In wrestling terms, a hammer is someone who never quits, is relentless in what they pursue, and is tough mentally and physically. Usually reserved for a select few, this term could apply to the whole Roadrunner roster this season as they have set lofty goals and have outworked their competition early this season.
Head Coach Dan Antonelli returned a more than solid group from last season and has benefitted from an influx of first-year talent that has led to an 8-3 start to the season in dual meets while the team prepares for two major tournaments in the month of December.
"We've established a nice foundation and we're fortunate to have a core group who works hard and pushes each other on a daily basis," said Antonelli. "We have plenty of veteran leadership, and another great recruiting class."
The leader on the team has been returnee Dylan Fischer who has come into the season in great shape and with a podium finish on his mind. Fischer, a West Deptford HS grad, powers the middle of the lineup and leads a contingent of well-known South Jersey wrestlers on the roster. Twenty-three of the Runners twenty-five wrestlers come from South Jersey high schools.
Tyler Baer came on strong at the end of last season earning a trip to the NJCAA National Championships. He had taken two years off of the mat before returning last season. He came into this season in great condition and is a tireless worker in the training room which has rubbed off on the team.
Earning key wins in the early part of the season has been crucial for the confidence of the team and other returners like Justin Boylan, Riley Onorato, Mike Rubino, and Jared Carr have also come up big in the dual meet success. Returning NJCAA National Championship qualifier John Fountain put an exclamation point on the win over NCAA DIII Gettysburg College on Sunday, November 17th with a huge win by fall.
"A tell tale sign that the program is taking the next step is not only shown in the practice room and on the mat, but opposing coaches and fans have been complimentary on the Roadrunners' toughness and aggressiveness!" commented Antonelli. "As a whole we have to continue to push each other and ourselves as no time for complacency."
A number of newcomers have been key contributors in the early part of the season. Nick DiGiacomo has been a star at 125lbs. for the Roadrunners including a 3-0 day at the recent Green Terrier Duals against NCAA Division III competition. Coach Antonelli described DiGiacomo as "on a mission" and his mission seems to be racking up points as his matches have not lacked offense.
C.J. Mazzarelli, Curtis Thomas and Jaden Roberts have been in the starting lineup for the majority of the duals and all have performed at a consistently high level. Newcomers John Patterson and Atlee Cullison have also impressed early on with aggressive offensive wrestling.
A key to the season as it progresses will be depth and getting healthy. Both Matt Cruz and Austin Mooney, expected contributors, have dealt with some injuries early in the season but hope to be able to contribute as the season progresses.
While the Runners are now 8-3 overall in a dual meet heavy start to the season, they are preparing for upcoming tournaments. On December 8, the team will return to the mat for the Bob Quade Duals at Centenary. Centenary is coached by former Roadrunner champion John Garriques, a member of our Hall of Fame, so this is always a meaningful event. The following weekend the team will head to Nassau CC for the Long Island Open where great competition is the norm. Both of these events help prepare the team for the all-important end of season tournaments.
The programs' success has not just been on the mat. Recently, six Roadrunner wrestlers were among the honorees recognized by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for their academic success. Sophomore Evan Vandzura was honored for currently holding the top GPA on the team.
Photo Galleries: Green Terror Duals | Thaddues Stevens | Electric City Duals | Home Opener | Head Shots
TEAM INFORMATION
Coach: Dan Antonelli, second year; former Clayton-Glassboro High wrestling coach with 300 career wins.
Assistants: Alex Reeves, Paul Toppin, Mark Fischer, Dylan Skidmore
Last Season: Garden State Athletic Conference champions; Second in Eastern District II Championships; qualified six individual wrestlers for the 2019 NJCAA National Championships.
Key Returnees: Tyler Baer (Pitman), 174, National qualifier; Jared Carr (Millville), 157, National qualifier; Dylan Fischer (West Deptford), 165, National qualifier; John Fountain (Deptford), heavyweight, National qualifier; Brandon Johnson (Williamstown), 184-197; Tate Merlino (Pitman), 133-141; Riley Ornarato (Paulsboro), 174-184; Mike Rubino (Northeast High), 141; Justin Boylan (Williamstown), 141-149.
Newcomers and Additional Contributors: Nick DiGiacomo (Timber Creek), 125; Luke Souder (Buena), 125-133; C.J. Mazzarelli (Delsea), 133; Evan Vandzura (Delsea), 149; Atlee Cullison (Kingsway), 149; Jon Stokes (Delsea), 165; Jerome Scott (Penns Grove), 165; Jaden Roberts (Buena), 184; Curtis Thomas (Delsea), 197; Matt Cruz (Gloucester), heavyweight; Austin Mooney (Paulsboro), heavyweight; David Iulucci (St. Joe's Hammonton, Ursinus College); Nick Carrero (Absegami), 141; Jason Schmidt (Bridgeton); Shane Kelly (West Deptford).
