Thomas Jefferson wrestlers start strong at Hampton Dawg Duals

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, December 14, 2018 | 8:06 PM

Thomas Jefferson’s wrestling team jumped out to a fast start in 2018-19, building immediately off last year’s banner season.

The Jaguars, who advanced to the WPIAL Class AAA tournament with a 9-1-1 record and ended their season 10-4-1 overall, opened their 2018-19 schedule by winning the Hampton Dawg Duals with a 5-0 record.

“The schedule is more challenging from a competitive standpoint with the addition of the Panther Classic, Jersey Shore Duals and Powerade tournament,” said Michael Ladick, TJ’s fourth-year coach. “The guys are focused on building off last year’s success, and the expectation is to treat the season as a consistent, linear progression moreso than one that has too much fluctuation.”

“I have never been one to impose expectations on guys. They have enough stress in their lives without me muddying the waters. If there is an expectation I set, it is that they know I will guide when needed and remove myself and others when necessary.”

Ladick greeted a host of returning starters from last year’s playoff team, led by 195-pound senior Max Shaw, who placed third in both the WPIAL and state last season. This is just his third year of high school wrestling. Shaw posted a 23-6 record as a sophomore and a 27-4 mark in an injury-riddled junior season.

“I’m really excited about our team this year,” Shaw said. “We still have our core group of guys from last year and we’ve all made tons of improvement. I expect us to be able to compete in every match, and to be able to make a deep run into the playoffs.

“The team looked really good over the weekend at the Dawg Duals. There were some tough matches where we really had to step up and make something happen; we did that, and it shows a lot of promise for the future.”

The Jaguars have a starter back in virtually every weight class.

Along with Shaw, a star running back/linebacker on the TJ football team who rambled for 1,971 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2018 and set a new team record of 9.2 yards per carry, the Jaguars returning starters on the mats consist of seniors Ridge Vlha (138), Alex Weber (152), Andy Kalup (160) and Austin Sobeck (220); juniors Brendan Finnerty (145), Jake Fisher (170) and Denver Haynes (285); and sophomores Nathan Krutules (113), Ben Eckenrod (120), Kale Buckiso (126), Michael Zacur (132) and Trystan Alava (182).

“We have a great group of young guys that can really make an impact this year,” Shaw said. “The sophomore class especially; they’re a tough group of guys that are really going to help the program.

“Personally, I’m trying to develop my wrestling even more this year. I want to continue to get better and hopefully compete for a title in March.”

The TJ grapplers stormed past their five opponents — Norwin, General McLane, Yough, Fox Chapel and Central Catholic — at the Hampton Dawg Duals.

“Austin Sobeck at 220 pounds had a big weekend for us, coming through with pins against Norwin and General McLane,” Ladick said. “Trystan Alava bumped up two weight classes and had an absolutely outstanding day. Trystan is tough as nails and has the respect of his teammates for sure.

“Ridge Vlha also bumped up a weight and has shown how much his hard work over the summer has paid off. He definitely showed aggression and heart all weekend.”

Weber posted a 33-6 record and was a section champion in 2017-18. He began this season with a career mark of 70-25.

Finnerty (30-8) Zacur (27-10), Buckiso (27-11) and Eckenrod (12-1) also enjoyed superb 2017-18 seasons.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson