Emilio Albanese and Teagan Caciolo may only be freshmen, but they certainly don’t wrestle like that on the mat.
Ask anyone in District XI.
On the season, the two much-heralded ninth-graders have combined for an incredible 59 wins – Albanese (31) and Caciolo (28).
At this past weekend’s individual tournament at Liberty High School, both had big performances headlining an outstanding weekend for Emmaus, which finished eighth overall in the team race.
“Emilio and Teagan are freshmen that compete like seniors,” said head coach Jim Best of Albanese who finished runner-up at 107 and Caciolo who was a third place finisher at 121.
“Throughout their youth and middle school wrestling years, they consistently sought out opportunities to learn from top level coaches and compete against other high level wrestlers. As a result, even as freshmen, they can wrestle in a “big stage” tournament, such as districts with the skills and confidence it takes to be successful.”
Both Albanese and Caciolo will join teammates junior Jesse Scott and sophomore Xayden Sallit, who both finished fifth in their respective weight classes, at next week’s Northeast Regional Tournament back at Liberty, marking the second time in the last three years that Emmaus will be sending four to regionals.
Albanese, the No.2 seed, took home a second place finish after falling to Easton sophomore Nicholas Salamone, the top seed, in the final 4-3.
For Albanese, just getting to the finals was tough enough after he had to rally in his semifinal matchup vs Whitehall’s Wilmont Kai to win 7-5 in sudden victory.
“In the semifinal, Emilio showed great composure and technique when he battled back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat his opponent who was a returning district place finisher from last year,” said Best.
“In the final, despite losing to a state place finisher from a year ago, he was the more offensive wrestler. Moving forward, we know the adjustments we need to make to reverse that type of outcome, and we will work on making those adjustments this week.”
Emilio’s older brother, Marco, now wrestling at Binghamton University, also was a runner-up at districts a year ago.
For Caciolo, his accomplishment might have been the best of anyone at the tournament in a loaded weight class.
After a 3-1 loss to Northampton junior Colin Marano in Friday’s quarterfinal match, Caciolo worked his way all the way back in the elimination round where he met Marano again in the third place match and this time, reversed the result with a similar 3-1 victory.
“Teagan’s weight class was arguably the most competitive in the district in terms of depth of talent,” said Best. “He was the fifth-seeded wrestler in the tournament and he finished in third. That speaks volumes to the way he embraces a challenge.
“After a close quarterfinal loss, he won four matches in a row in the consolation bracket and three of the four were by fall. In the final win, he avenged the loss he suffered in the quarterfinals. His technique and wrestling IQ improved as the tournament went on and that is a reflection of his tenacity, coachability and positive mindset.”
Like Caciolo, both Sallit and Scott also dropped their quarterfinal round matches, but were then able to rally to finish fifth in their respective weight classes at 152 and 160.
Sallit (26-12) needed a 5-3 victory in sudden overtime over Southern Lehigh sophomore Sean Steckert (31-10) to qualify for regionals.
“Xayden battled with the flu in the two weeks leading up to districts, resulting in him missing a few practices,” said Best, however, he did not let that impact his mindset or performance. Even though he may not have been at his best physically, he willed his way though some tough matches. Now healthy and with another good week of training ahead, he should be at 100% for regionals.”
Scott, who a year ago just missed out on qualifying for regionals with his sixth place finish, made the most of his opportunity this time as he was able to defeat senior Xander Gonzalez (26-12) from Pocono Mountain East 5-1.
“After losing in the quarterfinal, Jesse (27-11 on the season) put together two solid wins in the consolation bracket before suffering a loss in the consolation semifinal,” said Best. “At that point, he found himself in the same situation he was in last year, wrestling for fifth and qualifying for the regional tournament. This year, he changed the outcome by putting together a solid performance to win and continue the progression with his high school wrestling career. “
Other Emmaus wrestlers competing at the tournament but not advancing on included: Jackson Max (1-2 @ 114), Aiden Bayard (1-2 @ 127), Tommy Fallstich (1-2 @ 133), Logan Armstrong (0-2 @ 139), Chance Henry (2-2 @ 145), Scott Furniss (0-1 @ 172), Massimo Tranguch (1-2 @ 189), Logan Roth (0-2 @ 215), Ashir Choudhry (0-1 @ 285).
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