Seniors lead Garnet Valley to win, title

Garnet Valley’s vaunted senior class got a taste of a Central League title to begin their careers as freshmen.

Three years later, that group will graduate with another title.

The Jaguars — who last week became the first Delaware County wrestling program ever to take part in the PIAA Duals — earned yet another accolade Tuesday when they clinched a Central League title by dispatching of Conestoga, 61-6.

Eight seniors took part in the championship-clinching win Tuesday. The match kicked off with heavyweight Connor Walsh winning by forfeit, and classmate Matt Gillespie (152 pounds) also won by forfeit.

All-Delco senior Michael Marino scored a 3-1 win at 126 pounds, Sean Lyons won a tough matchup at 145 by a 5-2 score and John Zweier eked out a 2-1 decision at 220 for the Jags (21-4, 11-0).

Seniors John Dambro (182), Tom McKeown (195) and Mark Morey (170) won by pins.

“That’s our goal every year, to win the league title and stay competitive and have good matches and have your season go down to the wire,’ coach Rocco Fantazzi said. “It gives you a reason to come to practice every day. This group of seniors came in as Central League champs, and they’ll go out that way, too. I’m proud of them.’

Among the underclassmen contingent, Sal Pizzuto (113), Matthew Marino (120) and Ben Tuohey (132) also won contested matches in the comprehensive victory.

Also in the Central League:

Ridley 42, Springfield 28: Evan Bascelli won by major decision at 170 pounds, and Lawrence Alkins scored a pin at 182 to seize control of the match and earn the Green Raiders a win.

Ridley had started the match with three wins in four bouts — including a pin by Mike Cowan at 120 and a decision by Donte McCarth at 126.

But Springfield surged back with three straight decisions via Tim Abbott (132), Dennis Charamella (138) and Dan Boyer (145). Joey Sciarrino also won a big battle at 160 pounds for Springfield (8-24).