Wrestling: Salem opts to forego district tournament, still on pace to start varsity program next year

A list of teams for the District 31 Wrestling Tournament on the NJSIAA web site includes a new face – Salem.

The Rams began their first year as a junior varsity program and were eligible to have their wrestlers participate in a the district tournament at Delsea this weekend, but declined.

However, they remain on course to upgrade to the varsity level next level.

“We wanted to end the season with a JV tournament, some of the guys won their first matches this past weekend,” said Greg Lagakos, who along with Scott Levitsky is the co-coach for the program. “We could have gone through districts, we got them hydration tested, we went through the process which we definitely wanted to do this year. We used the routine of a varsity season, but decided not to go that route.

“It’s been slow going. We didn’t want to throw them out there. Most of these kids only had 10 JV matches, some had four or five.”

Lagakos and athletic director Daryl Roberts said they were both encouraged with the number of wrestlers as well as the support the program received. The Rams finished the season with 13 wrestlers on the roster.

“We got some fans, out, the community seemed really enthused about it.” said Roberts. “We kind of wanted to just see what the interest would be. I’m encouraged. We will go varsity next year.”

The first steps to reviving the long-dormant Salem wrestling program started in 2012 when the school hosted a summer wrestling camp for students in the fourth to eighth grade. The idea was to add a midget program the next year, a JV program this season and take the final step to varsity next year.

While Salem has continued to host a summer program every year, it has yet to begin a program in the middle schools or midgets. Lagakos knows a feeder program is critical to the long-term success of the high school team.

“We’re going to take every avenue to build a successful program,” said Lagakos. “It’s going to take time. I’ve asked about a middle school wrestling team and I’ve just been told it will take time, but the board is happy with the turnout, they’re ready to go forward and support us. They’ll help us out with what we need. “

Another goal will be finding a place to create a permanent wrestling room at the high school.

“Right now, they practice in the cafeteria,” said Roberts. “They roll out the mats, move the tables and go at it.”

Lagakos admitted a wrestling room is another important step.

“If I could change one thing, it would be having a wrestling room,” said Lagakos. “Not having one is a detriment when you’re practicing in the same place they’re selling meatball sandwiches at the basketball games.”

Lagakos said it hasn’t been determined whether Salem will join the Tri-County Conference for wrestling next year or start out as an independent with a softer schedule, but going the independent route initially might be the more likely scenario.

He said he is already preparing an offseason program to have the wrestlers ready for next season.

“We went into this year deciding ‘Do we want to continue with this program?’ and I think we were successful,” said Lagakos. “We only lose two seniors. We have 3-4 kids who really know wrestling, who understand the commitment involved. We have another 4-5 who I think will step and hopefully 4-5 freshmen.

“We’re going to get the kids involved in an offseason program, get them to stay in shape and manage their weight so they’re ready to go in November and December.”

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports.

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