What a difference four years makes for No. 6 Parkland’s culture

Jon Trenge asked Phoenix DelVecchio if he was ready to go moments ahead of Parkland’s first wrestling practice of the 2022-23 season.

“He said, ‘Coach, I ran seven miles this morning I was so excited,’ ” Trenge recalled. “Phoenix runs six miles every day before school. On his own. On a 7-minute mile pace.”

DelVecchio is part of the senior class that began with Trenge four years ago. It was not easy, but this group accepted the challenges.

DelVecchio, Juan Moya, Adrian Gacek and others turned a corner and, because of the commitment, leadership and culture Trenge created, have the program trending upward.

“They may credit the coaching staff,” Trenge said, “but they did it on their own. They worked hard, dedicated themselves to it.”

Moya went to several places in the Lehigh Valley during the offseason to fine tune his technique, work up a sweat and got stronger.

DelVecchio, Gacek and others did the same thing.

“Two summers ago, I take some credit because I was here all the time lifting with them every day,” Trenge said. “This past summer, I needed a break with seven bulging discs. I had to back way off. But they maintained it on their own.”

But that’s how a good program works. Once direction and guidance are in place, the wrestlers follow the road map to success.

None of the Trojans doubted Trenge’s direction, even if they didn’t know his credentials as a competitor.

“He found the right people to help bring the sport up here,” DelVecchio said. “Trenge is definitely really good with beginners, finding what works for them. He can just tell. He’s had a big impact on me.”

Moya and DelVecchio, who have been wrestling since seventh grade, were not ready to be varsity wrestlers as freshmen. COVID stunted their growth the following year because of limited mat time, but the progress became evident last season.

They now have goals to compete in Hershey come March.

“I went from placing at districts last year to now thinking I have a good shot at states,” Moya said. “He worked with us to get better from the bottom position. A lot of changeovers, getting your hips free and working your way up. It was something we all struggled with.

“He also is really good at figuring out your style and making those little tweaks that can make you better, that can make a difference.”

Fellow senior Adrian Gacek, who transferred to Parkland from New Jersey ahead of his sophomore season, made it last year to the PIAA Wrestling Championships at 160 pounds.

He won 38 matches as a junior, including one at states.

“It was a big difference from three years ago,” Gacek said. “I definitely wasn’t as skilled when I moved from New Jersey as I am now.

“[Trenge] cares so much about the team. Not just as a wrestling community, but at school he keeps us away from bad stuff. He focuses on us as individuals. He whipped me into shape.”

Trojans’ lineup

Sophomore Eli Russ, who is one of a few Trojans who have made significant strides in just three years in the sport, will be at 107 pounds.

Junior Blake Dergham, who won 30 matches last season and was sixth in District 11 Class 3A, is at 114. He is one of several Trojans to dedicate themselves totally to the sport.

“He was working out too much,” Trenge said of Dergham. “I told him he needs to take a break. I told him that he was burned out. If I told him to push through it, he’d be toast by February.

“He jumped a notch and a half wrestling wise. He turned a corner. He looks strong, looks tough. His attitude is better in the room.”

Senior Aaron Ciampittiello is at 121. He had a solid year as a junior, but missed weight at districts for the second time.

DelVecchio is at 127 with senior Max Mazin or sophomore Elias Sallit at 133.

Sophomore Leo Kern, who won 20 matches last season, is at 139. Junior Xander DeSelm has the edge on several competing at 145. Moya is at 152.

“Juan took a break from wrestling this summer,” Trenge said. “He needed it. He was part of that group that trained real hard all the way through COVID. I think he burned out last year.

“He did his weight training all throughout the summer and came back here ready to go. He looks good.”

Freshman Jorge Moya, Juan’s brother, and sophomore Armando Fernandez are two strong kids battling it out at 160. Senior Victor Carrasquilla moves up to 172 after competing last year at 152 and 160.

“Victor is going to turn some heads,” Trenge said, “especially with how close he keeps it against the best kids. He’s so freakin’ strong and athletic.”

Gacek moves up to 189 after finishing third at districts and regionals at 160. He won 38 matches and was 1-2 at states, losing by a combined three points.

Freshman Max Pugach (215285), sophomore Gavin Edwards (215) and junior Michael Gavrilesku (285) are the three in the mix at the upper weights.

Parkland’s 2022-23 schedule

(at 7 p.m. unless noted)

Dec. 7: at East Stroudsburg North Dec. 15: Easton

Dec. 17: Travis Manion ‘99 Memorial Duals at La Salle College, 9 a.m. Dec. 21: at Liberty

Dec. 28-29: Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic at Liberty

Jan. 4: Pocono Mountain East Jan. 5: at Northampton

Jan. 7: Parkland Duals, 10 a.m. Jan. 11: at Freedom

Jan. 14: Emmaus, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 18: at Whitehall

Jan. 20-21: Coal Cracker tournament at Lehighton

Jan. 25: Pleasant Valley

Feb. 1: Dieruff