photo by Robert Fallo
 
Wrestling season officially kicks off this Saturday, December 5th with many returning faces getting ready to hit the mats.  Seniors, including Jalen Bryant, Guilliame Hardin, Nadim Korkmaz, Brandon Miguelino, Jasmare Phillipe, George Ramos, and Willie Benavides, will be wrestling their final year in their high school career this season.
 
Last year, the Raider wrestling team had a successful season that led to 2015 graduate JT Beirne qualifying and participating in the state tournament hosted in Atlantic CIty.  Although the Raiders did not pull through with a win, head wrestling coach Marc Fabiano is looking forward to this year’s team.  “I am very excited for the upcoming wrestling season,” said Fabiano.  “I believe that we will compete for a country and county title.  I also believe we have the potential to make a run in the sectional tournament.”
 
When discussing freshmen, Fabiano is excited to start working with them. “Hardworking and dedicated are the first two words that come to mind,” said Fabiano.  “It has only been a couple days but I have really been impressed with these new members of the team.”  As they are the future of the wrestling team to come, they are already off to a good start.  
 
They had a winning season with their fins; record being 14-11.  Considering this, the team only needs minimal improvement from last year according to Fabiano.  “While our wrestlers have shown growth in wrestling in the neutral position, I feel that we need to improve our ability to finish our takedowns and be the first ones to score during the match,” said Fabiano.
 
Overall, this year’s wrestling team is off to a good start.  Considering their season last year, with a new season ahead, they should not disappoint.
Wrestling has its first meet on Wednesday, December 23 against Union and will be hosted at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.