The men’s wrestling team held its first practice last Monday and is eager to improve on its 10-5 record from the 2004-05-winter season. This yeomen squad of motivated individuals, finishing third on the National Scholar All-American team, looks forward to the 2005-06 season with vigor and belief that it can reach elite status in NESCAC competition. While losing several key contributors to graduation, notably Camilo Rincon-Camacho ’05 and Kevin Egolf ’05, this relatively young team is confident in the abilities of all its current wrestlers.
Captain Chris Robichaud ’06, who returns from a long-term injury, and assistant captain Dan Delalla ’06 will lead the team. Robichaud will look to continue his dominating success in the 174-pound weight-class where he earned All-New England honors last season. Delalla looks to finally take over the 157-pound weight-class, where he previously had competed behind several graduated seniors. In addition to two stellar captains, several wrestlers look to improve upon their 2004-05 seasons. Super sophomore Don Torrenti ’08 returns with an All-New England season under his belt as a freshman in the 125-pound class. Other sophomores include Josh Wildes ’08 at 133 pounds, Tomi Uyehara ’08 at 141 pounds, Jeremy Stewart ’08 at 174 pounds, and Dan Zeigarnik at 149 pounds. All these younger athletes look to not only make a name for themselves on the mat, but also help the entire team progress throughout the season.
A host of freshman and one sophomore transfer join the veterans in 2005-06. Ten in total, this talented group looks to contribute in any way possible during their first season as Cardinals. Having worked hard during the fall months to get in shape for collegiate competition it is clear this group will be a force in coming years. Stand-outs are Alex Segal ’09 at 184 pounds, Ravid Chowdhury at 125 pounds, and Cam Maloni at 174 pounds.
The season gets immediately under way with the Doug Parker Invitational Tournament away this Saturday. The squad looks to this opening tournament as a way to set the tone for the season right away. Other early wrestling action will be the RIT Invitational on Dec. 3 and the North/South Duals on Jan. 7. A grueling schedule and shortened winter break will test all the athletes, but all believe they are up to the challenge. The hope is that the team will hit its stride towards the end of the season.
“New Englands [the area championships] are at home this year and we intend to showcase our peak ability at home at the end of the year,” Stewart said.
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