This winter, one of Wayland High School’s most successful athletic programs enjoyed yet another winning season, losing only one meet and finishing with an overall record of 25-1. The team won the DCL championship along with sectionals behind the leadership of captains Michael Connell, Cole Elias, Jared Thompson and Charlie Tillett.

According to head coach Sean Chase, wrestling differs from other sports and there are several components necessary for success.

“Step one to any team is can you fill 14 weight classes,” Chase said. “What makes it different from other sports is, if you don’t have a wide receiver in football or a power forward in basketball you can still put somebody who plays another position at that spot. In wrestling, if you don’t have a 106 pounder you can’t put someone there that weighs 120 or 140.”

Of all the highlights the team enjoyed throughout the season, Chase believes a few rank above the rest.

“Beating Lincoln-Sudbury was exciting. We haven’t beat them in six years. The Westford Academy match sealed us the DCL, which was certainly a thrilling victory,” Chase said.

Chase describes in team in an overall positive light, describing them with one word.

“Fearless. Absolutely fearless. I mean that. Fearless because they have confidence in their ability has a team and as a group, and there are times where I am not as confident as they are going into matches and meets,” Chase said. “They firmly believe they can beat anybody in the state, which is pretty cool.”