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Driving to the Top

November 28, 2007

 TJ Wrestling prepares for a big year on the mats.

by Matthew Mankoff and Devon Fitzgerald

jerks1.jpg    Values such as character, pride, and determination took the Thomas Jefferson Wrestling Team to new heights last year, and this season they will try to continue that pattern of success.  
    Last year under the tutelage of second-year coach Mike Laurita the Spartan wrestlers had three boys make it to the state tournament, two of whom (Michael Hawkins and Alfonzo Moore) became State Finalists.  The bar is now set high for this year’s squad, because prior to last season the most recent wrestler to place in the State Tournament was in 1999.  The Spartans believe the success from last season will motivate them in the upcoming year.  Coach Laurita stated, “Last year’s success has made many of the kids become more serious about wrestling; as far as focusing on fundamentals and technique.  It has allowed the kids to start believing in the program.”
    Each year Laurita establishes a tagline for the season in order to keep his wrestlers focused on their goal.  This year’s goal is clear: “The Drive to the Top.”  The slogan could not be more appropriate, as Laurita said the goals for this season are to win the league title and to qualify several wrestlers for the State Tournament.
    Laurita feels these are, without a doubt, obtainable goals for the TJ team, especially with key members returning like seniors Justin Tara, Matt Nordlander, and Michael Hawkins. 
    Last year, Tara was first Team All City, while Nordlander was a State Qualifier, and Hawkins took 3rd place at the State Tournament.  Hawkins top-three  finish was a turning point for the wrestling team, as he was the first wrestler from TJ to finish that high since 1995.  Hawkins knows the importance of last year’s success, and continues to work hard this year to bring a state champion wrestler back to TJ.  “My performance last year has definitely given me motivation to continue working as hard as I can, and my goal this year is to win state,” said Hawkins. 
    This experienced group, along with the more than 20 other wrestlers returning, knows that a city title is in their sights if they work hard.  Tara said, “We have become a legitimate wrestling team and we have some good, experienced wrestlers. We will do great if we go out and take care of business like we know how to.”
    Perhaps the most exciting part of the upcoming season for the Spartans will be an out-of-state trip to Utah to compete in a national tournament.  While several of the athletes went on trips to Missouri and Ohio for wrestling camps over the summer, this will be the first trip the team has taken during its regular season.  “It is important to go to Utah and compete; it will be a fun trip and will be a good experience for us to see some of the best wrestlers that we will see all year,” said Laurita.
    Obviously, the expectations are high, and the team's goal of a city title is within reach. Experience is key in wrestling, and the Spartans have plenty of it, led by veterans Tara, Norlander, and Hawkins. “Each year you wrestle, you gain technique and strategy that is necessary to be a good wrestler,” said Tara. "And this year we have the talent to make some big strides for the program."

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Written by Matthew Mankoff · Filed Under Headlines, Sports, Wrestling