By Dean Koenig ’21
As the Pingry wrestling season approaches its end, the team prepares for some upcoming tournament play. Last year, Brandon Spellman (VI) was the only wrestler to make the State Tournament, and Coach George Sullivan says that he wishes “to expand on that this year.” Spellman has put together a fantastic final season, attaining a 27-4 record. In addition, he was the champion of the Pandy Leh tournament, the Hunterdon Central Invitational, and County Championships. He was even named the Outstanding Wrestler of the County Championships.
Zach Dobson (VI) was also a champion of the Pandy Leh tournament for his weight class and finished second at the Hunterdon Invitational and county championships. He finished the season with a 27-2 record.
The team experienced a series of injuries, but younger wrestlers were able to step up and fill in the gaps. Coach Sullivan said that “the team has battled and maintained a competitive spirit all season.” If this spirit is kept throughout the district tournament, the team could send more wrestlers to the regional and state tournaments. Heavyweight wrestler Ore Shote (IV) commended this year’s senior class: “they paved the way for what is to come.”