RADNOR >> In the season of giving, depth may be the best present a wrestling coach can receive. So says Radnor boss Matt Torresani, who saw his Raiders run their record to 2-0 overall and in the Central League with a 41-24 win over Marple Newtown Wednesday evening.
“The ability to fill a full lineup has been an immense improvement this year. And it makes a huge difference in dual meets,” said Torresani. “That’s what makes the sport of wrestling great. This match was exciting tonight. Our match last week against Springfield was exciting. That’s because there were 14 matches. As a coach, you feel like you’re doing something right.”
Radnor followed suit with a methodical display against the visiting Tigers. Starting at 160 pounds, the Raiders took four of the first five bouts with each going the distance. It was the kind of performance that hints at a team in control of both its lineup and wrestling. And the seniors, those who’ve gutted it out through some meek years, set the standard. Captain Samuel Bupp opened the match with a 12-3 major decision over A.J. Katrakakis.
“It was really important to start strong for the team,” said Bupp. “I saw it as my responsibility to start it off strong and get out there and get as many points as we could get. I think it was important to set an example for everyone else, to show what we needed to do.”
The key moment came in the dying seconds. With just eight tics left on the clock, Torresani yelled at Bupp to get one more takedown. Bupp obliged, sending the hosts to an early 4-0 lead. Fellow senior John Herbison followed with a 6-2 decision at 170. Then Jack Horvath bested Tommy Long 9-1 to stretch the advantage to 11-0. After Marple got on the board through Eric Hulsey (195), Torresani threw sophomore Tom Subak, in lieu of 2015 regional qualifier Naair Williams, against Damian Salvino at 220. The move reflected a confident coach and one with options. Subak got the job done with an 11-3 major decision, before Williams fell to Anthony Goodman, now 7-1 on the year. Still, In previous seasons, when bonus points are paramount to offsetting forfeits, Torresani doesn’t make that call.
“Naair just got caught,” Torresani said. “It’s unfortunate. I expect big things from him.” That win brought the Tigers within six at 15-9. Goodman used his size advantage and experience to slow the quicker Williams.
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