The work for Glenelg?s wrestlers began about a year ago.
The Gladiators had just finished third at the 2A/1A Tournament, and for most teams, that would be considered quite an accomplishment.
But not at Glenelg.
The wrestlers from the Howard County school felt last season was a wasted opportunity, as they advanced three wrestlers to state finals and came away with no titles.
So, Glenelg used that third-place finish as motivation all season,which culminated Saturday with the Gladiators leaving the University of Maryland?s Cole Field House with their first state title.
“This was our only goal all season,” Glenelg coach Scott Delpo said. “This was a victory for every wrestler in our program.”
Glenelg finished with 134.5 points, followed by Southern-Garrett (105) and Owings Mills (96.5). The Gladiators became the first Howard County team since Hammond in 1998 to win a state wrestling tournament title.
The Gladiators advanced five wrestlers to the championship round with three seniors ? Danny Bichner (135), Chris Stinnett (140) and Tim Chase (152) ? taking home titles.
Bichner finished the season 38-3, and won his title with a 5-2 decision over Smithsburg?s James Reilley (29-2). Stinnett (30-3) earned his title with an 11-7 win over Perryville?s Pete Milijevic (31-2). Chase?s earned his championship, 6-3, over Northern?s Andy Ganoe (34-4).
The Gladiators? other finalists were sophomore Brendan Conway (119) and senior Brian Marcoux (125). Conway (29-7) lost to South Carroll?s Cam Hobin, 8-1. Marcoux lost to Southern-Garrett?s George Scheffel, 3-2 in triple-overtime.
“I can?t think of a better way to go out in a senior year,” said Stinnett, who will wrestle at Cal-State Fullerton next year. “Wrestling is the rare sport where you win as a team, but can make a difference as an individual.”
Chase said Glenelg?s victory at the state tournament proved it knew what it took to be a champion. He felt the Gladiators were more prepared this time because they endured a tougher regular season schedule that included competing in the Mount Mat Madness Tournament and taking on MIAA power Mount St. Joseph and eventual-4A/3A tournament champion La Plata.
“Last season established a benchmark for us,” Chase, who will wrestle at Virginia Military Institute, said. “It showed us what we had to do to elevate our team into title contention.”
