2/20/25 Highlight: Varsity Wrestling

By SERENA YUE and JADE YOO

Last weekend, the gym shook with the cheers of over 300 wrestlers from 55 schools, who arrived at the Thompson Field House where Phillips Exeter Academy hosted the 2025 New England Preparatory School Wrestling Association Championships. During this two-day event, Exeter’s varsity wrestling team competed in multiple incredible matches with some of the best wrestlers in New England. 

Lower Logan Beckerle described, “The tournament overall went well and without much issue. I believe as a team, we had a tough time against some steep competition. However, I think we wrestled super hard.” 

Nevertheless, there were some notable achievements made by Big Red. Konrad Kutt placed 7th at 157, Ting-Ting Hsieh placed 3rd at 107, Bella Bueno placed 2nd at 165, and Avni Murarka placed 4th at 235. These four wrestlers will attend the National Prep tournament at Lehigh University that will take place this week. Exeter ended up finishing 23rd in the prep division and 7th in the girls’ division. 

Senior Bella Bueno recalled, “We’ve been training for these tournaments all season — mentally and physically. Whether it’s doing sprints, practicing takedowns, or drilling live, we work every day to push ourselves further and become faster, tougher, and more confident wrestlers.”

Prep Avni Murarka agreed, “We practice the entire season for moments like these.”

Now, the team looks forward to their E/a duel. Beckerle said, “I know me and other returners are excited to get back on the mat ahead of our E/a duel on March 1st,” reinforcing the excitement around this iconic challenge. The wrestling team trains hard, preparing to finish off their season on a strong note. 

Murarka said, “In the upcoming season, I’m looking forward to getting better at wrestling, learning more about wrestling, and bringing more girl wrestlers to this team.”

Bueno added, “It’s been incredible to see girls’ wrestling grow at Exeter. In Exeter’s history, there have been either no girls, one girl, or two girls on the team. This year, we have eight. I have been so grateful to get to see such a large group of female wrestlers join the team and thrive in competitions.”

As the team grows, so does its spirit. This tournament is a testament to all the hard work and dedication the wrestlers have put in this season, paving the way for future victories.