Wrestling Finishes with a Spectacular Record
Exeter pulled off an impressive 16-3 record this season and finished strong second at New England and 14th in the country at nationals. Determined to improve last year’s 12-10 record, the team added new talent and wrestled with more vigor as a whole, leading to this year’s success. The wrestling season is always strenuous for the team, but the team fought through it together, completing an outstanding year.
At the season’s start, many people didn’t know how the season would end up, but with an influx of new talent, many of the returning wrestlers were motivated to have a better year. Big Red only had eight wrestlers returning from last season, but coaches Dave Hudson and Ethan Shapiro brought in three talented preps, Isaiah Bailey, Abhijay Bhatnagar and AJ Pedro, as well as post-graduate Stone Hart.
“This season was definitely looking bright with our three new experienced freshmen and Stone joining the team,” lower Josh Hemintakoon said. However, the team took nothing for granted, continuing to work hard throughout the season. Each member was happy with Exeter’s success for most of the season, but in retrospect, the team thought that it could have done better.”
Pedro and Hart were named All-American in the 152-pound weight class and the 285-pound class, both finishing second. “When AJ was named All-American, it was a great moment. It’s a huge accomplishment as a freshman. He put in the work this season and earned it,” Hemintakoon said. Hart’s success came as no shock to the team, coming in with a great reputation and a couple of unbeaten seasons to his name. Hart came in second at nationals by just one point to a heavy favorite from Choate.
Bailey and Hemintakoon also stood out as stars on the team. Bailey was not able to attend nationals but placed second in New England in the 113-pound weight division. Hemintakoon did not place at nationals but had a great season, finishing third in New England. Bhatnagar also finished second in New England.
Despite the wonderful season, the squad hopes to perform better next year. With the team ranked first in New England at the end of the regular season, coming in second was a disappointment. The team could have also finished within the top 10 at nationals. Only half of the invited national athletes could participate, making a top 10 finish a tough task. “As the season progressed, some gaps began to appear in our lineup. Not all of the weight classes were always filled,” lower Billy Baker said about the team’s tailing off at the end of the season. Being at a boarding school was not helpful in terms of team chemistry, which was lacking at times. “The problem with a wrestling team at a school like Exeter is that the team isn’t as close as teams at public schools,” Hemintakoon said. Baker did go on to say that the chemistry was better than in years past, however, and Hemintakoon agreed.
The team looks to do even better next season. The boys are using their second place finish in New England as motivation heading into next year. “Although we weren’t quite where we wanted to be this season, it is not a bad start for what the coaches have planned for the building of the Exeter wrestling program,” Pedro said. Second in New England is not a bad start.
Captains Sean Haggerty, Curran Sullivan and Noah Wright served as motivators for the team throughout the season. “The captains always helped to ready us for tournaments,” Baker said, “It was unfortunate that we couldn’t have gone out on top for them.” All three will be graduating this spring, along with Hart and senior Harry Warner. “We’re losing some key members to the team, but they [the captains] have said that they are happy with where we are as a group,” Pedro said.
Despite the loss, the team looks to improve. “We have a talented group of guys transferring here next year to wrestle, including two New England finalists and one public school finalist, and we have a chance to do something pretty special,” Pedro said. Hemintakoon also spoke about the team’s future. “We’ll definitely be stronger next year, the preps this year were amazing and all of us will only continue to get better.” Sullivan could not agree more. “We’re leaving the team in a good place. I speak for all of the captains in saying I am really proud of the guys. I believe the team will me much stronger next year. I’m excited to be able to come back and watch these guys next year.”
Who will lead the team is an interesting question. Hemintakoon seems like a leader, as he is one of the team’s top wrestlers and will be an upper next year. Kelvin Borges, Nick Felli, Stephan Geneu, and Hunter Voslow will all be seniors, and the talented preps who will be lowers are all looking to take leadership roles on the squad.
The future looks incredibly bright for Exeter wrestling, but the team will require continued fan support. Looking back on the season, the wrestlers remembered how big a factor the crowd was at each meet and tournament. As there was only one home meet, it was hard for the team. The crowds at prep schools all over New England and at nationals in Pennsylvania were relentless in their support of their team. “Expect to see big things out of our team next year, and we need the continued support of the student body to attend our matches and help motivate the team,” Pedro said.
With added talent, an improving core and more motivation than ever to win, Big Red is hungry for the New England and national championship next season.