With record snow inhibiting the practice and competition schedule all week, the Middlesex wrestlers overcame the obstacles and won all four matches this past weekend.

On Friday, the team faced off against Chapel Hill-Chauncey Hall and was victorious, 55 to 24. Key wins included Marcus Coward, who managed his most technical pin of the year at the three minute mark of the match, and Ted Pyne, who also mastered a pin in the quick time of one minute and ten seconds.

Captain Gabe Smith worked to a major decision 8-0 over his worthy opponent and the team gained momentum from that point forward.  Three consecutive pins by Jivan Purutyan, Nick Agee and Andrew Zhang were impressive to watch as each secured first period takedowns, mastering both balance and set-up positions to fully control the match.

George Morris controlled the match at 195 pounds, winning 6-1 and winning all three positions, neutral, top position, and bottom escape.  He narrowly missed achieving a major with a takedown near the edge of the mat at the end of the period.   Steve Zawada dominated his opponent in the heavyweight category and secured the pin midway through the second period. Naomi Hunt contributed a forfeit at 106lbs.
On Saturday, the Zebras traveled to Lexington, Massachusetts to face Lexington Christian Academy, where despite forfeiting three weight classes and handing the opponent 18 points, the team battled to a 43-36 victory.

Key pins by sophomore Marcus Coward and senior Will Baxter tipped the match in the visitors favor.  Jivan Purutyan mastered his opponent to a cradle ten seconds before the buzzer in the first period and Nick Agee worked all three periods to a major decision, 10-2.

Andrew Zhang hit a smooth takedown to quiet the home fans late into the second period and pinned his opponent with three seconds left in the second 2-minute period.  Steve Zawada looked unstoppable as he pinned his opponent in the first period.  George Morris was the constant professional, methodically pinning his opponent in 46 seconds.

Ted Pyne won 7-0; the freshman has stepped into the line-up and performed brilliantly, developing an aggressive but technical neutral position.

In the second match Saturday, Middlesex won all but one match, defeating Worcester Academy 57-12. Newcomer Gordon Hargraves pinned his opponent after securing the takedown in the first period and relentlessly looked for the pinning combination. This was his first win for the team this season and brought the wrestlers to their feet in support.

Also winning by pin was senior captain Gabe Smith, whose enthusiasm and energy quickly radiated through the entire team.  Freshman Ted Pyne won a tough battle securing the win with a 13-8 victory and Emily Yu picked up a forfeit to add 6 points.

The team rolled to its third victory of the day with a perfect match over Hyde Ct. 63-6, winning all contested matches and forfeiting just six points. Nick Agee was in exceptional form, clearly bringing his best performance to the mat with agility and movement.  His style has adapted and developed into a force to contend with in neutral, changing levels, pressures, and angles.  He secured the takedown and pinned his opponent in 56 seconds.

George Morris continued his professional approach, systematically working from hand control to a dominant inside takedown and eventual first period pin. Andrew Zhang and Ted Pyne were unstoppable as the confidence on the team grew.  They both pinned their opponents quickly in the first period. Gordon Hargraves finished the day with another pin, continuing to show improvement and potential.  

Naomi Hunt also competed at the Phillips Andover All-Girls Wrestling Invitational on Sunday and placed second.