stint and turned it into a successful system for his wrestlers.

“The new guy coming in always kind of has to stake his ground out,” said Stagliano. “I had volunteered there the year before, so I wasn’t totally new to them. The previous coach was a very good coach and a very good guy. I’m a little older and a little more mature and wiser now, so I (approach) things differently than a lot of the young coaches around as far as what we are trying to achieve overall as a program.”

After putting together an impressive season, the Trojans can’t wait for the 2011-12 campaign to get underway. Stagliano is hoping his players will take some time off now that the off-season is underway. However, the players plan to be ready for a championship run next winter.

“I told them to shut it down for a few weeks,” said Stagliano. “I’m now getting e-mails and texts from them asking when they can use the room. They’ve been chomping at the bit a little. We’ll put a program together for the post-season.  Guys are looking forward to next year.”