Over the last 43 years, Wayland wrestling has quietly enjoyed its status as one of the most successful athletic programs at the high school. The team has won a total of 31 DCL titles, with the latest courtesy of  the 2008-2009 squad. This storied tradition, coupled with a #1 ranking in division three, has set the bar high for this year’s Warriors.

Last year, the team came in with relatively low expectations. Nobody could have foreseen the spectacular season that resulted in a combined 20-4-1 with a DCL championship, Sectional Championship, and a trip to the State Finals. It wasn’t at all a shabby showing for a team that had expected to have a down year. However, the Warriors lost a few key wrestlers from that team when the Class of 2009 graduated, including All-State place winner Joe Maccini and state finalist Bryant Wolf.

Still, this year’s team is poised to once again wreak havoc against the competition. Says captain Max Garelick, “There are big hopes this year with a lot of returning guys who can make an impact on the lineup.” The 14-man lineup features nine varsity starters returning from last season: sophomore Carter Shearer, juniors Griffin McGrail, Alex Gupta, Jean Mbudimbu and Kep Edwards, and seniors Sam Bagel, Greg Eng (Cpt.), Max Garelick (Cpt.), and Abe Freedberg (Cpt.). In addition to the returning starters, a number of returning JV wrestlers and incoming freshmen are expected to bring much new potential to the program.

Although the lineup looks strong, the season’s opponents will pose serious challenges. including six meets against teams ranked among last year’s top 25 in the state (Westford Academy, Pembroke, Shawsheen Tech, Quabbin, Winchester, and King Philip). Along with those match-ups, the schedule also includes a trip to the brutal Lowell Holiday Tournament and a Quad-meet against always-tough sectional foes, Hopkinton, Hudson, and Dedham. In addition, this year’s home meets include: Weston, Waltham, Newton South, Westford, the Division Three Central Sectional Tournament, and the DCL tournament. Said coach Sean Chase, “Tough competition in the regular season helps us in the postseason.”

The boys have once again begun their grueling workouts to prepare for individual success and a run at the team State Championship in February and March. Expectations are high for this season, but none of the team’s goals can be achieved without putting in the hard work and time it requires to be a champion.