UPDATE: In a stunning display of determination, the Nazareth Blue Eagles wrestling team rallied to a 37-28 victory over the Northampton Konkrete Kids during their first home dual meet of the season on Friday night.
Nazareth senior Elijah Simak made headlines by bumping up two weight classes, wrestling at 215 lbs despite being 40.5 lbs lighter than his opponent, Northampton junior Joell Small. Simak dominated the match, securing a 22-6 tech fall in just 3:21, showcasing his speed and agility. “I knew I had the speed on him,” Simak stated confidently. “He started getting tired.”
The urgency of the match was palpable as Nazareth, now 2-0 this season, took a critical lead of 31-28 heading into the final bout. Senior Brayden Zuercher also stepped up, moving up two weight classes to heavyweight. He quickly pinned Northampton senior Brandon McEntire in a mere 48 seconds, sealing the victory for the Blue Eagles.
Coach Dave Crowell praised his team’s commitment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in strategy. “Anything we can do for the team, we’re all in,” he noted, highlighting that the decision to bump Simak and Zuercher wasn’t influenced by winning the toss.
Simak’s relentless pace was evident from the start, as he pushed forward with each restart. “I can get out of any position, that’s my mindset,” he said, reflecting on his strategy. Even with the weight disadvantage, he chose to start on the bottom, showcasing his confidence in overcoming challenges. “We always go bottom during the season because… there’s going to come a time… where you’re going to have to get out to win,” Crowell explained.
The Blue Eagles’ victory was further solidified by winning the last four bouts, earning crucial bonus points. The Konkrete Kids, despite their loss, had standout performances, with freshman Benjamin Schoenberger, sophomore Brayden Werich, and junior Gabe Ballard all winning by fall. However, Northampton coach Joe Provini lamented the impact of a forfeit at 107 lbs, stating, “We hurt ourselves tonight.”
Looking ahead, the Konkrete Kids aim to bounce back as they host Bethlehem Catholic at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles are set for an intense rivalry match against Easton on the same night.
As the Nazareth team prepares for their next challenge, the excitement surrounding their wrestling program continues to build. “Our coach wanted us to get as many shots as we could, no stopping just because we’re up,” Simak asserted, embodying the team’s relentless spirit.
Stay tuned for more updates as the wrestling season unfolds and the competition intensifies.
