Wallenpaupack Area wrestling team looking to make a deep run this season
HAWLEY — Steve Krushnowski is entering his 24th year as head coach of Wallenpaupack Area’s varsity wrestling team.
Over the course of nearly a quarter century, Krushnowski has guided the Buckhorns to more than 250 wins … a number that should increase significantly this winter.
Paupack is coming off a solid season, going 14-8 overall and posting a 4-2 record in Division I of the Lackawanna League. And with state qualifiers Gunnar Myers and Hank Baronowski returning, the Bucks are poised to made a deep post season run.
“We have the personnel and the potential to really make some noise,” said Coach Krushnowski. “But, the potential has to materialize into reality. This is a great bunch of kids. It’s one of the best groups we’ve had in quite awhile.”
Paupack will be in action for the first time next weekend. The Bucks travel to Wyalusing Saturday, December 3 for the Gary Woodruff Memorial Duals. There, they will compete against the likes of Scranton Prep, Pocono Mountain East, Juniata, Elk Lake, Nanticoke and Blue Ridge.
“We’re going to see what we’re made of pretty quickly,” Coach Krushnowski said. “We’re a young team with only two seniors, but we have great numbers and depth. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Potent 1-2 Punch
Any conversation about this year’s Paupack squad must begin with Myers.
Gunnar is coming off a dazzling sophomore season in which he powered his way to an overall record of 43-4. He competed at 126 and 132 en route to a first place finish at districts and a third at regionals.
“Gunnar is a beast!” Coach Krushnowski exclaimed. “We expect him to win whenever he takes the mat. Gunnar is hyper-focused and leads by example.”
Myers will likely be stepping up to the 138-pound bracket this winter. He’s already piled up 60 varsity victories in his first two years and made two trips to Hershey.
He’s been a machine when it comes to bonus points, notching 31 falls, four tech falls and three major decisions.
“The sky’s the limit for Gunnar this year,” Coach Krushnowski said. “Gunnar will definitely be in the mix for a state medal and he could challenge for a state title.”
For his part, Myers prefers to take things one day, one bout, one match at a time … especially since he came up a bit short in his quest for a PIAA medal last season.
“I’m trying not to think about states yet,” Gunnar said. “Last year was heartbreaking. I worked very hard this summer. I am just listening to my Dad. He always says don’t worry about the post season, just keep getting better.”
Meanwhile, Baronowski is hoping to take another big step forward this year.
As a sophomore, Hank piled up 35 wins against just nine losses. He recorded 26 pins, one tech fall and three majors and now stands at 44-12 for his career. Baronowski earned medals at the District 2 and Northeast Regional tournaments, advancing to the PIAA state meet for the first time.
“Hank is as dangerous as they make them,” Coach Krushnowski said. “He’s very physical and brings it every match. Hank has an incredible work ethic with a motor to match. He should absolutely be in the mix for a state medal.”
Leadership
If the Buckhorns are going to enjoy the type of success this year that local mat fans have come to expect, they’ll need consistent veteran leadership.
Coach Krushnowski believes that his two seniors, Jaden Colwell (133) and Tommy Panzanella (172) are equal to the task.
Colwell is coming off an outstanding junior season. Jaden posted a 35-7 record and earned a gold medal at the District 2 Class AAA tournament.
And, although Colwell didn’t medal at regionals, all signs point to his being able to take that next big step this winter.
“Jaden has been the quintessential leader for the last three years,” said Coach Krushnowski. “He has a great work ethic in every aspect of his life: home, school, work and wrestling.”
Panzanella enjoyed a solid junior season as well. Tommy notched 19 wins en route to a fifth place showing at districts.
“Tommy also has a very good work ethic,” said Coach Krushnowski. He’s got all the moves on the mat and I’m expecting big things from him this year.
On the Horizon
With battle-tested veterans like Myers, Baranowski, Colwell and Panzanella leading the way, Paupack should be right in the thick of this year’s championship chase.
The Buckhorns are competing in the the Lackawanna Leagues always-rugged Division I. They’ll once again be butting heads with perennial powerhouses Abington Heights and Delaware Valley.
Abington captured last year’s divisional crown with a perfect 6-0 record. DV wound up second at 5-1 and Paupack was third with a 4-2 mark.
For Coach Krushnowski, challenging exhibition matches and tough pre-season tournaments help set the stage for each and every campaign.
“We pride ourselves on being competitive against anybody,” he said. “But, we’re going to have our hands full this year because Abington is loaded and DV is always strong. We’re always looking to take that next step in qualifying for District Duals.
Paupack is scheduled to open up its dual meet schedule Wednesday, December 7 at home versus Western Wayne. Action gets underway at 6:45 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
“Western Wayne always brings it, so we need to be focused and ready,” said Coach Krushnowski. “I expect us to be physical and aggressive. That’s been our trademark and I expect it to be more pronounced this year.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawanna League Wrestling Wallenpaupack Area Krushnowski Myers
