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Bujno & Viti Garner State & District Academic Honors To do well in academics is no easy task. To do well in the sport of wrestling is no easy task. When a wrestler can match success on the mat with success in the classroom, it speaks volumes about that wrestler's dedicated work ethic, focus, and commitment to excellence. Such success is the epitome of the student-athlete and the quest of high school scholastic sports. Anthony Bujno and Mike Viti are such student-athletes and both garnered deserving high post-season honors for their academic achievements and prowess on the mat. Anthony Bujno, who will be a junior next year, made the first team of Pennsylvania's all-academic squad and also the first team of the District 2 all-academic squad. Mike Viti, who will enter his senior season next year, made the second team of Pennsylvania's all-academic squad, the first team of the District 2 all-academic squad, and was Berwick's scholar-athlete for wrestling. Pennsylvania's all-state team is chosen by the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association and honors a first team, second team, and honorable mention squads. The District 2 team is chosen by the District 2 Wrestling Coaches Association and also honors a first team, second team, and honorable mention squads. The District 2 Wrestling Coaches Association held a banquet for the all-academic honorees at Pickett's Charge restaurant in Dallas on Sunday, June 8. The District 2 Wrestling Coaches Association is to be highly commended for their dedication and efforts in sponsoring this annual event. There was great food and fellowship to celebrate the achievements of the district scholar-athletes. Congratulations Anthony & Mike!! Bujno Captures First & Third At NE Regional Kids/Cadet Tourney Anthony Bujno wrestled in both
the freestyle and folkstyle tournaments in the Junior Division of the
Northeast Regional Kids/Cadet tournament held at Bloomsburg University on
May 31 & June 1. Bujno placed third in the freestyle tournament
held on Saturday and captured first place in the folkstyle tournament on
Sunday with a victory over Sean Farley of Pleasant Valley. Alley & Bujno Medal At Hanover Adam Alley and Anthony Bujno wrestled at the Hanover Freestyle & Greco Roman tournaments held on May 24. In the morning Greco Roman tourney, Alley captured first place in the Cadet division and Bujno seized second place in the Junior division. In the afternoon Freestyle tourney, Alley secured second place in the Cadet division and Bujno snatched third place in the Junior division. Congratulations Adam & Anthony!! Dawg Family Raises Dough At Car Wash & Yard Sale The Dawg Family joined together on May 17 for a car wash and yard sale in order to raise some dough for the Champion Berwick Varsity Wrestling Team. By all accounts, the day was as successful as our Dawg wrestlers!! The wrestlers worked their butt
off as hard as they do in practice. A steady stream of cars started
shortly after 7:30am and continued NON-STOP until well after 12 noon.
There were no breaks in the action, and people received a champion-caliber
car wash (exterior, interior, and vacuum), all for only a price tag of
$3.00!! There was also a huge yard sale
with a wide variety of super stuff at bargain-basement prices that went on
from 6:30am to 2pm. In addition, there was great food!! From
mouth-watering pierogies, delectable barbeque, scrumptious hot dogs, drinks
& more, there were more than a few people who put on some pounds during
the day. The successful day was also a great time for the Dawg Family to socialize. It seems like everyone already has a burning itch for next season. And for our group of hard working wrestlers, the season has already started. Opening day looks like it will be a formality!! Thanks Again To Everyone!! Dawg Family Feasts Over Feats At Annual Banquet The Dawg Family joined together
at the annual varsity & junior high wrestling banquet held at the
Berwick Middle School cafeteria on Sunday, May 4th. There was enough food to
feed an army (most of us won’t eat for a week) and enough feats to
celebrate and remember for a lifetime. Matbackers Install New Officers For 2003-2004 The election of new officers for
the Matbackers was conducted at the annual banquet on May 4th. For
President, Chuck Bujno nominated Wade Perry, seconded by Art Welch. Yea's
won. For Vice President, Chuck Bujno nominated Lou Ney, seconded by
Art Welch. Yea's won. It was unanimous that Jen Mazcuga stay on as
Secretary & Treasurer. The Dawg faithful appreciates
all the hard work that Terry Griffith has done as the President this past
year. Terry & Stacey - you will be missed!! Griffith Headed To Kutztown University!! Dawg Senior Jeremy Griffith has committed to continue his wrestling career at Kutztown University. In the photo above, Jeremy signs his letter of intent to attend Kutztown on a partial athletic scholarship. Also in the photo, from left, are Head Coach Ernie Yates, and Jeremy's parents Stacey and Terry Griffith. Jeremy was a three-time PIAA Class AAA qualifier and two-time place-winner. Jeremy took 5th place at States this year as a senior and 8th as a junior. Jeremy's career record was an outstanding 122-18 and he holds the record for most wins at Berwick. Jeremy was also a three-time NE regional place-winner and two-time District Champion. Jeremy - Congratulations & We Wish You The Best At Kutztown!! Wrestling Banquet Is May 4 - Car Wash & Yard Sale Is May 17 The annual banquet for the Varsity & Jr. High wrestling teams will be held on Sunday, May 4, at 3:00pm, in the Junior High cafeteria. The meal is covered dish with the meat and paper supplies provided. You are requested to bring your favorite dish or dessert. The car wash & yard sale fundraiser is schedule for Saturday, May 17, from 8am - noon at the high school. All families are requested to bring items to sell and all wrestlers will be washing cars. Food will also be sold at this event. Volunteers are requested. Proceeds will be used to help reimburse a portion of wrestler expenses for camps, freestyle, or YMCA memberships. Bujno Takes 2 Golds At Bloomsburg University Anthony Bujno took 1st Place at the Bloomsburg University Freestyle & Greco Roman tournament held on April 19. Bujno won by default in the Greco-Roman tourney. In the Freestyle tourney, Bujno won his first bout by a 10-2 decision. In the championship final, Bujno won by tech fall, 13-3, over the 4th place finisher of the Brockport New York Northeast USA Freestyle Championships. Congratulations Anthony!! Dawgs Dominate At MAWA District Championships Berwick's success on the mat continues in the off-season as a total of 9 Dawgs placed, with 5 capturing first place, at the Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association District Championships. All the following Dawgs advance to the MAWA North Regional Championships at Shamokin High School on March 29 & 30. Advanced Division Elite Division Open Division Congratulations Dawgs!! Press Enterprise All Stars The Press Enterprise honored the
following Dawg wrestlers as All-Stars for the 02/03 season. Named to
the first team were Roland Singletary (So), Jeremy Griffith (Sr), Nick Yalch
(Sr) and Mike Viti (Jr). Named to the second team were Anthony Bujno
(So), Thomas Bomboy (So), Ryan Mardon (Jr), & Shawn Maczuga (Jr). In
addition, Head Coach Ernie Yates was honored by the Press Enterprise as
Coach Of The Year! BERWICK WRESTLING
SALUTES OUR 2 SENIORS
Senior team captains Jeremy Griffith & Nick Yalch shattered the record books in their storied four year wrestling careers at Berwick High School. Jeremy & Nick each attained historic accomplishments and honors. One thing is certain - the total career accomplishments of both Jeremy & Nick are more than which has ever been achieved by any wrestler in the history of Berwick Wrestling. No matter how you slice it, Jeremy & Nick are simply "The Best!!" Every year we salute and extend our sincere appreciation to our departing seniors. This year, after so many history-making moments by the Berwick Wrestling Program, it is only fitting that our two departing seniors leave us as historic record-setters. Jeremy & Nick were two key reasons for the prestigious elevation of the Berwick Wrestling Program. Jeremy & Nick are true leaders, much befitting their role as team captains. They were not the most outspoken leaders. But as with all great leaders, Jeremy & Nick led by example through hard work, mental toughness, and the determination to achieve one's highest level of performance. Jeremy & Nick are the utmost role models for all current and future Dawg wrestlers. Jeremy & Nick - we appreciate all that you have done, not only through your individual accomplishments, but for all of your efforts that have resulted in the betterment of the entire Berwick Wrestling Program. We sincerely wish you the best in all the endeavors your bright futures hold. We know that if you apply the same dedication and hard work to the future chapters of your life, as you have applied yourself in wrestling, you will certainly succeed in all of your heart's desires. On behalf of the
entire Berwick Wrestling Program: GRIFFITH, YALCH, & VITI PLACE AT AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!
Once upon a
time, the Dawg faithful was happy to get a state qualifier at the PIAA AAA
State Championships in Hershey. Last year, Jeremy Griffith broke the
ice with an 8th place finish at states. This year, the ice was
shattered and melted altogether as the Dawg trio of Jeremy Griffith (Sr),
Nick Yalch (Sr), and Mike Viti (Jr) all placed at states!! Jeremy
Griffith took 5th Place at 112lbs, Nick Yalch took 5th Place at 130lbs, and
Mike Viti took 7th Place at 215lbs!! GRIFFITH, YALCH, &
VITI GOING TO HERSHEY!!! The 2002-2003 season has been a historic one for Berwick wrestling. The Dawgs added yet another chapter to the history books by taking 5th place at the nationally renowned Northeast Regional AAA Tournament held at Bethlehem Liberty High School on February 28 & March 1. The Dawgs advance 3 wrestlers to the PIAA AAA State Championships in the new Hershey Arena this coming weekend. Mike Viti (Jr), Jeremy Griffith (Sr), and Nick Yalch (Sr), are all going to Chocolate Town! Mike Viti is making his first trip to states representing the Dawgs as the Northeast Regional runner-up. Mike was on a mission not to be denied and used a breathtaking escape at the buzzer to secure a magnificent quarterfinal win. In the semifinals, Mike came out on fire and wrestled in overpowering style and used an extremely focused performance in a superb 7-1 decision to earn his trip to Hershey. Congratulations Mike!!! Jeremy Griffith is making his third consecutive trip to states after taking 8th place at states last year. Jeremy got a hair-raising one-point win in the quarterfinals before falling in the semifinals to the eventual NE Regional champion. Jeremy took to the consolation bracket like a madman and was simply not going to lose. Jeremy solidly defeated his next opponent to gain the opportunity for a rematch against his District 2 foe in the consolation finals. In an “out-of-your pants” consolation final, Jeremy held on in a double overtime rideout and glorious victory. Congratulations Jeremy!!! Nick Yalch re-wrote the definition of what it means not to be denied by mastering his own destiny to secure his first trip to states with a third place finish at the Northeast Regional. After losing in a shocking quarterfinal bout, it was now or never for Nick. But Nick doesn’t know the word never, and his opponents soon found that out. Nick used 3 consecutive physically dominant performances to reach the consolation finals. In the consolation finals, Nick had to square off against the opponent that he lost to in the quarterfinals. To Nick, any match before the present match is simply history. Nick took to the mat with unprecedented confidence and was able to secure revenge with an absolutely spectacular decision topped off with a match-securing last second takedown to move on to his goal all season – the PIAA State Championships! Congratulations Nick!!! Several other Berwick wrestlers took a big step forward in their wrestling careers at the Northeast Regional. Roland Singletary (So), making his first appearance at regionals, came a breath away from making a trip to states with a terrific 4th place finish. After dropping his first quarterfinal bout, Roland went on to record three consecutive dominant pins in the consolation bracket to earn a trip to the consolation finals. Roland wrestled great throughout the entire tournament and fell by just a three-point decision. Ryan Mardon (Jr) notched “regional placewinner” status on his career with an excellent wrestling performance. After dropping a quarterfinal match, Ryan wrestled on fire and simply overwhelmed his next two opponents, 5-1 and 9-1, before falling one bout shy of the consolation finals to the eventual fourth place finisher. Anthony Bujno (So), making his first trip to regionals, also put on a superb wrestling display. After losing by decision to the 4th seed in the quarterfinals, Anthony got revenge with a 4-1 winning decision in consolations before falling by just one-point, 2-1, to the eventual fourth place finisher. Shawn Maczuga (Jr), making his first trip to regionals, also put on an excellent wrestling display. After losing a tough quarterfinal bout, Shawn also exacted a revenge match-up with a 5-4 winning decision in consolations before falling by decision. Congratulations Roland, Ryan, Anthony & Shawn!!! Our best wishes to Jeremy, Nick, & Mike next week at Hershey!!! DAWGS WIN DISTRICT 2 AAA
CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE In an historic performance, Berwick won its first-ever District Championship title to add to its earlier first-ever District Team Dual Championship title, at the District 2 Championships held on February 21 & 22 at Hazleton High School. Berwick had 9 place-winners and will advance 8 wrestlers to the AAA Northeast Regional Tournament at Bethlehem Liberty High School next weekend. Head Coach Ernie Yates & Assistant Coach Jerry Marks added to the Dawg dominance as both were respectively presented with the D2 Head Coach and Assistant Coach of the Year awards prior to the start of the championship finals. Congratulations Coach Yates & Coach Marks! Nick Yalch captured his fourth straight District championship and became only the fourteenth wrestler in D2 history to accomplish this feat and the first-ever for Berwick wrestling. Congratulations Nick! The Dawgs sent 6 wrestlers to the Championship finals and 4 took gold. District place-winners included: 103 - Roland
Singletary: First Senior Dawgs Aim High In Their Last Postseason Berwick’s two outstanding seniors and team captains, Jeremy Griffith and Nick Yalch, are aiming high in this last postseason of their remarkable high school wrestling careers. Jeremy Griffith, a two-time district champion, two-time regional place-winner, two-time state qualifier, and last year’s state place-winner (8th), is gunning for a multitude of three-peats with the top of the podium at state’s being the ultimate goal. Jeremy has never lost a match at the D2 AAA championships. Nick Yalch, a three-time district champion and regional place-winner, will be looking to join the small and elite D2 AAA club of 4-time district champions and Berwick’s first ever to achieve that feat. Nick also has never lost a match at the D2 championships. While Nick narrowly missed qualifying for the state championships last year, it is his goal to be standing on top of the podium at Hershey this year. Both Jeremy and Nick also look to eclipse Berwick’s all-time career win record of 113 wins achieved by Mark Fisher. Jeremy is closest to breaking the mark with a career record of 110-14. Nick is close behind with his career record of 107-17. It all starts with the D2 AAA Championships, which will be held at Hazleton High School on Friday and Saturday, February 21 & 22. The start time for Friday night’s action is 5:30pm and Saturday’s action will start at 11:00am. Braves Stifle Dawgs 44 - 18 Berwick squared off against the Shikellamy Braves at Hanover High School on February 4th in the first round of the PIAA Team Wrestling Championships. The Braves stifled the Dawgs advancement in the state tournament with a 44-18 victory over Berwick. While Shikellamy took ten of the fourteen bouts, a combined four points decided three very close bouts. The Dawgs ended their regular season with an outstanding 17-2 record, which is one of the best, if not the best, season records in Berwick’s 47-year history. Berwick also places into the record books its first District II AAA Team Dual Championship. Congratulations Dawgs!! Winning wrestlers against Shikellamy included: Mardon: Decision, Viti: Fall, Griffith: Fall, Yalch: Decision. Dawgs Capture 2003
District II AAA Dual Meet Championship Crown The Dawgs captured their first District 2 AAA Championship crown on Saturday, February 1, with an exhilarating 42-25 victory over West Scranton. The Dawgs are now 17-1. Congratulations Dawgs!!! Winning team titles and championships in any sport requires a team effort by all individuals. There was no greater example of this than the efforts made by Chad Varner (Jr) and Billy Drake (So). Chad Varner came out to the mat for his bout with all the confidence and determination a wrestler can muster. Chad, looking like he wrestled 30 bouts this season, was not going to be denied and simply overpowered his opponent with strength and technique to record a HUGE first period pin for the Dawgs. When it was Billy Drake's turn to come out onto the mat, the Berwick faithful got to see what the word "character" really means. In a crowd-nerve-racking bout, eerily similar to Friday's quarterfinal bout, Billy made sure it was not da ja vou all over again by following wrestling's #1 rule - wrestle 6 minutes. With just 3 seconds on the clock and a re-start at the neutral position, Billy's determination resulted in a smart takedown for his first win of the season and another HUGE win for the Dawgs. Congratulations Chad & Billy!! Winning wrestlers included: Drake: Decision, Maczuga: Decision, Varner: Fall, Viti: Fall, Singletary: Fall, Griffith: Fall, Welch: Decision, Yalch: Decision, Mardon: Forfeit. Dawgs Down Delaware
Valley 42 - 30 The Dawgs advanced to the finals of the District 2 AAA Championship with a tough and determined 42-30 semifinal win over Delaware Valley. With the win, Berwick increased its season record to 16-1. Winning wrestlers included: Maczuga: Decision, Viti: Fall, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Decision, Griffith: Fall, Bujno: Fall, Yalch: Decision, Bomboy: Decision, Mardon: Forfeit. Dawgs Shred Scranton 55
- 16 Berwick squared off with Scranton in the quarterfinal round of the District II AAA Dual Meet Championship on January 31 and ended up shredding their opponent 55-16. The Dawgs increased their season record to 15-1. Winning wrestlers included: Griffith: Fall, Welch: Decision, Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Fall, Bomboy: Fall, Mardon: Major Decision, Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Fall, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Forfeit. Dawgs Thump Tigers 51 - 19 Berwick played host to the Tunkhannock Tigers on January 29 and the Dawgs improved their record to 14-1 with a 51-19 victory. The Dawgs upped their season record to 14-1. The Tigers were the first to light up the scoreboard by taking the first two bouts, one by fall and one by decision, for a 9-0 lead. The Dawgs responded in full strength by taking the next three bouts by fall. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) got the first win for the Dawgs by detonating a nitroglycerin bomb of a fall against his opponent. Mike Viti (Jr) immediately followed with another blast that saw him blow-up his opponent before trouncing shoulders to the mat for a pin. Jeremiah Morris (So) kept the pinning action going with another pryoclastic discharge that smashed his opponent down to that mat for a fall. The Dawgs kept their rally going by taking the next five bouts, which included two forfeits. Tunkhannock forfeited the next bout to Roland Singletary (So). Adam Alley (So) appeared next, and in one of the most exciting matches of the night, out-gunned and out wrestled his opponent for a decision. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) followed and in typical “Speedy Gonzales” style, provided a brief takedown clinic against his opponent before crunching shoulders flat for a pin. Adam Welch (Jr) appeared to that mat next and exacted complete control and trampled his opponent for a impressive decision. The Tigers then awarded a forfeit to Nick Yalch (Sr), which gave Berwick a 42-9 lead. Tunkhannock took the next bout by major decision and then immediately afterward awarded a forfeit in the next bout to Thomas Bomboy (So). Ryan Mardon (Jr) put Berwick’s last points on the board with a determined effort that saw him in complete command and control against his opponent to record a decision. The Tigers took the last bout of the night but the mats got rolled up with a 51-19 Dawg victory. Winning wrestlers included: Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Fall, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Forfeit, Alley: Decision, Griffith: Fall, Welch: Decision, Yalch: Forfeit, Bomboy: Forfeit, Mardon: Decision. Dawgs Eradicate Trojans 66 - 15 Berwick traveled to Greater Area Nanticoke High School on January 24 and eradicated a much-improved Trojan team to notch a 66-15 victory. Berwick recorded nine falls and raised their season record to 13-1. The Dawgs exploded at the opening whistle and took the first three bouts by fall. Thomas Bomboy (So) was the first Dawg out of the pen and wasted no time in sweeping the mat with his opponent’s shoulders before mopping up action with an impressive pin. Anthony Ernst (So) took the mat next and kept the early Dawg rally going by physically obliterating his opponent before exacting a precision bone-crushing fall. Ryan Mardon (Jr) followed and went on a rampage that saw him tear up his opponent before staking shoulders to mat for the pin and an 18-0 Dawg lead. The Trojans only blinked, and in an impressive flurry of action, Nanticoke took the next three bouts, two by fall, to narrow Berwick’s lead to 18-15. The Dawgs would not blink back and took the remaining eight bouts, seven by fall and one by forfeit. Mike Viti (Jr) appeared to the circle next and guaranteed no opponent rally would ensue by smashing his opponent’s shoulders to the mat with a thumping pin that registered 7.6 on the Richter scale. Jeremiah Morris (So) followed, and with the destructive power of an Abrahms tank, fired his body canon and then rolled over his opponent for a mat-denting pin. Nanticoke then awarded a forfeit in the next bout to Roland Singletary (So). Adam Alley (So) took to the mat next on a mission that saw him ripsaw his opponent to pieces before smattering the mat with a pair of shoulders and a crowd-electrifying fall. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) appeared next for the Dawgs and swirled around his opponent like an F5 tornado before capturing him in his vortex for a lightening quick pin. Adam Welch (Jr) followed and delivered devastating blow after blow before re-flooring the mat with Trojan singlet and the fall. Nick Yalch (Sr) came out next for the Dawgs, and with the speed and force of a monster tsunami, crashed his opponent upside down and inside-out before stopping the clock with a vicious pin. Anthony Bujno (So) appeared for the final bout, and making sure the night’s action ended as it started, unleashed an avalanche of overwhelming ferocity upon his opponent before turning the lights out for the fall and emptying the gym with a 66-15 Berwick victory. Winning wrestlers included: Bomboy: Fall, Ernst: Fall, Mardon: Fall, Viti: Fall, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Forfeit, Alley: Fall, Griffith: Fall, Welch: Fall, Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Fall. Dawgs Dismantle Pittston 54 - 20 Berwick played host to Pittston on January 22 and dismantled the Patriots for a 54 – 20 victory. The Dawgs increased their record to 12-1. Nick Yalch (Sr), who was honored prior to the night’s action for achieving his 100th win on January 18 against Coughlin, started things off for the Dawgs by obliterating his opponent for a quick fall. Anthony Bujno (So) followed and smacked up his opponent for a five-point decision to increase the Dawg lead to 9-0. The Patriots took the next bout by major decision. Ryan Mardon (Jr) made sure no opponent rally would ensue by eradicating and collapsing his opponent for another swift pin. Pittston came right back and took the next two bouts by fall which gave them a one-point lead and their only lead of the night. Nick Tsirgotis (Jr) took to the mat next and erupted like a volcano by throwing his opponent around the mat before plastering shoulders to the mat for a fall. Pittston replied by taking a major decision in the next bout, but it turned out to be the last Patriot win of the night. Pittston awarded a forfeit to Mike Viti (Jr) in the next bout. Jeremiah Morris (So) came out next, and with the ferocity of a freight train, railroaded his opponent’s shoulders to mat for a fall. Roland Singletary (So) kept the pinning action going and tore up his opponent before extinguishing action with a decisive pin. The Patriots then awarded two consecutive forfeits to Adam Alley (So) and Jeremy Griffith (Sr). Adam Welch (Jr) entered for the last bout and put an exclamation point on the night’s action by out-wrestling his opponent for a four-point decision and a 54-20 Dawg victory. Winning wrestlers included: Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Decision, Mardon: Fall, Tsirgotis: Fall, Viti: Forfeit, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Fall, Alley: Forfeit, Griffith: Forfeit, Welch: Decision. JV: Ashbridge: Fall. Dawgs Celebrate Senior
& Parents Night Prior to the home action against Coughlin on January 18, the Dawgs celebrated Senior and Parents night. All wrestlers were introduced with their parents around the mat. Special recognition was given to our two seniors, Jeremy Griffith and Nick Yalch. Not only are these two seniors outstanding wrestlers, but they also provide unmatched leadership to the team and are true mentors for each and every Berwick wrestler. Most of us have known Jeremy and Nick since they were around eight years old, and even though we can’t believe how time has flown by, these two excellent young men have made us all proud throughout the many years. Jeremy and Nick, we will always wish you the greatest success for your bright futures! Yalch Tops 100 Career
Wins Senior Nick Yalch joined Berwick's 100 Win Club with his victory by fall in a home dual meet against Coughlin on January 18. Nick becomes the fourth Berwick wrestler to achieve 100+ career wins. Congratulations Nick! Dawgs Thrash Crusaders 45 - 28 Berwick hosted the Coughlin Crusaders on January 18 and entertained the crowd by thrashing the visitors 45-28. The Dawgs won eight bouts, seven by fall. Berwick’s record is now 11-1. Coughlin put the first points on the board with a close one-point decision. Berwick responded by taking the next four bouts, three by fall. Nick Yalch (Sr) got the Dawgs on the board with his 100th win by obliterating his opponent and stitching a back to the mat for the pin. Anthony Bujno (So) followed and out-gunned and out-wrestled his opponent to place a decision in the books. Thomas Bomboy (So) then took to the mat next and oppressively punished his opponent before notching a destructive pin. Ryan Mardon (Jr) immediately followed and brutally hammered his opponent before welding shoulders to the mat for the fall. Berwick’s lead was now 21-3. The Crusaders were able to muster three consecutive wins, two by fall, that temporarily diminished Berwick’s lead to 21-18. The Dawgs would not relent and took the next two bouts by fall. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) made sure no opponent rally would prevail by unleashing a physical assault and gluing this opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a decisive pin. Mike Viti (Jr) kept the pinning action going by swiftly eradicating his opponent with a pyroclastic mat-denting fall. Coughlin sneezed and took the next bout by fall but the Dawgs still retained the lead at 33-24. Berwick finished off the Crusaders by taking two of the last three bouts of the night, both by fall. Roland Singletary (So) gave the Dawgs more breathing room with bonus points by wiping his opponent around the mat before cementing the mat with a pair of shoulders. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) put the icing on the cake with a slew of takedowns before unleashing a vicious attack and lighting quick pin that ended the scoring for a 45-28 Berwick victory. Winning wrestlers included: Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Decision, Bomboy: Fall, Mardon: Fall, Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Fall, Singletary: Fall, Griffith: Fall. Dawgs Wallop Mohawks 46 - 18 Berwick traveled to Meyers High School on January 16 and recorded an impressive win by walloping the Mohawks 46-18. The Dawgs captured 10 bouts and recorded 5 pins en-route to improving its season record to 10-1. The Dawgs came out on fire and captured the first four bouts, two by fall. Nick Tsirgotis (Jr) came out for the first action of the night and lit the fuse for Berwick in a bout in which he was simply not to be denied to record a hard-fought decision for the Dawgs. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) followed, and in another tough bout, showed mental determination and a strong effort to get Berwick’s second consecutive decision. Mike Viti (Jr) plugged in the pinning machine for the Dawgs and scored the first bonus points of the night by bouncing his opponent around the mat before nailing a devastating fall. Jeremiah Morris (So) kept the pinning action going, and in a crowd-electrifying third period, sent his opponent’s shoulders to the gym’s basement for Berwick’s second pin and an 18-0 opening lead. Meyers squeezed out a close decision in the next bout to bring the score to 18-3. The Dawgs did not flinch and took the next six bouts, three by fall. Adam Alley (So) put points back on the board for Berwick by enameling his opponent for a gritty decision. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) followed, and after a brief takedown clinic, nuked his opponent with a vicious pin. Adam Welch (Jr) came out next and physically beleaguered his war-torn opponent for a major decision that elevated Berwick’s lead to 31-3. Nick Yalch (Sr) followed for the Dawgs and added some logs to the bonfire by scorching his opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a skin-blistering fall. Anthony Bujno (So) followed and ripped-sawed and dismantled his opponent before stapling a singlet to the mat to record a pin and Berwick’s fifth fall. Thomas Bomboy (So), in another exciting match on the evening, exacted determination and willpower to notch a decision. The Mohawks captured the last three bouts of the contest, two by fall and one close decision. When all was said and done, there was more done than said, and the Dawgs returned to the bus with a 46-18 victory. Winning Wrestlers included: Tsirgotis: Decision, Maczuga: Decision, Viti: Fall, Morris: Fall, Alley: Decision, Griffith: Fall, Welch: Major Decision, Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Fall, Bomboy: Decision. Dawgs Romp Dallas 58 - 17 The Dawgs increased their season
record to 9-1 by romping visiting Dallas 58-17 on January 15. Prior to the
night’s action, Jeremy Griffith (Sr) was honored for surpassing the
100-win milestone during team action this past weekend. In addition, Coach
Ernie Yates was honored for achieving over 150 career wins. Congratulations
Jeremy & Coach Yates! Winning wrestlers included: Maczuga: Decision, Viti: Fall, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Forfeit, Alley: Forfeit, Griffith: Tech Fall, Welch: Decision, Yalch: Tech Fall, Bujno: Forfeit, Bomboy: Forfeit, Mardon: Fall. Coach Yates Surpasses
150+ Career Wins Head Coach Ernie Yates surpassed "Career Win #150" during wrestling action this past weekend at the National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Fest held in Quakertown on January 11. Congratulations Coach Yates! Griffith Tops 100 Career
Wins Senior Jeremy Griffith eclipsed the 100 win plateau with win #100 & #101 at the National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Fest held in Quakertown on January 11. Jeremy becomes the third Berwick wrestler to achieve 100+ career wins. Congratulations Jeremy! Dawgs Overcome Comets 39 - 30 Berwick traveled to Crestwood on January 13 and overcame a scrappy Comet squad to secure a 39-30 victory. Berwick’s record is now 8-1. The Dawgs came out on fire and rallied to take the first three bouts. Anthony Bujno (So) ignited the rally by pounding and smashing his opponent around the mat for a major decision. Thomas Bomboy (So) kept the action going with a come-from-behind crushing blow against his opponent to record a pin. Ryan Mardon (Jr) came out to the mat next and manhandled his opponent for a decision that elevated the early Dawg lead to 13-0. The scrappy Comets then put together a rally of their own by taking the next four bouts, 2 by fall, which gave them a five-point lead at 18-13. The Dawgs immediately regained the lead 19-18 when Crestwood awarded a forfeit to Mike Viti (Jr). Berwick then got breathing room by taking the next two bouts. Jeremiah Morris (So) used an explosive third period effort to gain a decision over his opponent. Roland Singletary (So) followed by mincing and dicing his opponent’s shoulders to the mat for a pin. Berwick now lead 28-18. The Dawgs and Comets traded bonus points in the last four bouts of the night. Crestwood took the next bout by fall, but Jeremy Griffith (Sr) responded in the following bout by demoralizing and tossing his opponent around for a tech fall. The Comets came right back with a fall of their own in the next bout. Nick Yalch (Sr) put an exclamation point on the last bout of the night and extinguished any Comet hope by exacting a cruel and grueling fall over his opponent to close out Berwick’s victory at 39-30. Winning wrestlers included: Bujno: Major Decision, Bomboy: Fall, Mardon: Decision, Viti: Forfeit, Morris: Decision, Singletary: Fall, Griffith: Tech Fall, Yalch: Fall. Dawgs Defeat Mendham NJ 46 - 30 The Dawgs closed-out a great performance at the National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Fest held at Quakertown High School on January 11 with a 46-30 victory over Mendham, New Jersey. Berwick raised its season record to 7-1. The lightweights were once again called out first for action and the Dawgs took the first two bouts. Roland Singletary (So) wasted no time in securing a Dawg lead with a harassing and menacing fall. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) immediately followed and tore-up his opponent for a major decision and 10-0 Berwick lead. Mendham did not falter and took the next two bouts by fall to give them the lead at 10-12. This ended up being Mendham’s only lead of the day. The Dawgs rallied and took four of the next five bouts. Nick Yalch (Sr) regained the lead for the Dawgs with a brutal fall against his opponent. Anthony Bujno (So) followed and physically overwhelmed his opponent for a decision and a 19-12 Dawg lead. Mendham responded with a fall in the next bout that made it close again with a one-point Dawg lead. Thomas Bomboy (So) made sure the Dawgs would stay in the lead for good with a punishing pin over his opponent. Ryan Mardon (Jr) kept the pinning action going and physically inundated his opponent to place another fall in the record books. Berwick now held a commanding 31-18 lead. Mendham gasped for air and took the next bout by fall. Nick Tsirgotis (Jr), wrestling for only one week, achieved his first varsity victory with a thundering and mat-denting pin over his opponent. Mendham then awarded a forfeit to Shawn Maczuga (Jr). Mike Viti (Jr) took to the mat next and stayed patient and physically controlling to record a decision. Mendham took the last bout of the day by fall but it was too little, too late, as the scoreboard read: Berwick 46 – Mendham 30. Winning Wrestlers included: Singletary: Fall, Griffith: Major Decision, Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Decision, Bomboy: Fall, Mardon: Fall, Tsirgotis: Fall, Maczuga: Forfeit, Viti: Decision. Dawgs Beat Saucon Valley 45 - 27 The Dawgs squared-off against Saucon Valley at the National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Fest held at Quakertown High School on January 11. Berwick avenged last year’s loss to Saucon Valley with a convincing 45-27 victory. With the win, Berwick increased its record to 6-1. Roland Singletary (So) started things out on a commanding note by trashing his opponent to the mat for a pin. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) followed and applied constant pressure and control to record a decision against his opponent. Jeremy’s win in this bout was his 100th win of the season! Congratulations Jeremy! Saucon Valley bounced right back and took the next two bouts to tie the score at 9-9. The Dawgs responded to this opponent rally and took the next two bouts. Nick Yalch (Sr) took to the mat and out-wrestled his opponent for a decision and regained the lead for the Dawgs. Anthony Bujno (So) kept the action going and out-maneuvered his opponent for another decision, which advanced the Dawg lead to 15-9. Saucon Valley tied it up for the second time at 15-15 with a fall in the next bout. Ryan Mardon (Jr) gave Berwick the lead once again with a trouncing pin in the next bout. Saucon Valley tied it up for the third time with a fall in the next bout bringing the score to 21-21. A forfeit to Ryan Becker (So) gave the lead right back to the Dawgs. Saucon Valley tied it up 27-27 for the fourth and last time with a fall in the next bout. The Dawgs would not be denied and took the last three bouts of the night, two by pin and one by forfeit. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) gave Berwick the lead with a dominating pin and Saucon Valley then awarded a forfeit to Mike Viti (Jr). Chad Varner (Jr) topped off a great Dawg performance in the closing bout with a pulverizing fall over his opponent and a 45-27 Berwick win. Winning Wrestlers included: Singletary: Fall, Griffith: Decision, Yalch: Decision, Bujno: Decision, Mardon: Fall, Becker: Forfeit, Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Forfeit, Varner: Fall. Dawgs Lose To Lake Lehman 42-32 The Dawgs traveled to Lake Lehman on January 7 for a battle of unbeatens and ended up short in a 42-32 loss. Lake Lehman recorded six falls while Berwick was only able to muster two falls. Berwick is now 5-1. Lake Lehman opened up by taking four of the first five bouts, three by fall and one by forfeit. Nick Yalch (Sr) was able to interrupt an early Black Knight rally by scoring a late reversal for a close decision and record Berwick's first win of the night. Ryan Mardon (Jr) came onto the mat next, with the Dawgs trailing 24-3, and exacted over-powering physical control over his opponent for a decision. The Black Knights then responded with three consecutive falls. The Dawgs then kick-started a late rally winning the last five bouts, two by fall. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) ignited the rally by annihilating his opponent's back to the mat for a pin. The Black Knights then awarded a forfeit to Mike Viti (Jr). Jeremiah Morris (So) came out next, and in an exciting match-up, simply obliterated his opponent to record a fall. Roland Singletary (So) kept the rally action going and out-battled his opponent for a decision. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) entered for the last bout of the night and entertained the crowd by severely traumatizing his opponent for a technical fall. Winning wrestlers included: Yalch: Decision, Mardon: Decision, Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Forfeit, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Decision, Griffith: Tech Fall. Dawgs Win Council Rock Team Title The Dawgs competed at the Council Rock Tournament on December 28 and came away taking 1st place as a team and placed an impressive 10 wrestlers. Nick Yalch (Sr) was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the tournament and defeated the State's 6th ranked AAA wrestler in the finals by a 3-0 decision. Way to go Dawgs!!! Congratulations Nick!!! Place-winners at Council Rock included: Singletary: 1st, Griffith: 1st, Yalch: 1st and Tournament Outstanding Wrestler, Viti: 1st, Morris:1st, Mardon: 2nd, Alley: 3rd, Welch: 3rd, Bujno: 3rd, Becker: 4th, Maczuga: 3rd. JV Place-winners included: Varner: 1st, Ashbridge: 4th. Dawgs 4th At Times Leader Tourney The Dawgs participated in the prestigious Times Leader Tournament on December 20 & 21. Berwick wrestled great and placed 4th out of a total of 33 participating teams. The Dawgs put 7 place-winners into the books. Way to go Dawgs!!! Great Job!!! Place-winners at Times Leader included: Griffith: 2nd Place, Singletary: 3rd Place, Yalch: 3rd Place, Mardon: 3rd Place, Viti: 4th Place, Maczuga: 5th Place, Bujno: 8th Place. Dawgs Trounce Spartans 48-24 Berwick traveled to Wyoming Valley West on December 18 for a battle of unbeaten teams but the Dawgs came to power wrestle and ended up trouncing the Spartans 48-24. The Dawgs recorded 5 pins, lost only 1 contested bout, and dominated despite spotting the Spartans 18 points via 3 forfeits. Berwick is now 5-0. Mike Viti (Jr) was called to action for the first bout of the night, and in a marquee match-up against a reigning District Champion and top 10-ranked wrestler in the state, exemplified guts and determination in conquering his opponent in a thrilling double overtime ride out victory. Jeremiah Morris (So) then entertained the large crowd in another exciting bout by illustrating his unwavering willpower to win and exacted a key decision for Berwick. The Dawgs would build on this momentum by adding two consecutive pins. Roland Singletary (So) followed by simply crushing and smashing his opponent's back to the mat to record the fall. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) came out next and delivered severe and brutal punishment on his opponent with fierce leg scissors and recorded Berwick's second pin of the night. Wyoming Valley West caught a breath and their only win with a fall in the next bout to bring the score to 18-6. The Dawgs would not bend and captured the next five bouts, three by fall. Adam Welch (Jr) got the action going again with a vicious offensive attack and ferocious pin over his opponent. Nick Yalch (Sr) then appeared for battle and powerfully manhandled and trashed his opponent around the mat to record a key major decision. Thomas Bomboy (So) followed and was not be denied as he grounded up and pounded his opponent's shoulders to the mat to record the fall. Anthony Bujno (So) continued the unrelenting assault and put the match away for good by detonating an explosive bone-crushing pin to record Berwick's fifth fall of the night. Ryan Mardon (Jr) kept the momentum going by completely dominating and body-smashing his opponent to place a major decision in the books. While the Spartans couldn't earn many points on the mat, Berwick handed them their biggest point total for the night by forfeiting the next three bouts, which brought the score to 44-24. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) came out for the last bout of the night, and in a finishing touch of what the Dawgs started with their first bout, overpowered and overwhelmed his opponent for a major decision. Winning wrestlers included: Viti: Decision, 2x OT ride out, Morris: Decision, Singletary: Fall, Griffith: Fall, Welch: Fall, Yalch: Major Decision, Bomboy: Fall, Bujno: Fall, Mardon: Major Decision, Maczuga: Major Decision. Dawgs Barbecue Hawks 54-15 Berwick hosted Hanover on December 13 and once again displayed its powerful and balanced lineup that overwhelmed and barbecued the Hawks 54-15. The Dawgs recorded seven falls and won ten of the fourteen bouts. Bringing back fond memories gone by, the lightweights started the match and the Dawgs wasted no time in roasting the Hawks by capturing the first seven bouts. Roland Singletary (So) ignited the campfire for the Dawgs and quickly smoked his opponent for a second period fall. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) then came to dinner and swiftly stuck his opponent on a rotisserie in the first period for the Dawgs second consecutive pin. Adam Alley (So) then entertained the crowd with an exciting and close bout that saw him stir-fry his opponent for a decision. Hanover then tipped their hat and awarded their only forfeit of the night to Adam Welch (Jr). Nick Yalch (Sr) then threw some more logs on the fire in the next bout by char-grilling his opponents shoulders to the mat for a first period pin. Anthony Bujno (So) then came out for dinner with hunger in his eyes and went out and steamed and poached his opponent for a key decision. Thomas Bomboy (So) then showed his stomach was growling and finished his meal by quickly boiling over his opponent for a first period fall. Hanover was then able to muster its first win of the night with a close decision in the following bout. Ryan Mardon (Jr) then came to the cookout but first threw a bucket of gasoline on the fire, and in an absolutely spectacular move, blistered and scorched his opponent's upside down body to the mat for a first period pin. The Hawks quickly gasped for air and were able to show some signs of life by taking the next two bouts, one by fall and one by a one point decision. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) shutout any chance that our opponents would have much to eat by searing and flame-broiling his opponent for a second period fall. Mike Viti (Jr) appeared for his turn to eat and showed his hunger as he cooked and singed his opponent on a spit for another second period fall and seventh overall for the Dawgs. Hanover wheezed one last time and took the last bout of the night in a close two point decision before dinner was over and the scoreboard read 54-15. Winning wrestlers included: Singletary: Fall, Griffith: Fall, Alley: Decision, Welch: Forfeit, Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Decision, Bomboy: Fall, Mardon: Fall, Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Fall. Dawgs Demolish Hazleton 60-12 Berwick hosted Hazleton on December 10 for its 4th consecutive day of wrestling in 5 days, and the Dawgs continued their dominant display of power wrestling with a demolishing 60-12 victory. Berwick won 12 of the 14 bouts and recorded 6 pins. Thomas Bomboy (So) went to the mat first for the Dawgs and exacted complete control over his opponent and recorded Berwick's first pin of the night. Hazleton then awarded a forfeit in the next bout to Zach Prueitt (Sr). Ryan Mardon (Jr) then added to the Dawg lead in an exciting match by conquering his opponent by decision. John Karns (So) continued the early Dawg rally by pulverizing his opponent to record Berwick's second fall of the night. Hazleton then briefly interrupted the Dawg rally with a fall of their own in the next bout. Shawn Maczuga (Jr) then made sure Hazleton would be unable to grab any momentum by chopping up his opponent to record Berwick's third fall. Mike Viti (Jr) added to the pinning power display by drilling his opponents back-to-the-mat to put Berwick's fourth pin in the record books. Jeremiah Morris (So) then came out for battle and tossed his opponent around the mat for an overbearing decision. Hazleton then awarded its second forfeit of the night to Roland Singletary (So). Adam Alley (So) then presented to the mat, and in another exciting bout, crushed his opponent with a major decision. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) made the next appearance for the Dawgs and came out with all guns blazing as he quickly shot down his opponent for a fall and Berwick's fifth pin of the night. Hazleton responded by recording its second win & fall in the next bout. Nick Yalch (Sr) made sure that no opponent rally would ensue with a great concrete special that buried his opponent for the fall and Berwick's sixth overall. Anthony Bujno (So) entered for the last bout of the night, and in another exciting match against one of Hazleton's senior guns, used precision takedowns to record the decision and the twelfth win of the night for the Dawgs. Winning wrestlers included: Bomboy: Fall, Prueitt: Forfeit, Mardon: Decision, Karns: Fall, Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Fall, Morris: Decision, Singletary: Forfeit, Alley: Major Decision, Griffith: Fall, Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Decision. Dawgs Dominate GAR 67 - 12 Berwick hosted GAR on December 9th and wasted no time in slamming the door shut with an overpowering 67-12 victory. The Dawgs are now 2-0. The Dawgs came out powerful and mighty by securing 3 consecutive pins. Mike Viti (Jr) had the first bout of the night and started the Dawg rally by simply annihilating his opponent for a fall. Jeremiah Morris (So) entered the mat next and completely crushed and smothered his opponent to record a pin. Roland Singletary (So) kept the pinning rally going by exacting a pulverizing pin against his opponent. GAR awarded a forfeit in the next bout to Adam Alley (So). Jeremy Griffith (Sr) came out in typical lightening quick fashion and tossed his opponent around the mat for a dominating 14-0 major decision. Adam Welch (Jr) kept the action going in his bout, which was close after 2 periods, and ended up hammering his opponent's back to the mat to record a fall. Nick Yalch (Sr) sustained the Dawgs dominant display of power by trashing his opponent for a 15-0 technical fall. GAR then awarded its second forfeit of the night in the next bout to Anthony Bujno (So). Thomas Bomboy (So) then entered the arena, and in an exciting bout that was tied after 2 periods, never quit and exploded in the third and scored a takedown with time expiring to secure a 16-8 major decision. GAR then temporarily interrupted the Dawgs with a fall of their own in the next bout. The Dawgs answered by securing two more consecutive pins. Ryan Mardon (Jr) came out and chopped his opponent to pieces to record a fall. John Karns (So), appearing in his first match of the season, followed by delivering a powerful and mincing blow to his opponent to record a pin. GAR then was able to muster its second win with a fall in the next bout. GAR awarded its third forfeit in the final bout to Shawn Maczuga (Jr). Winning wrestlers included: Viti: Fall, Morris: Fall, Singletary: Fall, Alley: Forfeit, Griffith: Major Decision, Welch: Fall, Yalch: Tech Fall, Bujno: Forfeit, Bomboy: Major Decision, Mardon: Fall, Karns: Fall, Maczuga: Forfeit. Dawgs Place 11 At Manheim Tourney The Dawgs traveled to the Manheim Township Tournament the weekend of December 6 & 7 and walked away placing an impressive 11 wrestlers and taking 4th place out of 10 total participating teams. Seniors Jeremy Griffith and Nick Yalch both captured gold by placing first in their respective weight classes. Griffith's championship was his second consecutive gold at the Manheim Tournament. Roland Singletary (So), Anthony Bujno (So), and Mike Viti (Jr) seized Silver by securing 2nd place honors in their respective weight classes. Bujno's Silver was his second consecutive at the Manheim Tournament. Placing 5th for the Dawgs included Ryan Mardon (Jr), Josh Davis (Sr), and Jeremiah Morris (So). Taking 6th Place honors included Adam Alley (So) and Shawn Maczuga (Jr). Thomas Bomboy (So) received the 8th Place honor. Dawgs Blank Wyoming Area 84 - 0 The Dawgs kicked off the new season in style with a dominating 84-0 performance over the Warriors of Wyoming Area. The Dawgs recorded 8 pins and secured 6 forfeits. The December 4th match-up was held at Wyoming Area High School. Adam Alley (So) secured an opening forfeit for the Dawgs. Berwick then collapsed the Warriors with 3 consecutive pins. Jeremy Griffith (Sr) pulverized his opponent with a lightning too quick for the camera pin. Adam Welch (Jr) followed suit with a bone-crushing pin of his own. Nick Yalch (Sr) then nuked his opponent with a trouncing fall. The Warriors then granted their second forfeit of the night to Anthony Bujno (So). Thomas Bomboy (So) got the action going again with a great move to wipe out his opponent for a second period fall. More pinning action resumed with Zac Prueitt (Sr) delivering a bomb shell of a cradle for Berwick's fifth pin. The Warriors then awarded three consecutive forfeits to Billy Drake (So), Ryan Mardon (Jr) and Josh Davis (Sr). Shawn Maczuga (Jr) resumed action by pounding and mincing his opponent for the fall. Mike Viti (Jr) quickly followed by pasting his victim for another too quick for the camera pin. Jeremiah Morris (So) then received the Warriors sixth and final forfeit. Roland Singeltary (So) finished off the last bout of the night by finishing off his opponent with a hammering fall to record Berwick's eighth pin. Winning wrestlers included:
Alley: Forfeit, Griffith: Fall, Welch: Fall, Yalch: Fall, Bujno: Forfeit,
Bomboy: Fall, Prueitt: Fall, Drake: Forfeit, Mardon: Forfeit, Davis:
Forfeit, Maczuga: Fall, Viti: Fall, Morris: Forfeit, Singeltary: Fall.
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