Sudbury - While still early in the preseason, the 2007-08 season seems to be one of change in the Dual County League. Westford Academy, which for years struggled behind powers Wayland, Weston, and even Lincoln-Sudbury, has emerged as the favorite behind a slew of talented returnees. Mix in newcomer Tyngsboro, and the DCL appears to be wide open.
``Westford Academy, I think they may be favored,' said L-S coach Brian Quinn. ``Wayland will be up there again, but with the addition of Tyngsboro, it will make for an interesting league this year.'
And while there is change in the DCL, the L-S program is off to a different start, too. L-S graduates Taylor Kruse (Class of 2001) and Chris McCann (2007) have joined Quinn as assistants, with Kruse helping to infuse the squad with a new conditioning and flexibility program.
``We've done some different thus far with the new coaches,' said senior captain Mike Pace. ``He's really been working on our flexibility with a lot of different types of drills.'
Whereas traditional methods of stretching include, for example, bending down and touching your toes, Pace says the new methods are a little more active. ``There's no static stretching, and instead we are always moving and trying to balance ourselves in ways we aren't used to.'
As Quinn starts to make his lineup for the upcoming season, balance is one thing he'll look to find, as the Warriors find themselves loaded in the middle-weight classes but inexperienced in the lighter and heavier weights.
Junior Jordan Syatt is the lightest returning wrestler, and he'll most likely wrestle 119, leaving newcomers with the responsibility of filling the two lowest weight groups.
Tri-captains Pace, Jeff McKinnon, and Jon Starr will team with junior Dave Garelik in wrestling between 125 and 152. McKinnon, Starr, and Garelik were all DCL all-stars as juniors.
``Jeff and Jon, they are both very aggressive on their feet and score points,' noted Quinn. ``Generally, they get up a bunch of points, and from there they dictate most of the match. They don't put themselves in bad positions.'
Seniors Ray Bores and Will Binder bring experience at the 145-lb weight class, and junior Jeff Iuliano appears to be in the mix for varsity time as well.
``Generally, we are strong in the middle weights, and it will remain the same this year,' said Quinn. ``The lightweights and heavyweights haven't been established, so there will be some competition for those spots.'
Seniors Cyrus Elias and Chris MacKinnon appear to be the favorites for spots at 171 and 189, with a slew of underclassman looking for time at heavyweight. Freshmen Mark Vogel, Zach Smerlas, Lawrence Stevenson and sophomore Anthony Leo-Mayes have impressed with their work ethic and attitudes thus far.
``We couldn't even fill that spot last year, but these kids are working real hard and I am expecting big things from them if that keeps up,' said Quinn.
L-S, which finished 15-9 overall, 7-2 in the DCL last winter, opens this weekend with a Saturday tournament at North Attleboro against the hosts, Somerset, and St. John's of Shrewsbury. The Warriors begin their DCL slate at Westford on Monday.
``Our goal is to stay healthy, keep everybody from beginning to end, and see where that takes us,' said Quinn. ``A DCL title would be nice, but we will go one match at a time.'
