SHS Wrestlers Celebrate Senior Night

Wednesday night was not just about the performance on the mat for the Suffield High School wrestling team, it was about bidding adieu to its senior members who have shared in the triumphs and defeats over the past three or four seasons.

In front of family, friends, coaches and fans before the match against Avon, the nine seniors were treated to a slide show depicting highlights from this year and years past. There were few baby pictures mixed in for good measure, all set to music including Randy Newman’s "You’ve Got a Friend in Me" and Joe Walsh’s "Life's Been Good."

Those recognized include: Tim Pinto, Kara Chappell, Armando Ortiz, Dan Adams, Dan D'Ostuni, Ryan Hunihan, Sean Kucia, Taylor Davenport and Kevin Bentz. 

In addition to the slide presentation, each wrestler was presented with a trophy by coach Chris Potter, with their parents alongside to share in the moment.

In addition to applauding the wrestlers for their commitment to the team, fans also took advantage of the black Sharpies left on nearby tables to write best wishes on various posters produced for each of the seniors. With a collage of candid photos on one end, and a blank space for signatures on the other side, supporters quickly took to the task of commemorating their favorite athletes.

Acknowledging the efforts of the athletes, Potter said, “I want to thank the parents for letting us coach your sons, we are so honored and proud of their dedication these last three or four years. I can't thank them enough for their dedication and we're definitely going to miss them next year. If I keep talking, I am going to start crying.”

Match Results:

Junior Dillon Lisk wrestled to an exciting 9-9 tie after regulation. Lisk then scored a takedown to win the overtime bout, 11-9. 

After a pin by Avon in the 120-pound weight class, Senior Captain Kevin Bentz was the first senior to take to the mat for his last home match. Bentz put the Wildcats ahead 9-6 with a first-period pin at the 1:38 mark.

Senior Captain Ryan Hunihan wrestled a hard-fought loss that went down to the last seconds with a 5-4 score. Senior Captain Dan D'Ostuni wrestled his last home match at the 145-pound weight class, which led to an 8-2 decision. 

After two Suffield forfeits, the Wildcats were down 27-12 to the NCCC’s first-place team.

Suffield fell behind 33-12 after a pin by Avon in the 170-pound weight class. Senior Tim Pinto then got pinned by his Avon opponent in his senior night match. 

Sophomore Will Szozda wrestled to a 2-0 victory to score three match points for the Wildcats.  Senior Sean Kucia followed with six match points via a pin at the 1:38 mark. Senior Kara Chappell lost her last home match.

The match was held at Suffield High School.  Suffield overall record: 7-3, NCCC record: 5-2. The Wildcats wrestle next on Saturday at the Newington Duals.

106 pounds — Jessica McCamish (A) pinned Kara Chappell (S) 0:31; 113 — Dillion Lisk (S) dec. Puck Quijano (A) 11-9 in overtime, 1:05; 120 — Alex Hesten (A) pinned Matt Guilmette (S) 2:37; 126 — Kevin Bentz (S) pinned John Oh (A) 1:38; 132 — Peter Suter (A) pinned Ashton Mikan (S) 1:33; 138 — Jaime Dlugolcki (A) dec. Ryan Hunihan (S) 5-4; 145 — Dan D'Ostuni (S) dec. Nick Gerali (A) 8-2; 152 — Brennan Neseralla (A) won by forfeit; 160 — Gabe Folkuem (A) won by forfeit; 170 — Dan Rodruguez (A) pinned Paul Grimard (S) 1:59; 182 — Joey Murphy (A) pinned Tim Pinto (S) 0:24; 195 —Matt Nardi (S) pinned Alberto Bennsen (A) 4:58; 220 — Nick Zacio (A) dec. Will Szozda (S) 2-0; 285 — Sean Kucia (S) pinned Ryan Rogers (A) 1:38.