Fresh start for Havelka, Big Macs
Notice: Undefined variable: article_ad_placement3 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/single.php on line 128
One of the first things Jeff Havelka instilled in the wrestlers in Canon-McMillan’s practice room was his standard for success.
“I’m about hard work, discipline and respect,” said Havelka, who is starting his first season as head coach after being hired to replace Jason Cardillo.
The Big Macs are coming off another section title, defeating Waynesburg, 46-24, in the 4-AAA finals.
They earned a spot in the state team tournament with a second-place finish in the WPIAL and went 2-2 in Hershey.
In the individual postseason, the Big Macs brought four wrestlers to the PIAA championships and three came away with medals. Brendan Furman won the heavyweight title, Gerrit Nijenhuis took third at 152, and Logan Macri was fifth at 120.
C-M lost eight seniors from that team, including Furman.
“My expectations are to continue that success,” said Havelka, whose father, Terry, was the longtime wrestling coach at Burgettstown.
“We want to win a section tournament, a WPIAL title and do some damage in Hershey. Our kids are buying into what we want to do.”
The Big Macs open the season Friday at the Cumberland Valley Tournament. The two-day event includes some strong Pennsylvania teams, including Easton, Council Rock South and Bishop McDevitt.
“We’ll see some teams we don’t normally see,” said Havelka.
Nijenhuis returns following a 46-7 season in which he was one of only two freshmen in the PIAA 152-pound bracket. Luke Stout of Mt. Lebanon was the other.
“Gerrit is always looking to add things to his wrestling here and there,” said Havelka. “It’s important to have someone like Logan and Gerrit with that type of experience so the other kids can see that.”
Macri will open at 126 and Nijenhuis 160. Jacob Gardner (10, 22-17), Michael Binni (12, 5-5, injury) and Ken Hayman (11, 24-12) hold the first three weights with newcomer Jim Baxter in the mix. Tim Hritsko (12, 35-13) and Dimitri Pihiou (12, 13-25) will be key middleweights.
“It’s a nice group of kids,” Havelka said.
Six seniors were lost at the heavier weights and a handful of first-time starters need to step up.
Havelka will have a better grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of the team after the Powerade Christmas Wrestling Tournament Dec. 29-30 at the Big Macs gymnasium.
“It will be a good test for our team and individuals,” Havelka said. “It’s one of the top tournaments in the country. We can learn a lot from a tournament like that.”