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“This is the 'grinding' part of the season for local youth wrestling here in Connecticut,'' program director Randy Haus said. “We have just completed three very competitive tournaments and are looking forward to getting our newer wrestlers some much needed experience very soon.”
Led by a slew of brother combinations, the Mad Bulls won medals often with Artie and Jeff Cocchia, Nicky and Jason Singer, Justin and RJ Gierum and Jaylen and Quincy Carter as well as Jack and Doug Cahill.
“You have to love the fact that we have such a close-knit bunch of kids that really cheer each other on, whether one of them makes the finals to win a tournament or is struggling for their first career win, they inspire each other to do their very best,'' assistant coach Jason Singer said. “I see improvement with these kids weekly, what more can you ask for. They give 100 percent effort constantly in practice as well as in competition, we’re seeing some great results."
Assistant coach Carlos Gonzales pointed out some up-and-coming wrestlers to watch for in the near future as fourth-grader Asaih Baez logged his second straight tournament victory after a slow start as well as fifth-grader Mikhail Moss, who won the Bethel tournament with three consecutive pins.
Other new wrestlers making their mark for the Mad Bulls are Carlo Tucci, Aiden Donohue, Quincy Carter and Phoenix Gardella, who all medaled for the first time for the club. Team Co-Captain Sam White has wrestled extremely well in early action, knocking off some good competition in one of the toughest weight classes in the middle school division, as well as Jakari Walker who has been a two-time tournament finalist this year.
After taking off a year, eighth-grader Brian Mallozzi rejoins the Mad Bull squad and looks for his first tournament victory in upcoming events. Newcomers James and Will Motley and fourth-grader Nick Fatone are all showing early season promise as beginners.
Sixth-graders Nemo Harris and team Co-Captain Koy Price have remained undefeated this year with Price collecting six pins in eight matches. Jack Cahill, Charlie Prather, Mikey Bartush and Jaylen Carter have been earning medals consistently in the novice division.
Mad Bull veterans Nicky Singer, Zavier Hernandez, James Wise, Nick Augeri, Noah Fraas, Damari Maxam, Jason Singer, Jacob Gonzales, Dean Tsiranides and Colin Falla all have been improving steadily with Hernandez coming on strong as of late with three consecutive pins in Bethel to win the tournament.
The Southington Connecticut tournament is the next stop for the Mad Bulls on Sunday, Jan. 4.
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