The Warriors are fierce on the mat once again

The great sport of wrestling is back at the high school level in possibly the most talent-filled state for the sport in the country — Pennsylvania.

The Delaware Valley High School program looks to continue its winning ways against sturdy competition at every turn.

The Warriors completed an outstanding 2019-20 campaign with an overall record of 17-4, capturing the LWL team championship and PIAA District 2 championship along the way. They also placed very well at the PIAA State Tournament (top 12).

“We are taking every necessary precaution, including mopping the mat before practice, between groups, as well as at the end of practice,’’ said Delaware Valley head coach Lou DeLauro. “The room is also disinfected by our maintenance staff every evening.

“We have split our team in two groups to accommodate for the capacity restrictions. Half the team wrestles and half strength trains and does cardio. We switch half way through our practice time.

“Wrestlers are wearing mask at all times during practices. If wrestlers aren’t feeling well they are not attending practices, in addition to all school precautions.’’

Among the key returning student athletes to the varsity level for the Warriors are Zachary Jacaruso (sophomore 113 pounds), Connor Crescimanno (senior, 120/128 pounds), Dan Privatt (senior, 145 pounds), Preston Machado (senior, 152 pounds), Sebastian Adler (senior, 160 pounds), Cooper Kidd (senior, 174 pounds) and Jason Henderson(senior, 215 pounds).

Promising newcomers hoping to make a positive impression on the vary level for Delaware Valley include Dom Moyer (freshman, 106 pounds), A.J. Dierkson (sophomore, 132 pounds), Ryder Machado (freshman, 132/138 pounds), C.J. Walton (sophomore, 138/145 pounds), Hayden Mead (sophomore, 189 pounds) and Aiden Black (freshman, 215/heavyweight)

“We need our returning senior varsity wrestlers Connor Crescimanno, Preston Machado, Cooper Kidd and Jason Henderson to lead by example and performance,’’ DeLauro said. “They need to be vocal, encouraging and positive to our team and demonstrated what DV Warrior wrestling is all about-determination, hard work and commitment.’’

“We are a contender in the league, district, and state,’’ DeLauro said. Teams to beat in the League will be West Scranton and Abington, he said, and in the District it will be Hazleton.

The Warriors have continued winning in dual meets in the early going this season, and they are scheduled to face Tunkhannock Area on Feb. 9.

“We always have high goals,’’ DeLauro said. “This is a very unusual season. I want them to have fun and take advantage of the opportunities they have to wrestle. If we do, they will improve every day and have high success.”