The Villa Angela-St. Joseph Vikings wrestling team is eager to open the 2014-2015 season and showcase the newly renovated Viking Village with five home events – the most since veteran Coach Bob Mullin has been in charge of the program.
VASJ is led by junior Joey Tromba, who won the 120-pound Division III Independence sectional championship last winter with an 8-2 decision over Nick Amspaugh of Wellington in the finals. Tromba became the first sectional wrestling champion for VASJ since Ohio University standout Phil Wellington won a title in 2011. He also became the youngest sectional champ in Mullin’s 16-year tenure with the Vikings.
Tromba finished fifth at the Garfield Heights district, losing his go-to match by one point, and went to Columbus as an alternate, but did not wrestle in the state tournament.
“I know what Joey’s goals are, and it is to not only get to Columbus this year but to do well if he gets there,” Mullin said.
Daniel Cervenik (160) will also be a key member of the VASJ squad along with Kevin Mullin, Joe Trickett and Mar-Cel English.
Coach Mullin said there is more depth than in recent years with 14 members of the program in the room heading into the opening weekend.
Former Viking standouts Matt Groudle and Tim Triskett will serve as assistants for Mullin this winter, giving the team a link to past successful heritage as both were members of sectional championship teams in the late 2000s.
VASJ will host the NCL tournament this winter as well as the Hunter Memorial Tri-Meet and spaghetti dinner.
