On Sunday, December 18, the MTA wrestling Lions had the opportunity to attend the Port Richmond High School Holiday Wrestling Tournament in Staten Island. The team warmed up with the captains’ lead and then set out to wrestle. After many tough matches, with coaches and captains shouting advice from the sidelines, MTA came out with three finalists and two wrestlers going for third place. Juniors Zachary Gurwitz in the 145 pound weight class and Benjy Bral in the 120 pound weight class both managed to reach third place. Senior Izzy Frasko placed first in the 220 pound weight class, while seniors Alex Knapp in the heavyweight class and Ariel Dubizh in the 138 pound weight class came in second in their divisions. The day was long and exhausting, and ended with the Lions taking seventh place. This was a great accomplishment with so many schools participating, but it wasn’t over for the team since there was another match the very next day.

On Monday, after the grueling tournament, the wrestling team took a bus to SAR High School. Immediately upon arrival, weigh-ins took place and warm-ups followed. The individual matches were brutal and strenuous, and by the end of the close match, SAR took the win. Although the loss was difficult, with dedication, integrity and hard work, the team is working its way back to where it should be.