By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– Over 65 former Dutchmen wrestlers were on hand to see the team beat Mohonasen at home on Dec. 23.

“You have to get a victory with all those important people watching,” said Head Coach Kory Rogotzke. “It was great. We had a bunch of archives spanning all five generations of the program.”

Guilderland stomped Mohonasen, 55 to 21, on Alumni Night. The win came after two straight losses -- to Burnt Hills and Averill Park. “We only gave them 12 points on the mat because we had a forfeit,” said Rogotzke of the Mohonasen match. “It was a solid way to avenge those previous losses.”

The Dutchmen’s Matt Cubillos pinned Jeff Orvis in less than two minutes. Matt Hart had a 12-to-3 decision over Steve Grzeskowiak.

“Hart is wrestling out of his mind right now,” Rogotzke said. “He’s 16-1 on the season and that includes four victories over ranked athletes.”

Eugene Sellie and Greg Reinhart added a pin and a 2-to-1 decision to the Guilderland win over Mohonasen. Brendan Ruddy and Dan VanAuken also threw their opponents down for pins.

“It’s important that the alumni can share experiences with our current team,” said Rogotzke. “Wrestling people support wrestling. It’s a personal family meaning.”

The varsity team is 3-2 in the Suburban Council, with victories over Saratoga, Mohonasen, and Colonie.

The Dutchmen competed in a tournament in Oswego on Monday and Tuesday. The team placed sixth out of 30 teams throughout New York State. Cubillos and VanAuken made it to the finals of their weight classes.

“These big tournaments are a huge battle under fire because you can wrestle up to six times,” Rogotzke said. “I get to see what my guys are made of and they get a good taste of sectionals and states to come.”

Guilderland’s next meet is at Niskayuna on Jan. 6. at 6 p.m.