For the first two years of Ryan Chulada’s tenure as Honesdale’s varsity wrestling coach, the Red & Black took their lumps in the rugged Lackawanna League.

In 2006, the Hornets went winless in Division One with an 0-7 record. A year later, Coach Chulada’s lads posted two victories, but still finished in the lower half of the standings.
All that changed during the 2007-‘08 campaign.

In just his third winter at the helm, Coach Chulada steered Honesdale to a 5-2 regular season record. The Red & Black also came within a whisker of a Division One crown, losing a pair of competitive matched to Abington Heights (7-0) and Delaware Valley (6-1).

“We had a great year and we’re just looking to build off that success,” Coach Chulada told TWI Sports. “Looking at our schedule, though, there isn’t an easy match out there. But, I still think we’re good enough to challenge for a league title.”

Solid Nucleus
Several battle-tested veterans will lead the on-mat charge for Honesdale this winter.

Jake Arnone finally shook off the injury bug and enjoyed an outstanding junior season. The youngest of four brothers to have donned the singlet at Honesdale, Jake posted a stellar 29-3 record at 171 pounds last year.

Arnone went undefeated in Division One bouts, finished first at the Manheim Invitational and was named MVP for a second straight season.

“Jake hasn’t come anywhere near his potential yet,” Coach Chulada. “If he can get through the year healthy, there’s no telling how far he can go.”

Peter Mesko also returns to the mat after a sensational junior campaign. A multi-sport star who excels on the gridiron, Pete went 22-10 last year.

Mesko opened eyes at the District Two Class AAA tournament, advancing all the way to the 152-pound final before finally losing to Pittston Area’s Robbie Robinson.

“I love Pete Mesko,” Coach Chulada said. “He’s a great kid and he works so hard. Pete had something like 50 matches in the off-season and he’s been hitting the weight room really hard. He’s just a horse.”

Ryan Smith burst upon the local grappling scene last year. Just a freshman, Smith piled up 22 victories at 103 pounds and qualified for districts. At his very first Class AAA tourney, Smith battled his way into the consolation final. Ryan dropped a heartbreaking 6-4 de-cision to Sean Jakes of West Scranton, but still earned a 4th place medal.

Smith will likely open the season at 119 after spending countless hours in the gym.

“Smitty is going to be the core of our lower weights,” Coach Chulada said. “The sport has really consumed him and he’s pumped to get going.”

Veteran Leaders
In addition to this group of returnees, six more familiar faces will likely be in the starting line-up on opening night.

Luis Rivero, Frankie Savastano, Jon Levy, Conar Carroll, James Mayeski and Jerry Johnson are also poised to make an impact this winter.

Rivero returns with a third place district medal in his pocket. He’ll be back at 189 and looking for another trip to NE Regionals in ‘09.

Savastano anchors the Hornet line-up at 285. “Frank the Tank” continues to improve and should be a force to be reckoned with at heavyweight.

Levy is a senior who earned his stripes last year and should make his presence felt at 135. He’s a vocal leader who outlasts his opponents through conditioning and sheer force of will.

Carroll won’t make his debut until after the first tournament. However, Coach Chulada fully expects to plug Conar in at 152 pounds for the regular season.

Mayeski won an individual JV championship last year and is primed to go at 160. Accord-ing to Coach Chulada, Mayeski was good enough to start on most teams as a sophomore.

Johnson is another hard worker who’ll battle Carroll for the starting nod at 152.

On the Agenda
Honesdale already has a pair of scrimmages under its belt. The Hornets hosted Division One rival West Scranton two weeks ago. Coach Chulada’s lads followed that up with a road trip to District IV powerhouse Benton High.

“You don’t get any better by beating up on weaker teams,” said Coach Chulada. “The only way you can improve individually and as a program is by banging with the big boys. I’m very pleased with how our two scrimmages went. We took our lumps, but it was an excellent experience.”

The Red & Black will open up their 2008-‘09 season on Wednesday, December 2nd. On that night, Scranton Prep will invade the Maple City in search of a Lackawanna League win.

Honesdale will also play host to four of its longest-standing rivals this winter. The Hornets put out the proverbial welcome mat for: West Scranton (Jan. 7), Wallenpaupack Area (Jan. 14), Delaware Valley (Jan. 21) and Western Wayne (Feb. 12).

“I’m excited about having all those matches at home,” Coach Chulada said. “As a wrestler, you really feed off the energy from your fans. Sometimes in a tight match, a big boisterous crowd can be the difference.”