Parkland’s 2018-2019 wrestling season has featured strong performances and periodic struggles. One consistent has been their effort.

“We’re growing and we are improving,” said head coach Mike Ottinger. “It’s a really good team culture.”

On Jan. 16 the Trojans handled Pocono Mountain on the road 54-23. Bryan Diaz got the Trojans off to a fast start as he defeated Ian Hagan 8-2 at 132 to give Parkland a 3-0 lead. After Joe Dolak was defeated at 132, sensational sophomore Luke Yatcilla won a decision over Gino Ianelli 10-6 to give Parkland a 6-5 advantage. After a loss at 152, Parkland’s Jacob Ortman, Josh Wieder and Jim Ernst each pinned their opponents in efficient displays of wrestling. After two losses, Parkland didn’t lose another bout the rest of the night. Musclemen Cory Border, Evin Harris, Nathan Kresge, Gabriel Montanez and Lucas Kern all won their matches, with Harris’ courtesy of a forfeit.

The following night Parkland suffered through an encounter with the Easton Red Rovers, losing 50-9.

“Even though things didn’t go our way, I’m proud of everybody,” Ottinger said. “We just need a little more experience.”

Only Diaz at 132 and Yatcilla at 145 came out of the fracas victorious.

“Bryan has improved throughout the year and coaching Luke has been a real pleasure. He works hard and stays after practice,” the coach said.

At the Escape the Rock tournament at Council Rock South High School over the wintry weekend of Jan. 19-20, the Trojans found themselves battling some of the top wrestlers in several states including New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, Florida and Pennsylvania. Parkland finished 42nd out of 49 schools.

Kern won a battle at 126 against Easton’s Brett Scalzo 2-1 in the pigtails round. Parkland took it on the chin in the championship’s first round, losing 12 consecutive encounters. A medical forfeit cost Kern a match up in the consolation pigtails, but the Trojans did not give up.

In the consolation round Montanez and Kale Cummings turned mean and won their battles at 120 and 145 respectively. Diaz, who has had a solid season with an 18-9 mark, lost two tough matches in this tournament.

“He hit two studs at that tournament, but he has shown improvement throughout the year,” Ottinger said.

In the championship round two, Border, who has had a superb season at 23 wins and seven loses, took care of business at 285 when he pinned Robert Terra of Boyertown at the 1:20 mark.

“We just keep looking to find a game plan for him,” the coach said. “...He’s just a great kid and an awesome leader.”

Through Jan. 20 the Trojans are 9-3 and they hope the best may be yet to come.

The following are results of recent Parkland matches.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

Parkland 54, PM East 23

132: Bryan Diaz (P) dec. Ian Hagan, 8-2

138: Steven Storm (PME) tech. fall Joe Dolak, 19-4 in 5:01

145: Luke Yatcilla (P) dec. Gino Iannelli, 10-6

152: Billy Koch (PME) pinned Mikeal Palmieri in :52

160: Jacob Ortman (P) pinned Nick Hinds in 1:39

170: Josh Wieder (P) pinned Joe Evers in 2:59

182: Jim Ernst (P) pinned Dillon Brunetti in :59

195: Alex Brunetti (PME) pinned Zayd Afif in 2:22

220: Aaron Williams (PME) pinned Garrett Fitzgerald in 1:48

285: Cory Border (P) pinned Brandon Prados in 2:49

106: Evin Harris (P) won by forfeit

113: Nathan Kresge (P) pinned Virgilio Rosa in 2:55

120: Gabe Montanez (P) won by forfeit

126: Lucas Kern (P) pinned Jadiel Muniz in 3:28

Friday, Jan. 18

Easton 50, Parkland 9

106: Braxton Appello (E) pinned Evin Harris in :52

113: Alex Cameron (E) dec. Nathan Kresge, 7-5

120: Anthony Daiello (E) dec. Gabe Montanez, 2-0

126: Brett Scalzo (E) dec. Lucas Kern, 4-3

132: Bryan Diaz (P) dec. Kyron Bryson, 6-2

138: Colby Duffy (E) dec. Joe Dolak, 5-4

145: Luke Yatcilla (P) pinned Bryan Pensyl in 2:42

152: Jake Koerwitz (E) dec. Kale Cummings, 3-2

160: Gaven Krazer (E) pinned Josh Wieder in :40

170: Isaiah Reinert (E) pinned Jacob Ortman in 1:53

182: Dominic Falcone (E) major dec. Gio Catania, 20-7

195: Matthew Cruise (E) major dec. Zayd Afif, 13-4

220: Andrew Balukas (E) pinned Garrett Fitzgerald in 1:33

285: Tyler Pellechia (E) UTB Cory Border, 5-3