A star in the making: At 190 pounds, Hanover Park’s Vin LaValle takes Morris County tournament

“My win to place and got that takedown in the last 30 seconds was my favorite part,” LaValle says he always had high goals for himself when it came to wrestling. “I’ve put in a lot of time and definitely grown a lot in the sport.”  

And the athlete was named Region 3 Most Outstanding Wrestler.

With a wrestling lineage that goes way back, it seemed inevitable the young athlete would pursue the sport.  

“It’s in his blood, his dad was a three-time state champ, both of his uncles were state place winners,” says head coach, Tyler Branham. “But Vin’s also an extremely dedicated, hard-worker and not just during the season. It hasn’t happened overnight — it’s commitment to the sport he’s been able to achieve the level he’s at.” 

And not long ago, they remembered the shutdown and no sports meets. 

“It’s awesome to be back, have the fans,” LaValle says he stayed positive during COVID, by remembering his goals. “To keep working, even during tough times, nothing open, had to do stuff on my own, keep getting better.”

When it comes to long term achievements, Branham believes the young athlete positioned himself just right. 

“To be a state place winner as a freshman,” says the coach. “I still see room for improvement, which is kind of scary for the rest of the state — he hasn’t reached his full potential yet.  He has a high ceiling.” 

LaValle aspired to be a four-time state champ and as he took third in the state, he felt he fell a little short of what he wanted this year, so the athlete will refocus his attention and do everything he can to prepare for next season to get himself on top of the podium.  

He’s inspired by the success of those in the sport who came before

Growing up he watched Hanover Park alums, Joey Olivieri and Nick Raimo win state titles.

“Definitely guys I look up to,” LaValle says he also sees wrestling in his future.

 “Probably wrestle in college,” he says. “It would be cool to go national after that, maybe make it a career.” 

The preparation for high school wrestling can be intense.

LaValle does everything from weight training to cardio conditioning, a ton of drilling and live wrestling.

They’re starting the off season now with lots of lifting and the athlete does some freestyle wrestling. 

“The big goal is the best freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers, Olympic style in August — so that’s what he’s started to focus on now a bit, getting ready for the National Championships in Fargo, ND,” says Branham

“He has the work ethic and I want him to continue to be focused — the sky’s the limit.” 

Reflecting on what his high school legacy would be — LaValle wants people to remember him as a good athlete, a good person and hopefully state champ. 

In free moments, he hangs out with family, his grandparents and gives back to younger children… with an intro to the sport he loves and helps them practice. 

For students who want to follow in his footsteps, the wrestler says remember your goal.

“And keep working hard no matter what.

According to the coach, Vin is the dream kid to coach.

“We’ve been fortunate at Hanover Park to have some great wrestlers and great kids.  Vin said he looked up to Raimo and Olivieri — they had older brothers they looked up to, so we’ve had a good run of role models and great wrestlers,” Branham says.  

“He’s had people sort of lead the way for him. He’s very coachable and a great kid.”