Boys varsity wrestling lost to the Milton Wildcats in their season opener on Thursday, Dec. 12, in the Schluntz Gymnasium, with a final score of 43-33.
The meet got off to a tough start for the Warriors, who were trailing 24-0 after the first four of 14 matches, due to rough losses including pins in the lighter weight classes (from 106 to 126 pounds). Despite the challenge, the Warriors did not back down. They continued to fight and win several important rounds, narrowing the gap.
Weighing 132 pounds, sophomore Liam Christ earned the Warriors’ first win, securing a pin in his second period. Senior and captain Isaac Bitran followed up with a dominant pin weighing 138 pounds the score to 24-12, Wildcats.
Still, the Wildcats remained aggressive, adding to their score and defending their lead.
Despite the mounting pressure, 150 pound senior and captain Gabe Samuels stayed focused. During his match, he suffered a nosebleed, but he said that he saw it as a source of motivation and was later able to pin his opponent, bringing the score to 28-17.
“I was just trying to stay composed, trying to preserve my energy and trying to make sure that I was really giving it my all,” Samuels said. “I wasn’t going to take any cheap shots. I wasn’t going to make a sly move. I was going to stay composed and wrestle my match.”
Freshman Ale Muravyov who made a stunning debut wrestled at 175 pounds. His match was fast-paced, and although he did not pin his opponent, Muravyov showed a strong mentality, even earning a round victory. His performance brought the audience and the team’s energy up, helping the Warriors close the gap to 34-27.
Although disappointed, Muravyov said he remained positive, focusing on his growth for later meets. Having been with the team for a week and a half, he said that this program has a big future ahead.
“We’re going really well and it’s important that we don’t peak right now in December because what matters is how we do in February,” Muravoyv said. “That’s where sectional states are and that’s all that matters. So I think we’re going to do really well.”
The Warriors showed grit throughout the meet, but the Wildcats ultimately secured the win with a final score of 43-33. However, head coach Brandon Bruttomesso remains optimistic.
“We’re hungry. We dropped a duel that was definitely winnable,” Bruttomesso said. “I’m hoping to use that as motivation for the team so that we can make sure we’re working hard, cleaning up those mistakes and not letting those happen again.”
The Warriors are now focused on improving as they look ahead to the challenges of the upcoming season. Bruttomesso said the team is committed to refining their skills, learning from mistakes, and building on their strengths.
“It matters that we’re making some mistakes now so that we don’t make them later on and we clean it up,” Bruttomesso said. “Then when we come into the postseason, in February, we’re ready to take some names and get on a podium.”
