BY JOSH LASHLEY
WEST MILFORD — Wrestling is certainly a sport where it would be quite unwise to cut corners in any aspect of training. Be it drilling moves, lifting weights, running, etc. to be a success on the mat takes, in most cases, a great deal of discipline and an attention to detail.
Also, a successful wrestler needs to be mentally strong and that means keeping everything in perspective after a key win and having the ability to bounce back and learn from their mistakes in defeat.
Yes, it’s a very tough athletic endeavor, but there are great many rewards that can last a lifetime for those with the drive and determination to give it their best on the mat.
The West Milford High School wrestling program will definitely face many challenges this winter, but according to head coach Mike Blakely, the goal for the Highlanders this season is to ‘exceed expectations’.
Returning student-athlete’s to the lineup looking to help West Milford toward their goals include Joe Dragonetti (sophomore, 120 pounds, 7-17 record during 2012-2013 season), Ken VanOver (sophomore, 120, 5-9 last season), Tim Mickins (junior, 132, 16-16 and third in the Districts last season), David Zeppetelli (junior, 145, 23-14 and third in the Districts last season), Ryan Poole (senior, 145, 3-10 last season), Dylan Kaine (senior, 152, 21-10 and third in the Districts last season), Christian Dalcais (sophomore, 152, 16-12 last season), Ryan Love (senior, 152, 9-12 last season), Shane Lepore (senior, 182, 3-5 last season) and Steve Hankin (junior, 220, 11-18 last season).
Newcomers to the varsity lineup hoping to make their presence felt include Keanu Lando (sophomore, 113), Ryan Weston (freshman, 126), Christian Porcaro (junior, 138), Nick Bakalia (junior, 138), Nick Kelly (sophomore, 138), Alex Schimmenti (junior, 160), Chip Blumling (junior, 160), Tristian Plaisance (sophomore, 170), Jimmy Batayannis (freshman, 170), Donald Orlowski (senior, 195) and Albert Knapp (sophomore, 285).
Last year, the Highlanders tallied an overall record of 15-7.
“Half of my team lies in three weight classes,” Blakely said. “It’s going to be a challenge to spread them out away from each other. We also lost six seniors from last year’s team with 20 or more wins, five of them from the upper weight classes. We’ll have to count on some of our underclassmen to step up and fill in.”
Note: The Highlanders began the regular season with a 43-30 victory over Wayne Hills in a Big North Conference Independence Division match on Dec. 20. Mickens, Zeppitelli, Kaine, Blumeling, Lepore and Hankin all won via pin-fall for West Milford.