Like indoor track, wrestling crowned its champions before COVID-19 brought the curtain down on the winter postseason.
Nonetheless, a season of accomplishment was still rimmed by what might have been.
For every area wrestler who won a state championship, there was a contender whose chances were undermined by injury. For every dramatic victory, there was a heartbreaking defeat.
Southington senior Billy Carr won the State Open championship at 182 pounds by one point with a takedown. Platt senior James Rondini lost the Class M championship at 132 pounds by one point on an escape.
Seven seconds remained in each match when the decisive move was made.
That’s the nature of this game. It’s a long six minutes on the mat.
“We did a nice job with our pace and tempo, and we kept it going all night,” Platt coach Bryan McCarty said. “I’m pleased with the tenacity we showed. We also showed our depth tonight.”
- Inaugural CIAC girls 160-pound Champion
“That wrestler has worked her butt off all year and she deserved it,” Southington wrestling coach Derek Dion said. “She works as hard as anyone and I’m really happy for her. She’s tough as hell. She’s as tough as any kid that has come through this program.”
“I told my mom (Amy) and dad (Skip) that I didn’t want to play basketball anymore and that I wanted to wrestle,” Southington's Ashley Reed said. “I was a huge fan of wrestling. My mom wasn’t sure about me wrestling, but now she’s my biggest supporter. I fell in love with it as soon as I went on the mat.”
“I will remember this forever,”
Ashley Reed, Inaugural CIAC girls 160-pound Champion
- Unbeaten regular season at 34-0
- Dislocated elbow. Returned for state meets
- Second at Class M
- Finished 38-3
- Career 140-29 third to West Johnson (163-19) and Luis Murillo Jr. (153-18) on Platt’s all-time win list.
- Career record 144-32
“If this is it? There’s been nothing better than wrestling at Platt,” James Rondini said. “I woudn’t trade it for anything. I love this team. Platt is an amazing school and my coaches and teammates are amazing.”
“It was insane and felt amazing,” Maloney's Kody Talento said. “It felt like I won a state championship. I looked up to all of the people that have won 100 matches over the years and I never thought I would get this, but I put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears and I finally made it.”
- 39-1 regular season
- CCC Small Division Champion
- Class M Champion
- 2-2 at State Open
- 34 pins - Platt record
- Final record: 48-3
“He has some serious size and his reach is there,” Platt coach Bryan McCarty said. “He’s an athletic guy, too. He can challenge with some speed behind him. He has some muscle now. He lifted all fall. He’s very strong. He brings a lot of pieces that you need into a match.”
Winter 2019-20 Male Athlete of Week 8 winner Platt Wrestler Luke Fuerstenberg
- CCC Large Division Champion
- Class LL Champion
- State Open Champion
- Reached New England Championships semifinals, went 2-2
- Final record 41-6
- 100-plus career wins
“He’s very strong. He’s fast and powerful. He’s tough to beat when he gets going,” Southington coach Derek Dion said. “He’s smart and does a good job taking what the other kid gives him.”
“It’s amazing,” Southington's Billy Carr said. “I would say I would want to win it by a little more, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
“We are excited to honor the seniors. This match is a true celebration of their hard work and dedication for the past four years,” Platt coach Bryan McCarty said. “The seniors have given the program so many great memories. This experience will stay with them forever.”
CREDIT
Bryant Carpenter - Sports Editor
Sean Krofssik - Sports Reporter
Aaron Flaum - Photographer/Web Content Producer
Credits:
Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal