The RCGC wrestling program has experienced a solid turnaround during the 2018-19 season as was evident by last weekend's Garden State Athletic Conference Championship run at the Roadrunner Athletic Complex.
The Runners scored decisive wins over Bergen, Middlesex and Camden County in a tournament that allowed the local team to hoist the GSAC Championship banner for the first time in several seasons.
But the man behind the turnaround -- first year coach Dan Antonelli -- does not want his team to dwell on their current success.
It's time to move on.
A former successful high school coach himself at Clayton-Glassboro, Antonelli stressed that the current 2018-19 campaign is far from over.
"We congratulated the kids and thanked them for their achievements – then we stressed that now you have to reset goals," Antonelli said. "We still have a lot of wrestling left this season and they could achieve even more success."
The Roadrunners will be right back in action on Friday night at home (7 pm) with a match versus Rutgers University Club team at Roadrunner Athletic Center.
This match will allow team members to take part in competition in the middle of a long layoff prior to the District Championships at Lackawanna College on Feb. 16th.
"We'll get some matches in and work on our techniques," said Antonelli. "Hopefully this weekend will keep us sharp and prepare us for what's ahead."
And with the District Tournament and NJCAA National Championships looming on the horizon, who will argue this point?
Certainly not sophomore Anthony Pencook (Cinnaminson) and freshman Dylan Fischer (West Deptford), both of whom have enjoyed solid campaigns under Antonelli.
Fischer appreciates how Coach Antonelli helps the wrestlers with scheduling practices, so they can continue to work out and stay in shape.
"I've had a busy schedule and he's been able to move the schedule around so I could work out more," said Fischer. "Coach has helped us all like that -- and we all agree there's more progress to be made."
Pencook was one of several wrestlers to step forward to state the 2018-19 season is far from finished.
"We have some more matches ahead of us," said Pencook, who enjoyed a solid afternoon in the GSAC Meet at at 141 pounds. "We will take care of business and be ready for the Districts."