Andover Wrestling Co-Captain Colton Dempsey ’12 made history in Andover’s meet against Worcester Academy when he earned his 86th win and moved up to seventh place on Andover’s all time ranking. His efforts earned him this week’s Athlete of the Week honors.

Take us through the match.

I had to bump up to the 160lb class because Anthony Tedesco ’12 was sick and couldn’t wrestle. I wrestled [Worcester Academy’s] captain, who was a very strong kid. Our team’s main rule is to get the pin as quickly as possible, so I took him right to his back right away and went for the pin.

Did you know before the match what a win would mean?

Actually, I haven’t really been keeping track of my victories. I’m usually more concerned with the final result at the end of the season for the team than my own personal achievements. But the win is definitely still exciting.

What do you think makes you so good at wrestling?

I think my strong point is my technique. I love learning all the different moves and using chain wrestling, which is basically fast-paced wrestling where every move is followed immediately by another. I’m pretty good at thinking on my feet like that.

When did you start wrestling?

Well, I had been rolling around with my dad on the carpet my whole life, but I really started wrestling in third grade.

How do you and Co-Captain Brandon Sneider ’12 lead the team?

I’m usually more of a quiet voice who helps people out on a personal level. Sneider does a great job keeping the team energy and morale up in practices and meets.

What sort of training do you do for wrestling?

I train year-round at home and school. During the school year in the offseason I train with Doughboy, a wrestling club out of Lowell, Mass. In the summer, I wrestle with Team Connecticut and occasionally Team New Jersey.

What are your personal and team goals for the season?

Personally, I’d like the win New Englands for the third time in row, as well as the tournament that happens before that. I came in 5th nationally last [year], so I’d really like to reach the finals of Prep Nationals. I’d like the team to finish in the top two in New England. Obviously I’d love a first place finish, but I think top two is a good, realistic goal.