The Hyde School Phoenix varsity wrestlers, minus several key starters, made the long trip to Northfield, MA to compete in a meet against four Class A League schools.  Hyde dropped a decisive 68 - 12 decision to the host Hoggers in the opening round, then beat Wilbraham Monson Academy 42 - 29 before squaring off against Tilton School (ranked 11th in Class A) in a rematch of the December meet where the Phoenix prevailed.

The critical moment in the Tilton match came at 189 pounds where Tilton’s McQuade was able to avenge an earlier loss to Hyde senior Nico Figueroa.  With the tie broken,  the meet ended in Tilton’s favor 42 - 36.

Hyde faced sixth ranked Choate -Rosemary Hall in the final match of the day, and the Phoenix proved that ultimately attitude and effort are greater determinants of success than any other factors.  Several Hyde wrestlers “woke up” and wrestled their best matches of the day including junior 285 Chip Wohlstetter and the aforementioned Figueroa.  At 103 pounds, Hyde senior Zoe Dorian needed just 27 seconds to make short work of her opponent and set a tone that her teammates would follow.  Senior 140 Luke Locatell used an offensive explosion to secure a pin and sophomore 152 Ryan Sunshine continued to wrestle better and better with every opportunity scoring a second period pin himself.  Once again coming down to the match at 189, Nico Figueroa redeemed himself in grand style with a pin, and Hyde secured the 42 - 36 victory.

Standouts on the day include Dorian (4-0), junior 145 Jon Levitt (4-0), and sophomore 119 Gage Hackett (2-2).  Gage has been working hard for a season and a half, and has had to measure his improvement in intangible ways until yesterday.  Against Wilbraham Monson and against Tilton, Gage found the answers and was able to link techniques until he earned his first varsity wins with two impressive pins!  Great job Gage!

The Phoenix return to the mat on the 30th at our final quad meet of the season, hosted by Worcester Academy.  Special appreciation has to be given to “Team Ingalls” and to Chip’s dad Alan for making the trip to support the team!  Thanks so much for your effort in supporting the team.  On behalf of the whole team, we greatly appreciate it!