Wrestlers hang up their headgear

FEB 5, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM-

With only two weeks and one match standing between Blair's wrestling team and the county tournament, the blazers had hoped to make a stand for the final match in their season against Whitman high school. However, losses in key weightclasses and four forfeits gave Whitman the edge in the match, leading to a 27-43 downfall.

The match began with a rough start, consisting of two forfeits in 112 and 125 weightclasses, a pin in the 103 weightclass, and a nail-biting last-minute come-back match for senior Jacob "Moose" Johnston (119).

The scoreboard read 3-15 until a first-period pin in the 130 and a forfeit in the 135 weightclasses - both in Blair's favor - evened out the score for a tied match.

This response was short-lived, though. Whitman wrestlers answered right back, earning 19 straight points in the next four matches. The score now 34-15, Blair faced a deficit too great to possibly overcome.

But the Blazers would not go without a fight. Juniors Hansel Cedeno and Muamba Muanankese, both currently ranked first in the county for their weightclasses, were successful in upholding their title, pinning their opponents and earning Blair's only other points.

Coach Jacob Scott had high expectations for the meet, especially as the later match-ups are much more significant. "These last few meets are the ones that really count for the tournament."

This meet was not just the last home-match of the season, it was the last home-match for the seniors. Captain Jacob Johnston (119), Nick Steward (135), and Mohammed Bah (145) have only have only one match remaining in their high school careers. Before the match, Johnston and Steward motivated the team, aiming for a final victory under Blair's roof. The motivation was not enough, however, as the match slipped through the wrestlers' fingers.

Johnston, despite his victory, was disappointed with the meet. "It was great to win my last home-match," Johnston said. "But it was very discouraging that the team lost."

The team has high anticipations for the next match, which will be against Wooten. "I know we'll come up strong in our final match."

Although this year produced a team not as strong as it had been in the past. In the last two years, the Blair's wrestlers have yielded seasons of 21-1 and 11-2. The current 3-9 pales in comparison to the past records.

The 2003-2004 season appears to turn out more promising for Blair. This year, we lost eight varsity seniors, which played a large role in the season's outcome. However, for next season, only Johnston, Steward and Bah will need replacing. The rest of the team will have the oppurtunity to wrestle for Blair next year.

The last meet of the season will take place on Saturday, February 8 at Wooton high school. The county tournament will be held at Blair two weeks following that match.