Mike Vukovcan It’s a huge evening tonight for the Hopewell High School Wrestling program.
Not only will Hopewell celebrate the careers of 3 wrestlers tonight as it’s Senior Night, but the Vikings have a huge team goal that can be achieved.
Head coach Brett Smith and his wrestlers have a chance to claim the section title tonight with a win over Burgettstown.
“This is a great group of kids,” says Coach Smith. “It’s been a pleasure having the opportunity to coach each one of them.”
With all of that on the line, it has a chance to be a very special evening for the 3 Hopewell wrestlers, Hank Berner, Gavin Price and Austin Gouza, that will be taking part in Senior Night Festivities prior to the match.
It’ll be an emotional evening for the wrestlers, their families and Coach Smith, who shared his thoughts with Vikings Sports Now on these 3 athletes.
HANK BERNER:
“Hank is such a great kid,” said Smith. “He has been such a great upperclassman to have on the team and build around. I named Hank a captain this year and he has more than exceeded my expectations for him. I’m going to miss having Hank’s personality around the team that always is able to get the coaches to laugh.”
GAVIN PRICE:
“Gavin has made such positive strides within one year. Stepping into a starting role this year, he has been a reliable staple in our lineup. His worth ethic in the wrestling room has made a good impact on our younger guys. I wish Gavin nothing but the best and know he will do great things in the future.”
AUSTIN GOUZA:
“I named Austin a captain this year alongside Hank. Austin exemplifies what a captain should be. He leads by example and is one of the hardest workers in the room. I had the pleasure of coaching both Austin and Hank in youth and the strides they have made is what you hope for with any kids you coach. I believe Austin is going to wrestle in college and any collegiate coach would be lucky to have him. I’ll miss having him around.”
Vikings Sports Now wants to wish Hopewell the best of luck this evening and to these 3 seniors the best of luck in the future!
