The Forgotten Program: Wrestling

Wrestling is a sport that requires lots of skills, from strength to agility, and discipline, the sport of wrestling has been practiced and played since 2300 BC. In the mid-late 1960s, wrestling was first introduced to the high schools of the United States, and since then it has grown in popularity over the last 50+ years. 

At Waltham High School, we do have a wrestling team, founded in 1969, the wrestling team hasn’t been in the spotlight at all during their 52-year career. Although having some All-American wrestlers from this school over the years, pretty much no one follows the team. After talking to some of the wrestlers they all agreed how little their program is talked about. 

Senior Zachary Cox came to Waltham High in the fall of 2018 when he heard about this program. Intrigued by the idea, he decided to try it out, and he’s been happy with the decision ever since. Cox said the team isn’t too well known, noting “I don’t think the team is as well advocated and advertised as it should be. The wrestling team is comprised of the hardest workers at the high school, and to reach our full potential, we need more resources and attention from the school.” 

Cox isn’t wrong. We have people at this school who don’t even know the program exists. Senior Dante Distefano said, “I bet 50% of kids at Waltham High don’t even know we have a wrestling program.” Their space for practices is located in the back corner of the school, in the most isolated part of the school, not really gaining publicity among the general population of the school. Cox also thinks the program is underappreciated for what it has accomplished. “As a team, I feel as though we are under-appreciated because we have wrestlers that have competed at the New England (a competition of best wrestlers from New England) and the National level, unlike any other team at Waltham High School,” stated Cox.

WHS Senior Alessandro Torcasio has wrestled for the high school team since he was a freshman. Similar to Cox, Torcasio also joined the team at the suggestion of a friend. He has loved the decision ever since. Speaking about the culture of wrestling, Torcasio said, “The culture is one like a family, we spend too much time and effort pushing ourselves to our limits and we see the best and worst of ourselves. But, in the end, we are there for each other, and make ourselves better wrestlers and people.” Community is something the wrestling team cherishes and praises. “If there’s ever a problem or beef, you meet in the middle of the mat and battle it out,” says Distefano, “The match always ends in a handshake and a hug.”

With that being said the wrestling team has some big expectations for this season. Most of the team are seniors, so they have high hopes for a strong performance this year. The season will have its challenges despite the tireless training and dedication the team has devoted to the sport and each other. “With our main coach leaving and our season last year being canceled, it’s going to be hard to keep the same team dynamic as we had before,” said Distefano. 

Regardless of the lack of support they are given in the present day, and appreciation, the team believes in each other and what they can achieve. “I have high expectations for this season. We have a big senior class of wrestlers and some have been training throughout the offseason,” said Distefano. Torcasio shares this vision of big expectations for this season. “Some expectations I have is to end up with a winning record as a team and to have more guys place and make it to states.” 

The Waltham High School Wrestling Team kicks off its season on Saturday, December 11th against Lawrence High at Lawrence High School bright and early at 9:00 AM. Below is the schedule for their season:

Saturday, December 11th @Lawrence High School @9:00 AM

Wednesday, December 15th vs Newton South @7:00 PM

Saturday, December 18th @Wayland High School @9:00 AM

Wednesday, December 22nd vs Bedford @5:00 PM

Monday, December 27th @Framingham High School @9:00 AM

Wednesday, January 12th @Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School @5:00 PM

Wednesday, January 19th vs Weston @7:00 PM

Saturday, January 22nd @Methuen High School @9:00 AM

Wednesday, January 26th @Bedford High School @6:00 PM

Saturday, February 5th @Bellingham High School @9:00 AM

With a big senior class, with excellent leadership from captains Zach Cox and Dante Distefano, and with competitive, hardworking, and driven players, the wrestling team enters this season with high expectations. Let’s show them support and instead of lurking in the shadows, have the program shine in the spotlight.