The 2017-2018 wrestling team showed their gratitude to the wrestling alumni at their first ever quad match in the Cage. The well attended event featured an a cappella voice group from Middlesex (a former wrestler) singing the national anthem, four competitive wrestling teams from Lexington Christian, Portsmouth Abbey, and Lawrence Academy, and a reunion of the Wrestling Alumni from years past.  This was all featured on the inaugural rolling out of the new mat donated by the parents and alumni with the center hammer and anvil.

The team was up to the challenge by winning all three matches on the day; Middlesex 75, Lexington Christian 0, Middlesex 60 Lawrence Academy 12, and Middlesex 45 Portsmouth Abbey 36.

The first match out of the gates would feature wins by Alene Fernandes, who secured a pin in the second period. Jaden Chew managed to score 18 points in his back and forth match, finally winning by pin.  Two masterful pins by Dante Gutbrod and Ted Pyne solidified the victory for the Zebras.  In the upper weights, a close battle at 182 lbs finally ended with Jack Canniff winning by a score of 3-2. Alek Kebabjian added a first period pin to end the match.

Next up, Middlesex faced Portsmouth Abbey, who defeated the Zebras last season. This year, the team would not be denied.  Peter Daichman and Michael Acevedo both managed first period pins giving the team an early lead it would not relinquish.  Diego Flores got the crowd to its feet after a heart stopping near fall and reversal to win the match in the final few seconds.  He won the close match 10 to 8.  Dante Gutbrod and Ted Pyne both worked their opponents over to record first period pins.  Excellent wrestling in the heavier weights by Sean Tanabe, Jack Canniffe, Derek Delaine and Alek Kebabjian were enjoyed by the lively crowd. The final score Middlesex 45, Portsmouth Abbey 36.

Lastly, the Zebras faced ISL opponent Lawrence Academy, who have an impressive new coach and young team. The final match on the day featured Alek Kebabjian bumping up a weight class to take on the 220lb wrestler from Lawrence. The see-saw match witnessed a few change of control positions of which any could have ended the match.  With the crown on its feet, Alek reversed his position and pinned his opponent ending the match with a score of Middlesex 60, Lawrence Academy 12.  Sam Ferrone, Michael Acevedo, Dante Gutbrod, and Ted  Pyne were also victorious, securing the win.

It was a great day for the Middlesex Wrestling team and a big thank you to all the Alumni who made the trip and supported the team!