Over the next few weeks, the AA wrestling team will wrap up another successful season. Their league record was 5-2 this year, and their overall record was 14-8 (including dual tournament matches).
In the beginning of January, the team lost to Watervliet 55-21. At the Warrensburg Duals, the Cadets beat Warrensburg 39-30, beat Morrisville Eaton 46-42, lost to Hudson Falls 56-24, and lost to Beekmantown 61-18. In addition, Stuart Curtis was named Outstanding Heavy-Weight Wrestler for the tournament.
The following week, the team was once again victorious again Fonda-Fultonville, with a score of 51-30, and they later beat Schalmont 54-27. During that home match — the last one of the season — seniors Nick DiCaprio, Stuart Curtis, Caleb Cushing, Thomas Carter, Safouane Lachgar and manager Lizzy Robinson were recognized. Furthermore, DiCaprio earned his 100th career win that night — a feat accomplished by only the most talented wrestlers.
The team also spent two nights in Essex, Vermont, this month, participating in the Essex Wrestling Classic tournament. With 23 teams taking part, it was a busy weekend, but the Cadets managed to place 9th. Stuart Curtis was the champion of his weight class, Nick DiCaprio won 2nd place, Cameron Milliken placed 3rd, Sam DeLarge got 5th, and Garrett Esper came in 6th place.
Finally, last weekend, the team wrestled at Albany High’s annual tournament. Notorious for being very competitive, the “Big 10” lived up to its reputation; the Cadets placed 15th out of 17 teams, and although Nick DiCaprio won his weight class, he was the only AA wrestler to place.
This Saturday, February 5th, is the Section D tournament; in order to proceed to the Sectional tournament the following weekend, wrestlers must place in the top four of their weight class. According to Coach Buran, DiCaprio and Curtis should easily make the cut, while several others have a reasonable chance.
Regarding the team’s overall performance, senior captain Nick DiCaprio says, “The team has worked very hard this season, and we’ve made a lot of progress. Hopefully our efforts will pay off over the next two weeks, and we can finish the season on a good note.”