The Rye wrestling team is in an untenable position through no fault of their own. Because they lack wrestlers to compete in all weight classes, they start each match in a deep hole.
By Melanie Cane
The Rye wrestling team is in an untenable position through no fault of their own. Because they lack wrestlers to compete in all weight classes, they start each match in a deep hole.
“We have the talent, we just lack the numbers,” said head coach Matt Beatty.
In their meet against Horace Greeley January 5, the Garnets won five of eight matches, but gave up four forfeits. Among the winners were Jeff Dempsey (145-pound weight class), Ben Breitel (152), and Joe Simolacaj (170). The trio all won on points, but Alex Raynor (138) rounded out the group of victors with a pinfall.
“He’s a nice but tough kid who hates to lose,” said Beatty of Raynor.
The score was tied 19-19 after the matches, but the forfeits equated to a 43-19 loss for the Garnets.
“We considered it a tie,” said Dempsey, a senior captain. “We understand that no matter how many of us win, we may still lose as a team. That’s why we focus more on the tournaments than on dual meets.”
Beatty says the boys don’t get upset about their situation – they understand it’s a life lesson.
In the Scarsdale tournament January 7, four Rye wrestlers advanced to the semifinals in their respective weight class. Simolacaj, who has dropped down to the 170-pound class from 180, placed third overall. He has had an outstanding year, boasting a record of 18-3.
Dempsey had a difficult start to the season, but due to some adjustments in his technique, the senior has bounced back with a vengeance. He finished fifth in his weight class and is currently 11-8.
Fritz Zahringer, who Beatty complimented for his “slick moves”, also took a bronze finish at Scarsdale, and is having a great season at 15-5.
Rye’s next meet is January 17 at rival Harrison.
