Copes Celebrates Career Milestone On The Mat

December 24, 2009 by Greg Lederer

Cheshire High School senior wrestler Kyle Copes concentrates each trip inside the circle, but he knew there was added significance for the Dec. 22 match against Daniel Hand. A four-year starter, Copes had time to think about wrestling for a 100th victory at 171 pounds.
What took days to hype up was over in less than a minute. Copes quickly took down Hand’s Rick Hahue and secured a pin at the 1:06 mark of the first period. He is the fourth CHS wrestler to reach 100 wins with 2008 graduate Rob Tomlinson (127) holding the record.
“I was a little nervous. It’s exciting,” said Copes, a captain with classmates Matt Topitzer and Jake Reid. “It shows all my hard work is paying off.”
“It’s great,” said Cheshire Head Coach Don Miller. “You have to be a four-year starter or on fire for three years. He (Copes) has been consistent for us since freshman year.”
Cheshire has seen several milestones over the last couple years. Tomlinson and Mike Briskin (115 wins) both eclipsed the 100-win plateau during their senior seasons. Junior Jed Cervero (125 pounds), who has 76 wins in just over two years, became the first State Open finalist last winter.
“It took us awhile to get there,” Miller added. “It’s a testament to the guys training in the off-season and our youth program (Cheshire Youth Wrestling).”
Miller credits Kyle’s ability to capitalize on the mistakes of his opposition. That strength was displayed against Hahue.
“I thought I would let me come after me, but he set me up for a good move. I had to take it,” explained Copes.
The home crowd recognized the achievement with ‘100’ cards, but Daniel Hand celebrated a 55-21 victory. The Tigers are the reigning Southern Connecticut Conference Champions and utilized depth across their lineup. Injuries and sickness forced Cheshire to forfeit the 103, 112, and 119-pound weight classes, so the Tigers had an 18-0 lead before anyone had to wrestle.
“It stinks at any point to forfeit matches, but to start out down 18-0, is really tough,” said Miller. “I tell the guys there is nothing we can do. We focus on the wrestlers in the room.”
Cervero ended the shutout and extended his unbeaten record (4-0). He built up a 9-0 advantage and pinned Alex Weissman with 16 seconds left in the second period.
“We hope to have him down to 119 (pounds), but Jed will do fine wherever,” stated Miller.
Hand responded by reeling off five straight victories for a 43-6 lead. The top competition was a learning experience for Cheshire freshmen Dan Massucci (135 pounds), Tim Homan (140 pounds), and Josh Hunihan (145 pounds).
“They will take their lumps along the way, but we’ve been pleased with the effort. This is a good freshmen group,” Miller said.
The Tigers won 32 straight points inside bouts until Topitzer changed momentum at 160 pounds. Making his season debut, Topitzer fired a quick maneuver to take down his opponent and stake a 5-2 lead. He received a second chance for a pin and took full advantage in the second period.
“It paid off. I thought I had him in my grasp and did end up getting the pin,” said Topitzer. “Even though mathematically you know it (team victory) won’t happen at that point, you have to give it your best. It gets the guys excited.”
Copes and senior Nate St. Martin (189 pounds; 9-3) added to a string of three consecutive wins. Cheshire dropped to 1-4 with the home loss and they will return to visit Guilford on Dec. 30, at 6 p.m.
“He is doing great,” stated Miller, of St. Martin’s growth in his first season as a full-time starter. “He has been a kid on the verge. There was always someone in front of him until this year.”