by Jared O’Brien
As senior Brayan Araiza pinned his opponent in the heavyweight division in the first period, the largest crowd in Ed Iacopi Gym for a duel wrestling match in recent history erupted. The Casa wrestling team cemented its belief that the program is back by beating Petaluma for the first time in 12 years.
Just weeks into the new decade on Jan. 13, this team has done something no Casa team did during the last decade by beating their cross-town rivals. Wrestlers expressed unanimous relief as the former continual last place team beat the same school that beat Casa 72-0 three years earlier.
“It’s about pride,” said senior captain Donovan Halpin. “It has been our goal since seventh grade to beat Petaluma our senior year.”
The 5-year goal was completed thanks in large part to a pin by Halpin in the third period of the 135-pound class, and another by senior Rick Wester in the 140-pound class in the first period.
A definite turning point in the match was sophomore Jack Fausone’s win in the 145-pound class. Fausone recovered from cramps to score a takedown as the third period expired to win 6-5. Fausone previously wrestled his opponent two weeks earlier and won an even closer match in triple overtime.
One of Casa’s top wrestlers was in a suit and tie instead of on the mat. Jack’s older brother and senior team captain ,Vinny Fausone, could not wrestle because of a broken metacarpal in his right hand. Vinny broke his hand in the first period of his previous match and still continued to wrestled and ended up winning despite only using his left hand.
“I was mad I couldn’t wrestle, but I will be back for SCLs,” said Vinny. “I’ve been thinking about this match everyday I worked out to motivate me, but I’m glad we looked good because we stayed off our backs even when outmatched.”
Petaluma closed the gap to 34-31 before Araiza’s match. Nearly as soon as the whistle blew Araiza got his opponent on his back and continued for the easy win.
“I just went in there and thought about the Egg Bowl,” said Araiza, a captain for the football team, referring to Petaluma’s football win over Casa. “It’s payback.”
Head coach Isaac Raya was surrounded by well-wishers after the monumental win. The third-year coach turned the program from the 72-0 debacle to the 40-31 triumph over Petaluma.
“This was a hallmark win for our seniors,” said Raya. “We are back from the depths and are a bonafide team. Every team in the league legitimately fears us.”