Seneca High School senior heavyweight Pat Degnan is in just his second year as a wrestler.
But there’s a good chance he’ll be the Eagles’ second state placewinner when the medals are handed out in Boardwalk Hall in March.
How has the Villanova football commit and all-state offensive lineman made such a meteoric rise?
“It’s not from wrestling technique,” quipped Degnan. “It’s size and strength. I probably have the highest average weigh-in weight. I finished football a good bit heavier than 285.”
When asked if he really thought he didn’t have good wrestling technique, Degnan assured it was the case.
“I know I don’t, no doubt about it,” said Degnan. “I am working on it, I have some guys for that.”
Degnan admitted, then, that he’s been a bit surprised with his success. The senior is 19-0 this season and ranked fourth in the state in his weight class.
This season follows up a debut campaign when Degnan won a district title and qualified for the state tournament where he won a match by fall. After losing three of his first five matches, he didn’t suffer another defeat until the Region 7 tournament.
“I’m surprised athleticism can get you this far in wrestling,” said Degnan.
Last weekend, Degnan won his second Burlington County Open title. He admitted the tournament was wearing on him when he reached the final and he finished the first period in a scoreless match against Burlington Township’s Kyheem Freeman.
Then Freeman took down in the second period, and Degnan put that size and strength to use by turning his opponent for a fall.
“I don’t know why you (take down),” said Degnan. “I don’t think that was a good decision, but they decided to do that and he didn’t get up.”
Seneca coach Greg Bauer said there’s been a few other Golden Eagles wrestlers who have picked up the sport quickly, but his heavyweight is among the fastest risers.
“We’ve had a few that came out late and took to the sport, but he’s definitely up there as one of the quickest learners and most successful in his second year,” said Bauer.
Asked about the heavyweight’s perceived lack of technique to go along with all the positives, Bauer agreed it would probably be Degnan’s weakness.
“It’s gotten better this year for sure, we’re working on that,” said Bauer. “He’s an athlete, strong. He can move for a guy his size, which is great. That’s why he’s playing football at Villanova. He’s been a great surprise and huge help to our program and just really proud of his growth the last year.”
Degnan originally came out for wrestling as a freshman but according to Bauer was dealing with a back injury and he left the team early on.
Degnan also said the Golden Eagles didn’t need him since they had a strong heavyweight in one of his closest friends, Anthony Fedelli.
But once Fedelli graduated two years ago, the coaches approached Degnan to see if he’d like to give the sport another try, and he agreed.
Even though he doesn’t consider himself a wrestler, Degnan is glad he did come out for the sport.
“It definitely helps me for football,” said Degnan. “It helps me stay in shape. Footwork helps with football, In wrestling, you work angles and leverage and that translates into being a good lineman, so I’m very glad.
“It’s also helped me a lot with publicity and doing interviews. (College) coaches like seeing that on Twitter. You don’t usually get that (as an offensive lineman) in football.”
Seneca has been a perennial playoff contender under Bauer, who has over 350 match wins. But success in Atlantic City has been elusive for the program.
State champion Joe Manchio is the only boys placewinner – Belle Konopka reached the podium for the girls – and Degnan could add his name to the short list.
“We’re hoping to keep progressing and keep working hard and he has a shot,” said Bauer. “He’s going to give you his best effort.”
If a state medal happens it might be a bigger deal for the program than it would be for Degnan, who Bauer admitted is happy-go-lucky especially when it comes to his wrestling success.
“It’s a goal, it would be cool to do,” said Degnan. “But it’s not my major life calling. I’m a football player, and I wrestle. At the end of the day, I’m a football player and if I get on the podium it’s a bonus.”
