In the 2024 season, the Danbury wrestling team suffered a dual loss to Fairfield Warde for the first time in 36 years. This heartbreaking, significant end to a long streak has motivated the team as it looks to reclaim its place atop the FCIAC.
The team focused on moving forward after facing their first matchup against Westhill High School on December 17. The team had a very dominant win over Westhill, taking a 74-6 score on the road.
Senior wrestler Anthony Valensuela recapped, “The win meant a lot for all the seniors, [as it was our] first match of the season and last match of [our] careers, especially to take it home 74-6.”
For the team, this was a big step forward, but especially for the seniors, this meant a lot in their last season to secure an early-season victory.
The focus is already shifting away from the win and back to preparing for the next match, with an emphasis on identifying improvements that can secure continued success and maintain the consistency this program is known for. The team has a match in Trumbull coming up, along with tournaments over the break.
As they work toward their season goals, the team continues to practice daily with a focus on improvement.
Manager Jackie Marks said, “The goal is to win FCIACs and for our wrestlers to place at opens and fill the spots we lost last year.”
With high expectations, the team must remain consistent, and captains must continue to give advice to the wrestlers along with the coaches.
Along with the physical consistency and effort, Marks believes the team must also focus on mental preparation, saying, “To keep winning, we have to work hard, keep a good mental state, and stay healthy.”
One challenge that remains difficult to control is injuries, which can become a major roadblock and potentially cut seasons short. The team aims to be efficient in practice to stay healthy enough to compete and win tournaments.
The Hatters will look to continue their momentum with a match in Danbury against Brian McMahon on January 7th, trying build a winning streak.
Valensuela added that the team “aren’t letting up with our training as we only want to continue to get better and win.”
