Lewis, Beyer, Natelli Lead Indians in BCCA Holiday Tournament
Last week on December 29th and 30th the Pascack Valley Indians wrestling team traveled to Hackensack High School take part in the BCCA Holiday Tournament.
Out of the eight wrestlers who represented Pascack Valley, three placed in their respective weight divisions: Robbie Natelli (So. 113) Matt Beyer (Fr. 132), and Casey Lewis (So.170.).
Sophomore wrestler Robbie Natelli placed 8th in the 113 lb. weight division. Being a sophomore, Natelli was considered the dark horse in this division because of his lack of varsity experience.
When asked about his thoughts on playing the underdog role, he said, “I used it as motivation to wrestle as hard as I possibly could, and I used all my training in the offseason to prepare me for that moment.”
Along with his success in the BCCA tournament Natelli also placed first in the Lakeland Tournament for the 113 lb. weight division.
The next place winner for the Indians was freshman Matt Beyer. Beyer placed 5th in the 132 lb. weight division, and in doing so solidified he as a valuable weapon for the Indians.
When asked about his mindset going into the tournament he replied, “I was very nervous, because this was only my second varsity tournament, and I had to go up against best wrestlers in the county. Going into it I knew it was going to be a tough competition.”
The final place-winner was sophomore Casey Lewis, who placed 5th in the 170 lb. weight division. His success in the BCCA tournament did not come as a surprise, as lot was expected of Lewis this season, being considered one of the top wrestlers on the team
When asked about his strategy going into the tournament Casey said, “I just tried to take it match-by-match win one at a time.” To add to his success at the BCCA tournament, Lewis also came in second place in the at the Lakeland tournament on December 19th.
Lewis set the mark very high for himself this season saying, “My goal is to win districts, and go to Atlantic City.” With his skill level and recent performances, that goal may be attainable.
My goal is to win districts, and go to Atlantic City.
— Casey Lewis
This tournament showed the Indians best strength, which is their lower weights and their young talent. Lewis, Beyer, and Natelli are all underclassmen, making their tournament performance remarkable. As a result of this tournament the Indians have found two new useful weapons in Beyer and Natelli, for this year and years to come, while having yet another great performance from Casey Lewis.
The winter break also included their season opener against Indian Hills, on December 23rd, which they won by a score of 60-18.
Beyer, Natelli, Lewis, and the rest of the Pascack Valley wrestling team will go up against Tenafly in a dual meet today January 5th in Tenafly at 7 p.m.
