Loudoun Valley Duals Bring Spartans Back to Reality

3-5 Record on the Weekend is 'Unexpected'

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  Following a huge weekend at Freedom last weekend, the Spartans were hoping to continue their hot streak through the Valley Duals in Purcellville, VA.  However, injuries, sickness and exam fatigue would all play roles in what turned into a less than stellar weekend for the Spartans.

  The Loudoun Valley Duals is a 2-day duals tournament where each team is given 8-9 matches in a round robin format.  With snow affecting some teams a new schedule was created, and Broad Run was slated to see some tough competition  exactly what is needed with Districts approaching.  

  The first match of day 1 was a tough one against one of the top programs in the state; Westfield HS.  The bulldogs would prove far too much for the Spartans who would only be able to earn 12 team points in the match.  Washington HS of West Virginia was also a tall task for Broad Run, and they would fall to a similar fate and be 0-2 after the first two rounds.

  Coach Totaro put in plainly, "we just didn't wrestle well.  I think we go caught in a bit of a trap game; came off some big wins and just lost sight of things.  We will refocus and be back and ready to compete."  

  Some of that fight came back as the Spartans faced off against Liberty and Hedgesville (WVA) and pulled out two decisive victories.  Both teams wrestled well but the Spartans would come out victorious 39-34 over Hedgesville and 63-9 over Liberty.  Unfortunately, the Spartans would lose Paolo Cardella to a potential concussion, but would get to celebrate Freshman Eric Potak's first varsity win.

  Saturday would be another tough day as Broad run was slated to face, Stafford, Sherando and North Lebanon (PA).  All three would end up in losses for the Spartans, with the loss to Sherando coming to a 37-37 tie, with criteria H deciding that Sherando was victorious.  

  "I've never seen a match come down to 'most first scored points' before," said Totaro, "but I guess I have now."  He continued that the team was wrestling better and sometimes things just don't work out.  He was pleased that the team was able to pull out a win against Heritage, though with only 6 men in the line-up it was a rather empty win for the Spartans.

  With the 3-5 finish, the Spartans moved to 24-11 in duals on the season with 7 duals left on the schedule.  The team is hopeful to hit 30 wins on the season, but also wants to make sure that they are peaking at the right time and are prepared for districts.

  Broad Run wrestles back-to-back days on Friday in a District Tri-Meet, followed to a dual event on Saturday at Woodgrove HS known as the Ring the Bell Tournament where each pin comes with the ringing of a miniature Liberty Bell.

DiNovo's Top 10

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  The newest installment of wrestling photography from our personal photo bug, Jessica DiNovo.  Check out her best from the past week!

Zach Fossett catches the leg and looks
to reverse his opponent.

Breaking him flat, Mauricio works to dig the bar in.

Paolo Cardella causes some legal pain as he works to lock up the hammer lock.

Freshman Millad Zahedi tightens a left-side bar
against King George.

Ben Paul scores the two and works to keep his opponent from fleeing the mat.

Senior Tarkan Martin plants his opponent's
 face securely in the mat.

Helping to secure a Spartan victory over Freedom, Sophomore Ewen Riordan breaks down his opponent after a 3rd period takedown.

Phillip James gets great elevation of the ankle
as he breaks his opponent down.

                

Connor Bryant; on the attack.

Loya locks up the crotch lock and readies for launch.

Check in next week, for more great pictures from the Loudoun Valley Duals.

Spartans 3-0 in Cedar Run with Huge Win Over Rival Freedom

Team Also Takes 2nd at the Freedom Duals

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  The rivalry between Freedom and Broad Run is relatively young, but has stayed consistent as the two schools have traveled from AA to AAA together; the only two schools in Loudoun that have done so.  Add to that the fact that it has been Freedom that, in recent past, has kept Broad Run away from a potential District Championship, and it is easy to see why the rivalry is there.

Corbo works to the fall at 113lbs against Freedom.

  On Saturday, the two teams met, at the Freedom Duals, and would start the day with a dual against one another.  With a win, the Spartans could keep their hopes of a regular season District championship alive, and after winning 10 of 14 matches the Spartans moved to 3-0 in the Cedar Run and took one step closer to earning the crown that has not been attained since the Class of 1995.

Martin's win solidified a Spartan victory
over rival Freedom.

  Starting at 182, the Spartans were able to take an early lead as Connor Bryant won by decision.  Freedom would quickly tie the match 3-3 with a close 3-1 loss to Kammerdeiner.  From there, Broad Run would go on a roll, winning 7 of the next 8 matches.  Senior Phillip James would secure a win at 220, and Ewen Riordan would endure a long match before coming out on top.  The terrible twosome of Timmy Brown and Tyler Corbo both tallied big wins which began to put the match out of reach for the Eagles.

  Entering the 145 match of Tarkan Martin v. Andy Hinrichs, the Spartans needed only one more decision to solidify victory.  Tarkan scored an early takedown, but Hinrichs would then take a 3-2 lead going into the 2nd period.  From there, Martin would take control and earn a 7-4 decision to put the dual out of reach and keep the Spartans undefeated.

  "It was a huge win for us." said Coach Totaro, "and we definitely did what we needed to do to achieve our goals."  The team would parlay the 40-16 victory over Freedom to add 3 more dual wins to their record on the day and win their pool.  "Beating Freedom was awesome.  They were missing some guys, but we still felt we had a good shot to make it happen" said Coach Josh Costa.

  The next 3 victories came over King George, William Monroe and Edison high schools, which put the Spartans in the final against Pool B winner Mt. Vernon.  Though the match was close, Mt. Vernon would prove too much for the Spartans, who would place 2nd for the 2nd time in dual tournaments this season.

  Up next for the Spartans will be the Loudoun Valley Duals, which will be 8 matches over 2 days.  be sure to check back in for more details on the event.

Team picture after placing 2nd at the Freedom Duals.

Broad Run Goes 2-0 in Cedar Run District Duals

Celebrates Over 40 Years of Tradition

 Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  January 9th was a big date on the Broad Run competition calendar for numerous reasons.  First, it was Senior Night - a joyous and special occasion where teams honor and thank their Seniors for their time with the program, as well as the parents who have supported them.  Secondly, it was the first Cedar Run matches of the season which would position the Spartans for a chance at a District crown, or leave them waiting for a chance for individual glory at the tournament.  Lastly, it was the 2nd annual Alumni Night for Broad Run Wrestling which celebrates the great tradition of the program.

  For the current Spartans, the matches against Stonewall Jackson and Osbourn would not be easy, especially as Broad Run had to remember the fateful 36-33 loss to Osbourn last year in the final match.  However this year would be different as the Spartans made easy work of the Eagles of Osbourn, defeating them by a score of 51-20.

  Broad Run would win its first six matches from 152-220 before taking a loss at heavyweight, putting up a team score of 32-6.  Only 3 other wrestlers would come out on the wrong end of their match as the Spartans racked up 10 wins in 14 matches and took a 1-0 record in the Cedar Run District.

  Stonewall Jackson would be the other district opponent that night and they too would fall to the Spartans by a score of 48-31,and it would be the dependable upper-weight of the Spartans that would power them through.  Shain, Bryant, Loya and James would all record 1st period pins, and lower-weights Timmy Brown and Mauricio Ballon would also add 6 apiece to help up the team score.  With the win the Spartans were now 2-0 in the Cedar Run and had hopes of knocking off 3 more opponents and a chance at a district trophy, which has not been accomplished since 1994.

  the more sentimental portion of the evening came with the presentation of the Alumni and the Seniors.  Broad run offered a catered dinner from the All-American Steakhouse including chicken, ribs, baked potato, salad and rolls. as well as dessert, to its parents and alumni before parading them to the mat.  With nearly 30 members of the SWAA (Spartan Wrestling Alumni Association) in attendance, representing 1984 to 2012, the alumni took their place on once side of the mat as the crowd and non-Senior wrestlers applauded their recognition.  Following them was the presentation of the Seniors and Senior managers of the team.  By the end of the presentations, Spartan wrestlers young and old encompassed almost the entire home mat of Broad Run.

  "We want our alumni to come back every year.  It's important for us to keep in touch and we truly are a family," said Coach Totaro, an alum of 1999 himself.  "It's a tradition we hope to have grow each year and we want to make special."  Plans for next year are already in the works according tot he staff as they plan not only alumni night, but the 5K event in the fall as well.

Week 3 of DiNovo's Top 10 

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  Though delayed by some technical difficulties, here they are your Top 10 pics from before the end of 2012.  Enjoy!!

     

Spartans 1st Tournament of 2013 Brings 4-1 Record; 3rd Place

5th Annual Growing Earth Duals A Great Success

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  For the past 5 years, the first weekend in January has been the date for the Growing Earth Duals; an event put on by Broad Run hosting 10-12 teams on 5 mats in duals competition.  Each year, there is a new twist to how the champion will be crowned, but it is always an enjoyable event.

Vasquez works for the fall against Tuscarora to earn team points.

  This year's event held 10 teams in a competition to see which teams could do the most pinning in the shortest amount of time.  Each team earned points for  pins in the first second or third periods, with more points being awarded for the early periods; 6 in the first, 4 in the second and 2 in the third.

  Broad Run would place 3rd overall scoring 155 total pin points on the day. and falling just 11 points short of runner-up West Springfield and tournament champion Skyline, who amassed 230 points on the day.  On a positive note for the Spartans was their 4-1 record defeating Potomac Falls, Park View, Tuscarora and Briar Woods.  Forest park proved to be a tough match up and gave Broad Run its only loss on the day.  With the wins, Broad Run moved to 15-5 on the season in dual competition.

Senior Diego Loya works to turn his Husky opponent.

  Numerous compliments were given to the coaches about the efficiency of the tournament and the wonderful goodies in the hospitality room.  Thanks to wonderful parent and JV support, the tournament ran without a hitch and teams continue to return each year.  

Chris Lamboy about to finish the job.

Slow Start at Woodbridge Brings Disappointing Finish to 2012

Spartans Place 11th Overall; Achieve Four Medalists

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  Traveling to tournaments during the winter break always proves to be a difficult challenge for winter teams, and definitely affected the performance of the Spartans at Woodbridge for this year's Battle at the Bridge.  It should be noted that two of the top wrestlers for Broad Run, Tarkan Martin and Logan Shain, were held out of competition for various issues (injury and match limitations).  But it was the start to Day 1 that truly affected the Spartans, who only won 8 of their matches through the first two rounds of the tournament.  

  Returning for the second day were 10 of the 16 entered into the tournament, but Day 2 would have a similar affect as the Spartans would unfortunately fall in numerous early matches, but four would make it to the medal rounds.  Ben Paul (132), Connor Bryant (182), Diego Loya (195) and Phillip James (220), would all medal in the top 6 of the tournament.

  "It's a tough tournament, to be sure, and it's hard coming off a few days off," said Totaro, "but you shrug off a bad day, or tournament, move on and improve from there."  He continued by saying that good wrestlers learn from bad outings and try to keep from letting the situation hit again.

  The team was able to have some fun as they decided to place wagers on the final 14 matches - grand prize; loser did 50 pull ups.  In this Coach v. team match up, the team came back from being down 7-4 in the last three matches to tie the picks.  Holding the tie breaker of the team with the higher team points, the Team won, forcing their coach to do 50 pull ups at the following practice.

Last Wrestler's of the Week Before the New Year

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  Though it is delayed by the winter break and general craziness around Broad Run our Wrestlers of the Week are ready to be displayed!!  Here are the guys who stood out at the Battle of Ashburn and the Battle at the Bridge.

1. Connor Bryant - JR - Connor has been red hot through late December and early January racking up over 8 wins and many of them by pins.  Connor was the sole person to make the semifinals of the Battle of the Bridge for the Spartans.









2. A Senior Trio - Logan Shain, Phillip James and Diego Loya - all 3 of these upper weights rolled through late December chalking up 5 or more wins between the Ashburn Duals and the Battle at the Bridge!  Nice work fellas.

 Check back soon for the first Wrestlers of the Week of 2013!!

Spartans Defend Battle of Ashburn Trophy

2x Champions Now the Only Ones in School

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  On December 20th, the wrestlers of Broad Run were told to bring the Battle of Ashburn trophy to the site of this year's competition at Stone bridge HS.  Coach Totaro had only one message for them - it comes back; no excuses.

  The Battle of Ashburn, sponsored by Honda of Dulles, is a year long competition held between the 3 Ashburn schools in a 3-way slug fest for bragging rights in each specific sport.  Going into the night, only two teams at Broad Run could return as 2x Champions - the Boys Basketball team and your very own grapplers.

  "Coach Costa and I made it very clear that in no way did we plan on giving that trophy to anyone else," Coach Totaro said when asked about the matches.  "Rivalry matches are a pride thing; you need to step up your game no matter what the circumstance," he added.  And a bit of adversity would strike the Spartans as they lost a starter just hours before the match.  In the end, they would do it without him and come out victorious in both matches.

  The night started against Briar Woods, crosstown rival to the South, led by their superstar Michael Hulcher at 126.  Though Hulcher was able to earn his 100th win against the Spartans, he team was no match for the Spartans, who would win by a team score of 46-25.

  Leading the match for Broad Run were the upper weights, led by Logan Shain and Connor Bryant.  Both would record first period pins to earn 12 points, and Phillip James (220) and Ewen Riordan would accept forfeits to earn 12 more.  Also returning to the lineup after a mild injury was Senior Tarkan Martin who was also able to add a win to the Spartans total.

  Following a defeat of the Falcons, Broad Run was only one win away from bringing the BOA trophy right back to its proper home.  In the final match of the night, the Bulldogs of Stone Bridge would fall to a final score of 60-22. 

  This match was over quickly as the Spartans accepted forfeits at 145, 182 and 195, but also added pins at 160, 220 and 285 to take an early 42-6 lead.  The Spartans would add two more pins and only lost 3 matches overall on the night, as well as giving up a forfeit in the final match of the night.

  Following their defense of the Battle of Ashburn trophy, the team gathered for a team picture and celebration.  The team commented of the incredible presence of the "15th man" as Broad Run had probably the most parental and alumni support.  It's always great to see so many come out and support, and soon it will be time for Alumni night!

Logan Shain Travels to Delaware to Attend Beast of the East XX
First Spartan to Enter; Goes 2-2 on the Day


  Congratulations goes out to Senior Logan Shain who attended the Beast of the East tournament in Delaware over the Winter Break.  The Beast, as it is known for short, is one of the toughest tournaments during the high school season boasting teams from as far as Wyoming and stacked private rosters like that of the famed Blair Academy.

  The initial qualifier for The Beast was Senior Tarkan Martin, who was able to get in with his 2x State Qualifications, as well as an NHSCA All-American Status from a year prior.  Due to injury however, Tarkan was unable to wrestle and passed his opportunity to teammate Shain.

  Logan represented Broad Run well winning a close first match 2-1 and pinning his other opponent.  Logan fell short of making day two, but in the end found it to be a great and educational experience.  "Those guys are good," Shain said, "they are aggressive and go at you the whole time."  Shain was able to take that knowledge and has been applying it to his own style and continues to improve on his way to Districts in four short weeks.