Only one more match was left when the score was 33-34. Our wrestlers were having an intense meet with Westford Academy, and the score was not in Wayland’s favor. Throughout the entire meet the tension never lessened; the lead changed after nearly every match. Up to the very last minute, our wrestlers made the opponents suffer, while cheering and shouting out advice to their Warrior teammates until their voices were gone, and none ever hinted at the possibility of being defeated.

Abe Freedberg (class of 2010), bearing the weight of determining the victor of the meet, did his best to keep his shoulder blades from touching the mat. Although his position suggested that he was going to get pinned right away, he extended the waiting time to tell Westford that Wayland Warriors fight until the very end. In the end, the cheers could be heard from the other side of the mat. Westford won, but our wrestling team was one to be proud of.



Leadership emerged from every member of the team. Particularly impressive was Bryant Wolf (class of 2009), a varsity wrestler, who approached some wrestlers on the JV team and told them to stand up and get more involved. Nail-biting matches were going on at the time, and Bryant recognized the importance of supporting all team members at all times, not only mentally but also physically. Although these moments pass by in a blink of an eye, they tell more about the team than any possible victory over Westford.

All members of the team wrestled well, but Ross Cunningham (class of 2009) especially showed the audience that with endurance and courage, one could overturn an unfavorable situation dramatically. After ferocious wrestling, he finally pinned his opponent, and the crowd went crazy, Coach Parseghian jumping into the air like a mad rabbit, and teammates hugging and shaking hands with Ross. Although the lead he created was temporary at this meet, Wayland Wrestling Team knew how to compete in a satisfying and meaningful way.



With the team members’ supportive mindset, leadership, and ability to wrestle exceptionally well, Wayland Wrestling has come far. The loss against Westford Academy can be regarded as insignificant if the team members continue with these values. Good results will naturally follow, and you can bet on it.