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Catonsville wrestlers feel ripples from football success

From left, Manny Miranda, Hunter Ruane, Sean Thrasher and Jake Ward, were counted on to help the Comet wrestling this season, but Ruane has left the team to play ice hockey.
From left, Manny Miranda, Hunter Ruane, Sean Thrasher and Jake Ward, were counted on to help the Comet wrestling this season, but Ruane has left the team to play ice hockey. (Staff photo by Brian Krista)

The deepest postseason run in football history was undoubtedly a positive event for Catonsville coaches, players and fans in the fall.

That said, the 12-1 season, which ended in a loss to Old Mill in the Class 4A state semifinals, Nov. 25, set back the winter sports programs at the school.

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Just ask Catonsville wrestling head coach Eric Warm, an assistant on the football staff.

"The success of the football team has taken its toll on my wrestling team," Warm said.

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Four varsity wrestlers from last year, who were starters on the football team, decided not to wrestle this season.

As for the other football players who will wrestle, they missed the first two weeks of practice and are still working their way into shape.

Even with those possible stumbling blocks, the Comets dominated Towson, 52-24, Dec. 7 in the first match of the season.

After opening the match with a loss at 195 pounds, the Comets recorded seven straight first-period pins.

It started with senior Alex Pearson (220) and continued with sophomores Jordan Reynolds (285), Michael Thome (106) and Ryan Whittington (113), juniors T.J. McDonald (120), Jake Ward (126) and Sean Thrasher (132).

"I wasn't expecting that, but Towson came at us without a lot of experience," Warm said.

Catonsville doesn't have a lot of experience either, and that veteran leadership suffered a key loss when senior Mohamed Abdelmegid (170) broke his hand in a scrimmage.

"He placed fifth in the Baltimore County championships last season and qualified for the state tournament after taking sixth in the regional tourney.

"He was ready to make a run at states," Warm said.

The loss opens the door for sophomore Adam Dye (170), who was second at the junior varsity county championship meet last year.

Junior Manny Miranda (160) should also make an impact on varsity after going undefeated on JV last season and winning a county title.

Pearson and Alex Knight (152) are the lone seniors in the starting lineup.

Junior Trevar Jackson (182) moves up from JV and could also make an impact this season.

"He's a physical specimen," Warm said. "He will win a lot of matches based on his physical strength and athleticism."

After posting a 7-7 mark last season, Warm will keep the competition coming.

"I don't care about wins and losses as a team," Warm said. "I make my schedule as hard as I can."

The Comets face Owings Mills, Franklin, Eastern Tech, Hammond, Oakland Mills and defending state champion Winters Mill this season.

And they will also compete in tournaments at Tuscarora, Northern-Calvert and Meade.

"I would rather my guys face a state placer than win a forfeit," Warm said. "I just want my wrestlers to keep getting better."

One of those who has already gotten better is Thrasher, who won six matches last season.

"He's been training nonstop since last year," said Warm, noting he won his first match at Towson with a pin in 20 seconds. "He's one of the most improved wrestlers."

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