Freshman Will Be Key To JCC Mat Success

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POSTED: October 28, 2009

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By Todd Peterson

Last season, the Jamestown Community College men's wrestling team found the going a little rougher than it would have liked, finishing eighth in the nation among non-scholarship schools.

The Jayhawks' top wrestler, Dan Rosemier, competing at 184 pounds, was named as the team's All-American following the NJCAA Championships and was lost to graduation in May.

JCC coach Chris Fairbank, however, has much to look forward to as the 2009-10 season rolls around.

''We had some low numbers as the year rounded out,'' he said. ''A couple of our guys wrestled good, but we really didn't reach our full potential. It was a little bit of a disappointment and I thought we would have qualified more guys as All-Americans.''

This season, however, could produce the ending Fairbank is looking for, thanks to six returning sophomores and 19 freshmen.

''We have a really good, strong freshmen group,'' he said. ''In fact, it's the most we've had in the four years I've been here. Already, the competition is at a high level. We have a couple of guys at each weight, fighting for starting positions and that's helped bring everyone up, so we're much further ahead at this point than we were last year.''

As for that sophomore class, one standout coming back is Jamestown's Max Murray, who Fairbank sees competing at between 149 and 157 pounds.

''Max has put on a lot of weight, muscle-wise, and he brings a lot of strength and experience with him,'' said Fairbank.

Also returning for the Jayhawks will be Anthony Mirra (125) from Staten Island, Brock Banse-Fay from Cassadaga Valley (133), Josh Hollister (1250 from Irondequoit, Joseph Goyette from Vergennes, Vt. ,(157) and Jon Bernard, also from JHS (141).

''They've all really stepped into the leadership roles, getting guys going in practice when it's needed,'' Fairbank said. ''Every year, I tell my wrestlers that I'm not going to choose captains. If you want to be a leader, just step up and do it. These guys have. They've all set a good example.''

With a sizable freshmen class coming in, Fairbank's already identified several who he feels can be key contributors.

One is Dylan Freedman from Rochester.

''Dylan will wrestle at 149 to 157. He's a very strong, hard-nosed, physical guy. He's been off a year, but I expect he'll step up and get back into the flow of things pretty quickly,'' said the coach.

At 174 pounds, Tony Lisek from Northwestern High School in Albion, Pa., will also add depth to JCC's squad.

''He's very dedicated and is already taking a leadership role,'' said Fairbank. ''He's also a strong wrestler and very technical, I think he has his goals set and is already working toward them in the weight room and that will pay off for him later this year.''

Another big plus for JCC should be Chase Stevens, who hails from Harrisonburg, W.Va., wrestling at 285 pounds.

''He's a true 285,'' said Fairbank, and he may actually have to cut weight a bit. ''He's just one of the most athletic guys at his size I've ever seen, very agile and quick. Like Dylan, he's been off for a year, but it should only take a couple of tournaments to get him back into the flow. He also will bring a lot of maturity to the team.''

Also competing at 149 to 157 will be Chris Chapek from Lakewood, Ohio.

''He's just a very tough guy. I expect he will get stronger and should be very tough to beat by the end of the year,'' said the coach.

Fairbank is also expecting good things from Chris Woods from Fulton, who will wrestle at 165 pounds.

''He's got some good, basic skills, but still has things to work on, but I would not be surprised if he could be one of the top guys on our team,'' Fairbank said.

Other freshmen on the team include Thom Betts (141) and Steve Cochran (133) from Westfield, James Edwards from Long Beach (285), Cole Farsaci of Chittenango (125), Victor Guarriello of Panama (125), Tyler Hale from Cassadaga Valley (149), Daniel Johnson from Baltimore (157), Eric Mazgaj from Southwestern (165), Richard Preston from Cattaraugus-Little Valley (197), Jake Rinehardt from Northwestern (197), Josh Stone from Schuylerville (184), Donovan Williams from Central Islip (141) and Kris Wright from Randolph (141).

As always, Fairbank and his Jayhawks set high goals for the season.

''We want to crack the top five at the national tournament and, barring injuries or any other setbacks, we're looking to qualify six wrestlers with three earning All-American status. That will put us into the top five,'' Fairbank said.

Fairbank will be assisted by Dusty Truver and Walt Thurnau.

2009-10 JCC WRESTLING SCHEDULE

Oct. 31 - at Brockport Open, 10 a.m.

Nov. 1 - at University at Buffalo Open, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 10 - Alfred State College, 7 p.m.

Nov. 13 - at Muskegeon CC Duals, 4 p.m.

Nov. 14 - at Muskegeon Open, 9:30 p.m.

Nov. 18 - at Penn State-DuBois, 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 - at Niagara County CC Duals, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 - at Trailblazer Open at Niagara County CC, 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 11 - at Mercyhurst North East, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 - at Alfred State College Open, 9 a.m.