Sussex Academy wrestling pinned down by IR

As the Sussex Academy wrestling team continues to take its lumps as the new program in the Henlopen South, the grapplers and coaches remain focused on individual improvement.

Squaring off against an Indian River squad that advanced to the team duals semifinals last year, the Seahawks were shot down 74-3. However, there were some bright spots.

“We wrestled tough, so it's just about getting back into the practice room and putting those little things together,” said coach Billy Ott. “That's going to help us come out here and get the wins that we are expecting to get.”

One senior continued to heat up with winter just days away.

“Ryan Buckler woke up a little bit at the Milford Invitational, and he finally got a win under his belt,” Ott said. “He started wrestling like the Ryan that we were expecting to see come in this year.”

Buckler earned three points for the squad by defeating freshman Blake Whittington in a 4-1 decision.

Following two forfeits in favor of IR, Sussex Academy almost made it two physical victories in a row in the 150-pound division.

“Jeremy Van Pelt’s just one step away from putting it together,” Ott said. “Just one more offensive shot away from some of these guys and helping us out in the team points.”

Van Pelt lost 4-1 to Nate McCarra, but had a chance to take a shot and try for some back points in the closing second of the third period.

The loss moves Sussex Academy to 0-2 overall and in the Henlopen South. They are looking forward to getting to work over the holiday break and strengthening their team bond.

“We're heading up to William Penn on Friday,” Ott said. “It's our first overnight tournament, and I think the guys are all fired up. We're bringing six wrestlers to that.”

Following the Howdy Duncan Invitational Dec. 19-20, the wrestlers will lock up in the local King of the Castle tournament at neighboring Sussex Central. The next dual meet is at home against Laurel at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9.