By Alexandra Codella ’17
After last year’s strong season from defeating state-champion teams Cedar Grove and Passaic Valley, this year’s wrestling team has incredibly high expectations.
Assistant Coach Markey named district, region and 2015 New Jersey’s Coach of the Year, led the team to an exemplary preseason, which they started on Nov. 21. He expressed how hard the boys worked, and said the energy they brought the first day of preseason was electric. He stressed that wrestling is a very demanding sport with all the pressure on staying healthy, maintaining your weight and the mental aspect of the sport.
Captain Marco Macrino facing off against Suffren County this season, leading his team this season. Senior Macrino wrestles at 138.
“Wrestling is a grind and there is no way to change that,” Coach Markey said. “However, we incorporate workouts at Sky Zone and a Ninja Warrior training facility, team bowling night, as well as occasional dance-offs in the room. Keeping a positive and appropriate mind set is a daily mission in our room.”
Captains and four year starters Marco Macrino, Noah Struss and Chris Zaccaria have put themselves in a position to make a mark on states this year with all their hard work and experience over the past years.
“As a senior captain I want to make everyone feel like they can contribute to the team success and to always stay positive,” Struss said.
Unfortunately, a crucial asset for the team was lost: AJ Corso was working hard during preseason to prepare him for his senior season of wrestling but his season was cut short due to an ACL injury.
“Wrestling is only a small part of AJ’s story, he is one of the most well rounded and likeable athletes to come through our program,” said Assistant Coach Markey, “Although, he won’t be wrestling for us this year he will be an important part of our team chemistry moving forward.”
The West Essex Knights Wrestling team is 4-4 this season, defeating Bloomfield, Orange, West Orange and Bridgewater-Raritan. After losing a tough match against rivals James Caldwell 36-21; Mike Ruane, R.J. Bell, Marco Macrino, Luke Dignazio and Chris Zaccaria all came out with lots of energy putting up points on the board for West Essex.
Sophomore Mike Ruane and senior Chris Zaccaria both ending their matches with pins giving West Essex six points each.
“We know we have a special team this year that can do some special things. So it is now up to us to make this season one to remember,” sophomore Luke Dignazio said. “Once that light turns on in front of your home crowd you become a different person.”
