Wrestling Pins Down Borough Championship
A John Dewey wrestler endures an uncomfortable moment against the Hornets January 24. Photo: Continental Studios
By LEQIAN YU and BELINDA YONG
It’s been a strange year for the wrestling team.
The athletes had to grapple with an on-again-off-again season and canceled-then-revived tournaments, but despite the ups and downs, the team was able to place first in the Borough Championships, becoming number one in Brooklyn.
They then took that energy to the City and State Championships. Even though many of the team’s members were new to the sport, 12 wrestlers qualified for City Champs.
“The thrill of winning a medal at the borough or city championship can easily justify months of tough training and long Saturdays spent in overcrowded gymnasiums,” said head coach Mr. Michael Dowd.
The boys also placed first in a tournament at Murrow High School, and second with 137 points in a tournament at Michael J. Petrides High School.
“What led this team to a lot of wins was our hard work,” said Jeffrey Garcia '22, a captain. “Every day we worked so hard to become better not only on the mats but off of them. This really showed in our performance as a team. That’s why we’re the number one team in Brooklyn.”
“I feel like our main strengths are communication and eagerness,” said Raymond Chen '25. “As a team, we are always eager to strive and be the best. We would go to different practices outside of school and work out together. Plus, I feel like we have a tight bond formed by trust and communication. It’s like a second family.”
In January, it looked like the state tournament would be canceled due to Covid precautions and varying vaccine mandates. “The city won’t let us wrestle anybody outside of New York City,” head coach Michael Dowd said at the time. “That means [the team] can't go up to Albany in February to wrestle the guys in the rest of the state to see who's number one. That would be a huge disappointment for any city champion if they are not allowed to go to states.”
However, after a Covid vaccination rule change, qualified wrestlers were allowed to take the trip after all.
While they weren’t able to bring a trophy back from Albany, Evin Gursoy '25 placed 3rd at the New York State Championships at the MVP Arena on February 25 to 26, with a score of 5-1, and became the first ever freshman at Midwood to place at states.
“Ending the season was amazing but emotional,” said Chen. “We’ve had so many accomplishments throughout these months.”
The season started out later than usual on November 1, with practice every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. The team usually spent the first 20 minutes setting up and mopping the floor and mats, which they would clean up after practice.
The Hornets had to adapt to a no-spectator policy for matches, designed to limit the spread of Covid-19, as well as a mask requirement.
“The masks have taken a toll,” said Alexander Roberts '22. “It is hard to breathe when wrestling, which is a strenuous sport. It just stops us from being as strong as we should be.”
On December 20, the season was abruptly cut short due to concerns about the Omicron variant. After two weeks, meets resumed on January 3. Most of the boys were glad to be back on the mat.
“We’re still happy because we get to wrestle,” said Adam Hamouche, a freshman. “I don't think it’s fully safe because wrestling requires a lot of contact, but I’m still happy that I get to wrestle more.”
“I’m glad we’re resuming the games,” said Makzim Semkiv ‘23, a captain. “I think everybody’s excited to go back. We have new Covid precautions that we have to follow, and we’re wearing a mask.”
Timothy Babayev '23 wrestles an opponent during the city championships at Harry S. Truman High School. Photo: Michelle Murillo
Last year’s season was canceled completely as NYC public schools went remote and sports were largely limited due to Covid precautions. Both the coaches and wrestlers were grateful to return to action this year.
“It’s been a really great season,” said Mr. Dowd. “We have a lot of new guys with a really good attitude, and everyone’s working really hard.”
“Wrestling isn't easy,” said co-coach and licensed wrestler Brian Gaun. “The goal is to be in better shape than the other guy. You just need to know how to make them exhausted so you can look good.”
“[Returning to the team] felt reassuring,” said Roberts. “I really missed the sport. It helped me learn a lot of new things and I really like it so I was glad to be back. It just felt good going back on the mat, wrestling, just learning.”
Coming back to wrestling “definitely felt amazing,” said Semkiv. “We got to connect to new people, and we got to travel around the city.”
“What I will miss most about this season will be competing as a team, the long bus rides, the memories, the laughter, and the seniors on the team,” said Chen. “They are like the mature adults of our family. The team will definitely miss the effect each senior has had — Alexander, Nicolas, Jeffrey, David, and our senior manager Isabella.”
The value of wrestling extends beyond the mat, they said.
“If you’re interested in wrestling, I would definitely recommend it,” said Roberts. “If you’re interested in fighting, combat, this is just a starter. What’s not to like about it? It’s physical, it lets you become stronger and faster and more leader-like. It disciplines you, and I think that's a really big part of it.”
“Most of my coaches and friends, they really help me out outside and inside of school,” said Timothy Babayev '23, a captain. “Wrestling is not just a school thing. You create bonds and friendships that last forever.”