CONCORD >> Garnet Valley junior Matt Marino shot Downingtown East’s Conner Birzes a wry smile after the towel flew in on their 126-pound match. Birzes, at the wrong end of a 16-4 major decision, had taken him down despite the referee’s whistle. Marino’s look was part trash talk, part frustration. After all, Birzes spent much of the bout stalling instead of wrestling.
“It’s definitely difficult. It’s hard to wrestle opponents this year because I’ve been scouted. I’ve been on the radar. Even with my brothers, their accolades and stuff, people are going to wrestle me more cautious,” explained Marino. “It is pretty common for me to see that this year. And it is what it is. I have to go out there and wrestle my best.”
The extra attention comes from a sterling 2015 for Marino. Last winter, he earned a trip to Hershey thanks to a third-place finish at the Southeast AAA Regional Tournament. Earlier this season, he placed fifth at the prestigious Beast of the East, a result that boosted his profile even more.
“I thought that was huge. I lost to a kid from Boyertown earlier this year and I came back and beat him at the Beast,” said Marino. “It definitely opened people’s eyes.”
The youngest of three brothers — Michael graduated from Garnet Valley in 2014, Daily Times Wrestler of the Year Joseph in 2011 — Matthew is looking to leave a lasting impression that could surpass his siblings’ accomplishments. Both Michael and Joseph reached the state championships. Joseph, who wrestled at Harvard, holds the family record with a fourth-place medal. At least for now. The youngest Marino continues to improve as evidenced by his 3-0 day at the Jaguars’ own Rage in the Cage dual meet tournament.
Saturday was only a glimpse of the strides he’s made. Marino is a much more determined wrestler, one filled with more vigor than he showed as sophomore.
“I constantly make goals for myself. I write them down. That helps me stay on track and not being satisfied,” Marino said. “So when I reach one goal, I make another one. I keep going with short-term goals. That’s what keeps me on track.”
The mindset came from memories of a bitter ride back from Hershey.
“Matt and Nick (Puliti) made a pact with themselves this year,” said Garnet Valley coach Rocco Fantazzi. “They made it to states, but they didn’t like coming home without a medal, and they both left there knowing they are medalists. I know Matthew has been working in the room to expand his wrestling IQ to get back there and get to that next level.”
His brothers have helped along the way.
“I think wrestling brings us closer. It helps my personal family stay together,” said Marino. “Michael is always supportive. And he gives me pointers. Even when we’re rough-housing at home on the living room floor, they give me pointers then. It definitely helps us stay connected as a family.”
The Jaguars (6-4) followed Marino’s lead throughout the day. They beat Georgetown Prep (Md.) 40-28 in the first round, then nearly upset undefeated Downingtown East in the second when they held a 29-15 lead before bowing out, 42-29. A 42-33 victory over West Chester Rustin gave Garnet Valley third place.
“I’m happy with the direction we’re going. Knowing that this year if we can pull some upsets and make some noise, we’ll have our whole team back next year to be very very competitive,” said Fantazzi. “It’s definitely a good gauge of where we are. It gets us prepared for team competition.”
Interboro and Chichester were the other two Delco representatives at the annual Rage in the Cage. The Bucs (4-11) took seventh place over Upper Moreland with a 63-24 win after losing to both Georgetown Prep, 39-27, and Downingtown East, 54-21.
“It was a tough day,” said Interboro coach Dan Tobin. “We had some guys who were out injured. And there’s some good teams here.”
Still, there were some highlights. Danny Mea (220) and Jeff Finley (152) each went 3-0 on the day. The Bucs will regroup before facing Chichester on Wednesday.
“Hopefully, we’re healthy by then,” Tobin said with a grin.
The Eagles (6-3) finished in sixth place Saturday. After losing to Rustin 51-19, Chi bested Upper Moreland, 56-18, before falling to Georgetown Prep, 42-25. Tommy Smarkola, who went 3-0 with three pins at 145, knows the biggest test — a battle with the Bucs — lies ahead.
“I think the winner of that match will definitely win the Del Val,” Smarkola predicted.
Octorara Tournament >> Zak Elfernani and Anthony Goodman each posted 5-0 records to lead Marple Newtown to a fourth-place finish.
The Tigers claimed victories over Octorara (44-28), Indian River (66-18) and Schuylkill Valley (54-20) before falling to Pottstown (50-27) and Henderson (43-27).
Other standout performances included Niko Akranis and Caleb Van Deusen, both of whom went 4-1. Stephen Bradley and Nick Evangelopoulos both won three bouts.
