Hill’s East Wrestling 2007-2008

The T-Birds graduated 5 starting seniors in 2006-07 and look to draw on the tradition of hard work to fill this years line-up. Returning starters are Brian Lau, Matt Genchi, Vincent Cortazar, Mike Hromada, Clayton Slivka, Kervin Charles,Vic Lazares, Jarvis Jenkins and Jeff Beljacques...

Returning League 3 Champion and All-County Wrestler is Clayton Slivka. Also returning All-County is Mike Hromada. Both Clayton and Mike will settle for nothing less than a trip to Rochester this year.(STATES). They bring experience, tenacity, and leadership to this years team.

Returning All-League and League 3 Runner-up @ 160lbs. is Kervin Charles. Kervin has wrestled @ 171lbs. the past 2 years and lost in a sudden death overtime last year that kept him from his County goals. He looks much improved this year and will be in the mix to get to the States. Following Kervin is our Heavyweight @ 275lbs. and 2x League place winner, Jeff Beljacques. Jeff brings experience to this weight class in League 3, and looks to be the wrestler to beat @ 275.

Other noteworthy wrestlers are Matt Genchi who committed 1 month in Minnesota this summer to 12 hour workouts. "That commitment is what exemplifies the proud Hills East tradition." A much improved Brian Lau, Vin Cortazar, Vic Lazares, and Jarvis Jenkins round out a balanced team...

The 145lb and 152lb weight classes are up for grabs this year. Coach Magnani is excited to see which returning J.V. wrestlers will emerge at these weight classes. What's exciting this 2007-08 year is the crop of young talented 9th graders that have already made their presence known in Section XI.

As much as this is an individual sport, we must continue to build on team spirit. The team concept makes the hard work and commitment bearable. This is not an easy sport, and there are times throughout the season that every wrestler must rely on his teammates. Coach Magnani is continually reminding his wrestlers that sticking with what you start and accomplishing your goals is what builds champions, and that every team member can contribute. What every wrestler should be asking themselves is, what can I do to improve, and, how can I make a difference this year?...

to be continued...