Young Boyertown wrestling team still have high expectations

The Boyertown wrestling team is off to a good start. Coach Pete Ventresca and the Bears started off the season with the Brian Bealer Duels in early December, where they went 4-2, falling to PAC 10 rival Owen J Roberts (ranked third in the state) in the championship match.,

At the King of the Mountain Tournament, the Bears took an impressive fifth place. The Bears are 1-0 in league play and 5-1 overall early in the season.

“Our underclassmen have really stepped up and performed well for us,” said Ventresca. “I knew we had a talented crew coming in and I have high expectations for them. They’re starting to live up to my expectations.”

The returning wrestlers from last year are Dylan Wertz, sophomore; Eddie Kriczky, junior, team captain regional qualifier; Ty Miller,district qualifier; Dante Colonna,district qualifier.

Also returning are Rueben Maldonado, district qualifier; JakeSalkovitz; Garrett Abare; Cody Richmond, district qualifier; Gray Garber,district runner-up and regional qualifier; and Jordan Wertz, district champ,

Ventresca knows that he has a young team. This year he has one senior and five freshmen who start. It’s hard to say out a freshman will perform in big situations. The coach will find out soon.

“I’m proud of how the boys have stepped up to meet this challenge,” said Ventresca.

Some of the freshmen who are looking to make an impact are: Luke Miller, Garrett Mauger, Gregg Harvey, Jordan Wood and Brody O’Connell.

“These guys have definitely made a big impact on our team,” said Ventresca. “All of them performed well at the Bear Duals and at the King of the Mountain. Jordan Wood won the title as a freshmen and Luke Miller placed third.

The Bears have some very reasonable expectations for the 2012-2013 seasons. Coach Ventresca expects to be in the hunt for the PAC 10 title and qualify for team states. He feels that these are reachable expectations for this year’s team.

“We have the talent, work ethic and proper coaching- why should we settle for anything less,” said Venstreca.

Coach Ventresca feels that his team can compete in the PAC-10 this year. Owen J. Roberts, Spring-Ford and Boyertown will be the top contenders this year. Upper Perk will be a factor as well.

“We’re young, but talented, and will only improve as the season progresses,” said Venstresca.

The wrestling team usually starts out the New Year at the Cumberland Valley Duels. However, this year they’re going to the Ultimate Duals which are being held in Biglerville, Pennsylvania.

With the talented youth on this team, the immediate future for the Boyertown wrestling program is very good. The young wrestlers will develop and improve. Who knows that the future might hold.

“We have a good nucleus of underclassmen including five freshmen in our starting line up,” said Ventresca. “The future looks bright.”