Bristol Central wrestling is a young bunch this season, and Monday brought about the second day of wrestling out of the last three.
The Rams competed in the Art Powers Duals in Berlin on Saturday, then returned home for their own invitational.
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| Chris Trelli put together a strong effort on his way to the 106-pound title. |
Central head coach Matt Boissonneault sent his younger wrestlers to Bristol Eastern’s junior varsity tournament across town.
On top of that, senior Connor Staubley is out with an injury.
That left the Rams with nine wrestlers for the Bristol Central Invitational on Monday.
On top of that, senior Connor Staubley is out with an injury.
That left the Rams with nine wrestlers for the Bristol Central Invitational on Monday.
Of those nine wrestlers, seven of them placed. Central used that strong effort to claim third place behind winner Bristol Eastern and runner-up Ledyard.
“I’m pleased with the result, but I’m more pleased with the effort,” Boissonneault said in a quick interview while his coaches and players pulled up the mats inside the gym.
Chris Trelli (106) and Travis Parsons (126) each won their respective weight classes.
All Parsons did was win his first tournament ever, in his home gym, on his 18th birthday. A great birthday for the senior, to say the least.
Trelli, one of the best at 106, was his usual strong self.
“Trelli had a dominating tournament,” Boissonneault said.
For Parsons, he claimed redemption in the 126 final against Terryville’s Jake Borda, who had pinned him on Saturday.
“Travis Parsons just wrestles with a lot of guts,” Boissonneault said.
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| Travis Parsons (126) won his first-ever tournament at home on his 18th birthday. |
Damian Mahaffy (182) and Mike Guzman (220) placed third in their weight classes. For this pair of wrestlers, practice has been a big key.
“They’re working on the things that we are talking about in the room,” Boissonneault said.
Jeremy Ganavage took fourth place at 160. The effort Ganavage displayed during his matches stood out to his head coach.
“Jeremy Ganavage really impressed me today,” Boissonneault said.
Mike Paloka (170) finished in fifth place while John Duncan (285) was sixth.
With the tight schedule, Central is working more with words and film in practice than contact. After tournaments this past Saturday and on Monday, the Rams return to the mat on Wednesday with a home meet against Plainville. Saturday brings dual meets against Fairfield Warde, Westhill and Foran at Warde.
Boissonneault is looking for his young team to be clicking when it matters most.
“Our goal is to peak for the postseason tournaments,” Boissonneault said. “I feel that if we’re doing that, we’ve done things correctly as coaches.”
Monday’s invitational was a step in the right direction.
