Sussex Academy wrestling battling through Henlopen South

Being in a young program, Sussex Academy wrestlers understand they measure success by individual progress as opposed to dual-meet wins and losses, but that approach doesn’t diminish their hunger for a win.

The Seahawks started off strong against Delmar Jan. 30, with Ryan Pena picking up a pin in the opening bout. But the Wildcats picked up points in every other match, except the 175-pound forfeit that went to senior Talah Patton, in a 59-12 victory.

Although Delmar won comfortably, it was an improvement over the 76-3 Seaford result Jan. 28, and there are signs of hope for the Sussex Academy program.

Before the Blue Jays ran away with the varsity match, the middle school teams of both programs engaged in a dogfight. Sussex Academy showed it could be a viable opponent in the Henlopen South over the next few years as the Seahawks nearly pulled off the upset, but ultimately fell to a talented Seaford squad 44-43. 

It was their last match of the season, but they did beat Selbyville Middle School and lost a close one to Delmar at a Dec. 17 tri-meet.

In the varsity match, junior Jeremy VanPelt kept things close against Therrensky Alexis, but the Blue Jay remained in control for much of the six minutes. VanPelt flipped the script in the final third of the match, managing to take an 8-7 lead. With VanPelt on top, Alexis just needed to escape to force overtime, but VanPelt was just as stubborn with the advantage as he was while trailing, refusing to concede the escape. Alexis had a chance with seven seconds left and again with two seconds to go, but he was unable to break free. 

Senior Night is up next for the Seahawks, as they will welcome Lake Forest to the celebration set for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4. Sussex Academy turns right around to wrestle Laurel at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, to conclude the dual-meet schedule.