Senior Ben Altman
Davidson Wrestling Has High Expectations for 2009-10 Season
11/8/2009 6:46:52 PM | Wrestling
DAVIDSON, N.C. - Davidson wrestling enters the 2009-10 season with increased expectations, as head coach Bob Patnesky has assembled one of the most talented Davidson wrestling teams in years. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, the 'Cats will be looking to put on a show at the Southern Conference Championships in front of their home fans, as Davidson will host the tournament for the first time since 1988.
“We'll see how it all shakes out in the end,” said Patnesky. “We have experience in some weights, but are very young in others. It's been awhile since Davidson has had a conference champion. The team is aware of that and wants to change it. Knowing the work and the commitment they have put in during the offseason, I think the first Saturday in March could be a special day in Davidson.
“Regardless of what happens, I'll know that these kids have given all they've had to become champions.”
125
Returning senior Ben Altman tied for the team lead in wins with 16 as the starter at 125 last season, going 2-3 in conference competition. After placing second in the 2008 SoCon Championships, Altman struggled in the conference tourney last season though, so the leader on and off the mat will be looking to rebound during the 2009-10 season.
As Altman looks to put together his best season yet, three-time Kentucky high school state-champion Matt Zarth will pressure the senior for his starting spot. The freshman newcomer was recognized as the top student-athlete in the Lexington, Ky. area during his senior year of high school, as he excelled in the classroom while posting a record of 49-2 on the mat.
“Being a senior, we certainly expect great things from Ben, but Matt is showing us great things in the practice room,” said Patnesky. “It's going to be a real battle for the starting spot.”
133
Alex Radsky, a junior, is expected to start at 133, but will expect a challenge from freshman Scott Ray. Radsky totaled 11 wins last season and tied for a team-high 39 points scored in dual meets. Radsky was also among Davidson's top-finishers at the SoCon tournament, placing third.
“Alex is an extremely hard-worker who is very diligent,” said Patnesky. “He tries to uncover every stone and does everything right to be as successful as he can be.”
Fellow Ohio resident Scott Ray will pressure the two-year starter for his starting slot. The talented student-athlete was the Ohio high school state runner-up during his senior season and placed third as a junior. He is expected to see significant time during his rookie campaign.
141
Alex's twin brother, Vitaly, is expected to hold the starting spot at 141. He is one of the Wildcats' top returners after posting a 15-10 record last season and scoring 37 dual-match points. The junior has set lofty goals, determined to add championship wins to his resume.
“Vitaly has put in the work to be a champion,” said Patnesky. “He has made the commitment that he wants to be the conference champion, go to the NCAAs and be an All-American. Vitaly's doing the right things and looks extremely good right now. He's going to make a serious push at the end of the year at the conference tournament.”
Senior Ben Thompson will challenge Vitaly and give Davidson depth in the class.
149
The 149 class is one of the strongest for the 'Cats with two talents in senior Carl Sandercock and sophomore David DeCamp. DeCamp impressed during his rookie campaign, earning a place on the SoCon All-Freshman team following the season and getting recognized as the Preseason All-Southern Conference selection at 149 entering 2009-10. Finishing at 10-13, DeCamp was 9-7 in dual meet competition and 3-1 in the conference, scoring a total of 39 points in 2008-09.
“David has the mentality where he believes he is the best every time he steps on the mat,” said Patnesky.
Sandercock enters the season coming off injury. Once he regains his form, the 'Cats will have two strong options.
“In any situation, either guy is a good guy to have on the mat,” said Patnesky.
157
Junior Joe McGinley and freshman Brent Mowry will battle for the starting nod at 157. After seeing the bulk of the starts in the class last season, McGinley worked hard over the summer to improve. He will face a strong challenge from Mowry, who was ranked nationally by Wrestling USA and was recognized as an All-American following his senior year of high school.
“Mowry is a really scrappy guy from southern Maryland who's just tough, and we really like that about him,” said Patnesky. “We'll have the wrestle-off will see what happens. Whichever guy it is, we'll expect him to go out and do the job that he needs to do.”
165
With SoCon All-Freshman selection Tyler Mullen sidelined early in the season due to injury, freshman Chris Cirenza will gain valuable experience with early season starts. The multi-sport athlete in high school was a three-time state runner-up in Virginia. He will face a strong challenge for his place in the lineup once Mullen returns, as the sophomore is eyeing a conference title.
“Tyler is just a pure athlete,” said Patnesky. “He's recovering from some nicks and bruises, but we think he has the ability to win the conference championship, and Tyler believes that, as well. It should be a great year for both him and Chris.”
174
Sophomore Jorge Estrada moves down from 197 to start at 174 this season. Estrada has worked hard during the offseason and will look to build off the experience gained in 18 matches in 2008-09.
“Jorge is just a real tough kid,” said Patnesky. “He really doesn't know what pain means, and he has continued to work on his skills.”
184
Filling the void left by Sam O'Hair will be a tough-task, as the since-graduated talent was one of Davidson's top-finishers at the 2009 SoCon Championships. However, the Wildcats are excited to have Ike Crews, a Texas state champion as a heavyweight in 2008, joining the squad. The rookie will start during his first season and has high-expectations.
“Ike is electric,” said Patnesky. “He has no fear in him and will just go for broke at any time. To have a guy like that, who is willing to take a chance to change the tempo of a match, is a nice thing to have in your corner.”
197
Mark Jeeavratnam saw action in one meet last season, joining the team as a junior. He put in the offseason work to prepare for the full season as the Wildcats' starter at 197.
“Mark really did his job getting stronger over the summer, and is really excited to compete in his senior year,” said Patnesky.
Heavyweight
Among the biggest improvements on the team could be in the heavyweight class, as Charlie Wolff is poised for a breakout season in his junior year. Wolff won 11 matches last season and is looking to improve in conference action after a rigorous offseason, in which he hit both the weights and the track. The Rochester, Minn. native did not start wrestling until three years prior to entering Davidson, so his hard work learning the sport and improving physically should pay-off in March.
“Charlie has made the commitment to become great,” said Patnesky. “He wants to be the conference champion and go to the NCAA tournament. He has the frame at the heavyweight class to achieve his goals, and he has really worked on his technique and become a student of the sport. Wolff is going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
“We'll see how it all shakes out in the end,” said Patnesky. “We have experience in some weights, but are very young in others. It's been awhile since Davidson has had a conference champion. The team is aware of that and wants to change it. Knowing the work and the commitment they have put in during the offseason, I think the first Saturday in March could be a special day in Davidson.
“Regardless of what happens, I'll know that these kids have given all they've had to become champions.”
125
Returning senior Ben Altman tied for the team lead in wins with 16 as the starter at 125 last season, going 2-3 in conference competition. After placing second in the 2008 SoCon Championships, Altman struggled in the conference tourney last season though, so the leader on and off the mat will be looking to rebound during the 2009-10 season.
As Altman looks to put together his best season yet, three-time Kentucky high school state-champion Matt Zarth will pressure the senior for his starting spot. The freshman newcomer was recognized as the top student-athlete in the Lexington, Ky. area during his senior year of high school, as he excelled in the classroom while posting a record of 49-2 on the mat.
“Being a senior, we certainly expect great things from Ben, but Matt is showing us great things in the practice room,” said Patnesky. “It's going to be a real battle for the starting spot.”
133
Alex Radsky, a junior, is expected to start at 133, but will expect a challenge from freshman Scott Ray. Radsky totaled 11 wins last season and tied for a team-high 39 points scored in dual meets. Radsky was also among Davidson's top-finishers at the SoCon tournament, placing third.
“Alex is an extremely hard-worker who is very diligent,” said Patnesky. “He tries to uncover every stone and does everything right to be as successful as he can be.”
Fellow Ohio resident Scott Ray will pressure the two-year starter for his starting slot. The talented student-athlete was the Ohio high school state runner-up during his senior season and placed third as a junior. He is expected to see significant time during his rookie campaign.
141
Alex's twin brother, Vitaly, is expected to hold the starting spot at 141. He is one of the Wildcats' top returners after posting a 15-10 record last season and scoring 37 dual-match points. The junior has set lofty goals, determined to add championship wins to his resume.
“Vitaly has put in the work to be a champion,” said Patnesky. “He has made the commitment that he wants to be the conference champion, go to the NCAAs and be an All-American. Vitaly's doing the right things and looks extremely good right now. He's going to make a serious push at the end of the year at the conference tournament.”
Senior Ben Thompson will challenge Vitaly and give Davidson depth in the class.
149
The 149 class is one of the strongest for the 'Cats with two talents in senior Carl Sandercock and sophomore David DeCamp. DeCamp impressed during his rookie campaign, earning a place on the SoCon All-Freshman team following the season and getting recognized as the Preseason All-Southern Conference selection at 149 entering 2009-10. Finishing at 10-13, DeCamp was 9-7 in dual meet competition and 3-1 in the conference, scoring a total of 39 points in 2008-09.
“David has the mentality where he believes he is the best every time he steps on the mat,” said Patnesky.
Sandercock enters the season coming off injury. Once he regains his form, the 'Cats will have two strong options.
“In any situation, either guy is a good guy to have on the mat,” said Patnesky.
157
Junior Joe McGinley and freshman Brent Mowry will battle for the starting nod at 157. After seeing the bulk of the starts in the class last season, McGinley worked hard over the summer to improve. He will face a strong challenge from Mowry, who was ranked nationally by Wrestling USA and was recognized as an All-American following his senior year of high school.
“Mowry is a really scrappy guy from southern Maryland who's just tough, and we really like that about him,” said Patnesky. “We'll have the wrestle-off will see what happens. Whichever guy it is, we'll expect him to go out and do the job that he needs to do.”
165
With SoCon All-Freshman selection Tyler Mullen sidelined early in the season due to injury, freshman Chris Cirenza will gain valuable experience with early season starts. The multi-sport athlete in high school was a three-time state runner-up in Virginia. He will face a strong challenge for his place in the lineup once Mullen returns, as the sophomore is eyeing a conference title.
“Tyler is just a pure athlete,” said Patnesky. “He's recovering from some nicks and bruises, but we think he has the ability to win the conference championship, and Tyler believes that, as well. It should be a great year for both him and Chris.”
174
Sophomore Jorge Estrada moves down from 197 to start at 174 this season. Estrada has worked hard during the offseason and will look to build off the experience gained in 18 matches in 2008-09.
“Jorge is just a real tough kid,” said Patnesky. “He really doesn't know what pain means, and he has continued to work on his skills.”
184
Filling the void left by Sam O'Hair will be a tough-task, as the since-graduated talent was one of Davidson's top-finishers at the 2009 SoCon Championships. However, the Wildcats are excited to have Ike Crews, a Texas state champion as a heavyweight in 2008, joining the squad. The rookie will start during his first season and has high-expectations.
“Ike is electric,” said Patnesky. “He has no fear in him and will just go for broke at any time. To have a guy like that, who is willing to take a chance to change the tempo of a match, is a nice thing to have in your corner.”
197
Mark Jeeavratnam saw action in one meet last season, joining the team as a junior. He put in the offseason work to prepare for the full season as the Wildcats' starter at 197.
“Mark really did his job getting stronger over the summer, and is really excited to compete in his senior year,” said Patnesky.
Heavyweight
Among the biggest improvements on the team could be in the heavyweight class, as Charlie Wolff is poised for a breakout season in his junior year. Wolff won 11 matches last season and is looking to improve in conference action after a rigorous offseason, in which he hit both the weights and the track. The Rochester, Minn. native did not start wrestling until three years prior to entering Davidson, so his hard work learning the sport and improving physically should pay-off in March.
“Charlie has made the commitment to become great,” said Patnesky. “He wants to be the conference champion and go to the NCAA tournament. He has the frame at the heavyweight class to achieve his goals, and he has really worked on his technique and become a student of the sport. Wolff is going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
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