‘Canes claim another City Cup with wins over Pats, Titans

Matt Metcalf
Posted 2/3/15

It’s getting to crunch time in the wrestling season, as teams are fighting for a spot in the divisional meets – which are two weekends away.

But on Thursday night, the dual meet season was …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

‘Canes claim another City Cup with wins over Pats, Titans

Posted

It’s getting to crunch time in the wrestling season, as teams are fighting for a spot in the divisional meets – which are two weekends away.

But on Thursday night, the dual meet season was put aside.

The three Warwick schools – Vets, Toll Gate and Pilgrim – met at Vets for the Warwick City Cup.

Because the Titans and the ‘Canes are in the same division, their meet counted towards their division records, while their meets against Pilgrim counted towards their overall records.

However, the City Cup is more about bragging rights, as the winner can call themselves the best public school in Warwick until the next City Cup rolls around.

In convincing fashion, the ‘Canes took the City Cup in their home gym, defeating Toll Gate, 48-27, and Pilgrim, 41-21.

The title marked Vets’ 10th in the event’s 12-year history.

Vets and Pilgrim came in as the top contenders for the Cup.

The ‘Canes were 3-6 in Division I-B prior to the tri-meet, while the Pats were 7-3 entering the meet in Division II-B. Pilgrim’s league record remained the same because the Titans and ‘Canes were both out of league opponents.

After the marquee meet between Pilgrim and Vets, head coach Brendan Friel pointed out a few individual efforts in-particular that were turning points for the ‘Canes.

Friel was impressed with a pair of sophomores and a freshman, who stepped up for the team.

Sophomores Logan Amirault and Victor Valliere, who wrestled at 132 and 170 respectively, got key wins, as did freshman Eric Watts at 113.

When those three were able to squeak out scrappy wins, Friel knew his team was in good shape. He’s been happy with the progression of freshmen and sophomores, who were forced into the lineup this season due to having an inexperienced roster.

“Those three set the tone in the meet,” Friel said. “Valliere has won four-straight matches and has been doing at great job.”

After a 1-14 dual meet season a year ago, Vets’ success this season has exceeded expectations prior to this year.

“Our level is a little bit higher than anticipated,” Friel said. “The improvement that the freshmen and sophomores have shown has been remarkable.”

The ‘Canes, now 4-6 in D-I-B, still have some work to do, though.

The top eight teams from D-I will make it to the division tournament, which is set to be held at Bishop Hendricken on Feb. 14-15.

Currently, Vets is just outside of the top eight, in 10th place overall in D-I.

Friel believes that his team can make that top eight, as he expects his team to finish the season strong.

“I’m hoping to be a little bit better than .500 by the end of the season,” Friel said.

Vets has five dual meets remaining – Narragansett, Hendricken, North Providence, La Salle and Westerly.

Hendricken has dominated the competition with lopsided victories and a 10-0 record, but Friel feels that his team has the ability to beat any of the four other teams.

Narragansett is winless and the other three teams are in a similar position as Vets.

“We’ll match-up well with North Providence and La Salle,” Friel said. “Westerly we can match-up with, but it depends on whether or not we show up.”

The ‘Canes are in a good spot, capturing the City Cup, but there will still be more work to do in their dual meet season.

Vets will begin its playoff push on Wednesday night, when it travels to Westerly to take on the Bulldogs for a 7 p.m. dual meet.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here