Michael Chaires has achieved a lot in wrestling, but helping to resuscitate the Christian Brothers Academy program may be his greatest accomplishment.
The defending state champion has brought new interest to the team. Where two years ago the Brothers had a handful of wrestlers, they now have a full squad.
Having a kid ranked No. 1 in the nation doesn’t hurt, said CBA coach Brent Becker. `Kids want to be part of a team with him on it.`
`It’s helped me out because I have to keep my attitude in check now,` said Chaires. `I know (my teammates) look up to me, so I have to set a good example.`
Becker has also been a factor in CBA’s resurgence. Since returning to the team in 2005, Becker has created an atmosphere that instills discipline in his wrestlers, including Chaires.
`At one point in time, I watched Michael get frustrated on the mat,` said Becker. `So I told him he needs to respect everyone on the mat, and he’s done that.`
The Brothers still have a long way to go to become a Section II power. CBA placed 13th out of 18 teams at Saturday’s Linda Stuart Memorial Tournament at Colonie Central High School, finishing behind seven other Section II programs in the process including smaller schools such as Hudson Falls, Cobleskill-Richmondville and Whitehall.
However, Becker said his wrestlers will be better for the experience of going to events such as the one at Colonie.
`The thing I’m doing is taking the kids to tougher tournaments because Michael (Chaires) needs tougher tournaments,` he said. `That’s why we’re going to Eastern States this year.`
Chaires was in fine form at the Linda Stuart tournament, winning the 160-pound division title by sweeping his three opponents including a first-period pin against Whitehall’s Luke Rehm in the finals.
Still, Chaires knows the road to the state tournament ` which takes place in Albany this season ` will not be an easy one, especially with Shenendehowa’s Hunter Meys in the mix for the Sectional 160-pound division title.
`I just want to get back there,` said Chaires, who won the 152-pound championship at last year’s state tournament on Long Island. `It’s a great (opportunity) to have my last match here in Albany.`
Golding, Smith win individual titles
Colonie had a strong performance at the Linda Stuart tournament. The Garnet Raiders placed fifth with 122 points, 12.5 points behind fourth-place Warwick.
Eliah Golding and Ed Smith each won individual titles, while Josh Simmons placed second at 140 pounds to lead Colonie. Golding defeated Columbia’s Eric Wallace for the 135-pound division title, and Smith pinned Hudson Falls’ Ryan Woodward for the 215-pound division championship. Simmons lost to Walkill’s Keith Perry in his championship bout.
`Josh Simmons was the seventh seed, and he made finals,` said Colonie coach Matt Stein. `So to say he wrestled exceptionally well would be an understatement.`
Loudonville Christian and Shaker were also in the tournament field. Loudonville Christian finished with 35.5 points behind Brian Walsh’s second-place performance in the 103-pound division, while Shaker finished with seven points.
Hudson Falls took the team title with 209 points. Amsterdam placed second with 200 points, and Columbia took third place with 154.5 points.“