UPDATE: In an electrifying showdown, the Nazareth wrestling team surged past Northampton with a 37-28 victory during their first home dual meet of the season on Friday night. This decisive win highlights the resilience and determination of senior wrestlers Elijah Simak and Brayden Zuercher, who both bumped up two weight classes to secure crucial points for their team.
Simak, competing at 215 lbs, showcased his speed and skill, achieving a tech fall in just 3:21 against Northampton’s Joell Small. “I knew I had the speed on him,” Simak said, reflecting on his strategy. His impressive performance included seven takedowns, propelling Nazareth to a 31-28 lead before Zuercher sealed the victory with a pin in just 48 seconds at heavyweight.
The Blue Eagles, now 2-0 this season, relied on their seasoned coach Dave Crowell to make strategic decisions that ultimately paid off. Crowell emphasized the importance of flexibility in the lineup, stating, “We were going to put out who we were going to put out.” Both Simak and Zuercher exemplified a team-first attitude, stepping up despite significant weight disadvantages.
The match took a toll on Northampton, particularly after they forfeited the 107 lbs match due to a missed weight by freshman Benjamin Schoenberger. “Our guys are going to have to ask themselves what kind of season we want to have going forward,” said Northampton coach Joe Provini, expressing disappointment in the team’s performance.
Despite the loss, Northampton had standout moments, with Schoenberger, sophomore Brayden Werich, and junior Gabe Ballard all winning by fall. However, the team struggled to match the intensity exhibited by Nazareth, which dominated the takedown battle with a remarkable 25-10 advantage.
Looking ahead, both teams are preparing for their upcoming matches, with Nazareth set to face rivals Easton at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Simak, determined to continue his momentum, stated, “Our coach wanted us to get as many shots as we could… We want to finish on top.”
The Blue Eagles proved they are a force to be reckoned with this season, and fans will be eager to see how they perform in their next challenging match.
