Ponte Vedra wrestling kicks off season

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Ponte Vedra opened its wrestling season Dec. 5 with a 47-30 loss on Bartram Trail’s home mat.

New Ponte Vedra head coach Josean Gonzalez is not able to field a full lineup without wrestlers at 106 and 195 pounds and at heavyweight. Therefore, the Sharks are required to forfeit 18 points to each of their opponents. When tabulating the cumulative scores of the matches that were wrestled at Bartram Trail, Ponte Vedra actually wrestled to a winning 30-29 score. Pinning for the varsity team were Troy Maritato, Preston Turner, Alex de Almeida, Joseph Skinner and Ethan Baur. 

In addition, the junior varsity Sharks were also solid, winning three out of four matches. Winning for the young Sharks were Will Lazzara, Austin Schottel and James Richie.

On Dec. 8, the Sharks competed at the annual Terry Parker High School Optimist Tournament. Preston Turner and Ethan Baur won individual championships at 120 pounds and 152 pounds respectively. Baur pinned his way through the tournament, earning his crown with four falls during the two-day tournament.

James Richie, Alex de Almeida, Jackson Shewey and Rett Maritato all made it to the consolation finals in the team’s first tournament of the season. Overall, Ponte Vedra placed sixth in the 11-team tournament.

The Sharks matched up against Bishop Kenny at the Shark Tank on Wednesday, Dec. 12, which took place after this edition of the Recorder went to the printer.