The 2016-17 wrestling team at King Philip Regional posted its third straight winning season and continues to establish itself as a program that’s building tradition.
Since John Adams took the coaching reins in 2014, the Warriors have compiled dual-meet records of 12-10, 14-10 and 21-9 this year. What’s been a key to KP’s uptick is the way Adams has been able to increase participation. He had 11 wrestlers out when he took the job, hiked the number to 18 last year and had a roster of 27 competitors this season.
Adams, who wrestled at Ipswich High and Bridgewater State, previously coached as an assistant in college and also at Natick High. A head coach at Hopkinton and Norwood before taking the Warriors’ post, the 46-year-old KP guidance counselor has never experienced a losing season.
Steve Schairer, the Warriors athletic director, is delighted with the way Adams has elevated the program. “John has generated a lot of interest,’’ Schairer said. “The kids are really involved. He’s passionate about wrestling and he holds everyone accountable. They work hard and earn everything. He’s changed the culture of the program into a successful team approach.’’
Adams, who wrestled during his four-year stint in the U.S. Navy, knows the attributes needed to be a successful matman in high school and he’s acutely aware of the special character he wants in the wrestlers he chooses for his program. In a dual-meet victory this year against Whitman-Hanson, Adams reached his 100th career triumph.
“The key ingredients for success are strength, conditioning, technique, discipline, work ethic and mental toughness,’’ he said. “Wrestling is a sport that involves individual focus and also a team approach. I want kids with intestinal fortitude. At KP, we’re looking for classy ambassadors who represent the school in a well-rounded way. But, when the whistle blows, I also want our kids to be hard-nosed competitors.’’
KP’s senior co-captains — Cameron Smith (160) and Nick DeGloria (182) — are prime examples of the type of competitors Adams enlists. Smith finished with a record of 35-0 and DeGloria posted a 34-2 mark and surpassed 100 career victories during the regular season.
“Cameron is a premier student-athlete who challenges himself,’’ Adams said. “He’s long and lean and employs good technique. Nick’s passion is unparalleled. A year-round wrestler, he’s relentless, strong, fast and aggressive. Nick was third in the states last year. Both our captains are leaders by example and by being vocal.’’
Senior Brad Oliverio (220) and junior Joe Fruci (145) are quality wrestlers. Oliverio was eighth in the states last year and Fruci finished with a 29-5 record. “Brad is very coachable and very versatile,’’ Adams said. “At times, he will wrestle as a heavyweight. Joe has great awareness on the mat and is mentally tough. He will learn a new technique, master it, then move on and learn yet another hold.’’
Junior Keith Robery (126) and sophomore Mo Lotfi (132) have demonstrated lots of promise. “Keith is well-liked and respected,’’ Adams said. “He elevates others. He’s also become adept at controlling the top position on the mat. Mo continues to evolve. He’s got innate ability and he’s on a path to become a quality athlete.’’
Three underclassmen — sophomore Luke Fitch (152) and freshmen Sean Conniff (152) and Ryan Halliday (170) — are solid prospects for the future. “Luke is a grinder,’’ Adams noted. “He’s pro-active, never backing away. Sean was a standout at the youth level. He’s capable of beating anyone because of his sound positioning. And, Ryan is very strong. He competes every second and never quits.’’
At the Division 2 Central Sectional at Marlboro, KP was fifth in the team standings with 170.5 points and had some excellent individual efforts. Six wrestlers placed in the top four and will advance to the state meet, and four finished fifth, qualifying them as alternates.
The six placing in the top four are: Matt Tobichuk (third at 113), Lofti (fourth at 132), Fruci (third at 145), Smith (second at 160), DeGloria (second at 182), and Oliverio (first at 220). Alternates include Connor Harrington (fifth at 106), Fitch (fifth at 152), Conniff (fifth at 170) and Tim Costanzo (fifth at heavyweight).
“Our success is based on everyone performing their role, team effort and team chemistry,’’ said Adams, who’s married and is the father of twin daughters. “A motto I’ve always emphasized is ‘respect, pride and victory.’ It tells kids to respect their sport, their teammates and their opponents; to have pride on the mat and in their effort; and that victory is the end product of respect and pride.’’
Relying on a coaching philosophy that stresses reaching one’s potential, having fun and winning, Adams firmly believes wrestling, like any other sport, teaches real-life lessons. “Kids learn to overcome adversity, be responsible and work as a team,’’ he said. “Our goal is to develop high standards and get as many boys as possible into post-season tournaments. That’s achieved when average wrestlers out-perform your opponents’ average guys and when your good wrestlers become elite competitors.’’
The KP wrestling program is continuing to gain momentum. And, it’s enjoying success.
Issue Date:
March, 2017
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