Quickly pinning his opponent, Bennet Sherr ’17 aided Andover Boys Wrestling in toppling Noble and Greenough 49-22 it its season opener on Saturday. “We focused on the fundamentals, sticking to what we know best, like half nelsons, double leg takedowns,” said Tom Daly ’16 in an email to The Phillipian. “Regardless of the outcome, everyone wrestled a gutsy match,” said Alex Rubin ’14, “We’re a fairly technically sound team but we showed our capacity to work hard for a win.” Last year, the young team struggled to find its footing, finishing the season 5-6-0 but showing improvement with an impressive 11th of 46 at Nationals. This year, the team boasts a promising lineup led by Co-Captain James Palmer ’14 and Christain Vallis ’14, who earned the title of All-American as the top ranked New England wrestler in his weight class last season. “This year, we’ve got some great new additions to the team and the returners are working hard and taking a new mindset this year. Our lineup is looking consistent, so we’re hoping for a good dual meet season,” Rubin added. Sherr’s skill and quick thinking on the mat in his first game of the season are indicative of the promising talent and enthusiasm pervading the team. “I was definitely a little nervous before the match but I was also really pumped up for it,” said Sherr. “It was my first varsity high school match and I wanted to do well.” Andover hopes for another strong performance against North Andover this Saturday.
