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01/24/2016 11:00 PMWith its well-rounded and motivated lineup, the Hand wrestling team has established itself as a favorite to capture its first SCC title since 2010 and showed the rest of the league it’s a contender in a recent bout.
Hand, which entered last week with a mark of 10-2, hosted an 18-3 Foran squad on Jan. 20. Hand gave the Lions all they could handle on the mat, but came up just short in dropping a 32-30 decision. Still, despite the defeat, Head Coach Michel Docker said his Tigers house one of their deepest squads in recent memory, which will only aid their push toward the top in the postseason.
“We had about 40 kids come out for the team this year, which is the most we’ve had in about five, six years here. We have a lot of depth through the middle of our lineup. With the exception of the heavyweights, we have about two, three guys available in every weight class,” said Coach Docker. “We have to also give credit to our JV squad as, by having more JV kids in different classes, it gives the varsity kids more to practice with, which is also helping our season so far. With those extra bodies, the varsity guys are able to get plenty of reps in.”
In the meet against Foran, Hand’s victories came from sophomore Mark Hartmann in the 120-pound weight class by a 10-7 decision; senior William Hendrick (138, 6-0 decision); sophomore Adam Hendrick (145, pin at 1:00); senior Luke Bernardo (170, pin at 1:17); sophomore Van Docker (195, 6-3 decision); sophomore Michael Burchell (220, 4-2 decision); and senior Connor Sakmar (106, pin at 1:24). Sakmar and Bernardo captain the Tigers with fellow senior Liam Sullivan.
“[The captains] have really stepped up to the plate by driving the pace of practice. They really work with and motivate the other boys,” said Coach Docker, who’s in his third year at the helm. “The guys have been really focusing in on their technique, as well, this year and they each have one move they can rely on and build from there.”
Entering the Foran matchup, the Tigers’ captains each boasted a strong record with Sullivan (132 weight class) at 17-4, Sakmar sitting at 12-4, and Bernardo at 11-4. Coach Docker said that whether it’s through their brain or brawn, his three leaders are certainly leaving their mark on the program in their final campaigns.
“Connor is a great role model in the classroom as he is currently ranked first or second in his class. He is a great leader in terms of his work ethic and represents what the other kids should strive for,” said Docker. “Liam is more of a vocal leader in the room. He always gives words of encouragement and praise. Luke is an incredible and voracious competitor that knows how to channel his energy.”
Additional standouts for the Tigers at the season’s midway point include William Hendrick (138, 13-5); juniors Christian Westphal (285, 10-6) and Zakery Santoemma (152, 17-3); plus Hartmann (120, 13-6).
“Mark is beginning to show that he will be a future leader here, especially with his heart and drive on the mat. William has turned the corner with his confidence and stepped up as a force to be reckoned with,” Docker said. “Zakery is an up-and-coming leader who works hard in practice and has it translate to success in matches. Christian is turning the corner with his technique and is really great to coach.”
The Tigers received a big morale boost over the holiday break by placing 10th out of 30 clubs at the Wetzel Classic in Pennsylvania on Dec. 29. Docker feels that finish can help carry Hand closer to its goals of raising some solo and team championship banners once the final whistle blows on this season.
“Pennsylvania is traditionally one of the bigger powerhouses in the country with high school wrestling, so for us to place as high as we did, it boosted them up to a new level. Coming back to Connecticut, I think they’ve been more aggressive and it helped their mental edge,” said Docker. “Our goal is to be SCC champions. For states, we are hoping in Class L to place in the top five as a team and send four, five guys to the State Open. We have a rich history of state champions with those names on a wall in our practice room and the captains and many guys want their names on that wall.”
From the Sidelines
Hand wrestling Head Coach Michael Docker is assisted by John Rogers, Dave D’Alessio, Anthony Mancini, Wells Sakmar, and PJ Katz this season.
Last season, the Tigers finished the regular season 18-10 before coming in third at SCCs and eighth at the Class L State Championship.
The SCC Championship is slated for Saturday, Feb. 13 at Cross at 9 a.m. The Class L State Championship will be contested on Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20 at Bristol Central.