Warrior wrestlers ready for rough competition

Here's just a sampling of what it takes to succeed in a sport as tough and rewarding as wrestling: determination, superior physical conditioning, confidence, teamwork, and adaptability.

These attributes and more may be found in the Delaware Valley High School wrestling program.

The Warriors finished with 11 victories last season against quite a challenging schedule. And they’re highly motivated to compete at a high level on the mat this winter.

“We have high goals as a team as well as individuals,’’ Delaware Valley Head Coach Lou DeLauro said. “However, what we are going to focus on is getting better every day. If we commit to getting better every day the accolades and achievements will follow.

“We are a definite contender this year. We feel that we are not only a contender in the League but the District and State as well. We are expecting an exciting year.’’

Key returning student athletes to the varsity roster for the Warriors include Connor Crescimanno (junior, 113 pounds), Travis Norman (senior, 120), CJ Ross (sophomore, 126), Preston Machado (junior, 132), Joe Casella (senior, 138), Wyatt Gagnon (senior, 145), Jay Shauger (senior, 152), Cooper Kidd (junior, 152), Machias Magill (senior, 160), Gavin Brazanskas (senior, 170), and Jason Henderson (junior, 195).

Among the freshman newcomers for Delaware Valley are Zach Jacaruso (106), AJ Dierkson (120), CJ Walton (126), Logan Shauger (132) and Hayden Mead (152).

“We have great numbers this year, 45 (student-athletes) in total,’’ DeLauro said. “We have a great mix of upperclassman and underclassman on the team. With the great numbers we will be looking for our seniors to lead on and off the mat. The seniors we will look specifically to for that leadership include Travis Norman, Joe Casella, Wyatt Gagnon, Jay Shauger, Machias Magill, and Gavin Brazanskas.’’

On Dec. 28 the Warriors will participate in the Liberty Hurricane Classic at Bethlehem Liberty High School.

“The team has been working extremely hard this preseason and there is a lot of fun and energy happening in our program,’’ DeLauro said. “When those two things occur, along with improving every day, the culture continues to strengthen. It’s great to be a DV Warrior wrestler.

“We currently have three guys Preston Machado, Gavin Brazanskas, and Jason Henderson ranked in the State. I anticipate as the season goes on some others will also break into those rankings.’’