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RADNOR — Putting his perfect record on the line against a family friend, Tom Meyers knew he was in for a fight.
Described by his coach as a “brawler,” Springfield’s Joey Sciarrino is known to take on all comers from 160 to 182 pounds without the slightest hesitation. Since Sciarrino and Meyers have met on the mat before, even in the middle of summer, the pair knew each other’s moves — and it showed.
Just the second bout of what would unfold as Radnor’s best performance of the season with Wednesday’s 50-17 domination of the Central League rival Cougars, it became apparent early that Meyers’ pristine 22-0 mark at 160 pounds could be in jeopardy.
The pair started on their feet, wrist wrestling and exchanging head slaps in a feeling-out process that resulted in a scoreless first period. With Sciarrino on the bottom and playing gutsy defense, the second period ended 0-0 as well.
Then, 12 seconds into the third period Meyers scored a takedown and held on, 2-0, for what Raiders coach Matt Torresani described as “by far Tommy’s toughest match of the year.”
Afterward the two wrestlers shook hands, Sciarrino added a respectful hug and the crowd exhaled.
Now 23-0 on the season, Meyers retreated to the Radnor bench and listened intently as Torresani offered a few pointers.
“That was the toughest match I’ve had, and I knew it would be going in when I saw (Joey) drop down to 160,” Meyers said. “He was strong on his feet, but I knew if I could get him to the mat I could be successful.’
Springfield coach Dave Pecunia paid Sciarrino, now 18-4, a compliment when he said, “He’s not a technical guy, he’s a brawler and he goes after the tough guys. He wants the toughest guys and he doesn’t care what the outcome is. Well, he wants to win, but he also wants to be pushed and challenged.”
Sciarrino couldn’t agree more.
“I’m not afraid of anybody at any weight,” the junior said. “I wrestled (Meyers) in the summer and it was always very close. He beat me this time, maybe I’ll get him next time.”
Asked about the quick hug he gave Meyers, Sciarrino said, “It’s a sign of respect because he wrestled with my brother, and our families are close. It was also to show I’m a good sport. I’m a leader on the team and want to show the younger guys not to act like crybabies when they lose.”
Even though his night was done barely 15 minutes into the match, Meyers remained active on the Raiders bench and appeared ready to jump back into the action when teammate Owen Braithwaite brought the gym alive by rallying to take a 5-3 sudden victory over Vince DiMichele at 113.
Meyers, who was exhibiting the kind of body language a bowler might use to keep a ball from hooking, laughed when he said, “Yeah, I was really getting into it. Coming back from down 3-0, going to overtime and getting the takedown for the win was nice for Owen.”
Torresani has an affinity for Braithwaite, pointing out that the undersized freshman weighs in at 103 pounds and is competing at 113.
“That was great to see Tommy and the rest of the guys supporting Owen,” Torresani said. “A big philosophy of our team is ‘family.’ That’s the kind of culture we’re trying to create here. We always say you might be the only one on the mat, but we’re all out there with you. Tommy’s a big part of that leadership that holds that together.”
The Raiders’ most complete performance of the season was also highlighted by James Hong’s 1-0 win at heavyweight, early major decisions by Kyle Wadell (152) and Zak Taylor (170), pins by Addison Hanson (182), Alex DeNolfo (195) and Karl Stark (132) and Dan Redmond’s electrifying 7-6 come-from-behind win at 120.
Springfield got onto the scoreboard thanks to Chris Sciarrino, Joey’s younger brother, when the sophomore struck for a 19-second pin at 126, and Dennis Charamella followed with a first-period fall at 138.
But this night, as so many before, Meyers was the lone wrestler to head out into the night undefeated.
“Tommy is a great kid from a great family,” Torresani said. “His brothers (John and Bob) came through the program here under Skip Shoemaker and they continue to help out with the team. When you’re in the shadow of your brothers, you have a lot to prove. He’s doing it the right way and that’s cool to see.”
Radnor's Tom Meyers, top, battles with Springfield's Joe Sciarrino in the 160-pound match Wednesday. Meyers' 2-0 win was his 23rd in a row without a loss. (Robert J Gurecki)
Springfield's James Kimpel battles with Radnor's Kyle Waddell in their 152-pound tilt. (Robert J Gurecki)
Springfield's Dwayne Snipes, left, battles with Radnor's Zack Taylor in their 170-pound match Wednesday. (Robert J Gurecki)
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