Walpole wrestling kicked off their season a few weeks ago with an early loss to Natick, but responded well that with a good showing at the Wayland tournament on December 19 placing 6 out of 16 teams in a big tournament loaded with talent.  Senior Captain Harry Mourad (182 lbs) and Sophomore Tyler Splaine (106 lbs) have been the backbone of this year’s team – both are undefeated thus far in dual meet competition.

This year’s captains, seniors Harry Mourad, Owen Ross, Matt Hancock, and Charlie Groves are leading the team and hope to propel Walpole wrestling to success. Second year coach Sean Petrosino said, “Harry, Charlie, Matt and Owen have been some of the best group leaders I have ever seen in my 12 years of coaching. They are dynamite kids.”

The Rebels faced an early challenge as they competed against the Natick Redhawks on December 17 in the first home meet of the season. Walpole lost 54-21, but battled admirably with one of the state’s top ranked teams. Highlights from that meet included wins by Matt Rando at 220 lbs in a hard fought match, as well as a win for Mourad at 182 lbs and an impressive pin by Tyler Splaine at 106 lbs.

“The wrestlers showed a ton of character with how they fought with one of the best ranked teams in the state,” said Petrosino about his team after the meet. “I think [Natick] have a legit shot at winning the D2 State Championship.” 

The Rebel wrestling team, who have a majority of underclassmen, looks to continue to grow despite the struggles of the opening meet. Coach Petrosino said, “We are still a very young group, but we have shown great signs of growth from last year’s team.”

With continued development from their younger wrestlers, the Walpole Wrestling team has a very promising future.