Wrestling (8-0-2) competed in the National Prep Championships this week, a tournament featuring the best wrestlers in the nation. Due to the event’s high level of competition and demanding standards, Andover was only permitted to send nine wrestlers to represent the team at this elite tournament. Over two days filled with intense matches, Andover’s girls collectively placed third, while its boys placed 43rd.
The team faced many experienced wrestlers, often of higher seeds, and, as such, it would have to rely on its immense preparation and hard work. One of Andover’s athletes, Co-Captain Ophelia Lee ’26, described one of her toughest matches of the season.
“I went into the tournament unseeded, and my bracket was pretty difficult at 126 [lbs]. I wrestled aggressively and offensively, and in the consolation round, I wrestled the fourth seed in the bracket and won against her. I’m really proud of that match. It was probably the best I’ve wrestled all season,” said Lee.
Throughout the tournament, several Andover athletes found themselves at a disadvantage in their matches. However, despite the skill of the competition, the team never gave up, wrestling its very best until the final whistle. Devin Akyali ’29 described his second match of the tournament, which highlighted the grit of wrestling.
“I was losing 6–1, but I was able to keep fighting, work hard, and not give up to get that pin. My coaches were really supporting me from the corner, and that meant a lot to me to win that match. It really made the whole tournament feel worth it, and it was a big deal to me,” said Devin Akyali.
Devin Akyali also highlighted standout performances from his teammates, while providing a sense of the energy and scale of the tournament. He praised Co-Captain Tasha Bohorad ’26, Brady Haskell ’28, and Serra Akyali ’28.
“Tasha had a great match to get third. Brady had some good matches. Serra got a win against a girl she’s wrestled a lot of times before. The match was pretty stressful and intense, and the difference was only one takedown. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of people there. The stadium is huge, and the whole place is filled with amazing wrestlers,” said Devin Akyali.
Whether it be at practice or right before a teammates match, the team came together as one to support one another, according to Toni Elliot ’27. She elaborated on the team’s sense of unity.
“When we were sitting in the stands watching, whenever somebody was on the mat, we would tell each other, ‘Brady’s going right now,’ or ‘It’s Tasha,’ so you knew that people were paying attention to you and watching you. During the final matches all of the girls came down by the mats to watch. They were cheering, and also talking to you before the matches,” said Elliot.
The team will battle Exeter on Saturday at 3 p.m.
