Ithaca coach Daryl Dawe is excited over Chanc McCormack’s potential this season as a senior wrestler.
It’s McCormack fourth year on varsity.
“It is too early in the year to know how good Chanc is going to be, but based on his work ethic and desire, this could be a great season for him,” McCormack said. “Chance was 35-7 last year and was knocked out in the blood round at regionals. Staying focused on the match he is wrestling and letting go of regionals last year are the keys to his success.
“Chanc is coming into the year healthy and hungry. He has improved his top position wrestling greatly. Chanc has always been good off the bottom and attacks a lot for a heavier guy (215) but his greatest leap in ability over last year has been the top position. I remember him breaking his hand at Ford Field his sophomore year and how hard he worked at PT to get back to the line up that year.”
Dawe is expecting plenty from McCormack this season.
“I expect him to be a leader on and off the mat,” Dawe said. “Chanc is an exceptional student and I have always been impressed with that. On the mat, I expected him to pick up where he left off last year and go on to compete in the state tournament. Chanc is a three-sport athlete and he doesn’t know the meaning of slowing down. He is always working towards a goal.”
McCormack also plays football and basketball.
Dawe has high hopes for the Ithaca wrestling team this season.
“In the past, we have been giving teams 18-to-30 points a match and it is very difficult to win like that,” he said. “In our upper weights is where we will win and lose matches. We need to be able to wrestle for six minutes. I don’t need everyone to win every match but making it six minutes and limiting our opponents’ points will be vital.”
Dawe sees St. Louis as the TVC favorites.
“They have been on top for a long time,” he said. “I would like our team to finish in the top half and give some teams a good scare.”