The wrestling team continued its strong season with back-to-back wins last week, defeating both Einstein and Poolesville. The Wildcats earned a 74-5 victory over Einstein and followed it with a dominant 44-35 win over Poolesville. These wins highlighted the team’s preparation and consistency as they push through the rest of the season.
Just one week earlier, the Wildcats set the tone with a dominant 72-0 shutout win over Northwood, showcasing their ability to control matches from start to finish. That performance reflected the team’s hard work throughout the season and their focus on improving every day in practice.
Much of the team’s success can be credited to the intense effort and high morale seen at both practices and matches. The Wildcats have pushed each other to improve, creating a competitive but supportive environment that has carried over onto the mat during their matches.
“The team’s work ethic and attitude have been huge factors in our success as individuals and as a team,” senior captain Dan Gershon said. “Our coach really pushes us and gets the best out of every wrestler. I am super excited to be the captain as I get to be inclusive and get the best out of all of my teammates.”
Leadership from an experienced wrestler has played a key role in keeping the team motivated throughout the season so far. The Wildcats have emphasized discipline and preparation as major factors behind their successes so far.
“We have been focusing on training our stamina and conditioning as well, making sure to continue to improve our technique and match strategy,” senior Itai Windmueller said.
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Junior Jay Resnik fights for control in the top position as his opponent braces on the mat during a match. Teammates and spectators watched from the bleachers as the match progressed.
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Sophomore Theerun Kaliappan holds his opponent down on the mat during the match. The Poolesville opponents watched closely from the sidelines.
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Junior Lena Mech and her opponent engage in a neutral position as they fight for control during the match. The dual meet took place at Poolesville High School.
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Senior Sophia Babayev works from the top position as her opponent tries to defend on the mat during the match. The action stayed low to the mat and continued at the center circle.
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Sophomore Theerun Kaliappan holds his opponent down on the mat during the match. The Poolesville opponents watched closely from the sidelines.
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Itai Windmueller controls his opponent on the mat while working to maintain top position during the match. He stays low and balanced as he looks to score points and keep his opponent from escaping.
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Eshel Zamir defended against a takedown attempt during the match. The action unfolds at center mat as spectators watch from the bleachers behind them.
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Senior Sebastian Hernandez completes a takedown as his opponent falls to the mat during the match. Poolesville wrestling team sits in the bleachers behind the mat as WJ wrestling competes against Einstein.
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Sebastian Hernandez works to control his opponent on the mat as the match continues. Both wrestlers stay low and balanced near the center circle.
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Applying pressure from the top and staying in control throughout the match. The referee and opponents look on as the match continues at center mat.
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Senior Sebastian Hernandez completes a takedown as his opponent falls to the mat during the match. Poolesville wrestling team sits in the bleachers behind the mat as WJ wrestling competes against Einstein.
“There’s an expectation that has been set on the team since I was a freshman by the coaching staff to always push ourselves and try our best, which I think impacts how we practice as well as how we perform during matches.”
With a record of 17-2, WJ has proven itself as a very strong and successful program. The pair of losses this season was tallied against Churchill and Brunson, both by the close score of 35-27, showing that even when they were defeated, the Wildcats persevered and remained competitive.
“Those close losses stick with you and make you hungrier,” senior Gage Familant said. “They show how one scramble, one takedown, or one bad decision can change a whole match. Instead of letting it break us, we use it as fuel to work harder and stay locked in. Now, when matches are tight, we trust our conditioning and our mindset to finish strong.”
As the season continues, the team remains focused on finishing strong and building momentum for the rest of their matches. The Wildcats say their confidence comes from the work they put in every day and the bond they have built as a team.
“Even at 17–2, we know there’s still a lot to prove. Wins don’t mean much if you’re not getting better every day in the room. We push each other in practice, clean up the little things, and hold each other accountable. The goal is to be peaking when it’s time for championships, not getting comfortable now,” Familant said.
