Bucks County Herald | David Campbell
Admittedly, Palisades wrestling’s 4-12 record is far from sparkling.
But to consider where the Pirates were just a couple of years ago, it speaks volumes of how far Palisades has come –and how far the Pirates are capable of going, behind second-year head coach Omar Porrata.
Prior to Porrata’s arrival before the 2008-09 season, Palisades wrestling had gone years without a victory. A few years shy of a decade by Porrata’s count.
“We hadn’t won a match in over eight years before I got there,” said Porrata, who served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Liberty High in Bethlehem, before being asked to guide the Pirates’ ship. “This year we beat a top 10 team in the district, which was very impressive. That’s a great step for-ward for this wrestling team.”
Wrestling became all but an afterthought at Palisades. A few years ago as many as four turned out for wrestling. Now, Porrata, who wrestled for Millersville University after high school, is able to fill out a complete lineup card. All three of Porrata’s captains are underclassmen.
Sophomore Justin Marsh has a chance to advance to regionals at 152 pounds. He along with junior 130 Tony Stanell are going to be 20-match winners this year, Porrata said. Of Marsh, Porrata said, “He’s probably the best kid/wrestler/person I’ve ever coached. He comes from a great family. He’s a hard worker, and just a monster on the mat. A monster.” Porrata described Stanell as a tough competitor and “just businesslike on the mat.” Junior 135 Jesse Bordeau is Porrata’s third captain. Although he may not reach the 20-win plateau, he’s close. Plus, he’s a top-notch leader, said the head coach. “He’s the backbone of the team,” said Porrata. “He fires kids up. He’s vocal in practice. He will go to battle for you at any time.”
Junior 135 Jesse Bordeau is Porrata’s third captain. Although he may not reach the 20-win plateau, he’s close. Plus, he’s a top-notch leader, said the head coach. “He’s the backbone of the team,” said Porrata. “He fires kids up. He’s vocal in practice. He will go to battle for you at any time.”
Brothers Joe and Patrick Campbell had virtually no experience wrestling prior to learning under Porrata last year. “They’ve been the biggest surprise of my entire coaching career,” said Porrata. “Last year was their first year; they got pinned every match last year. They came hard this year. If it wasn’t for them, we probably would not have won any matches. They have a winning record, both of them. They are a huge surprise, and they’re young.”
Joe Campbell, a junior, wrestles at 140, while his sophomore brother typically grapples at 145.
Porrata also singled out junior Jesse Donnelly.
“He’s going to be a monster next year,” said Porrata of his 171-pound pupil. “I’m so excited for next year; I wish it started next week.”
The Pirates have one meet remaining, at home against Pocono Mt. East High on Feb. 17, before preparing for districts Feb. 26 and 27 at Freedom High.
Next year can wait, at least for a couple more weeks.
“I didn’t think it was going to happen this fast,” said Porrata, discussing the Pirates’ success up until this point (note: Palisades broke its lengthy losing streak last January; the Pirates wrapped up their 2008-09 season, with that lone win). “It’s just a great story.”