When people measure success for first year high school sports programs like those at Cambridge, they generally speak in terms of effort, commitment and building for the future. It is not often that they think about measuring success in terms of wins and losses, especially in a physically demanding sport like wrestling. What started as a whisper is now becoming a rumble as the Cambridge High School wrestling team continues to do the unthinkable...win.
The Cambridge wrestling team now has eleven dual meet wins against seven loses. Three of the seven loses came down to just a single match. These wins include a THIRD PLACE finish out of twelve teams at the Kennesaw Mountain Duals and most recently a SECOND PLACE finish out of ten teams at the Warrior Rumble Duals. The team also competed in the Creekview Invitational finishing sixth out of sixteen teams where several boys stood atop the podium including undefeated sophomore, J.R. Salemi (21-0) in the 113lb weight class, and undefeated freshman Brandon Filosi (21-0) in the 132lb weight class.
The early success of the team is not due to the contributions of just one or two boys but instead the culmination of a vision. That vision begins with Cambridge Head Coach Don St James.
Cambridge Athletic Director Matt Lawless has high praise for this great program. "It is difficult to use words like 'dynasty' or 'powerhouse' when speaking of a first year athletic program, but I can confidently say that Coach St. James is building the foundation for both with his wrestling program here at Cambridge High School. He and his team are already competing at a high level and have beaten some quality teams from established 5-A and 6-A schools. It is strikingly clear that the sky is the limit for Cambridge wrestling."
Coach St. James, while pleased with the winning record, is far from satisfied. He expects more, demands more and his boys aim to deliver. "The wrestlers work hard at perfecting their technique in the room so they can use it during the matches...and they are all beginning to show promise," says St. James.
In addition to Salemi and Filosi the team has plenty of young talent. Brock Neilson (sophomore, 182lb), Chris Anderson (freshman, 120lb), Sean Kaira (sophomore, 195lb), Kryshna Tanksley (junior, 285lb) and Malik McNeil (junior, 285lb) are all posting impressive winning records for the Bears.
During the weekend of December 15th, the team began to see some of the younger wrestlers making the improvements needed to build a winning program. Trey Wolfe (freshman, 152lb), Eric Cizek (freshman, 170lb) and Ryder Deaton (junior, 160lb) are examples of less experienced wrestlers who are rapidly improving and delivering big wins in key moments. The team has picked up some key leadership and experience in Nick Salter (senior, 126lb) as he enters the lineup and immediately makes his presence felt posting five wins at the Warrior Rumble Duals in mid-December.
Perhaps the most remarkable element of this team is that they are not wrestling just for Coach St James, or even themselves. They are wrestling for each other. They are becoming a true team--a family.
Coach St. James and the team are focused and disciplined as you might expect... taking them as they come one drill, one practice, one match and one dual at a time. They chose not to reflect on any success or lack of expectations but instead on what they can control. Effort, execution and perseverance are the hallmarks of this young Bears team.
"We have some very tough tournaments over the break that will really let the guys know where they are and what they need to work on. The Area Duals are in early January and we are looking to peak as a dual meet team around that time so that we can make the State meet as a team," says Coach St. James.
The Bears Wrestling team is asking everyone in our community to come support these impressive young men and exceptional athletes.
On January 2nd and January 9th, Cambridge will host the last two home events at 5:00 p.m. in the main gym at CHS. It will be quite the sight to see students, families and faculty pack the gym to the rafters.
What started as a whisper and has become a rumble can now become a ROAR! Come cheer for your Cambridge Bears Wrestling Team January 2nd and January 9th!
Go BEARS!