THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, December 2, 1995 TAG: 9512020714
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Wrestling Preview
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
Norfolk Academy has won the last three TCIS titles and, with a lineup featuring two state champions and a four-time district titlist, the Bulldogs appear a lock to make it four in a row.
The league's other four schools will look for moderate success in the individual tournament.
Previewing South Hampton Roads teams in the TCIS:
NORFOLK ACADEMY Coach: David Lindhjem
Last season: 12-3 overall, 4-0 district
Impact wrestlers: Clay Weisberg (Sr., 119); Luke Lindhjem (Sr., 125); Ryan Ingram (So., 112); Josh Raper (Jr., 145-152).
Outlook: Star-studded lineup for includes Weisberg, a two-time state and Virginia Prep League champ; Raper, one of only two four-time TCIS champions in the league's history; and Ingram, another defending state champ. Holes in the roster - the Bulldogs have no 189- or 215-pounder - could hurt against a quality dual-match team. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, the TCIS has no such team.
NORFOLK COLLEGIATE Coach: Jay Hage
Last season: 10-14, 1-3 district
Impact wrestlers: Jay Hudgins (So., 215); Kevin Fields (So., 171); B.J. Berenguer (Jr., 152); John Ferguson (Fr., 189)
Outlook: Unusual depth and a solid core from 171 on up all but guarantees the Oaks will snap their string of three straight fifth-place finishes. Team features eight wrestlers with at least a year's experience. Hudgins is the defending TCIS heavyweight champ.
CAPE HENRY Coach: Pete McCoy
Last season: 11-7 overall, 2-2 district
Impact wrestlers: Ed Calle (Sr., 140); Brian Kelley (Sr., 145); Mark Kelley (So. 152).
Outlook: A big-time rebuilding job awaits McCoy, who has just one healthy senior - injured Brian Kelley is out indefinitely - and no juniors returning from the Dolphins' best season in 10 years. Canny scheduling will help, but a lot of freshmen and junior varsity callups will have to grow up in a hurry if the Dolphins are to do much dual-match damage.
CATHOLIC Coach: David Todd
Last season: 2-12 overall, 1-3 district
Impact wrestlers: Pat Haddock (Sr., 130), Brad Gallant (Sr., 171); Joe Marconyak (Jr., 112); Dan Hodermarsky (Fr., 119).
Outlook: A repeat of last season's 2-12 mark would be a nice achievement for the Crusaders, who'll open without a top-shelf wrestler at any weight class. Marconyak's 14-16 record a year ago is tops among the returners. by CNB