Wrestlers win by pin

DEC 12, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM—

The wrestling team continued to dominate opponents in a 60-18 victory over Einstein High School, bringing its overall record to 2-0 after beating Good Counsel High School 61-12 last Wednesday, Dec 5.

With the exception of three weight classes forfeited by Einstein, every single match was determined by a pin. Winning by pin has been strongly emphasized by Blair coaches in practice. "Our intensity was evident through our commitment to pinning our opponents rather than being content with a narrow win on points," said senior co-captain Michael Immerman.

Out of Blair's seven pins, four came after the first period. Senior Zach Davis pinned his opponent with just six seconds left in the match after a 13-3 lead from takedowns, reversals and back points. Immerman had complete control over his opponent in all three periods but was only able to get the pin with 35 seconds left in the match.

Coach Jake Scott was pleased with the win but felt Blair could do better. "We spent too much time on the mat," he said. "We are not ready for the best yet."

Scott specifically mentioned a valiant effort by sophomore Hansel Cedeno against "renowned wrestler" Matt Butler, though Cedeno eventually lost the match. Senior Brian Drewry, who pinned his opponent in just 64 seconds, drastically improved his backstep, according to Scott.

Drewry was among the Blair wrestlers who did well at Magruder's annual "Big M" tournament on Dec 7 and 8, placing sixth in the 275-pound weight class. Senior Mario Bracamontes placed first in the 125-pound weight class, making him the first Blazer to accomplish this feat in 20 years.

Immerman and senior Ryan Brown placed third in the 135 and 152-pound weight classes respectively. Sophomore Scott Nguyen placed fourth in the 103-pound weight class.

Nguyen wrestled in the tournament despite an ankle injury, but he did not wrestle in either dual meet because the opposing teams forfeited the matches in his weight class.

Senior Cuong Vo left the tournament with an ankle injury sustained in his third match, having won his first two. Partly due to Vo's absence, sophomores Ben Payes and Ben Silsbee were moved up to wrestle varsity against Einstein.

Last year, Blair went 13-1, losing only to Paint Branch High School. The Blazers rank among the best wrestling teams in the county, only behind Paint Branch and possibly Damascus, according to Scott.

Meets against Paint Branch on Jan 4 and Sherwood High School on Feb 2 will be Blair's toughest matchups, especially without last year's key seniors Camilo Rincon and Taylor Simpson.