Wrestling: Delco contingent brings experience to Hershey

HERSHEY — The three All-Delcos have been here before.

Reaching the palatial Giant Center is indeed a reward in itself for the countless hours of training, practice and competition that can be overwhelming for a teenage athlete trying to reach the pinnacle of his sport.

That Karon Lucas-Tillery of Penn Wood and Garnet Valley teammates and best friends John Dambro and Michael Marino completed the journey back to the PIAA Class AAA Tournament, which begins here Thursday at 4 p.m., is testament to their passion and commitment to be the best.

Twenty-nine athletes from Delaware County began last weekend with a chance to make this trip, yet only this trio of seniors’ medal hopes remain alive.
Click here to follow our live coverage of the PIAA wrestling tournament.

Their coaches welcomed the chance to reflect on the divergent roads that delivered them to the spot affectionately known as the Sweetest Place on Earth.

“When they come in as freshmen they think they know what it’s going to take to be successful,” Garnet Valley coach Rocco Fantazzi said of the ninth-graders he’s welcomed into the fold over the years.

“It’s tough to get them to understand that it may take two or three years to make it to this level. It definitely takes them time to buy into that realization. But both guys bought in and reached states as juniors. Now they’re seniors and seasoned veterans.”

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Garnet Valley' Mike Marino celebrates after his sudden-death victory over Council Rock South's Zack Trampe in the 120-pound consolation final at last week's Class AAA Southeast Regional earned him his second straight trip to the PIAA Tournament, which gets underway Thursday in Hershey