Blair wrestlers suit up for the new season

From duds to studs, the last few years of Blair's wrestling program have been an unexpected joyride, turning the once pathetic team into one of the most respected in the county. The wrestling team hopes to continue its winning tradition of 12-1 and 11-2 in the past two years, but continuing the success may not be easy.

Blair's "studs," such as 2000 graduate Jeff Edelstein, 2001 graduate Camilo Rincon, and 2002 graduates Cuong Vo, Mike Immerman and Mario Bracamontes, a two-time county champ, have helped to make the program what it is today with the help of Coach Jake Scott. Alumni Kevin Moose, who is now a teacher at Blair, Son Luc and Jeff Levine have also helped to build the program as assistant coaches in recent years.

The team only retains three of last year's varsity wrestlers: junior Scott Nguyen at 112, senior Jacob Johnson at 119 and junior Hansel Cedeno at 171.

A winning season may be harder than ever to achieve, however. Currently, the line-up has holes in three weight classes: there are no wrestlers for the 103, 145 and 215 positions. Opposing teams will automatically receive six points, as much as for a pin, for every vacant spot in Blair's lineup.

On Friday, Dec 6, Magruder High School will hold the annual "Big M" tournament, in which Blair wrestlers will compete.