Sometimes dealing with a short deck from the get-go can actually materialize into an advantage for a team in the long run. It certainly rings true for the East Haven wrestling squad this season, as it has welcomed back several key pieces to its lineup, while additionally some youthful upstarts have now cut their teeth by filling in during their absences.

The Yellowjackets returned to the mat this past December after a 2022-2023 run that saw them finish second in SCC Division C to Foran with a 3-1 divisional record, and 5-1 league record overall. East Haven then placed eighth out of 15 schools with 57.5 points at the SCC Championship, prior to coming in 16th with a tally of 64.5 points for the Class M State Championship.

Thus far this winter, East Haven has clawed its way to a 8-19 record in its dual meets. What is more impressive is that the Yellowjackets have done this while dealing with youngsters getting accustomed to the varsity spotlight, and having veterans fight through injuries. Head Coach Mark Tolla said that above all else, the boys want to produce a proud pedigree and status in the Nutmeg State.

“This year, we want to develop a positive winning culture. We also want to take a young team and build our way back up to a top-20 program in Connecticut,” said Tolla. “We have shown tremendous growth, as our younger kids gained experience, and then we welcomed back our injured upperclassmen guys. As the season closes, we are excited for all of our remaining matches and anticipate doing our best wrestling to finish out the season.”

Jack Batista-Fletcher returns for his second stint as a team captain. The 113-pound senior grappler has placed twice at the state championship in his Yellowjackets’ career, while finishing sixth in the State Open last winter. A two-time All-SCC Team selection, he has posted a 27-2 mark this campaign.

Junior Alex Dombrowski at 150 pounds is another squad steward, in his first slate as captain. He has accumulated 23 wins against only four losses this winter, while also taking first at the Highlander Tournament in Portland. East Haven’s third captain is senior Tin Trinh, who has admirably fought to a 16-9 mark after coming back from a preseason injury.

Further down the depth chart, senior Alyson Alberino (at 106 pounds) finished runner-up at the Queen of the Mat Tournament this year. Also finishing in second at that same tourney was junior Gonul Celik at 120 pounds, who has posted a 15-12 mark against male competition this year, and also finished fifth in the girls’ division at states in 2022-2023.

Senior Jacob Ushchak has prided himself as an iron man for East Haven, having not missed a practice in two years. He has amassed 11 decisions at 157 pounds this campaign. Junior Marc Gargano (165 pounds) has found his way back to competition after rehabbing from a serious knee injury. He also clinched the Yellowjackets’ Jan. 24 victory over Law on Alumni Night.

At 190 pounds is another senior stalwart in Christian Carabantes, who is back for his third campaign with the program and Tolla explained, “has improved every season and is a solid starter for the team.” Regarding junior Joe Allen (215 pounds; 15-12 record this year), Tolla remarked that he “is rounding into shape after missing his sophomore year due to a serious leg injury.”

Additionally making an impact on the mat are senior first-year competitor Michael Lawson, Nevaeh Caffalette (in his second run), freshman Alphonse Milano (10-4 varsity record), and sophomore Maddie Cooper (finishing third for the girls’ state tournament a year prior). She finished fourth for the Queen of the Mat Tournament this season.

In a match against Morgan on Jan. 31, the Yellowjackets earned a dominant 63-18 victory. Pinfall wins were earned by Fletcher, Celik, Trinh, Ushchak, junior Matt Corriveau (175 pounds), sophomore Joshua Rivera (190 pounds by 10-9 decision), and Allen.

The varsity postseason portion of the campaign kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 10 when East Haven hosts the SCC Tournament. The Yellowjackets then travel further east down the shoreline for the Class M State Tournament at Guilford High School on Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17.

The following week sees the State Open Championships at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven for Friday Feb. 23 and Saturday, Feb. 24. Lastly, the New England Championships will be contested in Providence, Rhode Island on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2.

Beyond the remaining weeks of the regular season and postseason tournaments, Tolla touted the feeder system for the high school program, with several promising prospects in the middle school ranks. Still, the boys have strongly staved off adversity and will look to continue that trend to head into SCCs and states on high notes.

“Our middle school team will be sending over four to six 8th graders, who will contribute significantly to the varsity program next year,” said Tolla. “As we move into next season, the arrow is definitely pointing up for the program as a whole. This year has been a trying season, due to inexperience and injuries early in the season. As we became whole, the season is finishing in a much more positive light.”

The East Haven wrestling 2023-2024 roster is comprised of seniors Alberino, Batista-Fletcher, Caffalette, Carabantes, Lawson, Trinh, Ushchak; juniors Allen, Gonul Celik, Corriveau, Keyonna Davenport-McCoy, Dombrowski, Gargano, Jacob Hinman, Julian Jette, Zander Molster, Brandom Santos; sophomores of Ela Celik, Cooper, Domenic D'Ambrosio, Sokayden Dos, Jaden Jimenez, Rivera, Austin Riveri, Nick Viscuoso, Aedan Webster; plus freshmen Milano, Olivia Ortiz, Zachary Sullivan, and Ean Theodore.

Tolla is in his sixth season as East Haven's head coach. He is assisted this winter by Lou Rivellini (10th season), Codey Borchert (second campaign on staff), DJ Milano (also in second season), two-year veteran Mat DiVito, newcomer Josh Roa, and Neil “Beefcake” Merola (third year), and Jeff Fletcher.

2023-2024 East Haven Wrestling Team Regular Season Results and Schedule

Dec. 13: Branford 45, East Haven 33

Dec. 20: Foran 45, East Haven 29

Dec. 23: RHAM 63, East Haven 16

Dec. 23: Windham 72, East Haven 10

Dec. 23: East Haven 48, Montville 34

Dec. 23: East Haven 48, EO Smith 30

Dec. 30: East Haven 48, Farmington 36

Dec. 30: Haddam-Killingworth 42, East Haven 39

Dec. 30: Bunnell 44, East Haven 32

Dec. 30: Bristol Eastern 70, East Haven 12

Jan. 3: Fairfield Prep 54, East Haven 27

Jan. 6: Trumbull 64, East Haven 15

Jan. 6: Glastonbury 60, East Haven 21

Jan. 6: Stratford 48, East Haven 26

Jan. 6: East Haven 42, Waterford 36

Jan. 10: Shelton 42, East Haven 34

Jan. 13: Waterford 42, East Haven 38

Jan. 13: Ellis Tech 41, East Haven 39

Jan. 13: Law 45, East Haven 35

Jan. 13: East Haven 60, Terryville-Thomaston 24

Jan. 17: Xavier 82, East Haven 0

Jan. 20: Platt 67, East Haven 12

Jan. 20: Canton 45, East Haven 36

Jan. 20: East Haven 43, Nonnewaug 42

Jan. 24: East Haven 46, Law 33

Jan. 31: East Haven 63, Morgan 18

Monday, Feb. 5: vs. Daniel Hand at 6 p.m.