Posted: Dec 01, 2018
The good news for RCGC wrestling coach Dan Antonelli is that his lineup is beginning to round out nicely. A case in point is in the Roadrunners' upper weights, where 197-pounder Bubba Norris (Gateway) and heavyweight John Fountain (Deptford) are beginning to get in a groove.
Quite frankly, the potential from these local athletes is unlimited.
Norris began the season with a first-period pin in 2:29 over Temple's Daniel Esenov in a win over the Owls. He then suffered an injury the following week but has worked his way back into the lineup in solid shape.
In the Bob Quade Tournament at Centenary College, Norris saw his first action back on the mat in several weeks. He responded with a win against his Middlesex County College opponent, sparking plenty of hope.
"Bubba's getting his feel back, so it was great to see him back in the lineup," said Antonelli. "He has amazing potential and will be one of our best once he sees more action."
At heavyweight, Fountain continues to show improvement with a 1-1 record in the Quade Tournament along with a close loss in the wrestlebacks.
"It's great to see his improvement," said Antonelli of Fountain. "He's adapting to the college level style of wrestling, and there's no doubt that it's a big adjustment."
Antonelli no doubt saw progress from other wrestlers during the Quade Tournament.
At 141, Mike Rubino (Northeast High), posted a 4-2 mark on the day. Matt Gray (Clearview) turned in a solid 3-2 record at 157 while Dylan Fischer (West Deptford) continues to shine at 165 with a 2-1 mark in the tourney.
"Everyone is showing a lot of confidence, and we're getting better all the time," said Antonelli.
Next up for the Roadrunners is this weekend's Long Island Open. Catch all of the action right here at @RCGCAthletics.