Then there are those rare instances where a student-athlete has shown enough quality leadership capabilities to be a team captain for three straight years. Patrick VanDuyne, a senior 160-pounder for the West Milford High school wrestling team, has been a captain since his sophomore season.
This winter, Rich DiZenzo (senior, 170 pounds) and Will Wenzel (senior, 285) have ably joined Van Duyne as captains for the Highlanders. VanDuyne has already proven to his teammates and coaches that he has the right character for such an important role. DiZenzo and Wenzel are proving on a constant basis that they have the right mentality to be leaders on the roster as well.
So much goes into being an effective captain in any sport and so far, DiZenzo, Wenzel and VanDuyne have shown that they are up to the task, something that head coach Michael Blakely certainly appreciates.
“Patrick is a true leader who leads by example no matter if its in the classroom, community or on the athletic field,'' Blakely said. “Rich and Will really worked hard the past few years and earned their captainship by paying their dues over the years. They all have a great relationship with their teammates and coaches.
“All these young men are role models for our younger wrestlers and so far they have been doing a great job.''
And all three were recently named to the Passaic County Coaches Association all county teams.