by Jack DeGonia ‘19

This year, the varsity wrestling team is primed to make some noise at the state level. They currently hold a 6-1 record, with the lone loss a tight one to the reigning six-time state champions, the Damascus Hornets. The Warriors have a very high chance of not only competing for the regional dual title on February 6, and then the state dual title on February 9, but also wrestling very well against these high levels of competition. Last year, the Warriors did not win enough team dual meets to qualify for the regional duals, but did have eight individuals compete in the state tournament. With many returning high-caliber wrestlers, the varsity wrestling team has been very competitive this season. Six returning wrestlers qualified for the state tournament last year, including the highest-placing wrestler, current senior Chris Sanchez, who placed 2nd at 138 last year and who wrestles at 145 this year. To accompany the top wrestlers, there are many hardworking underclassmen who have “worked hard over the off season to get a lot stronger,” said senior captain Yusuf Higazi, a wrestler in the 170 lb. weight class.
To reach the individual state tournament, the Warriors will have to place top-4 in the region
tournament. Throughout the season, each individual wrestler accumulates points for each win, and the top-eight point earners in each weight class in the region qualify for the regional tournament. A wrestler also can make regionals if he places top-6 at the county tournament, which takes place the weekend of February 15. With crushing victories over Whitman, Kennedy, and Wheaton, and only losing to Damascus by six points, the Warriors have shown off a very deep roster with many younger wrestlers able to hold their own. With Higazi, Sanchez, senior Sam Ewing, and juniors Brady and Brandon Holda all wrestling at a high level, Sherwood could be bringing home an individual state champion on March 2.