The De La Salle Collegiate varsity wrestling team (2-0) hit the ground running during its opening night Wednesday, defeating New Haven High School, 66-6, and Harrison Twp. L’Anse Creuse, 48-34.

The Pilots were led by senior captain Dominic Ragona, junior captain Nate O’Donnell and sophomore captain Joey Montilla, each of whom picked up 12 team points on the night. Sophomore Avian Shaba, juniors Brady Bennie, Vinny Lertola and Casey Beleshi, and freshman Vince Ragona each went 2-0, and contributed heavily to the team's victories.

Next up for the Pilots is the Macomb County Invitational, which is taking place Friday (4 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m.) at Macomb Dakota High School.

Notes

Last season, De La Salle sent a team-record five wrestlers to the state tournament, and won a hard-fought district title.

Dominic Ragona both qualified for regionals, and placed at states a year ago.

The team is led by Ragona, as well as O’Donnell (a regional qualifier last season), junior Gjon Nikollaj (a one-time regional qualifier) and Montilla (a state qualifier a season ago).

This season will see De La Salle competing with different schools at the district and regional levels, with Macomb County being split north and south and joining forces with Oakland County teams as early as individual regional competition.

If the projected roster numbers hold up, the Pilots are looking at 35-plus wrestlers and one of their largest teams in program history.