Jay Patti

     The Hereford Varsity Wrestling Team, led by Coach Ron Causey, finished off their regular season with many wins The Bulls, ranked seventh overall in the Baltimore Metro, sought vengeance as they took on defending State Champion Urbana in the Regional Duals. Urbana was the toughest match as they eliminated the Bulls last season, and have become their most recent rival.

     The team was lead by captains, Anthony Genco (10), Brock Turnbaugh (11) and heavyweight Mike Swiger (12). Mike who finished top 10 in the state last season, looked to improve that status in the state tournament this year at the 285 pound weight class. Mike is well under the weight limit set at 285 but relies on his strength and quickness to take down his opponents. “We didn’t make it to the state tournament last year which was disappointing,” said Mike. “Our strongest wrestlers are our heavier weights, but we have strong lightweights that [are crucial] to winning a state title,” he said.

     For many of the wrestlers, this wasn’t their first Regional Tournament. Brock compares this team to last year’s saying that “they have more experience than last year.” Though the squad consisted of seniors who hadplaced at the state tournament in years past, there are some “young guns” who have made a name for themselves under the spotlight. “We have numerous underclassmen that are talented and started on the team last year,” said Brock. Both Brock and Mike are standout athletes on the football field as well, and both agree that wrestling is a great sport for anyone looking to improve athleticism, strength, and cardio both on and off the field.

      Hereford Wrestling has become one of the most respected programs in the country. Year in and year out they form a team with several wrestlers at each weight class, which is impressive compared to other competitors throughout the state. Wrestling is arguably the most demanding sport that Hereford has to offer, and is one of the most successful in the school.

     Some of the key wrestlers were for the Bulls, along with the captains, are Patrick Anderson (12), Joe Miller (11), Charles Stafford (12), Billy Hess (10), Kevin Wheeler (12), Dylan Gray (10), Josh Lopez (11), and Brian Wensel (12).