Sometimes, it all comes down to receiving some solid guidance. This indeed was a key factor as the Roadrunner wrestling team competed on the national stage last weekend in a talented field of the NJCAA's elite programs. And the local athletes from South Jersey proved they belong among the nation's finest as the NuWay NWCA National Duals unfolded in Louisville, KY.

The club's performance proved to be a step toward national respectability -- but aside from the hard work turned in by individual wrestlers, the team clearly took advantage of some personal advice from Assistant Coach Alex Reeves, a former Centenary University and Irvington High (NJ) wrestler.

Reeves himself wrestled in the National Duals for four seasons while at Centenary (2012-15). He made the lengthy 12-hour bus trip to Louisville and stood on the sidelines throughout, dishing out advice as Roadrunner wrestlers took to the mats.

When the Runners dropped a close 25-18 decision to nationally ranked Rochester CTC in their opening match, Reeves faced his first challenge as a coach.

"The guys know they can come to me anytime for any reason," Reeves said. "After we lost that first match I told everyone 'you have a choice to make.' You can brood about it or keep on working. They made the right choices. They came back the next day and battled hard."

Indeed, Coach Dan Antonelli saw plenty of progress that may help the team continue its path toward national prominence. The Runners finished 2-1 with a close loss to Rochester CTC (25-18) and easy victories over Minnesota West CTC (56-0) and Northland CTC (47-6). Rochester CTC, No. 13 in the latest NJCAA national rankings, advanced to the tourney's championship round. The Runners secured fifth place in the team standings with the triumph over Northland.

And Antonelli thanked Coach Reeves for helping to guide a few nervous wrestlers as they entered the national stage.

"We're in Louisville against some of the best teams in the country -- most of these wrestlers aren't used to this atmosphere," Antonelli said. "Coach Reeves made a difference. He's been here before. He understands the pressure and how to handle yourself."

Several Roadrunner wrestlers enjoyed outstanding tournaments, including freshman Nick DiGiacomo (125 pounds), Mike Rubino (141), Atlee Cullison (149), and Tyler Baer (2-0), each of whom swept their matches.

That proved to be a source of pride for Reeves, who himself wrestled at 125 and 133 while competing at Centenary where he graduated with a Business Marketing degree. He recalls his first match as a freshman during the National Duals.

"I was really nervous, but I came away with a 5-3 win," he noted. "We went into the tournament ranked No. 9 in the country, so there were a lot of high expectations. Winning that first match really helped and made the whole tournament memorable."

Reeves met Coach Antonelli while at Centenary and later became a member of Antonelli's coaching staff at Clayton High School. Reeves re-joined Antonelli the past two seasons on the Roadrunner sidelines and has played a key role in the program's recent success.

"We're building a successful program here, and our coaching staff has made a difference," said Antonelli, referring to Reeves and fellow assistants Paul Toppin and Dylan Skidmore. "They play big roles every day in helping these young athletes succeed."

Next up for the Roadrunners will be a trip to the Will Abele invitational at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA on Saturday, January 18. Tournament action begins at 10:00 am.