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Bujno Wins Gold & Silver At Pittston PAWF Tourney On May 22 Anthony Bujno wrestled at the PAWF tournament held at Pittston High School on Saturday, May 22. Anthony, wrestling at 140lbs, had a great tournament and finished the day 5-1. Bujno won both Gold & Silver in the heat-sweltering Freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments. The Freestyle tournament turned out a highly competitive bracket at 140lbs that included state place-winners, regional place-winners, and district champions. A few top-notch wrestlers got bounced out in the double elimination competition. Anthony started off making quick work of Benton’s Robert Verosky scoring a 10-0 technical fall in just 38 seconds. Bujno then competed in the bracket’s match-of-the-day against Saucon Valley’s Eric Guida who took 4th Place at States and was a District 11 champion. In the first period, Guida scored on a crotch roll for a 2-0 lead. Bujno quickly countered for a reversal. Going back to neutral, Bujno then scored a strong takedown to tie the score at 2-2 at the end of the first. In the final period, Guida secured a takedown and the lead. Bujno then fought for a leg tilt and came close to a two-point score, but ended dropping the match 4-2. Anthony’s next match was against Athen’s Barry Thrush, a NE Regional 4th place finisher and District 4 champion. In the first period, Bujno came out on fire scoring two takedowns and two tilts to take a 6-2 lead. In the final period, Anthony scored his third takedown and hit another tilt to end the match with a silver 9-3 win. Bujno then received an injury default forfeit from Lewis Baker. The Greco-Roman tournament was relatively uneventful. Anthony was only able to get one match after receiving a default forfeit from Pleasant Valley’s Sean Farley. Bujno’s match against Benton’s Verosky ended with a commanding 10-0 technical fall. Congratulations Anthony!! Bujno Wrestles Strong At Nazareth Team Duals On May 9 Anthony Bujno wrestled at the PAWF Nazareth Team Duals freestyle competition held on Sunday, May 9, at Nazareth High School. Six teams participated and included the following: Nazareth Blue Eagles, Whitehall Team 329, State College Nittany Lions, Manheim Team Xtreme, Pittston Northeast, and a PA Open Team. Anthony wrestled at 140lbs for Manheim Team Xtreme in all four team dual match-ups and had a strong performance, finishing 3-1 on the day. The opening round featured Team Xtreme versus Whitehall Team 329. Bujno squared off in one of the most exciting bouts in a slugfest with Dave Gilio, a AAA State Placewinner, NE regional runner-up, and District 11 champion. In a thrilling and close match, Bujno dropped a 6-2 decision. There would be no more losses for Anthony on the day. The second round saw Team Xtreme face-off with the PA Open Team. Bujno wasted no time in disposing of his opponent, Hazleton’s Justin Kay, a District 2 runner-up. Anthony won by fall in 31 seconds. The third round for Team Xtreme was against Nazareth’s Blue Eagles. Bujno out-manned and out-gunned his opponent, Mark Lymanstall, and Anthony placed an 8-0 win in the books. The fourth and final round for Team Xtreme was against State College Nittany Lions. Bujno took to the mat against Donny Clark, a District 6 runner-up. Anthony wrestled an aggressive and dominating match in recording a 9-3 win. Congratulations Anthony!! Dawgs Reap All-State & District 2
All-Academic Honors - May 5
To excel in wrestling requires hard work, determination, resilient physical and mental preparedness, and the aggressive competitive performance to succeed. To excel in academics requires the commitment to focus in the classroom, adherence to an astute study schedule, dedicated mental concentration, and judicious time-management. To excel in both academia and in the sport of wrestling is simply the quintessence of the high school student-athlete. Anthony Bujno, a junior, was selected to the First Team of the 2004 Pennsylvania All-State All-Academic squad and the First Team of the 2004 District 2 All-Academic squad. Anthony won the District 2 Class AAA Championship at 135lbs, placed 5th at the Northeast Regional Class AAA Championships in Bethlehem, and compiled 32 wins during his outstanding junior season. Anthony will be a team captain for Berwick Wrestling next year. Mike Viti, a senior, was selected to the Second Team of the 2004 Pennsylvania All-State All-Academic squad and the First Team of the 2004 District 2 All-Academic squad. Mike, a team captain, joined Berwick’s 100-win club this year in a season that was sadly cut short due to injury. Mike secured 23 wins and was undefeated in competition during his excellent senior season. Mike will attend and compete in football at West Point next year. Tyler Perry, a freshman, was selected to the Second Team of the 2004 District 2 All-Academic squad. Tyler won the District 2 Class AAA Championship at 103lbs and his 33 wins accomplished during his superb freshman season earned him record-holder status by breaking Berwick’s all-time freshman win record. 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. For a complete list of the Pennsylvania All-Academic Wrestling Honorees: Click Here The District 2 Wrestling Coaches Association will hold a banquet for its scholar-wrestler honorees at Pickett’s Charge restaurant in Dallas on Sunday, May 23, at 4:00pm. Congratulations Anthony, Mike, & Tyler!! Dawgs Gather For Banquet On May 2 The Dawgs held their annual varsity and junior high team banquet on Sunday, May 2, in the high school cafeteria. As always, there was great fellowship and a ton of mouth-watering food. Our hat’s off to all those who were involved in planning and holding the banquet – We appreciate your hard work! After the fantastic meal, the junior high wrestling program was recognized with all attending wrestlers introduced. The junior high program had a great year and the Dawgs expect to reap the talents of several wrestlers that will be moving up to varsity next year. We look forward to the talented upcoming freshman class! The varsity wrestlers were recognized next with special appreciation extended to our graduating seniors. Our seniors will be sorely missed and will always be remembered for their hard work, talented wrestling abilities, and dedication to the Berwick Wrestling program. Our valuable departing senior Dawgs include Ryan Mardon, Mike Viti, Shawn Maczuga, Adam Welch, Nick Tsirgotis, and Andy Knecht. Seniors - on behalf of all the coaches, team members, parents, Matbackers, and all the Berwick fans – thank you for all that you have given us over the years. We wish you only the best in all your future endeavors. We know that you will succeed in all that you strive to achieve. Treat all of your life’s goals with the same hard work and fervor that you applied in wrestling and success will be your destiny!! Recognition awards were then presented and included the following: Leadership Award: Team Captains
Ryan Mardon, Mike Viti, & Shawn Maczuga. Congratulations once again to all Dawgs on a great season!! Bujno Seizes Lancaster
Honors on May 1
Anthony Bujno wrestled at the USA/PAWF tournament held at Thaddeus Stevens Technical College in Lancaster, PA, on May 1. Anthony had a very strong showing and snatched both Silver and Bronze at 140lbs in the Freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments. Bout lengths for this tourney were 2 two-minute periods. In freestyle, the 140lb weight class was talent loaded assuring great competition for the day. Anthony rose to the occasion and started on fire by winning his first match by technical fall, 10-0, versus Ryan Most of Icebreakers. Bujno then squared off against Tony DeSanto, AAA State semi-finalist and 6th Placer from Exeter. Anthony secured three takedowns and two sets of back points to defeat DeSanto by the score of 11-2. Bujno’s next opponent was Michael Anderson, a State runner-up headed to Division I Bloomsburg University next year. After dropping a tough 7-1 Greco loss to Anderson earlier, Bujno squared up for an exciting re-match in freestyle competition. Anthony came out blazing and grabbed a 5-3 lead after the first of two overall bout periods. In the final period, with Bujno trailing 7-5 and time disappearing on the clock, Anthony went for the win with a desperation shot that resulted in a loss by fall. It was a great match and tournament. Congratulations Anthony!! Dawgs Signed To Compete In College It was announced at the team banquet on May 2 that several Dawgs have made formal commitments to continue both their academic and athletic careers in college. In wrestling, King’s College was the overwhelming winner in Dawg recruiting. Senior Dawgs that have committed to wrestle at King’s College next season include Ryan Mardon and Shawn Maczuga. Mardon will also be playing football at King's. Assistant Coach Nick Yalch, who proved to be a invaluable asset to our coaching staff this past season, as well as his previous storied career as a Dawg, will also be wrestling for King’s College. Senior Mike Viti will be continuing his football career at West Point Academy. Congratulations Ryan, Mike, Shawn, & Nick!! We wish you all the best!! Bujno Strikes Gold Twice At Downingtown USA/PAWF Tourney On April 18 Anthony Bujno traveled to Downingtown West High School in southeastern PA on April 18 to compete in the PAWF Freestyle and Greco-Roman tournaments. Anthony went undefeated and took first place in both tournaments that featured great competition as usual in the popular PAWF tournament series. Both styles featured two 3-minute periods. In the morning Greco-Roman tournament, Bujno weighed-in for 140lbs but bumped up to 145lbs for a more competitive combined weight class. Anthony’s first match saw him fall behind 1-0 at the end of the opening frame but then rally in the second period to defeat Chadd McBride of Downingtown by the score of 5-1. Anthony then defeated Ty Getz of Warwick by the score of 7-5 in all-out battle that secured his first place finish. Bujno also won gold competing in the afternoon Freestyle tournament at 140lbs. Anthony won his first match with a first period 10-0 technical fall against Patrick Hazlett of Philadelphia. Bujno wrestled next in an exhibition match and built a 7-1 lead after the first period. Working through muscle cramping in the second period, Anthony held on for the 7-5 win. Congratulations Anthony!! Bujno Pockets Double Silver At USA/PAWF Benton Tourney On April 4 Anthony Bujno wrestled in the USA/PAWF Freestyle and Greco-Roman tournament held at Benton on April 4. It was a packed gymnasium with high wrestler turnout from across the state, including state champions, state place-winners, and out-of-state wrestling teams. Anthony wrestled great and captured double silver honors in both the Greco-Roman and Freestyle tournaments. In the morning Greco-Roman tournament, Bujno powered his way past his first two opponents winning by the scores of 12-5 and 10-4. In the afternoon Freestyle tournament, Anthony tore through his first two opponents with consecutive technical falls by the scores of 13-0 and 12-2. In both tournaments, Anthony battled fiercely in the finals but lost both matches to Reese Maricches of New York. Congratulations Anthony!! Mardon & Viti First Team Press-Enterprise All-Stars Seven Dawgs were recently selected to the Press-Enterprise newspaper's winter all-star sports edition. Receiving first team honors were seniors Ryan Mardon and Mike Viti. Receiving second team honors were Tyler Perry (Fr), Roland Singletary (Jr), and Anthony Bujno (Jr). Dawgs receiving honorable mention honors were Adam Alley (Jr) and Shawn Maczuga (Sr). Congratulations Dawgs!! Bujno Grabs Silver &
Bronze At USA/PAWF Connellsville Tourney on March 27 Anthony Bujno traveled south of Pittsburgh to compete at the USA/PAWF tournament held at Connellsville High School on March 27. Bujno took bronze honors in the Freestyle tournament, with his only loss incurred by the score of 10-0 to Blair Academy’s Adam Frey who just won the National Prep Championship. Anthony defeated the silver medalist with a come-from-behind 6-5 victory, but had to settle for bronze based on accumulated points. Bujno grabbed silver honors in the Greco-Roman tournament. In Anthony’s first match, he rallied from an early 4-0 deficit to jump out front to a 7-5 lead before winning by fall with a minute left in the one four-minute period. Anthony then dropped the next match 3-0. In his final bout, Anthony won by fall to secure second place honors. Congratulations Anthony!!
Dawgs Maul Tunkhannock Tigers 48 - 13 Berwick traveled to Tunkhannock on February 11 for the last regular season dual meet of the season. The Dawgs mauled the Tigers 48-13 and took eleven of the thirteen bouts wrestled. Berwick started its rally early by taking the first five bouts, 2 of which were forfeits awarded by the Tigers. Adam Welch (Sr) was the opening attraction and wasted no time in opening the flood gates when he flooded his opponent with punishing blow after blow in recording a dominating 18-1 technical fall. Josh Walsh (So) then followed and wrestled a meticulous and precision match in physically controlling and defeating his opponent for a 6-1 decision. Anthony Bujno (Jr) took to the mat next and conducted a take-down clinic and drilling exercise against his opponent in placing an over-powering 15-4 major decision in the books. Tunkhannock then awarded two consecutive forfeits to Thomas Bomboy (Jr) and Billy Drake (Jr) that placed the Dawg lead to 24-0. Tunkhannock captured the next bout by major decision. There would be no opponent rally as the Dawgs then took the next three bouts. In the first of the three most exciting bouts of the night, Ryan Mardon (Sr) engaged in an all-out war against his opponent in the next bout. With the Dawg faithful sighing after some close calls, regulation time expired with a 1-1 tie to force overtime. Mardon’s steadfast determination prevailed when he scored a takedown with four seconds left on the overtime clock for an electrifying 3-1 decision. John Karns (Jr) strutted out to the mat next for the Dawgs and simply out-muscled and out-wrestled his opponent before the referee raised his hand in victory following his impressive 8-4 decision. Shawn Maczuga (Sr) came out next for the second of the three most entertaining bouts of the night. Maczuga and his opponent, the two most muscular physical specimens to match-up on the night, competed in a fierce battle in this nuclear war of a bout. Maczuga’s unwavering resolve and fortitude triumphed in securing an escape and a thrilling 1-0 decision. The Tigers then took the next bout by a close 2-0 decision. Berwick’s commanding lead stood at 33-7. Jeremiah Morris (Jr) entered the arena next to compete in the final trilogy of the most exciting bouts of the evening. Morris, who has had limited mat time this year, had to square off against a fine and reputable opponent. Morris wrestled like a possessed madman and showed the crowd "that look in his eye" where we all knew he would not be denied. At the end of the bout, Morris’ hand was raised sky-high after his exhilarating and impressive 2-0 victory. Tyler Perry (Fr) then took to the mat for a record-breaking performance that saw him pulverize his opponent before nailing a lightening too-quick-for-the-camera first period pin. With this victory, number 30 on the year, Perry broke the record for most wins ever by a Berwick freshman. With the postseason yet to come, keep the win counter clicking as Perry is assured to further shatter the record books. Congratulations Tyler!! Roland Singletary (Jr) then mopped up the night’s action when he brutalized his opponent around the mat before delivering a cruel and devastating fall. Berwick then forfeited the last bout of the night. The Dawgs walked back to the locker room with a commanding 48-13 victory. Winning Wrestlers Individual & Team Photo's & Wallpaper Now Online At the end of last year, I had a great "Dawg Funnies" slideshow. This year, I wanted to give something that will last longer than a few laughs. Individual wrestler, coaches, and team photo graphics, suitable to use as computer wallpaper or print out as high as 8x10 prints, is now available in the photos link located on the menu on the right or left side of each dawg page. I'm not a professional photographer, and the graphics may not be the best, but I hope all the wrestlers and Dawg Faithful enjoy them! Berwick At AAA D2 District
Duals Championship Quarterfinals: Berwick 30 - Delaware Valley 28 Berwick’s first challenge was to take on tough Delaware Valley in the first round of district duals. There would be no easy first night. Delaware Valley jumped out to a commanding 23-9 lead over the Dawgs by capturing five of the first seven bouts. During this opponent rally, Berwick got on the scoreboard with an excellent 6-3 decision by Thomas Bomboy followed by an impressive fall by Ryan Mardon. The Dawgs then made an impressive run by taking the next three bouts that tied the score at 23-23. In this first Dawg rally, Mike Viti started things off by securing an imposing fall. Tyler Perry and Roland Singletary then commandeered overwhelming major decisions at 15-2 and 12-3 respectively. Delaware Valley came right back to take the next two bouts by decision to increase their lead back to 29-23. Josh Walsh then had an extremely impressive 14-3 major decision that brought Berwick back to striking distance with a 29-27 deficit. The Dawgs were now down by two points against Delaware Valley in a dual meet in which they never had experienced a lead. There was only one bout remaining. Anthony Bujno mounted and eclipsed the challenge when he took an early lead in a determined match he never trailed and then finished and defeated Adam Penberthy, a state ranked and reigning district champion, by the score of 7-5. Berwick got its first lead of the night with the clinching victory and breathed a sigh of relief in winning the quarterfinal match over Delaware Valley by the score of 30-28. (DV penalized one team point for unsportsmanlike conduct). Winning Wrestlers Against
Delaware Valley Semifinals: Berwick 28 (Criteria) - Abington Heights 28 Things got no easier for Berwick entering the semifinals. The task of the Dawgs was to take on undefeated powerhouse Abington Heights. The Dawg faithful confidently took to their seats in the stands to witness what everyone knew would be another tough Dawg-fight. This time, Berwick got the early lead by taking the first two bouts to build a 9-0 lead. Adam Alley won a excellent thriller of an overtime 4-2 decision. This successful and nerve-raking bout was a perfect beginning to what all expected. Adam Welch then followed with crucial bonus points for Berwick when he delivered a crushing pin in a critical match-up for the Dawgs. Abington Heights then took five of the next seven bouts to overtake the lead at 22-15. During this opponent rally, Anthony Bujno and Ryan Mardon both recorded strong and much needed decisions, 4-2 and 8-1 respectively. Berwick would not be denied and came back to take four of the last five bouts of the night. Shawn Maczuga came out and placed a powerful and overbearing 10-2 major decision on the scoreboard. After a fall by Abington Heights, Mike Viti then won an 11-7 decision on all heart and soul when he wrestled the better part of the last half of the bout after suffering a re-injury to a hobbled knee. Tyler Perry then followed with a highly impressive 8-1 decision over one of his key opponents that he will face later this year at Districts. The Dawgs now trailed by three points, 28-25, with only one bout remaining. As Yogi Berra says, "Its Deja Vu all over again." This time it was up to Roland Singletary. Singletary, wrestling in a heart-stopping match against Jake Winowich that saw both wrestlers drawing out all guns in this winner-takes-all bout, trailed 10-8 with less than a minute left on the clock. Then with 30 ticks left, Singletary was not to be denied when he when he did a gut-check and slammed a decisive 5-point move for the 13-10 decision and a Dawg victory by criteria with the score of 28-28. Berwick won on criteria based on unsportsmanlike conduct (shoe laces untied in the 119 bout). Winning Wrestlers Against
Abington Heights Finals: Berwick 26 - Pittston 32 Despite two very tough dual match-ups in the quarters and semis, one thing is always true; the road seldom gets easier in the finals. Berwick squared off against the tough Pittston Patriots in the finals. The Dawgs jumped out to an early 9-0 lead after winning the first three bouts by decision. Adam Alley, Adam Welch, and Josh Walsh all wrestled great matches in building the Dawg lead and had respective decisions of 3-0, 5-3, and 10-6. The Patriots then rallied and took the next four bouts, two by decision, one by tech fall, and one by forfeit. This run put Pittston in the lead by the score of 17-9. Ryan Mardon then interrupted this Patriot rally when he recorded a dominant second period fall that narrowed the Dawg deficit to just two points, 17-15. Pittston then went on another consecutive four-bout rally that put the victory and the duals championship in their lap. The Patriots notched 3 decisions and one fall during this last rally. Both Tyler Perry and Roland Singletary finished the night’s event by dominating their opponents before recording two consecutive crushing pins. Winning Wrestlers Against
Pittston Overview Did we fall short of our goal of winning our second consecutive D2 AAA district duals championship? Yes. Could we have just as easily lost in the quarterfinals and semifinals? Yes. That’s the point. It was one heck of a journey. Berwick wrestling should be proud. There is much to take great pride in. For most of all Dawg fans, this season has been an artery-clogging and gray-hair enhancing season. We witnessed some of the most exciting and glorious victories possible in the sport of high school wrestling. We experienced a pair of disappointing defeats at the hands of one rival team that had more than a share of "if this happened, if that happened." The "what ifs" are always the case in close competition, and they are always more prevalent after a close loss than they are after a close win. We defeated an undefeated team that was 20-something and 0. That undefeated team is now 20-something and 1. We had four dual meets come down to the last bout wrestled and we won three of them. Two of the four "last bout dual meets" were victories needed just to advance in the district dual tournament. We have seen many wrestlers win big matches against top quality and state-ranked wrestlers. We had our kids wrestling against nationally ranked wrestlers from Blair Academy, the number 1 team in the country. We saw a multitude of our wrestlers pull out dramatic overtime victories. We had multiple wrestlers achieve sensational come-from-behind wins. We have seen multiple gutsy wrestlers competing with injury or illness for the sake of the team. We have had only the best of senior leadership throughout the year. We have so many wrestlers that have improved dramatically since last season. While most of the preceding can be seen in any given season, nothing compares to the volume and magnitude experienced and conquered this season by this tough and hard-working group of talented Berwick wrestlers. For all of that, and so much more, we are very proud of each and every one of our Berwick wrestlers. The end of team season competition is quickly approaching with just one dual meet left. Let’s conquer one last opponent and we then wish all of our Dawg wrestlers the best as they prepare and compete at the upcoming District Championships. Dawgs Blank Trojans 78-0 Berwick, breaking in its new gymnasium for the first time, hosted Nanticoke for the last home dual meet of the season on January 24. The Dawgs blanked the Trojans 78-0. It was a day of celebration and commemoration for the Dawg faithful prior to the morning action. First, all parents and wrestlers were introduced and paraded onto the gym floor to gather around the mat for appreciation by all. Thank You Parents!! All senior wrestlers were then recognized and provided commemorative plaques on center mat with their respective families. Thank You Seniors For Your Leadership & Hard Work!! Senior Ryan Mardon was then introduced to celebrate and commemorate his 100th win that was achieved with his victory at Pittston. Ryan becomes the sixth Dawg to join Berwick's 100-win club. Congratulations Ryan!! The Dawgs then went on to wrestle against the Nanticoke Trojans. The Dawgs captured all 14 bouts in the 78-0 shutout and placed six pins in the book and received six forfeits. For brevity sake, the list of winning wrestlers are listed below. Winning Wrestlers Dawgs Roll Over Mountaineers 67-12 Berwick traveled to Dallas on January 23 and easily rolled over the Mountaineers by the score of 67-12. The Dawgs recorded six pins on the night and also received four forfeits. The Dawgs took the first seven bouts, three by fall and four forfeits. John Karns (Jr) entertained the crowd for the first bout of the night when he obliterated his opponent to record a malicious fall and Berwick’s first pin of the night. The Mountaineers followed by rewarding two consecutive forfeits to Shawn Maczuga (Sr) and Chad Varner (Sr). Mike Viti (Sr) started the action once again and made quick work of his opponent by applying unremitting pressure before delivering a seismic fall. Dallas then forfeited two of next three bouts with nods given to Tyler Perry (Fr) and Adam Alley (Jr). In-between forfeits, Roland Singletary (Jr) kept the fans eyes open when he pounded and ground his opponent up to record a demoralizing pin. Berwick now lead by the score of 42-0. Dallas then took the next bout by fall to put their first points on the board. Josh Walsh (So) then rambled onto the circle and delivered hard-hitting move after move to place a strong 9-0 major decision into the books. Anthony Bujno (Jr) appeared next and wasted no time in physically demolishing and devastating his opponent before delivery a swift, cruel, and mind-numbing pin. Thomas Bomboy (Jr) kept the pinning action going for the Dawgs when he tore-up his opponent to pieces before ripping shoulders to the mat for another punishing fall. Billy Drake (Jr) then went into the arena and added to the Dawg pin total when he diced up his opponent with pitiless and painful pinning combinations before nailing the destructive fall. The Dawgs lead now grew to 64-6. The Mountaineers then took the next bout by fall to record only their second win and last points of the dual meet. Ryan Mardon (Sr) was the last Dawg out of the kennel and simply out-slugged and out-wrestled his opponent in a dawg-fight before getting his hand raised in the air for a determined 4-3 decision. Mardon’s win emptied the gym with a Berwick victory by the score of 67-12. Winning Wrestlers Ryan Mardon Joins 100
Win Club With Marquee Victory At Pittston When a wrestler gets his 100th win, it becomes one of his most impressive and memorable achievements. When a wrestler gets his 100th win in one of the most anticipated match-ups in the District, it becomes engraved into one’s heart for all time. Ryan Mardon engraved his place in Berwick Wrestling history in becoming the sixth Dawg to join the 100-win club. Ryan achieved his place forever in the Dawg record books with a spectacular and determined 5-3 decision over Pittston’s Dave Woodall. Congratulations Ryan!! Dawgs Fall To Pittston 27-33 Berwick traveled to Pittston Area High School on January 21 for a battle of divisional unbeaten rivals and the Dawgs ended up on the short side of a 27-33 loss. Berwick’s record now stands at 10-2 (9-1 District). The Patriots came out blazing and took the first four bouts, three by fall, to build a 21-0 lead. Ryan Mardon (Sr) then appeared
for the Dawgs in the night’s premier match-up between two of the team’s
best wrestlers. Mardon exacted complete control of his opponent throughout
the bout, and wrestling on a mission to not be denied, came away with a
highly impressive 5-3 decision. With Mardon’s inspiring victory, Ryan
achieved his 100th win and becomes the sixth Berwick wrestler to achieve
100+ career wins. The Patriots then took the next bout by decision to increase their lead to 24-3. Shawn Maczuga (Sr) was next up for the Dawgs and cut the Patriot lead to 24-6 when he physically out-gunned his opponent for a fine 5-2 decision. The Patriots bounced right back and took the next bout by fall, their fourth of the night, to elevate their lead to 30-6. The Dawgs then began their biggest rally of the night by taking the next five bouts. Mike Viti (Sr) appeared next for Berwick and once again manhandled and thrashed his opponent around the mat before delivering a crushing third period pin that cut Berwick’s deficit to 30-12. Tyler Perry (Fr) came out on fire next and completely dominated his opponent in recording a 14-0 major decision. Roland Singletary (Jr) kept the flurry of exciting activity going when he chopped up his opponent with move after move in delivering a brutal technical fall. Adam Alley (Jr) entered the circle next and mopped up his opponent for three periods and getting a key 10-5 decision. Adam Welch (Sr) kept the Dawg rally going by wrestling like a precision-machine and over-powered his opponent for an impressive 8-3 decision that cut the Dawg deficit to 30-27. The Patriots then took the last bout by a 1 point decision in a close and exciting bout that sealed the 33-27 win for Pittston. Winning Wrestlers Dawgs Rip Coughlin 49-12 Berwick traveled to Coughlin High School for a 7pm confrontation with the Crusaders and Berwick’s second dual meet of the day. Berwick improved to 10-1 (9-0 District) after ripping the Crusaders for a 49-12 victory. Berwick recorded 6 pins on the night. The Dawgs jumped out 9-0 after taking the first two bouts. John Karns (Jr) entertained the crowd for the first bout of the night when he physically brutalized his opponent before sending shoulders to the basement for the pin. Shawn Maczuga (Sr) came out next for battle and simply out-maneuvered and out-hustled his opponent to place a well-fought and determined decision in the books. The Crusaders took the next bout by decision to narrow Berwick’s lead to 9-3. Jeremiah Morris (Jr) appeared next for Berwick and shook the gymnasium floor when he battered his opponent to the mat with lightening quick and earth-rattling takedowns before securely drilling shoulders to the mat for a merciless pin. Tyler Perry (Fr) took to the circle next and swept the entire mat with Coughlin singlet as he overwhelmed and cleaned-up his opponent for a dominating major decision that elevated the Dawg lead to 19-3. Coughlin would interrupt Berwick’s rally to take the next two bouts by decision that only closed the gap to 19-9. Adam Welch (Sr) stopped the opposition rally dead in its tracks when he thrashed his opponent for the duration in a strong-willed, skilled, and determined win by decision that placed the Dawg score at 22-9. The Crusaders scored their last team points on the night when they took the next bout by decision that only slightly narrowed Berwick’s lead to 22-12. Berwick then decisively took the last five bouts. Anthony Bujno (Jr) started the rally as he out-slugged and out-wrestled his opponent for a simply over-powering decision. Thomas Bomboy (Jr) kept his pinning-machine nicely oiled once again when he collapsed and destroyed his opponent before exacting an exterminating fall and increasing Berwick’s lead to 31-12. Billy Drake (Jr) was not to be out-done by his teammates as he entered the circle with his strong-willed mentality that saw him meat-grind his opponent to bits and pieces before placing the wrapping on a devastating and nasty pin. Steve Ferguson (So) appeared next and proved to all that youth means nothing when he physically demolished his opponent before dropping the hammer to the nail en-route to placing a tremendous fall in the record books. Ryan Mardon (Sr) came out to wrestle in the last bout of the night and finished the night’s action the same way it started when he pulverized and crushed his opponent before administering a venomous pin that sealed the Dawg win by the score of 49-12. Winning Wrestlers
Dawgs Dismantle Mohawks 62-12 Berwick hosted the Mohawks of Meyers at 11am on January 17 in the first of two dual meets on the day. Berwick improved to 9-1 (8-0 District) after completely dismantling the Mohawks 62-12. Berwick recorded 5 pins during the morning event. The opposition teams traded wins in the first two bouts. Chad Varner (Sr) stomped out to the mat first for the Dawgs and wasted no time in disassembling his opponent before torching a ferocious first period fall and a 6-0 Dawg lead. The Mohawks came right back and were able to squeeze out a 1-point decision in the next bout to narrow the Dawg lead to 6-3. The Dawgs made sure there would be no rally by the opposition and decisively took the next three bouts. Tyler Perry (Fr) shot out of the gates next for Berwick and tore his opponent apart, piece by piece, to record an overwhelming and brutal 17-1 technical fall. Roland Singletary (Jr) kept the early Dawg dominance alive by whipping his opponent around the circle before administering his exterminating grip for the fall. Adam Alley (Jr) strutted out next for Berwick and wasted no time in brutalizing his opponent for six minutes en-route to recording a callous 13-3 major decision. Meyers exhaled and then came right back to take the bout by fall, but Berwick was out front with a 21-9 lead. The Dawgs rallied again and took the next five bouts, two of which were forfeits. Josh Walsh (So) rambled out next and buzz-sawed his opponent before turning the lights out with a storm-booming pin. Anthony Bujno (Jr) blasted to the mat next and kept the pinning action alive by conducting a drilling clinic on his opponent before delivering the vise-grip fall. Thomas Bomboy (Jr) joined the action next and launched an all-out assault on his opponent by constantly exploding detonation after detonation in recording shutout 15-0 technical fall. Meyers then awarded two consecutive forfeits that elevated the Dawg lead to 50-9. All in attendance now got on the edge of their seats to witness the most exciting and premier match-up of the morning’s competition. Ryan Mardon (Sr) entered the arena for an all-out battle against his 2003 PIAA AA State Runner-Up opponent. These two highly skilled and highly respected opponents gave each other their all-out effort and provided the fans on both sides with a thrilling paid-for-admission match. In nip-and-tuck action in this technique clinic of a bout, Mardon dropped a decision but demonstrated and proved to all his ability to be a top contender in his quest for a trip to Hershey. Berwick then took the last two bouts, one by fall and the last by forfeit. John Karns (Jr) entered the circle next for the morning’s last action and physically eradicated his opponent before stapling a singlet to that mat for a roaring fall. Shawn Maczuga (Sr) received a forfeit for the last bout and the Dawgs cleaned-up the gym after recording an impressive 62-12 victory. Winning Wrestlers
Dawgs Pound Hazleton Cougars 56-15 Berwick traveled to Hazleton on January 12 and applied a 56-15 pounding on the Cougars. Berwick improved its season record to 8-1 (7-0 District) on the season. The Dawgs leaped out of the kennel and decisively took the first two bouts. Anthony Bujno (Jr) opened the night’s action by physically obliterating his opponent en-route to recording a punishing 17-1 second period technical fall. Thomas Bomboy (Jr) came out on fire next for the Dawgs and thumped his opponent around the mat before delivering a cruel and brutal second period fall that put Berwick out front 11-0. The Cougars rebounded and took the next two bouts by fall. This gave Hazleton a temporary lead at 12-11. Berwick would go on to take the next seven consecutive bouts, two of which were forfeits. Ryan Mardon (Sr) came out next and put the Dawgs back out front on the scoreboard when he subjugated his opponent on the mat in recording a forceful and overwhelming 10-3 decision. John Karns (Jr) appeared next and simply over-powered and out-wrestled his opponent in recording a dominating and imposing 6-0 decision. The scoreboard lit up Berwick’s lead 17-12. The Dawgs continued the onslaught and got the pinning action started again by taking the next three bouts by fall. Shawn Maczuga (Sr) trotted out to the mat next and engaged in a highly physical and combative bout before applying a powerful and brutal hammer to annihilate his opponent and placing an impressive second period pin the books. Chad Varner (Sr) took to the mat next for the Dawgs and came out blazing like an out-of-control wildfire before extinguishing his opponent for a lightening-quick first period fall. Mike Viti (Sr) rambled out to the mat next and delivered crushing blow after blow before trampling his opponent flat-to-the-mat for a thunderous and mat-denting first period pin. Hazleton then awarded two consecutive forfeits to Tyler Perry (Fr) and Roland Singletary (Jr) that placed the Dawgs well out of reach at 47-12. The Cougars breathed a final last gasp of air as they took the next bout and scored their final points in a highly competitive and close decision that cut the Dawg lead to 47-15. Adam Welch (Sr) rambled onto the mat next and made sure there would be no late Cougar rally when he battered his opponent around the circle before cementing Cougar singlet to that mat for a cruel and merciless pin. The most-exciting action of the night came in the last bout when Josh Walsh (So) engaged in all-out nuclear war with his opponent. In this extremely competitive and low scoring nail-biter that raised the hair on fans from both sides, each opponent launched their ballistic missiles but the war continued to stalemate at the end of regulation to force a decisive overtime battle. Walsh entered overtime undaunted and ignored a non-lethal injury, and with time on the clock waning, he then delivered the final nuke of a takedown to capture the thrilling 4-2 decision. The scoreboard lights flashed another Dawg win by the score of 56-15. Winning Wrestlers Berwick At NHSCA Duals Dawgs Beat Seton Hall
32-32 On Criteria The Dawgs squared off against Seton Hall in their first of two dual meets at the National High School Coaches Association Duals at Salisbury High School on January 10. In a nip-and-tuck match, the Dawgs ultimately prevailed via criteria in a 32-32 win. The Dawgs lit up the scoreboard first by taking the first two bouts. Josh Walsh (So) got the action going by out-gunning and out-lasting his opponent in a determined 6-3 decision. Anthony Bujno (Jr) came out next for the Dawgs and physically overwhelmed and man-handled his opponent for an 18-3 technical fall that put Berwick out front 8-0. Seton Hall would stop any further Dawg momentum and secured a fall in the next bout to cut the Dawg lead to 8-6. Billy Drake (Jr) appeared next for the Dawgs, and in an exciting bout, Drake constantly beleaguered his opponent for a key 9-6 decision and an 11-6 Dawg lead. Seton Hall came right back to take the next two bouts, one by fall and one by major decision, and the Dawgs trailed 16-11. John Karns (Jr) put the Dawgs back on top 17-16 when he hammered and nailed his opponent’s shoulders for a mat-denting pin. Seton Hall would not relent and took the next three bouts, two by major decision and one by fall and the Dawgs trailed for the second time by the score of 29-17. Tyler Perry (Fr) entered the arena next for the Dawgs and stopped the bleeding when he tore up his opponent before recording a lights-out pin that narrowed Berwick’s deficit to 29-23. Seton Hall extended their precious lead by taking a close one-point decision in the next bout, which extended their lead to 32-23 with only two bouts remaining. Adam Alley (Jr) appeared next for Berwick, and in a crucial bout, gave the fans a thrilling and all-out determined effort that saw Alley win a vital 9-5 decision. The Dawgs now trailed by six, 32-26, with one bout remaining. Adam Welch (Sr) walked onto the mat for the most-exciting and final pressure-cooker bout that would determine the outcome of this war. In a highly physical and aggressive match-up, Welch initially fell behind in points but not in mental toughness. Trailing by several points, Welch showed Seton Hall what he and the Dawgs are made of when he detonated a devastating pyroclastic pin that elevated every Dawg fan to their feet in ecstatic celebration. Welch’s decisive pin in the final bout tied the score 32-32, but gave the Dawgs the victory via scoring criteria. Winning Wrestlers: Dawgs Fall To Blair Academy 52-22 What do you do when the unanimously #1 ranked high school wrestling team in the country asks to wrestle your team? You say yes. You stay undaunted. You remain realistic. You use the match-up as a yardstick to measure your mettle and define where you need to traverse both individually and as a program. You answer the call because your journey’s quest to become the best can only be achieved by wrestling the best. Berwick wrestled Blair Academy in its second dual meet of the National High School Association Duals at Salisbury High School on January 10. Blair Academy came out on fire and captured the first five bouts, four by fall and one by major decision to open up a 28-0 lead. During this Blair run, Anthony Bujno (Jr) squared off against Adam Frey, the current Beast of the East champion and # 6 ranked wrestler in the country. Bujno wrestled a very tough and determined match and trailed only 4-0 entering the third period before dropping a well-fought 13-3 major decision. The Dawgs were down but not done. Ryan Mardon (Sr) displayed his senior leadership and got the scoreboard lights twinkling and the Dawg fans cheering when he dominated, out-slugged, and out-engineered his opponent for a commanding 10-2 major decision. Mardon’s imposing and dominating win got Berwick on the board and narrowed the Dawg deficit to 28-4. Blair took the next four bouts, two by fall, one by overtime decision, and one by technical fall to build their commanding lead to 48-4. During this second Blair run, Shawn Maczuga (Sr) showed his Dawg-toughness by slugging out an aggressive match that was forced into overtime. Maczuga also wrestled a highly gritty match before dropping in overtime by the score of 10-8. The Dawgs responded by taking 3 of the last four bouts, all by fall. Tyler Perry (Fr) got the first of three Dawg pins when he slammed his opponent around the mat before dropping the precision sledgehammer for the fall. Roland Singletary (Jr) appeared next for the Dawgs and delivered corporal punishment on his opponent before sparking off an electrifying and grueling fall. Adam Alley (Jr) closed out the scoring for the Dawgs when he ousted his opponent by dusting the mat with Blair singlet for another punishing pin that put the Dawg deficit to 48-22. Adam Welch (Sr) entered for the final bout of the night, and wrestled another highly determined Dawg bout before dropping a well-fought 18-7 major decision. Winning Wrestlers: Dawgs Eradicate
Crestwood Comets 48-23 The Dawgs played host to the Crestwood Comets on January 9 and walked away with another impressive victory with the score of 48-23. It was Alumni Night and Berwick celebrated all past Dawg warriors before the match. It was an impressive showing featuring a significant number of the greats of Berwick’s past. To all our alumni - we really appreciate your attendance and participation! You are the reason Berwick Wrestling is what it is today! Due to significant action for the Dawgs the next several days, action reports will be abbreviated. Catch-up will be made next week! Winning Wrestlers Dawgs Whip Lake Lehman 51 - 23 Berwick played host to the perennial powerhouse Lake Lehman Black Knights in front of a packed gymnasium on January 6. The Dawgs displayed their most impressive effort of the year by whipping the Black Knights 51-23 and nailing 6 pins during the highly anticipated contest. After the national anthem, the Dawgs first joined in to celebrate and commemorate Mike Viti’s (Sr) 100th win that was secured by winning the championship final at the recent Jim Thorpe tournament. Head coach Ernie Yates presented Mike with a beautiful plaque on behalf of the Berwick Matbackers for Mike’s achievement in becoming the fifth Berwick wrestler to join the 100-win club. Congratulations Mike! Now it was time for the warriors on both teams to take to the battlefield. Bang - Bang - Bang went the Dawg pins in the first three bouts of the night to boost Berwick to an early 18-0 lead. Roland Singletary (Jr) started off first for the Dawgs, and in lightning-quick speed (too quick for even a picture), cemented his opponent to the basement for the quickest fall of the night in only 16 seconds. Adam Alley (Jr) appeared next and physically dominated his opponent and would not allow the second buzzer to sound as he secured the fall in just 1.49. Adam Welch (Sr) kept the pinning action alive and also would not allow his match to extend beyond the second period as he thrashed his opponent around the mat before exacting an excruciating fall in just 1.45. Lake Lehman refused to keep the momentum in Berwick’s favor and won the next bout by fall to narrow the score to 18-6. Tension temporarily filled the gymnasium, as all in attendance knew the Black Knights had just entered the strongest part of their line-up. Anthony Bujno (Jr) donned his armor next for the Dawgs for the most exciting match-up of the night, going against a long-time foe and highly respected Black Knight opponent. This bout was a war between the titans that saw both wrestlers exchanging the lead throughout the duration that ultimately resulted in a tie score at the end of regulation to force overtime. With nine seconds left on the overtime clock, Bujno captured the takedown and a 12-10 decision to boost the Dawg lead to 21-6. Berwick then awarded a forfeit to the Black Knights in the next bout that brought the score to 21-12. Thomas Bomboy (Jr) walked onto the battleground next for the Dawgs and would simply not allow any momentum for the visiting team. Bomboy manhandled and wore his opponent down for the first two periods before the mopping the mat with a singlet for the pin in 5.02. Billy Drake (Jr) joined the action next and kept the winning ways alive by wrestling like a madman on a mission en-route to his exciting and determined 8-5 decision. Lake Lehman received an injury default in the next highly anticipated bout that still left Berwick with a 30-18 lead. John Karns (Jr) came out on fire in the next bout and simply out-muscled and out-wrestled his opponent before igniting an explosive volcanic fall in 4.08. Shawn Maczuga (Sr), appearing next for the Dawgs, showed all the guts and resolve possible as he threw his crutches aside (from a severe sprained ankle injury incurred just two days prior) and out-gunned his opponent on the field of battle for a 9-2 decision and a 39-18 Dawg lead. The Black Knights captured the next bout by technical fall that also proved to be their last gasp for points. Berwick was standing tall with a 39-23 lead. Mike Viti (Sr) trotted out next for the Dawgs. Viti’s biggest opponent on the mat turned out to be a previously incurred nagging bleeding cut injury on the face. With his head taped up by the Berwick MASH unit, Viti simply overwhelmed his opponent to such a degree that he was awarded a rare stalling disqualification. Tyler Perry (Fr) appeared for the night’s finale with the outcome already in hand. Perry showed the mental preparedness of a seasoned veteran as he wrestled like it was the deciding bout before planting another quick thunderous pin in just 17 seconds. Berwick emptied the stands with celebrating Berwick faithful immediately cheering on their Dawgs on the dismantled battlefield before going to the parking lot with a 51-23 victory. Winning Wrestlers Dawgs Take 2nd At
Iron-Man Manheim Twp. Tourney The Manheim Township tournament on January 4 redefined the definition of an iron-man tournament with all competitors wrestling 5 matches within a 5-hour time frame. The Dawgs performed outstanding, taking second place team honors and placing a total of 12 wrestlers. Dawg Place-Winners/Tournament
Record Mike Viti Gets Win 100
In Finals At Jim Thorpe Tournament It was pretty much a fact that Mike Viti was going to reach the magical 100 win plateau at the Jim Thorpe tournament. There was only one question that remained unanswered at the beginning of the event. At what point in the tournament would Viti get his 100th win? Mike Viti answered that question without uttering a word. Mike answered that question with superb wrestling and a steadfast determination that led him to capture WIN 100 in the finals when he took the 275 pound championship by storm. Mike Viti becomes the fifth Berwick wrestler to achieve 100+ career wins. And since January has not even arrived yet, make sure you keep that counter in your hand as the W's are only starting to pile up this year! Congratulations Mike!! Dawgs Take 2nd & Place 11 Wrestlers At Jim Thorpe Tournament The Dawgs competed in the 17-team Jim Thorpe tournament on December 27. Berwick flexed its muscles and walked away with second place team honors and placed 11 wrestlers in this highly competitive tournament. Teams in attendance included: Berwick, Blue Mountain, Danville, Lehighton, Northwestern Lehigh, Tamaqua, Palmerton, Malvern Prep, Jim Thorpe, Middletown, Wyoming Area, Chambersburg, Mahoney, Williams Valley, William Tennant, William Penn, and Schuylkill Haven. Dawg Place-Winners
5 Dawgs Place At 42-Team Times Leader Tournament Berwick traveled to College Misericordia in Dallas, PA, on December 19 & 20 to participate in the prestigious and highly competitive 42-team Times Leader Tournament. The Dawgs, despite incurring some key injuries, wrestled great and placed 10th as a team. Five Berwick wrestlers placed doing battle against some of the best competition they will see until the post-season. Mike Viti (Sr) reached the finals in the 275-pound weight class and took second place by default, as he had to forfeit the championship bout due to re-aggravating an existing injury during his semi-final match. Tyler Perry (Fr) took fourth place at 103 pounds; Anthony Bujno (Jr) took fifth place at 135 pounds; Roland Singletary (Jr) took sixth place at 112 pounds; and Shawn Maczuga (Sr) took seventh place at 189 pounds. Ryan Mardon (Sr) incurred an injury during his quarterfinal match at 160 pounds and was forced to withdraw from the tournament. The Dawgs were also without a 125-pound entrant, as Josh Walsh (So) is still recovering from a prior injury. Place-Winning Wrestlers Dawgs Put Spartans To Bed 43-21 Berwick improved to 4-0 on the season with a 43-21 victory over the visiting Spartans of Wyoming Valley West on December 17. The Dawgs cemented 4 pins on the night in; what can best be described as, an electrifying gymnasium. Shawn Maczuga (Sr) set the tone for Berwick in the opening bout by out-wrestling and out-hustling his opponent in a classic dawg-fight that had the fans on their feet and saw Maczuga walk away with a key decision to give Berwick a 3-0 lead. After such an exciting opener, the Spartans came right back to take the next bout by major decision. Wyoming Valley West took a precarious 4-3 lead. It was to be the only time the Spartans would have the lead against the Dawgs. Berwick would not relent and took the next four consecutive bouts. Mike Viti (Sr) took to the mat and quickly gave the lead back to Berwick by physically hammering his opponent around the floor before drilling him to the deck for the fall and recording Berwick’s first pin of the night. Tyler Perry (Fr) came out next and incessantly thrashed his opponent to record a dominant 11-0 major decision. Roland Singletary (Jr) kept the winning action alive by manhandling his victim and gluing shoulders to the mat for the pin to notch Berwick’s second fall of the night. Adam Alley (Jr) appeared next for the Dawgs, and in another thriller of a match-up, Alley constantly controlled and subjugated his opponent to record a decisive 6-1 win. Berwick now increased its lead to 22-4. Wyoming Valley West showed some life and took the next two bouts by tech fall and pin and was able to narrow the Dawg margin to 22-15. The Spartans then awarded a forfeit to Anthony Bujno (Jr). Thomas Bomboy (Jr) entered the arena next for the Dawgs, and wrestling like a madman, physically traumatized his opponent before tacking a singlet firmly against the mat for the fall and Berwick’s third pin of the night. The Dawgs lead now stood at 34-15. The Spartans took the next bout by a one-point decision. Anthony Ernst (Jr) emerged next and made sure that there would be no late Spartan rally. Ernst, engaged in another Dawg slugfest, exploded like a volcano in the third period and out-maneuvered his opponent to record an excellent 6-2 decision. Ryan Mardon (Sr) was next to enter the field of battle and elevated the Dawg lead for good when he punished and eradicated his victim for a lights out fall to score Berwick’s fourth pin. The Spartans were able to muster a close decision in the final bout but it was too little, too late. Berwick would empty the gym with a convincing final score of 43-21. Winning Wrestlers Dawgs Pounce On Hanover 53-14 Berwick improved its early season record to 3-0 by pouncing on the scrappy Hanover Hawkeyes 53-14 at Hanover High School on December 13. The Dawgs nailed four pins, all recorded in less than one minute, and received 3 forfeits at the high noon event. The Hawkeyes came out blazing and secured the first two bouts by major decision to establish an 8-0 lead. Chad Varner (Sr) got the Dawgs on the scoreboard and convincingly swung the momentum back to Berwick when he simply obliterated his opponent with a quick mat-crushing first period fall, which narrowed the Dawg deficit to 8-6. A forfeit was awarded in the next bout to Mike Viti (Sr) that elevated Berwick to a 12-8 lead that would not be relinquished for the rest of the day. Berwick captured the next three bouts, two by fall. Tyler Perry (Fr) came out of the dawg-pen and manhandled his opponent the entire bout for a physically dominating 12-0 major decision. Roland Singletary (Jr) then wasted no time in mopping the mat with his opponent’s back with a quick and convincing first period pin. Derrick Sharpe (Jr) followed and kept the pinning action alive for the Dawgs when he exacted a swift and brutal first period pin against his opponent to stretch Berwick’s lead to 28-8. In perhaps the match of the day, Hanover took the next bout in a back-and-forth double overtime slugfest decision, which slightly narrowed the Dawg lead to 28-11. Hanover then awarded two consecutive forfeits to Adam Welch (Sr) and Anthony Bujno (Jr) that soared the Dawgs to a 40-11 advantage. The Dawgs would not relent and took three of the last four bouts. Thomas Bomboy (Jr) entered the mat’s center stage and simply overwhelmed and crumpled his opponent en-route to an 11-2 major decision. Billy Drake (Jr) entered next for the Dawgs and wrestled like a madman on a mission not to be denied. Drake, recording the fastest pin of the high noon battle in just 31 seconds, shot out the gates and locked-up his opponent in a lightening-quick grip of a fall that boosted the Dawg lead to the half-century mark 50-11. Hanover came back to score their last points of the action by winning a decision in the next bout. Ryan Mardon (Sr) then made sure Berwick would finish on a winning note. Mardon, in the second electrifying dawg-fight classic of the day, out-wrestled and out-hustled his opponent for a crowd-standing 3-2 decision. The scoreboard lights would turn off only after illuminating Berwick with a 53-14 victory. Winning Wrestlers Dawgs Maul GAR Grenadiers 69-12 Different night, different team, the same result. Berwick traveled to GAR High School on December 8 and improved their record to 2-0 with a 69-12 mauling of the Grenadiers. The Dawgs recorded 6 pins in the victory. GAR lit up the scoreboard first and notched the night’s first win by fall and took the early 6-0 lead. It was their only lead of the night. A forfeit awarded in the next bout to Mike Viti (Sr) immediately tied the score and the Dawgs would never look back again. Tyler Perry (Fr), in his first varsity match, made his debut a memorable one by overwhelming and devastating his opponent en-route to a 16-0 technical fall. The Dawgs then ripped off 5 consecutive pins. Derrick Sharpe (Jr) got the pinning action started for the Dawgs when he over-powered and cemented his opponent for the first fall of the night. Roland Singletary (Jr) then entered the arena and tossed his opponent around the circle before embossing shoulder blades into the mat for a pin. Adam Alley (Jr) came out next and quickly obliterated his opponent for a devastating fall. Adam Welch (Sr) entered the mat’s center light next and shone brightly by rip-sawing his opponent apart before gluing a back-to-the-mat fall. Anthony Bujno (Jr) donned his armor next and physically punished and eradicated his opponent on the battlefield for a 12-0 major decision. Thomas Bomboy (Jr) joined the field of battle next and mopped his opponent around the mat before exterminating him with a canon blast pin. GAR was able to muster a win by fall in the next bout, but Berwick continued to hold a dominating 45-12 margin. Steve Ferguson (So) came out next for the last live action of the night and wasted no time in exacting corporal punishment on his opponent before delivering an eyes-to-the-ceiling pin. GAR then awarded three consecutive forfeits to Ryan Mardon (Sr), Ryan Becker (Jr), and Shawn Maczuga (Sr). The night concluded early with the scoreboard recording a Berwick victory by the score of 69-12. Winning Wrestlers Manheim Twp. Tourney Cancelled Due To Winter Weather The Manheim Twp Tournament has been cancelled this weekend (12/5 & 12/6/03). Efforts will be made to reschedule or replace matches in the future as the schedule permits. Dawgs Dominate Opener Against Wyoming Area 69-12 The Dawgs opened Berwick's 50th anniversary wrestling season by hosting Wyoming Area on December 3. Berwick wasted no time in establishing their traditional domination by taking five of the seven contested bouts, four by fall. Berwick was awarded seven forfeits and Wyoming Area was able to place their points on the board with two wins, both by fall. Josh Walsh (So), making his debut in his first varsity match, took immediate control and manhandled his opponent before exacting a wrenching pin. Adam Welch (Sr) was next to take to the mat, and in an exciting dawg-fight, was able to out-last his opponent for a fine decision. Anthony Bujno (Jr) followed next and physically thrashed his opponent before nailing shoulders to the mat for Berwick’s second fall of the night. The next live action showcased Steve Ferguson (So) as another Dawg making his first varsity match a memorable one. Ferguson out-muscled and out-wrestled his opponent before cementing a mat-denting pin. Shawn Maczuga (Sr) took to the mat next and showcased his veteran tenacity and over-powering strength in shredding his opponent before delivery a cruel and punishing pin. Winning Wrestlers Parents - Fundraisers & Activities If you are managing a fundraiser or activity, please send me written information, via email, that you would like to see appear on this site. Please provide sufficient lead time (a few weeks prior to event is best for proper exposure). Late notice or last minute submissions will not be posted. Please email to custhelp@ptd.net. The fundraiser/activity will receive a large amount of online exposure. During the regular season, this site receives approximately 1,500 - 5,000 "unique" visitors a week (8,000-10,000+ "unique" visitors per week during postseason) In the off-season, this site is visited by 400 - 1,500 "unique" visitors a week. That's a lot of people! Dawgs To Miss Departing Assistant Coach Brent Yates It's an extra special feeling when a son gets to coach as an assistant coach with his father serving as head coach. If either one had ever known that their time coaching together on the mat would only last one year, what year would they wish for? Both Head Coach Ernie Yates & Assistant Coach Brent Yates topped off their one-year stint together in heading Berwick wrestling to its best season on record during last year's 2002-2003 season. Brent had to leave us because he relocated for a new career position in Western Pennsylvania during the summer months. While we all wish him the most success in the world, we hope that he can pay us a visit from time to time! Brent was Berwick High School's first 100-win wrestler and he then continued his wrestling career in college at Drexel University. Brent gave Berwick wrestling his expertise knowledge of the sport and energetic enthusiasm that just lifted the hearts of all wrestlers. Brent was not only an excellent coach on the mat and in the practice room, he was also very active during the season and off-season with conditioning and running where he was out front on all those 2, 3, 4, & 5-mile runs. Brent gave more of himself in one year than many coaches do in several seasons. Assistant Coach Brent Yates is simply a class act. He is the kind of person that any parent would want to see their son emulate - on and off the mat. That speaks in and of itself as one of the highest and deserving complements any coach can receive. Coach Brent Yates - THANK YOU for everything you have done! The wrestlers, parents, and the Berwick faithful are all going to miss you! PS - "Brent, get back on the mat and coach - someplace, sometime, anywhere!!" Dawgs To Miss Departing Assistant Coach Jerry Marks Coach Jerry Marks, a fixture at the side of Head Coach Ernie Yates for many years, announced during the off-season that he is retiring as Berwick’s assistant wrestling coach in order to spend more time with his family. Coach Marks was a superbly dedicated assistant coach and was able to give Berwick his expertise and experience as a two-time Pennsylvania wrestling state champion plus his overall athleticism that also saw him excel as an outstanding all-state high school football player. When Coach Marks stood next to you, he was a presence. When Coach Marks spoke, you listened. And despite his strong physical stature, when Coach Marks unleashed that boyish smile of his, he charmed all those around him. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
