Something to be proud of
Despite tough season, Newton wrestling looking ahead NEWTON Things didnt always go according to script this season for the Newton High School wrestling program. The Braves were hit hard by injuries to various student-athletes on the roster. However, the team stuck together through the ups and downs. When a Newton wrestler stepped onto the mat, an earnest, solid effort was expected. Despite some of the setbacks that occurred for the Braves this winter, head coach Eric Bollette recalled some instances that demonstrated the true character of his team. Our best matches were against Lenape Valley, which although a loss, we wrestled very well, considering that we were undermanned due to injury," Bollette said. Lenape Valley is a very talented team and we wrestled very, very well that night. Bollete said that against Hopatcong, his team was missing at least five starters due to injury and was still able win against a tough team. "We had tremendous efforts from many people, most notably Niko Grello who was able to defeat AJ Bongiovanni in overtime." Bolette said he's proud of the toughness his team exhibited this year. Our kids showed tremendous resolve throughout the season," said Bollete. "They were given every opportunity to quit or complain due to the tremendous rash of injuries we suffered this year. Our kids fought hard in every match." The Braves also had their share of standouts on the squad this year, a couple of which won honors in post-season tournaments. Steven Churchill and Jake Connelly both were returning regional place winners who won the district titles and went undefeated in the dual-meet season," Bollette said. Jake was also a regional champion and finished in the top 12 in the state at his weight class." Bollete said that among the wrestlers who strived to get better with each practice and match this year were Grello and Logan Morales. Logan and Niko Grello were drill partners and exceptionally hard workers," Bollette said. They had high aspirations for themselves and worked very hard to make their goals a reality." Bollette is proud of his team and is very much looking forward to the 2012-13 season. We had to fight through numerous injuries this season, finishing the season with out for the season due to injury," Bollette said. As tough as that was, it gave our young wrestlers a tremendous amount of varsity experience. This should definitely help us as we prepare to rebuild next season."