BY Stefan Ayanian
Staff Reporter
The wrestling team is looking to finish off their season with a winning season after finishing last year, 2-10.
This season, their record is 5-5, and head coach John Clark believes his team can still accomplish a lot in the second half of the season.
“It’s been a great year so far,” said Clark. “We’ve avenged three losses from last year. Two of them we lost by 26 points and another one by 22 points. All of the credit goes to the wrestlers on the team because they’re really buying into the process.”
Whether the outcome of a match is a win or a loss, the team keeps their heads up and they stay mentally focused on moving forward and preparing for their next match.
Getting ready for a match starts in the weight room and at practice. Putting in extra work has been a significant factor to the team’s success this season.
Senior captains Gerard Daly and Brandon Levesque recognize the team’s hard work. The dedication the team puts in the weight room has helped them improve their skill level.
Levesque believes the team is more motivated and energetic compared to last year. He likes how his teammates get to work when they don’t have classes, in between classes, or if it’s late at night.
“Extra workouts are crucial and that’s where you make the most improvements,” said Daly.
Daly is impressed with his teammates’ initiative to set the pace for others in order to get in better shape and reach their full potential.
“Guys are getting rid of that mutual agreement to take it easy on each other. Team-wise I think we should hopefully win out for the rest of the year,” said Daly.
Daly is looking to make his final season a memorable one. The team hasn’t had anyone qualify for the National Tournament in a decade, and Daly’s goal is to break that streak.
Clark is looking to guide Daly and the rest of the team through training in order to give themselves the best chance at qualifying as the postseason draws near.
“It’s a really exciting time right now,” said Clark. “The school hasn’t had a national qualifier since 2007 and that’s the main focus.”
The National Tournament will be held in Pittsburgh this year. The team has two dual meets remaining in the season, with the next one coming on Feb. 9, against Hofstra. After that, they’ll wrap up the season on Feb. 23 at Brown.
