UPDATE: In a thrilling dual meet on October 27, 2023, the Nazareth wrestling team surged to a dramatic 37-28 victory over Northampton, showcasing resilience and strategy. Senior wrestlers Elijah Simak and Brayden Zuercher both bumped up two weight classes, proving pivotal in the match’s outcome.
Simak, weighing in at 173 pounds, faced Northampton’s junior Joell Small, who outweighed him by over 40 pounds. Yet, Simak’s determination shone through as he recorded seven takedowns in just 3:21, securing a decisive 22-6 tech fall victory at 215 pounds. “I knew I had the speed on him,” Simak remarked. “He started getting tired.” His win gave Nazareth a crucial 31-28 lead heading into the final bout.
Zuercher, also moving up in weight and giving up 89.7 pounds to Northampton’s senior Brandon McEntire, delivered a stunning pin in just 48 seconds, clinching the victory for the Blue Eagles. “Anything we can do for the team, we’re all in,” Zuercher stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to victory.
Nazareth’s coach, Dave Crowell, praised his seniors’ bravery. “You kind of feel bad in a way, those last two guys are bumped up two weight classes,” he said. “But that gives you flexibility when you have to.” Simak echoed this, embracing his role: “I accepted the challenges. I just did what coach wanted me to do.”
The match began with a strong start for Nazareth, but the Konkrete Kids fought back. However, they faced setbacks, including a forfeit at 107 pounds when freshman Benjamin Schoenberger missed weight. “Our guys are going to have to ask themselves what kind of season we want to have going forward,” Northampton coach Joe Provini said, reflecting on the impact of forfeits on the team’s performance.
Despite the challenges, Northampton’s freshmen and sophomores showed promise, with standout performances from Schoenberger, who won at 114 pounds, and junior Gabe Ballard, who scored a victory at 160 pounds. “They fought off their back all night,” Provini noted, acknowledging the need for improved intensity against a skilled opponent like Nazareth.
The Blue Eagles dominated the takedown battle 25-10, with multiple wrestlers earning bonus points in the final bouts. With this victory, Nazareth improved to 2-0 this season. The team now prepares for a highly anticipated rivalry match against Easton on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Simak concluded with determination, “We want to finish on top, finish with all of it on the mat.” The Blue Eagles’ drive and teamwork showcased in this dual meet are sure to resonate as they move forward in the season. Fans are eager to see how the team builds on this momentum in their next match.
