The Norwich wrestling team is ready and excited about starting a new season, and improving on how it did last year, according to the wrestling coach. The team was young last year; now that members have a year of college-level wrestling under their belt the team should be better off.
Team members are also happy that the team survived budget cuts.
Wrestling off season is important for staying in-shape for the wrestling season. “In wrestling the only way that you’re going to attain the level of fitness that you need to have, is by wrestling,” said Rich Hasenfus, Norwich wrestling coach.
Last season the Cadets finished with a 5-10 dual meet record. The record and outcome of the matches don’t show how hard the Cadets work or how well they performed, according to Hasenfus. “We would like to improve on last year’s performance,” he said.
“I just want to keep having a hardworking team. I think we have a good reputation throughout New England and it’d be nice to send a couple guys to Nationals,” said Scott MacLean, 21, a senior, criminal justice major from Norwood, Mass.
Among the new freshmen, there are a couple who stand out to Hasenfus. One is Joe Eon, a four-time state champion in Maine who placed second in the High School New England Championships. “He will definitely be in the mix, and a contributor on the team,” Hasenfus said. Abe Bray, a three-time state placer, from the state of Washington, was also mentioned.
The Cadets have several returning wrestlers, and a few returning from injuries.
Clayton Brittingham is returning as a captain this season. He got injured and continued competing throughout the end of the season but was unable to place. Ryan Crosby is returning off a knee injury. “He could be the guy,” Hasenfus said. “He is a hard worker and he loves wrestling.”
Raistlin Delisle is also returning off an injury from last season.
Of the returning wrestlers, there are six seniors: Silas Bowerman, Ryan Crosby, Jordan Ferguson, Scott MacLean, Nick Monaco, Matt Valnoski and Clayton Brittingham.
With all the guys returning from injuries and the six seniors, the Cadets should be set for a great season. “I feel pretty comfortable with the team, right now everybody’s been working hard,” said Nick Monaco, 21, a senior, criminal justice major, from Nassau, N.Y. “We’re all pushing each other.”
Clayton Brittingham, 21, a senior, biology major, from Snowville, Md., is excited for this season. “It’s the year to shine, everything’s back, we worked hard, and it’s time to make up for it,” said Brittingham.
The team is going to focus on striving to be the best in New England.
The Cadets have their first meet on Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. in Andrews Hall. They will be facing Roger Williams University.