Thursday, February 16, 2012
AUSTINTOWN
He won the 113-pound division at the Eastern Ohio Wrestling League tournament on Feb. 4, but Boardman’s Nick Mancini is making a drastic change in his preparations for this weekend’s Division I sectional meet at Austintown Fitch High.
He’s losing seven pounds.
“It’s the ultimate dedication,” said Dom Mancini, Nick’s father and coach. “You have to monitor everything, not just in practice. Twenty four-seven, you’re going hard with concentrated training and a reduced calorie diet. To do this, a wrestler needs mental toughness and Nick’s got it.”
The drop to the 106-pound weight class is a move that Mancini has actually done before. It’s an attempt to diversify himself as a wrestler and see new competition.
“The wrestlers at 106 are quicker, while at 113 — they’re stronger,” Nick Mancini said. “It’s a good test.”
Joining Mancini as a top seed in his respective weight class is Nico Graziani at 160. Peter Ryan at 126 and Joe Cordova at 170 are also participating.
The host Falcons are trying to defend the home mat, but it won’t be easy, Coach Brett Powell says.
“There is always pressure in big meets when you’re the home squad,” Powell said. “We’re used to winning here and people are used to seeing us win. But every year the competition grows stronger.”
Fitch has taken the last two weeks off to focus on sectionals.
“The time away has given them the chance to get dialed in,” Powell said. “We want to come in with fresh minds ready to take care of business.”
Rick Ague will wrestle at 106 pounds, Zack Mackal at 132 and Kyle Rocco at 138. At 285 pounds, Len McGachy is the heavyweight with a lofty 32-5 record.
“He’s really a tough athlete that has taken some football skills over to focusing on wrestling,” Powell said. “He can hit the right moves and he’s dangerous with power and quickness.”