For the first time in a decade, the Rye Country Day wrestlers lost to Martin Luther High School at home January 16, 48-9.

 

By Melanie Cane

 

For the first time in a decade, the Rye Country Day wrestlers lost to Martin Luther High School at home January 16, 48-9. That’s only part of the story. The team is down six wrestlers — three to injuries, including a concussion, and three to the flu. Due to all the holes in their lineup, the Wildcats started the match down by 24 points in forfeits. In addition to the injuries and illness, the team has many freshmen, including Max Pil and Curtis Wilson, and no seniors. Coach Rich Knazik is unfazed, calling this season a “rebuilding year.” He’s confident the team will continue to battle and grow.

 

Junior Co-Captains George Matelich and Dylan Bronson have been wrestling extremely well, with Matelich named “most outstanding wrestler” at a dual match against Byram Hills on January 12.

 

For the Martin Luther match, Bronson was bumped up a weight class, from 152 to the 160-pound bracket, but still pinned his opponent. Matelich wrestled competitively in an exciting match that went into overtime, before narrowly losing, 4-3.

 

The latest matches brought Bronson’s season record to 13-4 and Matelich’s to 14-3.

 

The Wildcats have five more matches, including the Fairchester Athletic Association tournament on January 26.