DV girls wrestling team gets ready to rake in the wins

It’s that time of year again, when the competitors step on to the mats to take part in the great sport of wrestling. That is good news for everyone involved with the Delaware Valley High School girls wrestling program.

The Warriors are scheduled to host Pocono Mountain East for a dual meet on Friday, December 20.

“I want each girl to develop a love for wrestling and a deep appreciation for what they are able to achieve as a wrestler and teammate,’’ Delaware Valley Head Coach Evan Bates said. “Victories are great, but my focus is for the girls to find and reveal the best versions of themselves. If they can improve themselves and develop immeasurable confidence while learning how to use that to build up other girls, I will count this as a successful season.

“Other goals include external victories. We want to win the District 2 and North Regional tournaments, bringing home six to seven individual District titles, 9 to 10 Regional qualifiers, three to four Regional titles, five to six State qualifiers, and four or more State medals.”

Among the key returning student athletes for the Warriors are Juliet Fitzpatrick (team captain, 142/148 pounds, senior), Olivia Montanino (team captain, 142/148 pounds, senior), Ayesha Sameeuddin (team captain, 118 pounds, senior), Kate Prior (team captain, 155/170 pounds, junior), Emily Smith (155/170 pounds, senior), and Andrea Boronow (106/112 pounds, senior).

Promising newcomers looking to make a positive impression at the varsity level include Mya Viera (100 pounds), Keirsten Linehan (100 pounds), Melissa Opalka (118/124 pounds), and Julia Scheuermann (190/235 pounds).

“Each girl brings something special to the team, helping me and my assistant coach, Karley May, lead the girls in practices, team building activities, and organization. They also help keep the girls focused and ready during competitions,” said Bates. “I could not ask for a better group of leaders. They know exactly what to say to the girls in every situation to help them learn techniques, deal with the countless issues they face, and compete at the highest level they can. They are helping me build a foundation that will continue to develop a great program.”

Last winter, the Warriors were 3-1 in dual meets, placed second at the District 2 tournament, and second at the North Region tournament.

“In the humblest way, I view this team as the best in the District and one of the best in the Region,” Bates added. “It is not far-fetched to say we could be one of the top 10 in the state, but only time will tell. Wallenpaupack won the District last year, so I’m prepared for them to be a challenge. I’m not too familiar with other teams. Overall, I think we are the team to beat.”

Year by year the Warriors are showing steady improvements as a wrestling team.

“This is my fifth year coaching girls wrestling at Delaware Valley and it gets better every year,” Bates said. “This is the third season that I am coaching alongside Karley May, and I am truly blessed to have such an amazing coaching partner.”

He added, “Not only are our numbers going up, but the team keeps improving. We have amazing young women who know how to build each other up and come together, encouraging each other to be their best every day. That’s what wrestling does.”