Varsity wrestling team hits the mats

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

aluthern@vindy.com

High school freshman Pat Salvator is used to making history.

“I was on the first middle school wrestling team last year, and it doesn’t feel any different being on the first varsity team,” said Salvator, who wrestles in the 215-pound division.

This fall marked the first time that Poland High School fielded a varsity wrestling team, competing in Division II of the Eastern Ohio Wrestling League and the All-American Conference. The team is coached by John Saxon and assistant Joe Caruso, both of whom wrestled together at Boardman High School.

“We keep telling them that this is the first time for everything,” Caruso said. “We’re setting standard that will last forever.”

Wrestling hasn’t been entirely absent from Poland. While in high school, Max and Ben Pearce both qualified for the state tournament years before the varsity team formed. A youth wrestling league for grades kindergarten through six has been in place for about five years, and two years ago a middle school club team began.

Of the 22 wrestlers on the varsity roster, 10 are freshmen like Salvator and giving the upperclassmen who are new to the sport a challenge.

“I saw some of these guys in the hallway and thought ‘They can’t wrestle,’” said junior Dave Bosak. “I come in on the mat, and I’ll just say, looks can be deceiving.”

Bosak (heavyweight) also plays football and joined the wrestling team because he thought it would help prepare him for the next football season.

“A lot of football players have joined the team because they want to get better and they know I’ll push them,” Saxon said.

The team is led by veterans Dan Kreastsoulas (171) and Adam Shields (119), who placed sixth in his weight class at sectionals last year. Whether an athlete is new or familiar with the sport, each practice is designed to push each team member.

“In wrestling, you have to be aggressive. You can’t be gentle out there,” Saxon said.

The varsity team is looking to improve its .500 record Tuesday at the Pymatuning Valley Duals Tournament. Senior Night is scheduled for Jan. 6, as the Bulldogs take on Howland in the Poland High School gym.