This week, Averill Park’s varsity wrestling team traveled North up Route 351 to participate in the Wasaren Tournament at nearby Tamarac High School. This tournament is the final tune up of the season before the Class B tournament at Mohonasen.

And while the team impressively came in second out of the large twenty team field, we’d like to focus specifically on the performances of two particular wrestlers.

First, junior Chad Rist. For the third time this season Chad came in first in his weight class. And while Chad was not the only AP wrestler who excelled on this day, with Sean Malenfant once again winning his weight class as well and winning the trophy for Most Outstanding Wrestler in the whole tournament, Nick Tempel and Mason Lumbra finishing in 2nd, Alex Cooper 3rd and Nate Fisher and Jacob Hanlon 4th, the note worthy part of Chad’s performance is how much he has grown as a wrestler so fast. While the majority of the above mentioned wrestlers continue to excel in part to be introduced to wrestling while in elementary school, Chad first starting wrestling last year as a sophomore. Keep up the good work Chad and for any other high schoolers thinking about possibly joining the team next year, let Chad’s success be an example of what hard work and commitment could bring.

The next wrestler in this week’s spotlight is Jacob Hanlon. Jake has brought stability to the 99lb weight class for Averill Park all year. A 7th grader, Jake is consistently wrestling and beating high schoolers several years older than him. Jake has finished in the top four in 3 of the 5 tournaments he participated in this year and while an injury will prevent him from participating in the Class B tournament, his first year on varsity was an huge success. Well done Jake.

Good luck to all the AP wrestlers participating in the Class B tournament and for those who are not and whose season is over, congrats on a successful season.