Thorpe wrestlers are eager to compete and improve
The goals are clear and the message is direct.
Jim Thorpe wrestling coach Dan Heaney wants his team to compete and improve.
If the Olympians do that, they’ll be on their way to another successful season.
It’s the same mindset Heaney and his staff, which includes Brian Schwartz, Tim Robb, Ben Warren, Jay Llewellyn and Dave Reese, have had in their previous three years with the team, building on the blue collar culture that has been a staple of the program.
This year, the team will shift out of the Schuylkill League and into new classification for the postseason.
“This season presents some big changes as we join the Colonial League and move up to AAA,” said Heaney.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but we will be ready for it. We have eight varsity wrestlers returning this season, and they’re ready to step up and lead the way.”
One of those returnees is junior Stephen Korte, who was a District 11 runner-up last year. Korte, who is slotted into the 139-pound spot in the lineup, will look to build on his 35-10 record from a season ago and make a run in the postseason. Korte made it to the second round of consolations at regionals last season.
As a freshman, Korte was 27-11 and placed sixth at districts. He’s on track to smash through 100 career wins. Jim Thorpe’s last wrestler to achieve the feat was Gabe Heaney in 2022, who finished his career with 106 victories and is now wrestling at Ursinus College.
In addition to Korte, the Olympians also have 20-match winner Nik Schwartz returning after a 22-13 campaign last season and a sixth-place finish at districts. Schwartz, a senior, figures to slot into the 189-pound spot in the lineup.
Aiden Sterling had a strong season a year ago, going 15-6 and placing fifth at districts. The senior should be a force at 215 pounds this season.
Senior Chris Jacobacci won 18 matches last season and will be a key part of the lineup at 127 pounds this year.
“Stephen Korte (139) is coming off a great season as a District XI AA Runner-up with a 35-10 record,” said Heaney. “Aidan Sterling (215), Nik Schwartz (189), and Chris Jacobacci (127) are also back and ready to build on strong seasons. With a roster that includes both experienced leaders and promising underclassmen, we’re confident this team is ready to compete.”
Others in the mix include: Jake Chamides (107, sophomore), Aiden Bowman (114, sophomore), Cooper Kresge (114, sophomore), Isaiah Joseph (127, freshman), Cole Quezada (127, freshman), Maksim Letosky (133, freshman), Diontay Cherry (133, freshman), Ryan Broadbent (133, freshman), Joshua Mantilla (133, freshman), Jude Zito (139, sophomore), Jax Manzella (152, freshman), Matthew Burns (152, sophomore), Jared Mantilla (152, sophomore), Tyriq Palumbo (152, sophomore), Michael McGinley (152, freshman), Donovan Llewellyn (160, sophomore), Connor Zurawa (172, junior), Damont Jeter (172, sophomore), Gaetano Sarnelli (189, freshman) and Blake Carroll (285, senior).
Jim Thorpe opens the season Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Rough Rider Tournament at Catasauqua. The Olympians will also be hosting the Jim Thorpe Christmas Tournament on Friday, Dec. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 28.
“Our focus is simple: work hard, compete in every match, and keep getting better,” Heaney said.
NOTE: A photo of the Olympian wrestling team was unavailable by press time. A photo of the team will run at a later date.