By Mat Cefail I
Varsity Wrestling was optimistic coming out of the gates. We were already predicted to be one of the top teams in the league, and we were scheduled to compete with Governors and Nobles for second place. This held true throughout our season as we dominated. Our ISL dual meet record by the end of the year was 14-3. Those losses coming from close meets against Governors and Nobles. As many of you know this year the annual Graves Kelsey ISL Championship tournament was hosted by RL. It was one of the best-run tournaments credited by many coaches present– a big thank you to all who helped out. RL overall took 4th missing third by a small margin to Nobles.
Captain Javi Rios I (220) took first place. Javi, after dominating his way through the regular season, ends with a pinout placement at first.
Here are some notable performances from the tournament. Justin Shaw IV (106) took third place, a remarkable finish in a very difficult weight class. Justin will grow to become a powerhouse in his next years of wrestling. Keaton Sahin II (132) placed second in another very difficult weight class. Noted by Captains Mat Cefail and Javi Rios, “It is the best we have ever seen Keaton wrestle. If he can continue at this rate, Belmont Hill is gonna be scared next year.” Captain Mat Cefail I (138) placed third overall, wrestling the top seed in his second match. Miguel Rincon II (145) placed sixth overall. Miguel wrestled very well and while it was not a high placement it is something to be proud of. Miguel should keep his head held high, as he has the respect of all his teammates. Miguel never gives up and is one of the hardest workers on the team. Evan Kisselev I (152) took first place. True to form, Evan dominated his opponents, pinning his way to the finals before winning handily. Pete Levangie I (160) clawed his way to earning a remarkable third-place finish. Pete truly fought to get where he was and deserves all the praise for it. Captain Javi Rios I (220) took first place. Javi, after dominating his way through the regular season, ends with a pinout placement at first.
It should also be known that the team as a whole was granted the ISL sportsmanship award, an honor that is reflected in both our team’s mentality and grace along with the life lessons taught by our coach, Mr. Wildes. Justin, Keaton, Mat, Evan, Pete, and Javi all qualified for New England’s. Due to circumstances Justin and Mat were unable to attend. Evan continued his reign of dominance, taking first at New England’s. Captain Javi Rios came in third place in his weight class. Both of these men qualified for Nationals. Javi, joined by Coach Wildes and supporter Mat Cefail, traveled to Lehigh University for Nationals. Javi performed amazingly well, ending with a record of 2-2, one match shy of being an All-American.
The 2019-2020 Varsity Wrestling team had an amazing performance and should be praised for their sportsmanship, never-give-up mentality, and most of all, for their overall love of a grueling sport.
Thank you to these boys.
