The EBHS Wrestling Team: A Family, on and off the Mat

The wrestling team at EBHS is not defined by their wins and losses, but for the bonds they all share, and their drive for improvement through the mental and physical strains they all face, both on and off the mat. The 2019-2020 season is EBHS wrestling’s second year as a co-ed team, with the first two female student athletes, Kayleigh Duffy, 10, and Anushka Karande, 11, showing that women play hard too. Together, they are giving their blood, sweat, and tears, to make EBHS history once again.

Wrestling is a very difficult sport, and wins and losses are not always a true reflection of a team and their strengths. Coach Langel expressed that “the team is in a rebuilding process, but EBHS has a proud wrestling history and we are planning to bring that back. The guys and girls that are part of the team now are laying the groundwork for the future of EBHS Wrestling.” With practice six days a week, Coach Langel made it clear to the wrestlers “that we would not be judging the year by wins and losses. The season was all about improving.” Going into next season, the EBHS Wrestling team hopes to continue improving every day and reach a 0.500 record. Captain, and senior, Kerem Celik has high hopes for the team after he graduates. “I know for a fact that the younger classmen will achieve this goal, especially with Coach Langel,” he said.

The wrestlers at EBHS share something very special together that sets them apart from any other winter sports team. Both the players and their coach agree that they all share a unique bond for a unique team. Being a team consisting of both girls and boys, Anushka Karande, 11, mentions that “we train together, do matches together, all of that stuff. but technically we have different tournaments and weight classes and have different requirements for matches, but it’s all a big supportive team.”

“We are like a family, there for each other in times of success, as well as defeat,” senior Steven Moccio commented.