Saturday afternoon at Clarksburg, when a recording of the national anthem went awry, Coyotes’ wrestling manager Megan Ramos grabbed a microphone and filled the void.
Slightly off key, but full of style and attitude, Ramos’ impromptu performance was emblematic of the wrestling program at the first-year school. The Coyotes — with a lineup fullof freshmen — are diving into varsity competition with no hesitation.
Saturday’s 48-28 loss to Einstein did little to contain Clarksburg’s enthusiasm. The Coyotes believe it’s only a matter of time before they come of age.
“This is a very excitable group,” said coach Josh Munsey. “A lot of freshmen might be intimidated wrestling varsity, but these guys welcome the challenge. It’s a great opportunity for them to get experience against good competition.”
Because Clarksburg’s boundaries border those of perennial power Damascus, Montgomery County wrestling observers expect the Coyotes to someday replicate the Hornets’ success. That’s part of the reason Clarksburg wooed Munsey from his alma mater.
“This is the only job I would have left Wheaton for,” said Munsey. “The chance to start your own program and do it up here where wrestling is a big deal was too much to pass up.”
Munsey is starting from scratch. The school doesn’t have a senior class and only one of the Coyotes has varsity experience. But that hasn’t completely hamstrung the team. Clarksburg owns victories over Wheaton and Northwood.
Wheaton was Clarksburg’s first taste of drama, as the 42-36 victory wasn’t assured until the final match as freshman Chris Williamson (135 pounds) earned an overtime decision.
Williamson is one of a handful of Coyotes who planned to attend Damascus before Clarksburg opened.
“I wrestled for Damascus Beltway,” said Williamson. “I was really excited about going there, all the tradition and stuff. But to start something here is really cool.”
Clarksburg junior Jeff Turner (189), who notched a pin Saturday, was on the Damascus junior varsity the last two years.
“All our freshmen are going to be seniors some day. And a lot of them are going to be good,” said Turner. “In a few years I think we’ll be up with Damascus, maybe even better.”
Howling success
» Sophomore Zack Wrublik (145 pounds) is the only Coyote with varsity experience.
» Clarksburg’s top freshmen include Tanner Wrublik (112), Paul Acedra (119), Roja Stephenson (130) and Chris Williamson (135), a winner at the Reservoir International Tournament.
» Sophomore Mario Williams (145) had never wrestled before this season, but registered an impressive first-period pin Saturday.
