WOODBURY – As some fall athletes train for winter sports by running  on the track, playing basketball, or completing homework, inside the cafeteria, Nonnewaug high school’s wrestling team is fast at work. 

 Last season the team celebrated its 50th anniversary, as well as the loss of their two best wrestlers, Jeffery Bernardi and Durkin Stankevich. 

This year’s 2025-2026 team captains, senior Joseph Bernardi and senior Sean Crawford have big shoes to fill when it comes to leadership. 

Nonnewaug Head coach, Dave Green, understands the importance of captains juggling the social aspect of their roles and being leaders.

“Balancing being a leader and still controlling what they want to do for themselves,” Green says. “Then at the same time, working with the team and trying to get the team to be a group.” 

For seniors like Crawford, being a strong captain is more about the performance on the mat.

“I think someone’s going to have to step and have the leadership role like Jeff and Dirk did.” Crawford says. “They made sure we were on time.”

Crawford helps to reiterate the positivity each senior brought to the team.

“Durkin would bring energy to the team and show me moves and always be like a leader or a role model,” Crawford said. “Jeff would help out, get motivated for the matches, always be there for us and we needed help.” 

Joseph Bernardi highlights the importance of having a good captain and why listening to coaches will help them become  good teammates, just as the seniors were. 

“Having good captains will make the team better,” Joseph Bernardi said. “They know what they’re doing and it will help with having a great and positive team.”

Even with Joseph Bernardi and Sean Crawford, leadership is something that the collective group hopes to contribute in order to find success this winter. 

“I think we need someone who will step up to be a leader, is experienced and will set a good example for new members,” Crawford said. “Someone who understands how the team works and who can give guidance when needed or even encouragement.”

For Green, filling the leadership void will be essential to repeating last year’s success that saw four members earn invitations to the CIAC Wrestling State Championships. 

“I think this year will be our most competitive room in terms of people knowing how to drill and practicing hard and getting the improvement that they need to get,” said Green.