After a successful season last year, the boys wrestling team has big shoes to fill as they start their 2025 season. Last year, the team had their first undefeated season on its way to winning the D2 State Sectional Championship, and six of the boys managed to place at the RI State Championships.
A successful season for the Lions would be winning the regular season title along with the postseason titles.
This year’s team will have to find success without four key senior members from last year: Issa Ghazal, Samuel Rodrigues, Aaron Bolduc, and Owen Lewis.
“Obviously it is always tough when you lose seniors from a team that you won multiple championships with, but I am so proud of them and how hard they worked to be one of the best groups to wrestle at Lincoln,” said Coach Tuorto.
The team will have to utilize every member of the team to maintain this success.
“Everyone brings a unique skillset to our team. In order for us to have this continued success we have had, we are going to rely on everyone,” said Tuorto.
But this loss won’t stop the team from giving all they have and doing their absolute best.
“We have a great group of guys who will give 100% every time they step on the mat,” said senior John Nicoll. “As a team we always focus on getting better day by day.”
Every person on the team is necessary for the success of last season to continue and for the team to function as a whole.
Senior Jaxon Sherlock explained that one of the team’s main goals for the season is to continue to improve.
“After coming back from a good season, as a team we want to accomplish winning sectionals again,” he said. “We also placed 5th at states so we want to repeat that or do better.”
However, according to Tuorto this sport is not just about winning.
“It is about molding young student athletes into successful people both in their sport and outside of it,” he said. “Seeing their successes in high school and then how they take those lessons into their lives is one of the most rewarding experiences.”
First year wrestler, Samuel Masanz, knows this season is not going to be easy and is ready to put in the work. He is dedicated and determined to give his best effort with every match he competes in.
“I’m definitely expecting it to be a challenge, but I know it will be a rewarding experience,” he said. “My goal for the season is to make sure I’m always giving it my all, because then I’ll have no regrets no matter the outcome of my matches.”
