In the 2022-2023 season, the North Varsity Wrestling team showcased their determination, securing numerous achievements that left a mark on the wrestling stage. The Rams placed 5th out of 34 teams in the Section 1 Wrestling Tournament, where they displayed their wrestling spirit. Two wrestlers that stood out on the heavyweight scene were Brian Bordas and Justin Smoot, who were crowned Rockland County Champions last year, adding to the Ram’s glory. Furthermore, four of the Ram’s wrestlers received the All-Section title, and Justin Smoot even reached the New York State Wrestling tournament. By the end, the team took four tournament team title wins. Five wrestlers gained more than thirty wins. 

Sadly, the North Wrestling Team has had to bid farewell to some of its star wrestlers who have played crucial roles in the team’s success. These players include Justin Smoot, Brian Bordas, and Rcey Ortega. This has left a void in the heavyweight and middleweight sections. As a result, Coaches Mellino Jr. and Sr., Murphy, and Winrow face a challenging task in filling up these key positions for this upcoming season. 

Jeremy Small, who was named the 2021-2022 season Rookie of the Year, expressed his thoughts on the North Wrestling Team and what we can expect from the North wrestling team for the upcoming year. He acknowledged that with the absence of many former star wrestlers, it may pose a tougher challenge to keep up the pace. However, he believes that North is still in a position to secure many wins across each of the weight classes. He anticipates many intense and challenging matches ahead, but in the end, he is confident that North will emerge victorious. 

One of the most intense and anticipating matches North students can look out for is the team’s face-off with their rivals the Clarkstown South Vikings. This season, the match will be hosted by North on January 18th, 2024. They may have secured a well earned victory last season, but will they have what it takes to replicate the success that they had last season even with the departure of star wrestlers? 

For North Students, there are many promising athletes to keep an eye on in the upcoming season. In the Lightweight section, two veteran North Varsity wrestlers stand out; Jeremy Small and Dylan LaRocco have played key roles in dominating their section. Both hold winning records and earned a series of achievements last season. 

In the Middleweight section, all eyes are on wrestlers such as JT Roden, Ryan Ciardullo, and Jack Granata, who played major roles in bolstering the team’s success last season. Furthermore, there are expectations that Junior Varsity will bring new talent to Varsity, further driving the team to uphold their success. 

With these developments, the Clarkstown North Rams Varsity Wrestling team prepares to face many challenges for the upcoming season, but driven by school spirit and optimism, they plan on unrelentingly carrying on their quest for victory.