Feb. 23, 2001
February Newsletter
(2000-2001 Season)
No. 3 of 4
Family & Friends of CSU Wrestling,
Adversity builds character! At least that is what I was told during my days at the Military Academy. This past season has been filled with surprises of adversity and struggle. I stand by our team and admire their perseverance and commitment to the program. What we have been through has not been fun and very often unpleasant. However, I stand confident that we have learned many lessons and will come back stronger because of our experiences. I tell you of this because of my commitment to excellence and honesty. I feel I owe you an explanation for our 4-14 dual record. I know from the outside you might wonder what the heck is going on and what direction this progam is going. I ask you to keep the faith. Watch our program pull together and take off next season. I knew heading into the year that we were taking some big risks, redshirting our three top wrestlers and the only returning NCAA qualifiers. But in my heart I felt it was the right thing to do and our team was going to be solid. The season was filled with many "curve balls" that I could not foresee. Three seniors who were with us at the start and all three no longer with us because of personal problems. Three other starters have been in and out of the line-up with injuries. Finally, two wrestlers who committed to the team decided before the end to quit. All this in one short season, the toughest one to date in my experiences. Believe me, I've often thought delivering mail or some other work would be an easier lifestyle. But I'm committed to the total development of the program and the young lives involved. I'm honored to be given the privilege of leading the CSU team and I am excited about the future! I will give you more of the exciting details (2001-2002 schedules and roster) in our final issue this May.
So what did happen? I've included all the results to date and will send the EWL & NCAA news in our final issue. In short, we started the season with an exciting victory (John Carroll) and ended with a win over West Virginia. It is what happened in the middle where trouble lies. At 125lbs, Rocco Mansueto was just cleared to compete after a month lay-off with injury. Back-up Jon Gondol did a good job for us filling-in, he had a big pin against Pittsburgh which enabled us to pull off an upset. Jon has a history of coming up big for us at times. Co-captain Nick Boucher (133lbs.) has been in and out with injuries all year but appears to be peaking at the right time. Freshman Paul Theodore did a nice job and kept us respectable in Nick's absence. At 141lbs. it has been a repeat struggle back and forth with Ryan Guciardo and Matt DePolo. Just recently Ryan was pulled from action for the year with a back injury. Matt appears to be improving everyday, we just pray it's enough and in time for the tournament. Freshman 149 pounder Anthony Coleman has been outstanding and our bright spot of the year. He leads the team with wins and along with Rocco and Nick, stands as our best shot at an NCAA ticket on paper. Next, my hard-nosed son, Jason Effner, who was not expected to start but filled in and kept us respectable. Give him the spring/summer and watch out next season! Both Jeff Polk and Aaron Warnock continue to battle for 165, with final wrestle-offs this week. At 174lbs, freshman Joe Phillips has shown good potential and I'm sure will be a winner very soon. Brian Hasenohrl and Devin Pethtel (184lbs.) have shared duties and are fighting to get the hang of the grind of college wrestling. Sadly, both Dom Abato (197lbs.) and Don Caramell (Hwt.) have decided to quit and not finish the season. As I'm sure you can sense from this newsletter it has been a rough winter. I've matured and learned along with the troops! Mistakes were made but none without much thought and 100% effort.
Dare to stick with us! Only time will tell but mark my words good times are ahead. I've included EWL and NCAA information. Please take time to fill-out the membership form in the back if your name is not listed. Special programs are built on special people who show interest and enthusiasm. Rest assured our staff and athletes are working hard to earn your respect and represent CSU with pride.
Yours in Wrestling,
Head Coach
j.effner@csuohio.edu
www.csuohio.edu
Note: Our annual end of season awards social will be Sunday, April 8th 1:30pm - 3:30pm at the CSU Convocation Center 4th floor. We will have a "potluck" meal (everyone brings either main dish, side dish, salad, desert, or drinks). Please call Lori Effner at (216) 883-4030 to arrange what to bring. All family and friends are invited to recognize our student/athletes for their efforts.
