TJ wins dual; BVA’s Weightman dominates again

By JEREMY TEPPER

MVI Sports

Michael Ladick admits that he doesn’t really quite have a gauge on how good his wrestling team is.

The lead-up to this season and the ensuing season has been different than a normal year, to say the least. Monday’s match between Thomas Jefferson and Belle Vernon encapsulated that, as the Jaguars won 60-12, with Belle Vernon having to forfeit seven matches due to short numbers.

Still, of what Ladick does know, he knows his team continues to win, improving to 3-0 on the season.
Coming off the grueling Mid-Winter Mayhem tournament Saturday— which both Thomas Jefferson and Belle Vernon participated in — Ladick was happy with the way his team responded.

“It’s hard coming off this weekend. That was a very, very challenging tournament for our guys. A lot of good competition,” said Ladick, Thomas Jefferson’s coach. “It’s nice to build some sense of consistency right now. I know we’re wrestling a lot, but at least we’re going. And I’m happy about that.”

Of the six varsity matches that played out on Monday, Thomas Jefferson and Belle Vernon each won three. In the 138, 145 and 172 classes, Jaguars’ wrestlers Ben Eckenrod, Kale Buckiso and Brian Finnery won via pinfall in the first round.

For Belle Vernon, Logan Hoffman beat Trystan Alava via a 5-1 decision at 189. Chad Metikosh beat Alby Bresisinger, 5-1, at 285 and Cole Weightman won by pin at 215  pounds.

“Ben’s a senior captain and Kale’s a senior captain doing really well for us. They’re just trying to build on their senior seasons and tighten some things up in preparation here for the hard grind ahead,” Ladick said.

“Brian has been wrestling really well. He’s started to really tighten up his technique and work on his offense. We’re very pleased overall with how things are going.”

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