Controversial: that’s what many on varsity boys wrestling believe of the call that was made. Last year, a questionable slam call, or illegal move that warrants disqualification, on now senior Ben Weader led to the team placing second last year at the state tournament. Now, the team focuses on achieving the first place prize.
“I was stunned at the call,” junior Carter Shin said. “I believed that the opponent created a situation far worse than what actually happened in order to claim victory through disqualification.”
Despite the loss from last year and graduation of some seniors, English teacher and varsity wrestling coach Mark Weader still has strong faith that the team will place first in the state. He’s coached the wrestling team for several years and has much experience with the sport.
“I think one thing that makes wrestling really a unique sport is that it’s individual and has the team component,” Mark Weader said. “We couldn’t have done a whole lot better, besides the tough call on Ben.”
Many wrestlers are focused on the journey to state champions as the end goal for this season. Wrestlers from last year’s team are further motivated to work hard by their loss.
“You can tell the coaches are putting us through the extra mile to maximize strength and conditioning to prepare for the title,” Halpern said. “With our team commitment to go further than last year, we have the ability to win states.”
Even though wrestlers put their effort into the winter wrestling season, the off-season is believed by the team to be an important part of the team’s success. Off season weightlifting and conditioning are important for the team.
“Showing up is half the battle, but the other half is doing the extra work when you are home,” Halpern said. “Stretching, lifting, cardio, and a healthy diet are all just as important as pushing ourselves at practice. As a team, sticking through these commitments will help us as a team improve all chances of going far.”
The team’s two individual champions Carter Shin and Ezekial Keel are returning this year and the team only lost one state qualifier. Other juniors from last year are returning and the team also has new members who are currently juniors.
“I think we have a close team; we have a group of seniors and juniors that have wrestled for years who are really close friends,” Mark Weader said. “So I think that team dynamic helps with everybody doing well and holding everyone accountable.”
This year, the tenth annual Joe Verciglio wrestling tournament was held at Chantilly On Jan. 4. Grassfield High School finished first, with 246.5 points. Chantilly finished in third with three individual champions: Michael Santos in the 106 weight class, Carter Shin in the 113, and Tyler Dekraker in 132.6
“Everybody knows the final goal is to be state champs,” Shin said. “With many of our team seniors, everybody is pushing everybody to maximize our chances of achieving this goal.”
