By Jordan J. Michael

BERNE –– A wrestling team’s intensity may seem high when its main goal is to punish opponents.

“Intensity isn’t a question with this group of wrestlers,” said Bulldog Head Coach Jeff Vogel. “We don’t want to hurt anyone, we just want our opponents to be glad the match is over.”

BKW sent five wrestlers to the Section II tournament last year in only its third year as a program. Keith Domermuth, Greg Hannay, Josh Glick, and Matt Hoffman are ready to do the same, if not better, again this season.

Glick won the Class C title for the 140-pound weight class last year and had 29 wins. “The sky is the limit for him this year,” said Vogel. “He wants to win every match and he can do that if he stays healthy and conditioned. He’s more mentally prepared this time.”

Nolan Diamond (171 pounds), Alex Delong (215 pounds), Manny Caido (160 pounds), Vinnie Pasquini (140 pounds), Ben Becker (135 pounds), Blake Whitback (125 pounds), Derek Struck (119 pounds), and Matt Casullo (112 pounds) solidify the starting group for the Bulldogs.

“A third of this team is extremely professional,” Vogel said. “There is not one quitter in the line-up, everyone wants to wrestle and endure the training.”

BKW has been successful in a short period of time because of its winning mentality.

“We compete with whoever is in front of us,” said Vogel. “These athletes work as hard as anyone and train as hard as anyone. All these kids give 100 percent or more.”

 Vogel told The Enterprise that his team writes specific goals. “How are you going to get anywhere if you don’t know where you’re going?” he asked. “Setting goals puts a heavy value on the team.”

The Bulldogs host its annual wrestling tournament this Saturday at 9 a.m. The varsity team has won the last two and will once again be the home favorites. “There is strong family support and the excitement level is high,” said Vogel.

“I got the best competition I could find,” Vogel said. “I know we’ll go as hard as we can in every single match.”