On the Wrestling mat this season, the athletes pushed their limits to claim victory and glory. Although they had some upsets in their season, the boys finished their pre-season with a record of 11-6.
“There are a lot of gaps this year,” said Junior Kaj Miller, referring to the improvement of the team. Before the season started, the team needed to fill spots held by graduating seniors. “I hope other guys step up and put in more effort for the team to improve,” Miller added.
The Newport boys wrestling team put up many fights against their opponents. The seniors consist of Roman Polcha (114,121), Aiden Crockett (145,152), Noah Bryner (152,160), Cainan Benner (160,172), and Colin Barlup (172,189). These seniors had a brilliant finish to their last matches, especially since Benner, Bryner, Crockett, and Polcha all made their way to the postseason.
On Dec. 3, the Buffaloes started with a loss against Camphill, but that did not stop them from beating Susquenita in the Perry County Tournament held a day later. Unfortunately, they lost to West Perry as well, putting them in second place.
Senior Roman Polcha earned his 100th win at Carlisle High School during a tournament, on Dec. 14. Which was a great accomplishment both individually and as a team. “I think the most important qualities [as a wrestler] are discipline, hard work, and mental toughness,” advised Polcha.
On Dec. 28, the boys dominated and took first place in the Newport Holiday Tournament, which is hosted every year at NHS. As well as the duals that took place at Juniata High School. At those matches, the team managed to achieve 5 wins out of the 6 matches.
Before going into Districts, the buffaloes finished with a 46-24 win against Halifax on Jan. 22. The boys stayed in control from beginning to end. Cainan Benner went up against a talented opponent and came out on top with an incredible pin.
Post-season began on Sat., Feb. 15 at Susquenita High School. Six individuals placed in sectionals for districts. The following weekend, only four of them -Marek Polcha, Roman Polcha, Lane Wright, Kaj Miller – advanced to regionals. At regionals, Miller achieved a spot at states, taking him to the Giant Center.
The Newport boys’ wrestling team has had winning seasons over the years. This year was another advancing one for coaches Mike Cappazoli, Bob Folk, Mike Gunkle, and Kyle Parrish. They continue to improve with the players they gain. As for next year Kaj Miller states “I would like to make it farther than I did this year…I think more Wrestlers from Newport are going to go farther in the post season as well.”
