Above: Dylan Ebanks '17 clinches the
2015 CHSAA state championship.

Sports Update: Wrestling Fights for Playoff Berth 

By Billy Malewich '12

While wrestlers are some of the most physically fit and overall best athletes at any level, the sport goes unnoticed by many people. It can be argued that wrestlers are some of the most dedicated athletes to their craft because of the training regimens they undertake simply to meet their weight class standards. Xavier’s team is no exception, as some of the best athletes on 16th Street can be found on the wrestling mat.

As a team, the Knights have four wins and six losses but are improving at each and every meet. Xavier guidance counselor and assistant wrestling coach Joseph Gugliemo commented about the team: “We have a very young team, but the wrestlers are tough and working hard to get better every day. Our senior leaders have been grinding hard at practice, and our young guys have picked up the sport quickly. It's been a fun and exciting season.”

While the team is still searching for its identity, individual wrestlers have carried the load. Cole Struthers ’20 is off to a hot start at the 99 lb. weight class. His scrappy style and tireless work ethic have helped him earn a 5-1 varsity record. Omar Mtarfi ’18 is ranked #4 in the city at 285 lbs. He is currently 3-1 as a varsity wrestler and took second place in the competitive Rahway Invitational in New Jersey. He is looking to improve from last year’s fourth place finish in the CHSAA state tournament.

Alfredo Luna '17 and Dylan Ebanks '17 have been the leaders of the team, on and off the mat. Luna has a 7-0 varsity record and took first place at Rahway. He is currently ranked #4 in New York City at 138 lbs. Ebanks is the #1 wrestler in New York City at 120 lbs. He currently has a 6-1 varsity record and is working hard to win his third straight state championship title.

For more information about Xavier Wrestling, click here.