It didn't take long for sophomore 125-pounder Nick DiGiacomo to find his winning groove again. Same for 184-pounder Jaden Roberts.
The two Roadrunner veteran wrestlers, not surprisingly, played key roles in RCSJ's 35-22 opening day win over visiting Temple University as the Runners posted the first career win for new head coach Alex Reeves.
DiGiacamo who recorded a fall at 125 pounds, led a parade of five RCSJ wrestlers with pins while Roberts, a returning All-American, added a key technical fall at 184 pounds to put this first-ever triumph in the books for Coach Reeves.
"It felt great to be back and start the new season off this way," said DiGiacomo, a former Timber Creek High star who missed last season with an injury. "I wasn't sure how this was going to go, but I felt better than ever."
Roberts, who finished sixth in the nation last season in earning All-American honors, was happy for both his teammates and Coach Reeves, an assistant here prior to assuming the head coach's position this season.
"This was a great day for Coach Reeves and I couldn't be happier," said Roberts, a former Buena Regional High standout. "He will be a very good head coach, just like he was as an assistant coach. He's put together a really good team here too. We have a lot of good wrestlers and a of depth."
In addition to DiGiacomo and Roberts, the Runners also received wins from Shamar Baines (133 pounds, pin), Nick Carrero (157, pin), Ryan Kolecki (165, pin), and Jose Vazquez-Ramos (heavyweight, pin). They quickly raced to a 12-0 lead thanks to pins by DiGiacomo and Baines, and never looked back.
"What a great team effort – just everyone chipping in and giving it their best," said Reeves, who took over for former Coach Dan Antonelli. "It was nice to get this first win. It will always hold a lot of good memories."
There will be no rest for the Runners, who find themselves on the road this Sunday, Nov. 7th at the Golden Wolves Invite at Alvernia University in Reading, PA.
