Rechtorovic's Wildcats rack up the wins

Washington County Wrestling Coach of the Year

April 02, 2010|By ANDREW MASON

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The Williamsport wrestling team won its second straight Washington County tournament title this year and went 18-3 in dual meets, including a 6-0 run through the MVAL Antietam Conference, to set a single-season team record for victories.

The Wildcats also had six of the county's 10 qualifiers for the Maryland Class 2A-1A state tournament, and three of the county's four state placewinners.

It's no surprise that Williamsport's Mike Rechtorovic is The Herald-Mail's 2009-10 Washington County Wrestling Coach of the Year.

"I had a lot of kids back from a pretty good team last year, and they worked hard all year," Rechtorovic said. "The best thing about this year was that we had kids step up because some kids went down with injuries, and we had some guys get experience."

Williamsport won South Hagerstown's Rebel Invitational, placed third at the Damascus Holiday tourney and took fourth at North Hagerstown's Hub Cup.

"We always strive to do better," Rechtorovic said. "We wanted to have more kids place at states, and we wanted to place higher at a couple of tournaments. But, overall, we achieved our team goals."

He extended much of the credit to his assistant coaches -- Mike Baker, Brian Smoot and Adam Terza -- and to his wrestlers' hard work.

"We work hard, no joke," Rechtorovic said. "And they're willing to work hard, which makes it doable. They push each other. It's not just me yelling at them."

With five of their six state qualifiers returning next season, the Wildcats might be the team to beat again.

"Every year is different," Rechtorovic said. "Everyone has to work hard over the summer, stay healthy and we'll see where it goes."

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