Boys Varsity wrestling gets taken down by Novato despite individual match wins
The AWHS boys Varsity wrestling team took on Novato High School in a dual meet Wednesday, Feb. 2 at AWHS. While the Falcons had five individual wins, the Hornets had twice as many players and came out with the win 51-18.
Of the fourteen weight classes, the Falcons competed in 6 of them (132, 138, 145, 160, 170, 220). Novato’s large team and full weight class representation mandated the Falcons’ forfeit. The weight classes were not represented, putting the score at the start of the meet down 24-0.
AWHS is one of the smaller teams in Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) and of the 11 team members, four are out with injuries, which left AWHS with seven available wrestlers on Wednesday.
“I feel that with a full team where no one is injured we could be able to compete with the top teams in MCAL” said coach Mark McKenzie.
Sophomore Alex McKenzie, who wrestles in the 135 pound weight class, pinned his opponent in the second three minute round, giving Alex the win. Both Alex and his twin brother, sophomore John McKenzie, have yet to be pinned this season.
“I was worried at the start because it seemed like he was stronger than me but with a few pointers from our bench I was able to make the adjustment and get the pin,” Alex said.
Freshman Donovan Traub, who wrestles in the 175 weight class, suffered a bloody nose and lip during the first round of his match. He was able to come back in the second round and win against a Novato senior 5-0.
According to junior Kestler Lloyd, it’s essential for players to train hard to ensure strength over their opponents during meets. Kestler, who wrestles in the 162 weight class, won his match with a pin.
Even with this recent match loss, the coach remains optimistic about the future of the wrestling program.
“Over half our team is young and they will continue to grow as wrestlers and I can’t wait to coach them through this development,” McKenzie said.
The Falcons are looking to end the season on a high note with a win at the last meet of the season Sunday, Feb. 6 at El Camino.
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Ellis is a sophomore, starting his second year in journalism. He enjoys playing volleyball and video games, and watching football. You can find Ellis strategically...
