Sun Valley Wrestling: Off Season News
Two golden pumpkins at the 2007 Pumpkin Classic!
On Sunday, Nov 4, a few Sun Valley wrestlers entered the 2007 Pumpkin Classic at Conestoga High School. Who are the "Golden Pumpkins"? They are Adam Porter and Josh Marquard. Both Adam and Josh wrestled their way through the competition to take first place! These two had similar roads to first place.
Adam easily handled his first opponent while his second was a very hard-earned 1-0 win. Adam’s final opponent (the gold medal match) was also a well-deserved victory which wasn’t decided until very late in the match with Adam taking an insurmountable lead for the win and the gold.
Josh also handled his first challenger without any trouble but his second foe was much tougher, with Josh winning by a score of 2-1. His third opponent was challenging but was overcome by Josh to take home the gold medal.
Shane Mullen also had one win for the grappling Vanguards
The season looks bright with wrestling of this quality.
Tuesday, October 16
Porter prevails to bring home the gold
On Sunday, October 14, 2007 wrestling in the Pocono Fall Wrestling Festival in Brodheadsville, PA, Adam Porter started his senior year off on the best possible foot. Wrestling in the 171 pound weight class, Adam defeated all opponents to bring home the first place trophy! With wrestling like that, the season looks promising. Way to go Adam!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, August 20
MAWA Junior Olympic Teams Place in Top Ten
Congratulations to the MAWA Blue Junior Olympic Team which finished in 1st Place at the AAU Junior Olympic Games held in Knoxville, TN. The MAWA Red Team finished in 6th Place. Overall there were 23 teams from across the country who competed in this annual event. So what does this have to do with Sun Valley Wrestling?
In 2000, 22 teams competed and MAWA Red finished in 1st Place and MAWA Blue finished in 7th Place. The Sun Valley connection is that 2002 Alumni, Rod Gourley, was a member of the MAWA Blue Team.
In 2002, 20 teams competed and MAWA Blue finished 3rd, while MAWA Red finished in 6th Place. 2004 Alumni, Jason Sulek was a member of the MAWA Red Team.
In 2003, of the 18 teams, Sun Valley had its largest representation of Vanguards to the AAU Junior Olympic Games. 2004 Alumni Bob Schwarting was a member of the 12th Place MAWA Blue Team, while Asst. Coach and 2004 Alumni Rick Christy and 2005 Alumni Ed McGehean were members of the MAWA Red Team which finished in 4th Place.
No Vanguards participated in 2004, but in 2005 both Scott Anderson and Willy Mack, 2006 Alumni, competed in the 21 team field. Willy Mack was a member of the 12th Place MAWA Blue Team and Scott Anderson was a member of the Delaware Gold Team which finished in 8th Place.
Congratulations to this years winners, and maybe we'll have some more Vanguard representation in the future.
Friday, July 27
Former Coach Named Assistant Principal
Congratulations to former Wrestling Coach Dan Hill on being named Assistant Principal at Northley Middle School.
Good Luck and much success in your new position.
Wednesday, June 27
"Bearing It All" at the Grizzly Duals
Memo from Coach K:
Hello all,
The summer has begun and there are plenty of opportunities to
improve our wrestling! Sixteen Sun Valley wrestlers three coaches as well as a few special guests began last week with the Grizzly Summer Duals in Boyertown. Senior Adam Porter led the way with juniors Josh Marquard, Mike Redden, Sean Simon, Charlie Morgan, Turhan Solis, Dan Asebedo, Mark Asebedo; sophomores Dan Stover, Cody Lee, Shane Mullen, Jeff Chen, Shaun Lessik; Freshmen Paris Covington, Matt Johnson and Vinnie Oristaglio all competing against some of the best teams in the region. Everyone had some success, learned something about themselves as well as our team and had a lot of fun together.
Thanks to coach Dollard and coach Christy as well as guest coach Willy Mack for running the show in Boyertown and for Ryan Myers of Strath Haven for joining us. Ryan is the son of former Sun Valley standout Jim Myers and we were
glad to have him tag along.
A special thanks to Mark Christy, Mike Lessick and the Lee family for making the trip to cheer the team on!
Saturday, June 23
Awards Go To Alumni
Congratulations in store for former wrestling manager Brittany Lessik. Brittany was named to the Dean's List at Millersville University.
2005 Alumni Dan Ropski has earned the Freeman Scholarship to work abroad from Drexel University. Dan will study in Hong Kong next semester.
Keep up the good work!!
Thursday, May 24
Vanguard Captain Receives President's Excellence in Education Award
2007 Senior Captain, Matt Christy received the United States President's Excellence in Education Award. The award, started during President Reagan's Administration, recognizes those graduating high school students who have achieved academic excellence.
Congratulations Matt and keep up the good work!
Wednesday, May 30
Wrestling With Their Brains!
The Sun Valley Parents Teacher League held their annual award ceremony on Wednesday, May 30 in the high school auditorium. Five Sun Valley Vanguard wrestlers, and two managers were recognized in the PTL Honor Roll Awards Program.
Receiving Certificates for Distinguished Honor Roll:
Senior Manager, Elyse Bilardo
Senior Captain, Matt Christy
Freshman Wrestler, Shaun Lessik
Freshman Wrestler, Jeff Chen
Receiving Certificates for Honor Roll:
Junior Manager, Lesley Harris
Junior Wrestler, Kyle Russell
Freshman Wrestler, Greg Kutys
Congratulations to all on your academic achievement!
Tuesday, June 12
5 Vanguard Wrestlers Claim 7 Awards
Last night at the Kings Mill, Sun Valley held it's Senior Awards Banquet. Five Vanguard wrestlers were recognized for outstanding achievements in various categories.
Andrew Park was the first wrestler to take an award walking away with the Jack Calderone Award. Kevin Schiazza followed with the Pennell Elementary PTL Award. The 1st Republican Club of Aston honored Matt Fisher, while Joe Bocella received the Wrestling Parents Association Award. Matt Christy accepted the John Loftus Memorial Award, while Kevin Schiazza made his second trip up front to collect the Sun Valley Band & Choral Association Award. Matt Fisher rounded out the awards with the United States Marine Corp Recongnition.
Congratulations senior on all of your accomplishments.
Grizzly Duals Set
Sun Valley will enter the Grizzly Duals this summer held at Boyertown High School, June 18-21, from 6pm til 9pm. The Vanguards are part of a 16 team field representing some of the best high school programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Included in the field of 16 is the 2006-2007 District One 4th ranked Boyertown and 6th ranked Great Valley. If that's not enough, Conestoga and Methacton also received votes for the districts' top ten teams. And don't forget Parkland and North Penn, who always seem to find themselves in the final four of the State Championships.
Getting a workout yet? Let's throw in Owen J. Roberts, Plymouth-Whitemarsh, Brandywine Heights, Central Bucks East, and Perkiomen Valley who are always competitive.
So who's left? Oh, just District One's 2007 AA Champion Pottstown!
About now you have probably heard enough. So, for good measure, we're going to add Wyomissing, West Chester Rustin, and Governor Mifflin. Oh yeah, don't forget our beloved 2007 Del-Val Champion Vanguards.
It's tough competition, but in the off-season it's all about preparation and getting the "younger guys" ready for the grueling season ahead of them.
Good Luck to all current and future Vanguards who are participating in this tournament.
Off Season News is Back
Welcome to Off Season News.
