This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/26/2022 01:05 PMThe East Haven wrestling team had an average season campaign a year ago, yet backed by a motivated room of focused and grounded grapplers, the Yellowjackets are determined to make marked mat improvements this winter.
Last winter, East Haven finished its dual-meet season with a record of 10-11, marking the Yellowjackets’ first losing season in six years.
On Feb. 5, East Haven competed at the Southern Connecticut Conference Championship at Xavier High School and finished in 10th place with 21 total points scored.
After SCCs, East Haven had the opportunity to host the Class M State Championship for the first time in school history on Feb. 18 and 19. The hosting Yellowjackets finished in 16th place by scoring 61 points in the contest.
East Haven is on its way to an improved record this campaign, as the Yellowjackets have grappled their way to a 2-0 start. Head Coach Mark Tolla explained that his squad this season is a blended bunch, though the athletes are staying upbeat as they find their footing.
“We have a good mix of experienced kids and youth,” said Tolla. “We still have two or three weight classes where we are trying to identify a starter. They have made some positive growth so far. The beginning part of the year is developmental. We tell the kids that it doesn’t matter what you do in December, it matters what you do in February. You want to do your best wrestling at the end of the year. I am happy with where we are right now; the team is filled with potential.”
East Haven boasts three seniors and a junior as captains for this campaign. Jason Toth (195; second year as captain), Eli Trufan (126), and Chris Doheny (120) are the senior leaders, while Jack Batista-Fletcher (113) is the lone junior captain out of the 133-pound weight class.
“Jason is intense and someone who leads by example. He is a great extension of the coaching staff that the kids look up to,” said Coach Tolla. “Eli is a second-year wrestler who was 17-11 last year. He wrestles year-round, and we expect a big year from him. Chris has wrestled since elementary school. He came back to our team last year, and he worked hard in the offseason. He is a great leader who is respected by his peers. Jack placed third in states for his class last year. He is probably the most technical wrestler in our room.”
Additionally within the senior class corps, East Haven houses competitors in Dylan Snyder (138-pound grappler), Noah Franchi (145; 11-7 a year ago), Marcello Torres at 106, who was 17-12 last winter, Jeremiah Kane (160), and Sofia Milano. Tolla touted each individual’s potential to produce on the mat. Junior Nick Vance also placed runner-up at the CJ McCormick Tournament on Dec. 17.
“Dylan really worked hard in the offseason to increase his skills and technical abilities,” Tolla said. “Noah wrestled a lot in the offseason; he is a very technical wrestler. Marcello is a talented wrestler. He is in a weight class that fits him. With his abilities and toughness, he should do well. Jeremiah has been out, but he is expected to return soon. Sofia went from cheerleading to wrestling last year, and she was really dedicated to offseason wrestling. She is competing for a starting position, and she will hopefully finish near the top of the girls’ division at the end of the year.”
After starting its dual-meet season with a 61-16 home triumph over Ellis Tech on Dec. 15, East Haven hosted Amity on Dec. 21 and prevailed by a 51-28 decision. The team also traveled to Berlin on Dec. 17, in which they saw Berlin, Avon, Bristol Eastern, Brookfield/Shepaug, Conard, Farmington, Jonathan Law, Foran, Middletown, and Suffield/Windsor Locks.
Tolla touted that he is happy with his team’s development through the first month of action. He further explained that the Yellowjackets are using their natural abilities, dedication to the craft, and beaming positivity to come together in complete cohesion.
“In the first three weeks or so, I am very happy with the team. There is a great team chemistry; it’s been a breath of fresh air,” Coach Tolla said. “The kids are very positive and enjoy practices. We had our first losing season in six years last year, so the kids went back to work to try and change that. We will hopefully finish in the top three or five at SCCs, and then shoot for top five for states in Class M. Those are our goals each year.”
Tolla is in his fifth season at the helm for East Haven. He is assisted by Lou Rivellini, Codey Borchert, Neil Merola, and Mat DiVito.
Rounding out the roster for East Haven are juniors of Alyson Alberino, Nevaeh Caffalette, Christian Carabantes, Jacob Ushchak; sophomores Joe Allen, Gonul Celik, Alex Dombrowski, Marc Gargano, Jacob Hinman, Aidan Loehman, Zander Molster; and freshmen of Ela Celik, Maddie Cooper, Dom D’Ambrosio, Joshua Hutchinson, Jaden Jimenez, and Joshua Rivera.