The season hasn't started yet, but that does not mean that the CM wrestling program can't find success in the off-season. Last week, August 9-11 was the 3rd annual CM Wrestling Alumni Camp and August 12 was the inaugural Mac Open Golf Scramble.

The Alumni Wrestling Camp is a summer wrestling camp for Big Mac wrestlers only that is put on each year by the school's alumni. It started three years ago when Camp Director Josiah Hritsko pulled together some of his closest high school teammates to bring technique, motivation, and team bonding to the current generation of CM wrestlers through ages K-12.

This year, the camp was put on by a similar bunch, but with newcomer camp counselors Brendan Furman (Cornell), Nick Konyk (Mercyhurst), Matt Oblock (Wheeling Jesuit), and Declan Lewis. On day 1 Connor Schram (Stanford) and Colt Shorts (Cal Poly) returned to show off some of their west coast knowledge. Bobby Patnesky (Coach Penn State Behrend) and Dalton Macri (UNC) came in for day 2 sessions, teaching moves from the top and neutral positions. Day 3 was one of the camp's best days in its history with 2016 NCAA Champion Nico Megaludis (Penn State) demonstrating detailed moves from his time as a Nittany Lion and local WPIAL wrestler. Also on that Friday, Angelo Broglia (Clarion) taught Jiu Jitsu, a mixed martial arts form, to the boys in a means to discuss a different path for life post-wrestling. The broad history of Big Mac wrestlers that the camp can pull from is truly incredible.

In addition to the technique, the wrestlers were taken to North Strabane Park and Angel's Acres to talk about goals and to do some team bonding activities. Camp Counselors, Coach Slack, and new HS head coach Jeff Havelka spoke to everyone about the upcoming season and finding an identity. And as for the coveted camp championship belt? In its second year of existence the three teams -- Gold (Furman), Blue (Konyk), and White (Oblock) -- competed with all age groups by earning points in relay races, games, and a final triathlon event to decide a winner. Gold team emerged victorious for the second year under a new captain and hoisted the team belt. Final awards were given to Tanner Mizenko (Junior High) for being the Team Motivator and to Tim Hritsko (High School) for being the Hardest Worker. View the Wrestling Camp gallery HERE.

After the younger generation of CM wrestlers took part in camp, the older alumnus took to the golf course on Saturday for the first annual “Mac Open” Golf Scramble. The event was put together in conjunction with Chad Maggi and Brian Hritsko of the Canon-McMillan Wrestling Alumni Association. 84 wrestlers, fans, family, and friends gathered at the Village Green Golf Course to golf 18 holes, compete for prizes, and eat and drink. Prizes were awarded for “The Kyle Deliere” longest drive, closest to pin, longest putt, “The Dami” closest second shot, and “The Michael Caldwell” putting contest. By the end of the day, Jason Dami, Chuck Murdy, Mike Murdy, and Brandon Lesko finished first out of 21 teams shooting 15 under par. View the gallery for the Mac Open HERE.

Both the Alumni Wrestling Camp and Mac Open Golf Scramble were possible because of the great local sponsors. The camp looks forward to its fourth year and the golf outing looks to become an annual event. The proceeds from each event will be put back into the Canon-McMillan Wrestling Alumni Association to benefit the current K-12 wrestling programs and Kyle Deliere and Michael Caldwell scholarships.