Tribe easily handles Phoenixville in 57-13 win

                In four years with the Upper Perkiomen wrestling program, Levi Homan's performance has improved dramatically, according to head coach Sam Walters.   With hard work and determination, Homan has become a contributor for the Indians at 132 pounds.

                On Wednesday, the senior posted a 13-10 victory over Anthony Davido in a 57-13 victory over visiting Phoenixville in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. 

                "What Levi lacks in talent he makes up with effort," Walters said. "His work ethic is second to none."

                Dustin Steffenino (120 pounds), Austin Bittenbender (160) and Mike Felix (182) each delivered first-period falls for the Indians, who captured the initial four bouts and were never challenged.  Mark Saucedo (145), Jarek Svanson (113) and Eric Miller (138) contributed second period pins.

                Mike Modugno dropped a 1-0 decision at 285 pounds. 

                "Mike was quicker than his opponent," Walter said of Modugno, who was originally slated to compete at 225 pounds. "He just couldn't pull the trigger (to score the decisive takedown) at the end of the match."

                "We should've had a few more wins," Walters said.

                Homan (7-11), who performs best on his feet, overcame a leg cramp in the third period to post his victory. His reversal midway through the third extended an 11-10 advantage. 

                "Levi worked real hard to hang on," Walters said. "It was good to see him get a solid win." 

                Homan, who utilizes a cross face cradle or an arm bar in pinning situations, has been focusing on improved technique.  According to the coach, Homan's improvement on the mat has been a work in progress.

                "When Levi started wrestling as a freshman, he was raw, Walters said. "He has stuck around and become a very good practice partner. This year Levi has finally earned his spot."  

                For most of the last three seasons, Homan toiled on the JV team, except for a few varsity matches as a sophomore.

                "As a freshman I was pretty bad," he said. "I just rolled around on the mat. I got pounded a lot."  Homan said decided to wrestle because his best friend Trevor Weeks was on the team and his dad wrestled in school. 

                "As a freshman I had strength but no technique," he said.  Halfway through his sophomore year, Homan said he thought about quitting the team.  "Wrestling wasn't fun," he said. "But I stuck it out with some encouraging words from my parents."

                As a junior Homan developed some technique and felt more competitive. He felt like he developed a stamina advantage.  "Mostly I wanted not to get beat up," Homan said.

                This year, wrestling has become fun. Homan says he is dishing out punishment, not just absorbing it.  Homan has no expectations about qualifying for districts or earning a medal at the tournament.      

                "My weight class is really challenging," he said. "I'm just going to go and do my best. As long as I do that, ultimately I will be satisfied."