Wrestling: Garnet Valley’s Marino making name for himself

CONCORD >> Garnet Valley junior Matt Marino shot Downingtown East’s Conner Birzes a wry smile after the towel flew in on their 126-pound match. Birzes, at the wrong end of a 16-4 major decision, had taken him down despite the referee’s whistle. Marino’s look was part trash talk, part frustration. After all, Birzes spent much of the bout stalling instead of wrestling.

“It’s definitely difficult. It’s hard to wrestle opponents this year because I’ve been scouted. I’ve been on the radar. Even with my brothers, their accolades and stuff, people are going to wrestle me more cautious,” explained Marino. “It is pretty common for me to see that this year. And it is what it is. I have to go out there and wrestle my best.”

The extra attention comes from a sterling 2015 for Marino. Last winter, he earned a trip to Hershey thanks to a third-place finish at the Southeast AAA Regional Tournament. Earlier this season, he placed fifth at the prestigious Beast of the East, a result that boosted his profile even more.

“I thought that was huge. I lost to a kid from Boyertown earlier this year and I came back and beat him at the Beast,” said Marino. “It definitely opened people’s eyes.”

The youngest of three brothers — Michael graduated from Garnet Valley in 2014, Daily Times Wrestler of the Year Joseph in 2011 — Matthew is looking to leave a lasting impression that could surpass his siblings’ accomplishments. Both Michael and Joseph reached the state championships. Joseph, who wrestled at Harvard, holds the family record with a fourth-place medal. At least for now. The youngest Marino continues to improve as evidenced by his 3-0 day at the Jaguars’ own Rage in the Cage dual meet tournament.

Saturday was only a glimpse of the strides he’s made. Marino is a much more determined wrestler, one filled with more vigor than he showed as sophomore.

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