For the first time in several years, the Colonie wrestling team has a clear shot at winning a division title in the Suburban Council.
The Garnet Raiders have moved away from powerhouses Shenendehowa and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake into the league’s South Division a result of the Suburban Council’s decision to realign into two geographical divisions after years of dividing by school size. Shen and BH-BL are in the monstrously tough North Division along with Ballston Spa, Niskayuna and Saratoga Springs, while Colonie’s list of South Division foes include Guilderland, Bethlehem, Averill Park, Mohonasen and Columbia.
I would have to say (Shen) and Burnt Hills are the class of the league, but they are coming closer (to the pack),` said Colonie coach Matt Stein. `Hopefully, we can edge closer to those guys.`
The Garnet Raiders have a group of solid wrestlers returning from last year’s team including Section II tournament place finishers A.J. Monin, Eliah Golding, Jason Chudzinski, Mike Wutzer and Lisa Anson.
`I’m pretty excited,` said Stein. `I’ve got six or seven guys who have a lot of varsity experience back.`
Heavyweight Monin and middleweights Golding and Chudzinski will be counted upon to deliver individual victories like they did last year and potentially some Sectional titles.
`We think they’re the ones who are right there. They should be in the mix for Sectionals,` said Stein.
Wutzer is another heavyweight that Stein said has a chance to do well come Sectional time.
`He was a first-year guy last year, and he got our most improved wrestler award because he did so well,` said Stein. `With me wrestling with him (in practice), he’s definitely improved even more. I think he can do well.`
Joining Monin and Wutzer in the heavyweight divisions are Mike Chmielewski, who saw some time as a varsity starter last year, and sophomore Joe Shell ` one of several newcomers Stein said will have to step up if Colonie wants to win the South Division.
`Our success will be banked on how well we can bring some of those newcomers along,` he said.
Anson and her brother Steve will anchor Colonie’s lightweight group.
`She’s working her way down to 96 pounds right now,` Stein said of Anson, Colonie’s lone female wrestler. `If she gets to 96, she should be able to battle down there. He (Steve Anson) has only grown one weight class, so that should be a big advantage for him.`
The veterans will be counted on to help the Garnet Raiders immediately as they open their season Wednesday with a key South Division battle against Guilderland ` the team Stein said will be Colonie’s main rival.
`The entire season could come down to the first match,` said Stein. `In fairness, I would have to give them (Guilderland) the edge because they beat us last year. I think it will be a close match ` only a few points either way ` but I think they have the edge.`
Colonie’s first tournament action comes Saturday when it participates in the Ballston Spa Duals. One week later, the Garnet Raiders host their own event with the Linda Stuart Memorial Tournament.“