Technically, wrestling season begins in November and ends in February. However, most of the wrestlers on Spalding’s team practice year-round. During the season, they practice six days a week if there are no matches or tournaments. The team is made up of 37 athletes, including two girls, among the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. Each wrestler competes at one of the 14 different weight classes.
Spalding Wrestling had an incredible season from start to finish! The biggest accomplishment of this dedicated team was achieving first place as a team in the MIAA tournament for the first time since 2011. Senior Sean Garretson and junior Zane Leitzel also took first place in their weight classes in this tournament.
Throughout the season, the team competed in many dual meets, as well as multiple tournaments. At Beast of the East at the University of Delaware, Zane Leitzel placed 8th. This was a big accomplishment as he was the first male wrestler from Spalding to place in this tournament in three years. To ring in the New Year, the team traveled to Ocean City, MD, for War on the Shore. Not only did Spalding capture the team first-place award, but Summer Mutschler, Eli Chesla, Sean Garretson, and Zane Leitzel all took first place individually in their weight classes. Next up came Ocean Lakes, which took place in Virginia Beach. Once again, Spalding captured the first-place team award! Charlie Mutschler, Eli Chesla, Sean Garretson, and Zane Leitzel also took first place individually.
Senior Night was a great night as the team took on Mount St. Joseph and also honored their six talented seniors: Sean Garretson, Rock Zang, Henry Gessford, Dylan Briles, Nicco Stellar, and Delmar White. The wrestling team came out on top yet again with a 46-30 win.
In the final tournament of the season, Sean Garretson and Zane Leitzel both took first place in their weight classes and became 2024-25 State Champions at the MD Independent Schools Tournament! To close out the season on an even higher note, head coach Mike Laidley received the MIAA Coach of the Year Award, along with Sean Garretson, Zane Leitzel, and Henry Gessford all earning spots on the 2024-25 All-MIAA Wrestling team.
The dedication and determination of this team were seen throughout the season. They all worked hard and gave it their all in every match. This talented team had a very impressive season and is already looking forward to next year!
