Johns Hopkins 2017 Preview
Team: Johns Hopkins University
Head Coach: Keith Norris
Years at School as Head Coach: 12
Career Record at Current School: 74-119
Assistant Coaches: David Kraus, Jared Forman
2016-2017 Dual Meet Record: 5-10
Top Returning Starters:
Christian Vallis (125/133)
Lucas Escobar (141)
Connor Joyce (149)
Dane Morgan (157/165)
Isaac Morales (184)
Top Incoming Wrestlers:
Dominick Reyes (149/157) – Posted a 64-9 record in last two seasons at nearby Loyola and placed first in the MIAA Tournament
Henri Behaeghel (197/285) – 88-21 in last two years and Massachusetts state champion as a senior
Max Fleming (174) – 71-17 in final two seasons and twice placed at the sectional championships in California
Season Outlook:
While Johns Hopkins does not return a Centennial Conference place-winner from last season, the Blue Jays have the makings of a solid team if they can stay healthy. A strong one-two punch at the top of the lineup in senior Christian Vallis and junior Ricky Cavallo could get the Blue Jays off to a quick start in dual meets. Cavallo was 9-4 last season and beat Stevens’ Rob Murray; two of his four losses were to eventual Centennial Conference champion Chris Tan of Ursinus by a total of five points.
A veteran group in the middle of the lineup includes three-year regulars Lucas Escobar (141), Connor Joyce (149) and Dane Morgan (157/165), while juniors Isaac Morales and Miles Gilliam give head coach Keith Norris 100 combined matches of career experience between 174-197.
With several promising newcomers showing well early in the preseason, the Blue Jays could be a factor in the Centennial Conference if they remain healthy. The six newcomers hail from five different states.