Rick Thompson walked away from coaching in 2017, after a 9-year stint at Bangor.
“Within a month, I knew this was the wrong choice,” he admitted.
“Bad choice.”
Thompson, who also stopped teaching, began substituting last year at Bangor and working for the Phillipsburg recreation department.
The 63-year-old also was a finalist for the Warren Hills wrestling job that went to an in-house candidate.
Thompson then got a call from a two-time state champion he coached during one his tenures at Phillipsburg.
Scott Frinzi, now an assistant at Bethlehem Catholic who has a senior and freshman on this year’s roster, asked if Thompson was interested in leading the Golden Hawks program.
Thompson was, and now he’s in charge of the defending EPC, District 11 and PIAA Class 3A team championship squad.
A spectator at many area wrestling events last season, Thompson will have a chair at the edge of the mat again … though he won’t spend much time sitting on it.
“I don’t like sitting in bleachers,” he said of his brief tenure as a fan. “It just wasn’t fun.
“We’ll see how this plays out.”
Thompson’s Bethlehem Catholic squad is the favorite again this season, with the usual suspects — Nazareth, Northampton, Liberty — plus darkhorse Stroudsburg on its heels.
The Golden Hawks are learning to do things differently under Thompson, an old-school tough guy.
Senior Luca Frinzi, a returning district and regional champion, has been the best candidate to serve as the middle man between the veteran team and veteran coach.
“I told some of my teammates that he’s a good guy, a good coach who has the ability to turn us into much better wrestlers,” Frinzi said.
Thompson’s tenure begins this weekend at the prestigious Walsh Jesuit (Ohio) Ironman tournament.
Bethlehem Catholic has December duals with Northampton and Stroudsburg, then a Jan. 4 date with Liberty.
We’ll see how it plays out.
DIVISION A
ALLEN
Head coach: Keith Smith, 6th year (38-58).
Last year: 3-6 EPC, 9-11 overall.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Gabe Rivera (132), Sr. Jonah Lopez (182), Jr. Jamar Harrison (126), So. Manuel Rodriguez (160), Sr. Manny Cruz (170).
Key losses: Justin Pezoldt; Dante Seals; Jose Reyes; Marc Kegarise.
Top newcomers: Jr. Nyjer Reed (220), So. Landofy Gonzalez (138), Jr. Franklin Mercado (113).
Outlook: Smith said he expects his young, inexperienced team to be better at season’s end than in early December. Numbers will make it challenging during the EPC schedule.
CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head coach: John Bolich, 1st year.
Last year: 0-9, 0-20.
Wrestlers to watch: Jr. Attikos Clifford (138); Jr. Chris Clifford (132); So. David Kreidler (113; District 5th); Sr. Yan Tavarez (220-285); Kevin Falcon (182-195).
Key losses: Jack Yanders; Jake Roma.
Top newcomer: Fr. Colby Reyburn.
Outlook: Bolich, like his predecessors, won’t field a full team. However, Kreidler and the Cliffords have the potential to be wrestling into March, plus Bolich believes Tavarez and Falcon are capable of breakout seasons. Bolich is excited about the Vikings’ enthusiasm and work ethic. Central Catholic is down from 3A to 2A for the next two seasons.
DIERUFF
Head coach: Jordan Glykas, 1st year.
Last year: 1-8, 7-13.
Wrestlers to watch: Jr. Isaac Kassis (170); Sr. Michael Colon (152-160); Sr. Tahawawi Tahawawi (220); So. Jerry Villanueva (120-126); Jr. Xavier Garcia (195); Jr. Karam Chakif (285).
Key losses: Miguel Pena; Ronnie Simmons; Sean Legreaux.
Top newcomers: So. Grimaldi Gonzalez (120); Fr. Anthony Hanna (113).
Outlook: The Huskies will forfeit a handful of lower weight classes, but Glykas, a Northampton grad who was a Dieruff assistant last year, is looking for his wrestlers to be competitive from start to finish. He also is working toward building a trend of postseason success.
EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH
Head coach: Randy Litts, 13th year (86-116).
Last year: 6-3, 9-5.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Patrick Gould (138; District runner-up; regional champion); So. Dawson Miller (120); Sr. Hunter Gill (182); Sr. Ryan Clarke (195); So. Nick Alejandro (152); Sr. Daniel Opong-Duah (285).
Key losses: Tyler DeLorenzo; Austin Sphar.
Top newcomers: Fr. Gary Welge (160); Fr. Nico Ruiz (106); Fr. Joe Widmer (113).
Outlook: With eight seniors, led by Gould, the Cavaliers are preparing to take the next step during the ECP dual-meet season. Gould is a two-time state eighth-place finisher looking to get back to the podium after losing in last year’s blood round. Gill and Clarke should be regional qualifiers.
EASTON
Head coach: JaMarr Billman, 3rd year (24-13).
Last year: 6-3, 10-7.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Gaven Krazer (160); Sr. Tyler Pellechia (195); Jr. Brett Scalzo (126); Sr. Blake Daniel (145); So. Isaiah Reinhart (170); Dom Falcone (182; District 3rd; regional runner-up); So. Alex Cameron (113); Jr. Colby Duffy (132); Sr. Jake Koerwitz (152).
Key losses: Jonathan Pineda; Jacob Frank; Jonathan Miers (transferred to Wyoming Seminary); Evan Gleason (transferred to Bethlehem Catholic).
Top newcomers: So. Kyron Bryson (145); Jr. Anthony Daiello; So. Mario Embardino; Fr. Braxton Fries-Appello; Fr. Matt Cruise; Sr. Jayson Zinsmeister (transfer from Phillipsburg); Sr. Andrew Balukas (220).
Outlook: The Red Rovers have several potential standouts, led by Falcone – who won a NHSCA freshman title last March. The 285-pound weight class remains the only vacancy that could prove tough to fill after Pineda’s graduation. This year’s mix of veterans, freshmen and transfers will represent Easton well off the mat, in the classroom, Billman said.
FREEDOM
Head coach: Dante Terenzio, 1st year (162-83 in 10 years at Western Wayne).
Last year: 5-4, 13-8.
Wrestlers to watch: Jr. Luis Vargas (120; District 4th); Jr. Jared Jenkins (195; District 6th); Jr. Connor Huber (126); Jr. Max Marrero (220; District 6th).
Key losses: Ben Huber, Andy Evans, Andrew Youwakim.
Top newcomers: Fr. Connor Bevan (106); Fr. Reinaldo Lebron (113); Fr. Chris Jurado (152).
Outlook: New coach, turnout in the 20s, no returning regional medalists, no excuses. Terenzio expects the fresh faces and returning talent to mesh into a good EPC squad. Bevan was fourth last year at the District 11 junior high tournament at 97 pounds. Lebron was fifth at 102. Jurado was sixth at 147.
NAZARETH
Head coach: Dave Crowell, 16th year (513-132-1 overall, 238-74 in 15 years at Nazareth).
Last year: 8-1, 19-5.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Sean Pierson (126; District and regional champion; state 3rd); Jr. Connor Herceg (170; District 5th; regional 5th); Jr. Nathan Stefanik (152; District 3rd; regional runnerup; state 6th); Jr. Andrew Smith (120; District 4th; regional 3rd; state 6th); Jr. Jake Dressler (160); Jr. Blaine Wilson (132; District 6th); So. Drew Clearie (138); So. Andreo Ferraina (113); Sr. Tommy Manos (170-182); Sr. Justyce Searock (285); Jr. Steven Schott (220; District 6th).
Key losses: Sammy Sasso; Ryan O’Grady; Cade Wilson; Zac Keifer; Andrew Cerniglia (transferred to Notre Dame-GP).
Top newcomer: Jr. Dashawn Farber (Two-time Georgia state champion).
Outlook: The Blue Eagles are going to be solid, again. They lack some depth, but still will have a good dual-meet squad that will be among the district’s best. Farber will add to what should be a stellar group in the middle of the lineup. Crowell is excited to see some youngsters in the upper weights, where Nazareth has struggled some recently.
PARKLAND
Head coach: Mike Ottinger, 2nd year (7-8).
Last year: 6-3, 7-8.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Joey Guida (170; District 4th; regional 6th); Jr. Bryan Diaz (126); Jr. Lucas Kern (132); Jr. Gabe Montanez (120); Sr. Kale Cummings (138-145); Sr. Mason Lansenderfer (138-145).
Key losses: Zach Ortman; Blake Shalbert; Ethan Moscat; Adam Lizak; Mason Trauger; K.J. Vrablik; Nick Dolak; Nate Wieder; Brandon Kassis (off-the-mat issue); David Polanki (moved).
Top newcomers: Fr. Keagan Kinney (120-126); Sr. Joe Dolak (138-145); So. Luke Yatcilla (132-138); So. Dalen Hartzell (132-138); So. Josh Wieder (152-160); So. Edwin Moya (152-160); Fr. Zayd Afif (182-195); Fr. Nico Medlar (126); Fr. Nathan Kresge (106-113); So. Garrett Fitzgerald (220); Sr. Cory Border (285); So. Jacob Ortman (170-182).
Outlook: Ottinger said this year’s team could be Parkland’s youngest ever, but expects growth among many of the talented newcomers – six of whom were District 11 junior high medalists a year ago. Guida is the only returning district medalist, but will miss time with an injury. Lansenderfer was a District 11 JV champion last year at 132.
POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST
Head coach: Josh Haines, 2nd year (7-10).
Last year: 3-6, 7-10.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Billy Koch (152); Jr. Steven Storm (138; District 4th; regional 5th); Jr. Ian Hagan (126).
Key losses: Elijah Hernandez; Braden Breithaupt (transferred to Stroudsburg).
Top newcomers: Jr. Aaron Williams; Jr. Nick Hinds.
Outlook: The Cardinals are still building toward a full roster of competitive varsity wrestlers, with Storm, Koch and Hagan carrying the torch as Haines and his staff work to build up the youth and junior high programs.
DIVISION B
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC
Head coach: Rick Thompson, 1st year (124-81 in 9-year stint at Bangor; 268-59-1 in 3 stints at Phillipsburg; 471-231-4 overall).
Last year: 9-0, 16-1, EPC, District 11 and PIAA Class 3A team champion.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Ryan Anderson (145; District, regional, state champion); Sr. Luca Frinzi (160; District and regional champion; state 7th); Sr. Dillon Murphy (113-120), Jr. Kenny Herrmann (126-132; District runner-up; regional champion; state 4th); Jr. Cole Handlovic (152; District and regional runner-up; state 6th), Jr. Tavion Banks (182-195; District runner-up); Sr. Nate Lackman (113-120); Jr. Matt Lackman (138); So. Matt Mayer (113-120; District and regional champion; state 4th); Sr. Jase Crouse (285; District runner-up; regional 6th); Sr. Joe Kurtz (160-170; District 4th; regional 5th); Jr. Jaden Youwakim (138).
Key losses: Robert Spezza; Zach Glenn; Jarrod Papcsy; Mikey Lewis.
Top newcomers: So. Justus Bozzi (District 11 junior high champion at 147 pounds); Fr. Dante Frinzi (106; Two-time District 11 JH champion; 2-time PJW medalist); Fr. Trey Miletics (District 11 JH runner-up at 102); Fr. Giovanni Bozzi (District 11 JH third at 107); Fr. Charlie Pavis (District 11 JH third at 82).
Outlook: An interesting mix of a veteran, hard-nosed coach in his first year with an inherited group with most contributors back from last season’s PIAA Class 3A team tournament title squad. The entire coaching staff, including former head coach Jeff Karam, remains intact. Assistant Scott Frinzi, who won two state titles under Thompson at Phillipsburg, gets to see his two sons together for one season. Luca is headed to Lehigh in the fall. Dante is a freshman. Youwakim is a returning District 11 JV champ at 138. Sophomore Jamir Jiminez (145) and senior Jarius Rosado (195) also won JV titles a year ago.
EAST STROUDSBURG NORTH
Head coach: Ron Tirpak, 2nd year (5-40 at ES North, 24-42 overall in HS; 168-72 at Swarthmore College).
Last year: 2-7, 4-17.
Wrestler to watch: Jr. Avia Bibeau; Sr. Brian Finnerty; Sr. David Shook.
Key loss: Taylen Torres.
Top newcomer: Fr. Wayne McIntyre.
Outlook: The Timberwolves again will be mostly young and inexperienced as the rebuild continues. Finnerty and Shook have a chance to make regionals in the upper weights. Bibeau has a chance to make more history. She nearly won a second district match last year.
EMMAUS
Head coach: Thad Smith, 1st year.
Last year: 4-5, 10-9.
Wrestlers to watch: Jr. Caden Wright (160; District champion; regional runner-up); Sr. James Bowie (113); Sr. Jackson Karrat (145); Sr. Bryce Ebinger (195); Sr. Luigi Mannino (220); So. Kordell Waiters (138); Jr. Brody Pavelko (120); Sr. Chris Tigar (170); So. Connor Carter (170).
Key losses: Dylan Shuman; Joey Barno; Peyton Brown (injury; but could return).
Top newcomers: Fr. Jared Groller (160); Fr. Nick Velde (126); Fr. Quin Scott (106); Fr. Tyson Karrat (113); So. Geo Lainez (113); Jr. James Santichen (285).
Outlook: The Green Hornets have a chance to move up among the EPC contenders in Smith’s first year of his second stint as head coach. He most recently was the junior high coach, so he knows many of his wrestlers well. Smith likes what he’s seen from their commitment and effort in the room. Groller, Velde and Scott were District 11 junior high medalist last year.
LIBERTY
Head coach: Jody Karam, 26th year (343-146-1 at Liberty, 390-157-3 in 29 years overall).
Last year: 8-1, 22-2.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Damen Moyer (District and regional champion); Sr. Matt Maloney (District runner-up, regional champion, state 5th); Sr. Tal Reese-Flemming (District, regional and state 3rd); Sr. Travis Brown (District and regional 5th); Jr. Jason Rezac; Sr. Josh Talijan (District 5th, regional 6th ; Jr. Kevin Hennessy; Sr. Mike Torres; Sr. Jake Ahmad (District 4th); Sr. Jaden Freeman.
Key losses: Sebastian Mateo, Eli Santiago, Daniel Santiago; Joe Barbella.
Top newcomers: So. Connor Werner; Jr. Alex Cruz; Fr. Javian DeLeon; Jr. Ansar Niazi.
Outlook: The Hurricanes return a slew of experience, led by Maloney (100 career wins), Flemming, Moyer and Brown. They have experience at 11 of the 14 weight classes, including Freeman who missed last year’s postseason with an injury. They won’t sneak up on anyone this year. They will be in the EPC and District 11 Class 3A team title mix.
NORTHAMPTON
Head coach: Seth Lisa, 8th year (73-50).
Last year: 7-2, 14-5.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Julian Chlebove (Two-time district, regional, PIAA champion who missed last year with off-the-mat issues); Sr. Devon Britton (District 4th; regional runner-up; state 3rd); Sr. Sam Hanley (District 3rd; regional 5th); Sr. Michael Kistler (District 3rd; regional 4th); So. Jagger Condomitti (District and regional 3rd); Sr. Hunter Werkheiser; Sr. Eddie Confer; Sr. Erik Schreck; Sr. Jayden Bortz (District 3rd).
Key losses: Logan Ninos, Cole Kleppinger, Chance Wandler.
Top newcomers: Fr. Alex Hanley; Sr. Jake Flood.
Outlook: The Konkrete Kids are a veteran team with most of their lineup back from a season ago and the return of Chlebove after a one-year absence. Lisa said he’s got a good group of student-athletes and looks forward to their leadership playing a part in getting them to the state team tournament.
PLEASANT VALLEY
Head coach: Justin Micklos, 6th year (41-55).
Last year: 1-8, 4-12.
Wrestlers to watch: So. Hannah Hunter (113); So. Trevor Kibler (120); So. Matt Smith (126); So. Dillon Anderson (145); So. E.J. Iandoli (152); So. Christ Tartamella (138); So. Gavin Dorn (160); So. Chris Frable (170); Sr. Anthony Mazzella (182).
Key losses: James Gehr; Daniel Valdner; Spencer Mease.
Top newcomers: Jr. Alex Womack; Fr. James Syracuse; So. Logan Segada; Fr. Everett Latta; Fr. Thomas Lovito.
Outlook: The Bears again will be young, but should be more competitive as the season goes on. Syracuse was sixth last year at District 11 junior high tournament at 132 pounds.
POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST
Head coach: Kevin Kloiber, 4th year (16-42).
Last year: 2-7, 6-13.
Wrestlers to watch: So. John Owens (195); Sr. Cameron Fitzgerald; Jr. Kevin Hernandez (138); Jr. Steve McKenna (220); So. Charlie Malloy (170); Jr. Carl Cramer (113); Jr. Charlie Palomino (132); Sr. Collin Kennelly (182); Sr. Steve Weirich (145); So. Dylan Blose (152); So. Mark Williams (285).
Key losses: Greg Bensley; Matt Tutrone; Joe Sheppard; Joel Weirich; Eric Sharp; Matt Joseph; Mark Miller; Mike Fittengoff.
Top newcomers: Fr. Omari LaMothe (106); Fr. Jhomei Lebrun (220-285); Jr. Ceasar Lewis; Sr. Soulymane Diarra; Jr. Chris Connelly.
Outlook: Bensley’s run to a stellar postseason and a future at the University of Pennsylvania spoke volumes to the returnees, who dedicated themselves in the offseason and should get the Panthers the five wins needed to get the program to 100 since its debut in 2002. Owens, coming off a stellar freshman season as an upper weight, and Malloy should be Kloiber’s top two wrestlers this season. Lebrun was second last year at District 11 junior high tournament at 252 pounds.
STROUDSBURG
Head coach: Sean Richmond, 3rd year (31-13).
Last year: 6-3, 17-6.
Wrestlers to watch: Jr. Jeff Pasciak; Sr. Cam Enriquez (District and regional runner-up; state 6th); Sr. Andrew Schneider; Jr. Patrick Noonan (missed postseason with an injury); Sr. Sami Khamis (District 3rd, regional 5th); So. Josh Jasionowicz; So. Lenny Pinto (District and regional runner-up); Jr. Juwan Little; Sr. Carlos Duggan; Sr. Justin Roman; Jr. Ahmed Ansari; Jr. Julian Sparks; So. Zack Orsargos.
Key losses: Tony Mangione; Colin Murphy; Jarrett Canfield; Aaron Messina; Kyle Frack.
Top newcomers: Fr. Mark Ortiz; Fr. Owen Cieslak; Fr. Troy Moore; Sr. Braden Breithaupt (transfer from Pocono Mountain East).
Outlook: The Mountaineers have four state-level wrestlers (Noonan, Enriquez, Pinto and Khamis) among their 13 returning lettermen. Richmond needs other returnees to take the next step and a few newcomers to fill in the gaps left by graduation in order to be successful in dual meets against EPC heavyweights Bethlehem Catholic, Northampton and Liberty. The Mountaineers open up their dual-meet slate against the Golden Hawks and Konkrete Kids.
WHITEHALL
Head coach: Tim Cunningham, 16th year (300-183 overall).
Last year: 4-5, 11-8.
Wrestlers to watch: Sr. Luke Rex 138); Sr. Caleb Staub (126); Sr. Josh Grol (132); Jr. Kai Clark (160); Jr. Izak Bright (220); Jr. Carlos Lorenzo (120); Jr. Sean Cunningham (170); Jr. Wilfred Jimenez (106); So. Aiden Toussaint (145).
Key losses: Julio Diaz; Jovany Belman; Mike Ajami; John Kaintz; Luis Arzola.
Top newcomers: Fr. Johnny Colon (113); Fr. Tyler Cunningham (113); Fr. Xavier Arner (126); Fr. Mike Hernandez (160); So. Jhonangel Guzman (195).
Outlook: With only three seniors among its top returnees, Whitehall will be leaning heavily on them for leadership. Cunningham is working to get the wrestlers to embrace the idea of scoring points instead of focusing on winning and losing. He’s also expecting his team to understand accountability and commitment. The Zephyrs should be more competitive. Tyler Cunningham was fourth last year at the District 11 junior high meet at 107 pounds. Hernandez was eighth at 157.
EPC’S BEST TEAMS
Bethlehem Catholic: Large cast back from last year’s state team tournament title squad makes the Golden Hawks the team to beat again.
Nazareth: Enough experience and development will make the Blue Eagles formidable foes again. If this group wins the team title at the PIAA individual championships, it will be amazing three-peat.
Northampton: A lot of veterans, many of whom need to show improvement if the Konkrete Kids are to make the state team duals.
Liberty: The Hurricanes are experienced with no lineup holes. They should be in the mix again for EPC and District 11 supremacy.
Stroudsburg: Four state-level leaders give the Mountaineers a chance at big points in each dual. Their ability to get among the EPC and District 11’s top four will be determined by the rest of the lineup.
EPC’S BEST WRESTLERS
Sr. Julian Chlebove, Northampton: Two-time state champion back after missing 2018 with off-mat issues. His return is slowed by an elbow injury.
Sr. Ryan Anderson, Bethlehem Catholic: Returning state champ headed to Iowa State.
Sr. Sean Pierson, Nazareth: PIAA 3rd last year after a 4th-place finish the year before.
Jr. Patrick Noonan, Stroudsburg: A state title contender if healthy. He wasn’t at the end of last season.
Jr. Kenny Herrmann, Bethlehem Catholic: Efficient, quick and athletic. He’ll be in the mix in Hershey.
