Posted: Dec 01, 2018
Signs of positive progress are everywhere within the Roadrunners' roster as coach Dan Antonelli guides his team past the early portion of the 2018-19 campaign.
With a 2-2 dual meet record and strong outings against tough competition, RCGC has plenty to look forward to.
Early signs indicate the Roadrunners will be a possible contender later this season when they participate in the Garden State Athletic Conference Championships and later in the Districts leading up to the JUCO Nationals in late winter.
But first Antonelli hopes his youthful squad -- loaded with first-year wrestlers -- will correct mental and technical mistakes as the season continues.
Our kids wrestled well but we have some work to keep doing," said Antonelli, who collected more than 300 wins coaching the Clayton-Glassboro program in recent years. "Sometimes we're on the bottom giving up back points and not getting out of those spots. The college rules are different for these kids, so they're still learning.
"But no doubt, the talent is here -- we just need to keep working hard and making adjustments."
The middleweights look especially strong in the young season. First-year wrestler Dylan Fischer, a former West Deptford grappler, is off to a solid 8-2 start at 165 pounds. He anchors a solid middle portion of the lineup in which the Roadrunners have consistently picked up team points in dual meets.
Fischer won an opening bout against Temple University on Nov 3, but then enjoyed a 3-0 outing in the East Stroudsburg Open the following week. He picked up two more wins by fall in the Green Terror Duals at McDaniel College on Nov. 18 and has competed well overall against athletes from four-year DI through D III schools.
"He just goes out and is all business -- plus he never panics," said Antonelli of Fischer. "He's slick on his feet and has a great feel out there for what he needs to do."
At 141, Anthony Pencook (Cinnaminson) is starting to make solid progress. He turned in a 2-1 mark at the Green Terror Duals following a week in which he competed well against tough D-I and DII competition at the East Stroudsburg Open. He has compiled a 3-3 overall record this season.
Middleweight Jared Carr (149 pounds, Millville) also has a 3-3 record, with a solid 2-1 showing at the Green Terror Duals. His one loss was an 8-7 thriller after he fell behind 6-0.
125-pounder Tate Merlino (Pitman), also 3-3 overall, set a dramatic tone in the season's very first match against Temple. He found himself quickly behind the Owl's Anthony Zayas by a 6-0 count thanks to a takedown and four back points awarded his opponent. But Merlino turned in a few moves of his own and rallied for the heart-thumping 10-9 win.
That gave the Runners a 3-0 lead, and the home team never looked back in building a 31-0 lead and coasting to the team win.
"It was great having my teammates, my family and the whole crowd behind me as I was making that comeback," said Merlino. "It's crazy – coach Ant (Antonelli) has done a great job recruiting this team, pushing us, and making this a lot of fun."
Antonelli also hopes to get back 197-pounder Bubba Norris, a former. Gateway standout, from a knee bruise when the team returns to action this weekend.
"Bubba (Norris) is feeling pretty good and hopes to be back," Antonelli said. "He definitely helps us in the upper weight and is off to a good start."
The Roadrunners will compete at the Bob Quade Open this Sunday, December 2. Look for a full recap on our website.