The 2012-13 Lake George High School Wrestling Team includes (front, left to right): Jacob Baird, Gideon Jardine, Patrick Barber, Thomas Clark, Jamie Dolan, (rear): Colin Clark, Dylan Bachem, Adam Agresta, and Shane McCabe. (Not pictured): Patrick Witherbee, Dan Jardine and Lloyd Watkin. Photo by Thom Randall.
LAKE GEORGE — In just four seasons of existence, the Lake George-Luzerne wrestling team has achieved a prominent position in the region.
Although reduced in numbers from last year's record size — and having enduredthe loss of some great athletes to graduation — this year’s joint wrestling squad should attain a solid level of success, legendary coach Jack LaBombard said this week. LaBombard has been coaching wrestling for 42 years, and he’s had quite a few athletes competing for state championships through the years. He’s coaching on behalf of Lake George High, and Larry Rounds is LaBombard’s counterpart for Hadley-Luzerne High School.
“We’ve got a smaller team this year and we’re really young,” LaBombard said, noting there will be a few vacant weight classes for the War-Eagles, particularly at the lightweight level. “But we have good participation from Lake George, and our wrestlers have a lot of potential.We’ll put a competitive team on the mat this year.”
Standouts on the War-Eagles team include Dan Jardine, the defending Section II Class CC Champion, wrestling in the 120- or 126-pound weight class.
LaBombard said Jardine can wrestle for hours without tiring.
“Jardine can go forever,” he said.
Also a standout is Jason Hoffman of Luzerne, an 8th grader who can out-wrestle many competitors that are far older and more experienced, LaBombard said.
“Jason is a cut above,” the coach said.
Among those returning for Lake George are Adam Agresta, a Junior at 285 pounds. LaBombard said Agresta was dedicated to the sport.
“Adam is knowledgeable and he works hard,” the coach said, adding that Tom Clark, a talented Junior, will be competitive in the 170- or 182-pound weight classes.
Patrick Barber, a Sophomore at either 195 or 220 pounds, will also be a contender, the coach said.
“Barber’s a tough kid,” he said.
“Our team will be developing skills this year, acquiring a dedication to the sport,” he added.
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