3 captains lead wrestlers
VERNON. DiGuiseppe, Pych and Savage show grit, tenacity and mentorship, coach says.
Vernon /
| 26 Jan 2025 | 12:19
The Vernon Township High School boys wrestling team competes in the Lenape Valley Holiday Tournament on Dec. 18. Gavin Pych, center, wins first place, and Mike Ivancich, left, and Zyon Taylor both place second in their weight classes. (Photo provided)
The Vernon Township High School boys wrestling team has posted only one win against skillful and relentless competition this season.
In addition to the coaching staff, team members rely on a trio of capable captains: True DiGuiseppe, Gavin Pych and Alexander Savage.
Savage and Pych are seniors and DiGuiseppe is a junior.
“The captains were elected by their teammates,’’ head coach John Loggie said. “Over the years, they have exhibited the grit, tenacity and mentorship qualities of a team captain.’’
In the first half of the season, each of captains had impressive records against a steady barrage of tough opponents.
Pych’s record was 9-4 through Jan. 11, Loggie said. “He’s a tough wrestler and a year-round athlete in multiple sports.
“Alexander Savage’s record is (9-6). He’s tough wrestler and year-round athlete.
“True DiGuiseppe’s record is (9-2), a tough year-round wrestler. He has qualified for the (NJSIAA) Region Tournament two years in a row.’’
The coach has seen each of the captains improve in a variety of ways as wrestlers.
They have improved their “stamina, skill, poise and tenacity,’’ he said. “When they are calm under pressure, it shows the younger/newer athletes that they can get there one day too.’’
The captains encourage their teammates on and off the mat.
“The captains provide leadership in terms of skill sets and composure,’’ Loggie said. “Each of them is like an extra coach in the room regarding drilling and overall behavior.’’
Another senior on the team has shown considerable leadership abilities this season.
“Daniel Rendon is a go-to guy and steps up frequently when a captain gets sick or injured,’’ the coach said. “Younger athletes look up to Dan and respect him.’’
On Jan. 11, the Vikings competed in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament hosted by perennial powerhouse Phillipsburg.
Pych went 2-2 in the 165-pound weight class.
DiGuiseppe placed fourth in the 175-pound weight class with a pin fall victory along the way.
Rendon placed sixth in the 190-pound weight class, including a first-period pin win.
Savage was fourth in the 215-pound weight class, earning a pin victory in the quarterfinal round.
The team (1-18) will face Bergenfield there Feb. 12 and Waldwick there Feb. 15.