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FEARSOME FOURSOME: Southern youngsters shining under pressure

Rams relying on freshmen wrestlers
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 01/19/06
BY JOE ADELIZZI
STAFF WRITER

Things never ended better than they did last year for Southern Regional High School's wrestling team. The Rams concluded their season by winning the NJSIAA Group IV championship.

For most teams, a finish like that is followed by a rebuilding year. But the Rams have found they didn't need much time to get back in the mix for another team championship.

To do so, the Rams have had to depend on four freshmen in their lineup. That's not an easy task, but it's not one that scares coach John Stout.

"We have always mixed freshman in with our varsity wrestlers," Stout said. "Of course, you get a little nervous sending young wrestlers out against the competition we face. But if you are going to have to do it, these are the type of kids I want."

Southern wrestles in the rough-and-tumble Shore Conference Class A South and faces state-ranked teams such as Absegami and Ocean Township while also competing in the Gov. Mifflin Tournament in Pennsylvania.

Stout said that the familiarity the youngsters have with the program is a big help in getting them adjusted to the high-pressure matches they will compete in.

Two of the four freshmen have had brothers wrestle for Stout. Brian Broderick and Frank Miele have seen what wrestling is like at Southern.

"They have been in our room for years watching their brothers (Ed and Greg) work," Stout said. "They know the people and they know the expectations."

Glenn Carson understands wrestling. His father was a standout back in his days at Wall High School and then coached the intermediate-school wrestlers at Pinelands.

Carson is a rarity, a freshman wrestling in an upper weight. He's been battling at 215 pounds and has done quite well.

"He is a special athlete," Stout said. "It's not just his size, but also his desire to win. I think if he stays free of injuries he'll do some great things."

Jason Walters, the fourth freshman starter, wrestles at 103 pounds. He's already been in some big bouts and has learned to overcome the toughest part about being a freshman wrestling in a top program.

When Southern wrestles teams such as Jackson or Ocean Township, the gyms are packed and fans from both schools are loud and demanding. That is the toughest part for the freshmen, who already have plenty of mat experience because of club wrestling.

"I talked to all of them before the Jackson match," Stout said. "I reminded them to block all that crowd stuff out. The wrestling is the same. There is one opponent, one referee and one scoreboard to worry
about."

Stout said that the four freshmen have excited the rest of the team.

"The other guys are pulling for them and work with them in the room," Stout said. "It's made us a closer team."

There were some thoughts that when Barnegat opened its new high school there might be an adjustment time for Southern to keep putting out top teams.

"It hasn't hurt us yet," Stout said. "Even without the Barnegat kids we are still a Group IV school. We should have plenty of kids to wrestle."