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Linsly hopes to continue trend of success

By SETH STASKEY

Times Leader Sports Editor

WHEELING — Brian Valentine had a vision and dream when he helped ressurect the Linsly School wrestling program in 2013.

Thus far, now five years into the program’s reincarnation, the Cadets are actually ahead of schedule.

“We’ve been averaging 20 wrestlers per year, we’ve won a (OVAC) championship and we’ve been consistently in the top three,” Valentine said. “Plus, we’ve had an individual champion. It’s great to see the program doing so well, but actually I am just happy that we still have wrestling at Linsly.”

With the 64th annual Ron Mauck OVAC Wrestling Tournament set to open Thursday at WesBanco Arena in downtown Wheeling, the Cadets are hoping to continue their trend of success.

“We want our guys to go out and wrestle their matches and be who they are,” Valentine said. “We know the 3A field is going to be tough, but I think we have a good chance to do well. We’re further ahead at this point than I thought we would be, so hopefully we can build on that.”

When Valentine surveys the 3A field, he sees it as fairly wide open with a host of teams, including Martins Ferry, Barnesville, Magnolia as some of those to watch during the course of the three-day event.

As is the case each year, Valentine knows you can’t win the tournament on Thursday, but you can put yourself in a really position.

“Thursday is always a big day because you want to get off to a good start,” Valentine admitted. “We have to rely on our veterans and leaders to go out and do what they’re supposed to do. We have to take it one day and one match at a time because they’re all important.”

In preparation for the OVAC, the Cadets have posted a 3-1 dual record and have also taken part in invitationals at Union Local, St. Clairsville and Shadyside.

“We’ve done well,” Valentine said. “We’ve had a champion at each tournament we’ve been to and we’ve had a top-three team finish. Our guys are continuing to improve.”

The Cadets will boast an entrant in 10 of the 14 weight classes this weekend. Their only vacancies are at 106, 120, 138 and 195.

“We have 21 guys on the roster, but we have a lot of kids who are in the same weight class,” Valentine said.

Leading the way for the Cadets is senior Gage Giovengo, who is among the favorites at 285 pounds after placing third last season. Despite giving up a significant amount of weight most times he steps on the mat, Giovengo boasts a 23-0 record and that includes 21 pins.

“Gage likes to use his speed against some of the bigger guys he faces,” Valentine said. “He probably gives up close to 50 or 60 pounds most days. He’s had a phenomenal year with a lot of quality wins.”

Senior Tommy Curtin has been a mainstay in the Linsly lineup, placing three times in the conference tournament. He’ll enter at 132 pounds with a strong 19-3 record. He’s placed second at St. Clairsville and Shadyside, while garnering a third at Union Local. During the Shadyside tourney, Curtin recorded his 100th career victory.

“It would be huge to get Tommy to the (championship) finals,” Valentine said. “I know that’s his goal. He’s worked hard and he’s having a heck of a season.”

Junior Nick Falbo returned to wrestling for the first time since his eighth grade season and really hasn’t missed a beat. He’s currently 17-4 and will enter at 152 pounds. He was the champion at the Shadyside tourney, pinning every opponent in less than 60 seconds.

“He has two losses to two of the top-ranked kids in the weight class and two guys from out of the area, so he’s really having a good year,” Valentine said. “He’s looking to make a name for himself.”

Junior Vic Giovengo gets the call at 170 pounds. He’s currently 13-2 with a runner-up finish at Shadyside on his resume. He’s bounced back from an early season injury and according to Valentine is, “primed for the tournament.”

The string of Giovengo entrants actually begins at 126 pounds where sophomore Jules Giovengo resides. Currently 11-12, he’s placed fourth at St. C. He’s bounced around in the lineup and spent time at 138, too.

Sophomore Matt Dudich is entered at 113 pounds. The junior was third at Shadyside and is 9-11.

Senior Ronald Chico is currently 7-9 at 160 pounds and will look to build on some recent success. Junior Sam Park (4-7) holds down the 145-pound weight class.

The 182-pound spot came down to a wrestle off between freshman Joe Zacciery (11-9) and junior Manuel Suita (3-4). Zacciery prevailed and will hold down that bracket, while Suita will man the 195-pound class.

Senior Killian Joseph, who is out for the team for the first time, is the 220-pound entrant.

“We have some good, veteran kids and good younger kids, so we’re going to try to give it a run,” Valentine said.

The balance of the Cadets roster includes: freshman Harry Beai (106, 1-0); freshman Luke Zwicker (160, 2-2); freshman Chance Knight (170, 3-7); freshman Lee Cartwright (160, 2-3); freshman Bakari Adderley (170, 3-5); sophomore Brad Binn (132, 2-4); sophomore Cyrus Hill (170, 2-4); junior Max Morrison (285, 2-6) and junior Tyler Kemp (160, 1-0).

Following the OVAC, the Cadets have a handful of events remaining in their season. They’ll host a triangular and should they qualify will take part in the Bill Hinegardner OVAC Duals.

Valentine is also excited about the opportunity to take his team to “prep nationals.”

“It’s awesome for our kids to be able to compete against some of the best kids in the country,” Valentine said.

The event, which is for prep schools, includes a qualifier at Malvern Prep. Should anyone advance, they’ll head to Lehigh University for the national tournament.

Valentine is being assisted by Tom Curtin, Doug Kreichbaum, Tom Giovengo, Josh Giovengo, Jeff Giovengo and Mark Dodd, who is the team’s strength coach.

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