The wrestling boys make it look easy. graphic by Kyra Ensafian
This year’s Thomas Jefferson Boys’ Wrestling season was filled with pins, tech-falls, and major victories.
While the entire team had ample success during their 25-26 season, the Thomas Jefferson Spartans sent three wrestlers to the state championships. The team adapted and built a winning season despite facing adversity after a change in coaching staff. Wrestling is viewed by some as the toughest high school sport, due to the intense conditioning, strict weight management, and the physical demands. This one-on-one six minute battle teaches each athlete many valuable lessons.
Senior captain and state qualifier Andrew Garrity-Drugan explained how wrestling has taught him to “always work hard for the things you want in life.” Wrestling brings many challenges, but Thomas Jefferson’s program was built to face those challenges without hesitation. Senior and state qualifier Kiet Huynh described wrestling as a sport that requires you to “sacrifice short term pleasure for long term goals” and that “the mind is truly your strongest weapon.” In the sport of wrestling, participants must be able to let go and perform because it impacts the team in such a positive way.
This year the Spartans had several regional placers, one regional finalist, eight league placers, and two league champions. The team also had a major victory over the third ranked school, Mullen, with a score of 40-33 on senior night. The Spartans displayed great perseverance on the mat and built strong relationships as a team off of the mat. The rewarding part of wrestling is not getting a victory or winning the most medals, it is the memories and connections built along the way.
Senior captain and state qualifier Cole Anderson explained that wrestling helped build “deep connections with all of my teammates that I would have never spoken to.” The three qualifiers agree that being with the team was one of the best parts of the season. Many wrestlers’ favorite moments stemmed from spending time with the team at tournaments far away. In wrestling being able to enjoy the moment is more valuable than success. The connections built through this sport are often ones that last a lifetime. Garrity-Drugan says wrestling has helped him “build some of the best connections with [his] closest friends.” Winning is such a small part of the sport, being able to have fun and build relationships is what truly matters.
The connections strengthened by new head coach Cael Croissant have had a large impact on the team in a positive way. This season, having a new coach made the team more excited to wrestle helping the Spartans feel more secure and confident going into tough matches. Athletes understand the importance of a great mentor and the Spartan boys wrestlers have just that. Garrity-Drugan noticed that “everyone seems much happier and excited to wrestle.” The opportunity to coach athletes to their highest level while mentoring them and teaching lessons is “not just about being a good wrestler but a good person as well,” as Huynh stated.
The team will say goodbye to seven seniors at the end of the year and are looking to rebuild the competitive roster. All Spartans are encouraged to check out wrestling regardless of any background in athletics. This no-cut sport offers an amazing opportunity to those who are looking to try a new sport, get in shape, challenge themselves, or simply build connections. Garrity-Drugan uplifts those who are interested or already in the sport, stating, “Never give up, even when things feel impossible.” Huynh pushes future wrestlers even farther, telling them to “get comfortable being uncomfortable and you’ll be better at doing hard things” instead of being excited for practice to be over. Finally, Anderson gave a simple piece of encouragement: “Don’t take it too seriously, remember to relax and have fun.”
Wrestling is one of the toughest sports but the team hasn’t let that stop them from giving it their all. Winning matches is fun for wrestlers, but building connections and friendships with people they never expected was what this team has remembered as the season comes to an end. With a supportive coach, fun opportunities, and a one-on-one competition, this is a sport that is worth the challenge.
