The lights dim and the crowd hushes as the first few notes of Van Halen’s “Right Now” play. All eyes turn to the wrestling room doors and cheers explode as Julian Bednar burst through the door and backflips onto the mat. The reaction doubles in volume when behind him the rest of the Del Val wrestling team floods the mat and begins warming up.

The annual Gold Rush occurred on Jan. 7 as the Delaware Valley varsity wrestling team dominated the Hunterdon Central Red Devils 64-12.

Del Val has wrestled Hunterdon Central over 40 times in the past, and this rivalry is one of the most anticipated by both teams and audience members.

Del Val was favored to win against the Red Devils, and the audience reactions reflected that prediction.

The team secured victories in 11 of its 14 bouts, including two forfeits across multiple weight classes to win the match.

Senior Olivier Paul (175 lbs) opened the first match, quickly earning a pin. As the referee’s hand slapped the mat, the Dawg Pound erupted in cheers, raising the energy in the Hutch Gym.

Paul was followed by junior Matt Sencher (190 lbs) who achieved another quick pin in the first period, widening the lead to 12-0 and calming the nerves of everyone in the gym. The Terriers came to wrestle.

Over the next several bouts, the Terriers continued to dominate the match.

Several other wrestlers stood out, such as Luke Cyphert, Michael Hasson, Sebastian Dobak and many others, gaining points through pins and decisions.

As the final bout arrived and victory was guaranteed, the Dawg Pound began chanting “start the buses.”

Junior Marcus Gary finalized the score, 64-12, by adding six points by pin fall.

“It went pretty well I’d say,” Gary said. “I was pretty happy with the outcome.”

Del Val continues to have a successful season that showcases the team’s hard work on the mat. The victory adds momentum as the team prepares for the rest of the season.

“This is a stepping stone to where we want to be at the end of the year,” coach Andy Fitz said.