UPDATE: In a stunning display of determination, the Nazareth Blue Eagles wrestling team overcame the Northampton Konkrete Kids with a final score of 37-28 in a thrilling dual meet held on December 1, 2023. Senior wrestlers Elijah Simak and Brayden Zuercher played pivotal roles, each bumping up two weight classes to secure critical victories for their team.
Simak, weighing in at 173 lbs, faced off against Northampton junior Joell Small, who weighed 40.5 lbs more. Demonstrating remarkable speed and agility, Simak needed just 3:21 to dominate the match, achieving a 22-6 tech fall and giving Nazareth a 31-28 lead. “I knew I had the speed on him,” Simak said, highlighting his strategy to push the pace.
Zuercher, also stepping up two weight classes, pinned Northampton senior Brandon McEntire in a rapid 48 seconds, sealing the victory for Nazareth. Coach Dave Crowell expressed pride in his team’s resilience, stating, “Anything we can do for the team, we’re all in.”
The match began with an early setback for Northampton when freshman Benjamin Schoenberger missed weight at 107 lbs, forcing a forfeit and contributing to a challenging night for the Konkrete Kids. Coach Joe Provini acknowledged the impact of this error, stating, “We hurt ourselves tonight.”
Despite the loss, Northampton had standout performances, including victories by Schoenberger, sophomore Brayden Werich, and junior Gabe Ballard, all of whom won by fall. “Our guys fought off their back all night,” Provini noted, emphasizing their effort against a formidable opponent.
As the Blue Eagles prepare for their next match against Easton on December 6 at 7 p.m., the rivalry continues to heat up. With their victory, Nazareth improves to 2-0 this season, showcasing their depth and commitment to teamwork.
The intensity of the match and the athletes’ willingness to step up in challenging situations have made this dual meet one to remember. Fans can expect more thrilling action as both teams look to refine their skills heading into the heart of the season.
