In a total team effort on Wednesday night, the varsity team edged Honesdale, 33-32 (on Criteria H; most total first points scored in individual bouts) to capture its eighth Lackawanna League Division II title in nine years.
One year ago on this date, the Hornets registered a 33-31 win to snap the ‘Cats 52-match win streak within the division. Last night was a slightly different story at Mt. View High School, but it brought on the same intense atmosphere that the Honesdale and Western Wayne wrestling rivalry has each year.
Both teams fought with heart and true grit from the opening bout at 126, to the finale at 120. The Hornets deserved the win just as much as us, and we credit them and their coaching staff.
Backed by key pins from Mitchell Herzog (132), Matthew Leslie (145), and Cole Fuller (285), and hard-fought major decisions from Kasen Taylor (160) and Alex Hollister (195), the ‘Cats built a solid lead heading into the final three bouts.
Our three lightweights did a nice job not giving up pins, but the Hornets were able to knot the score at 32-apiece to send the match to criteria. After approximately 15 minutes of running through eight criteria scenarios, the ‘Cats came out victorious, scoring the most first points in individual matchups, 15-10.
The Wildcats closed out the night with a 73-0 win over host Mt. View. In the win over the Eagles, Fuller recorded his 100th career pin, a feat that very few wrestlers have accomplished in District 2 history. With absolute humility, Fuller also passed current assistant coach Mark Turner for most wins in school history. The new mark is set at 127 wins and counting.
With the title, the Wildcats have earned the top seed in next week’s District 2 Class AA Dual Tournament, which begins Wednesday at Western Wayne High School.
Winning wrestlers vs. Honesdale:
126: Dillon Dante (decision)
132: Mitchell Herzog (fall)
145: Matthew Leslie (fall)
152: Braden McIntosh (decision)
160: Kasen Taylor (major decision)
195: Alex Hollister (major decision)
285: Cole Fuller (fall)
Hidden Heroes
These individuals put forth a solid effort in defeat:
106: Dimitri Reggie (major decision)
113: Michael Mirailh-DeVore (decision)
120: George Lee (major decision)
138: Bradley Carey (decision)
170: Anthony Sparango (wrestling at a weight 25 pounds above his own for strategic purposes)
Wayne County Commissioners’
“Battle for the Belt”
Western Wayne 33
Honesdale 32
(Wildcats win on Criteria H)
“Battle for the Belt” Most Outstanding Wrestler: Alex Hollister (195 pounds; major decision)
