History will have to wait at least another day for the Garnet Valley wrestling team.
The Jaguars’ charge into the record books as the first Delaware County school to compete in the PIAA Class AAA team tournament was delayed by snow Monday, with the Jaguars’ opening-round match rescheduled for Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., at Whitehall High.
By working its way through the consolation bracket with two wins in its last three matches in the District One Duals at Upper Dublin over the weekend, Garnet Valley earned the district’s fourth and final berth in the state tourney.
A 33-25 victory over second-seeded Downingtown East ensured the Jags’ berth, which will take them to the Lehigh Valley for a rematch against District 11 runner-up Parkland.
The teams met in the Parkland Duals Jan. 4, with the host Trojans building a 25-12 lead and then overcoming a Garnet Valley rally by taking the final two weights to win the tournament opener, 32-27.
The Jags received pins from Ben Tuohey (126), John Dambro (170) and heavyweight Connor Walsh and surged ahead, 27-25, on consecutive decisions by Mike Marino (132), Gary Pizzuto (138) and Pat Rowe (145). After dropping the opener, Garnet Valley stormed back to close out the tourney with four straight wins and hadn’t lost again until Council Rock South stung the Jags twice in the district duals.
Coach Rocco Fantazzi explained why he rewarded his athletes with an off-day Super Bowl Sunday.
“I’m tired and after four matches in two days. I don’t know what they guys would have left,’ Fantazzi said. “I just hope they take the time to rest up and keep their weight under control.’
The Jaguars already are scheduled for a Wednesday match against Central League rival Conestoga, with an expected showdown with defending champion Upper Darby for the league title at home Saturday night.
With a victory in the opener against Parkland, Garnet Valley’s schedule could become extremely busy — with at least two more state matches Thursday and Friday in Hershey.
“We could be in for one crazy week with a lot of traveling and a lot of late nights,’ Fantazzi said. “But the kids still feel like they’re here for a reason and they have something to prove and accomplish.’
