By Colleen Rice – Staff Reporter

The wrestling team is ready to “take down” the upcoming season.

After finishing with a record of 16-16 last year, Law’s wrestlers are eager to get back on the mats and beat that record this season. They are also looking forward to competing against their crow town rival Foran.

“I’m excited to wrestle Foran this year,” junior Matt Grace said. “They’re an experienced team but I know with our skills we can take them.”

Grace is a returning wrestler who has been on the team for the past two years. His individual goal is to win the B division title.

Senior captain Dan Ouellette is one of the key members of this year’s team. As of now, Ouellette is the only captain, but if a wrestler shows effort and leadership, someone else may also be appointed.

“My personal goals are to have a winning record, never get pinned, and make state opens,” Ouellette said. “A team goal is to reach our program’s 550th win, 20 wins for the season, and to overall improve.”

The team very young this season and has only four upperclassmen: Grace, Ouellette, Ire Opayemi, and Chris Osorinio.

The team has study halls after school and practices start at 3 p.m. and last until 6 p.m. every day.

“Usually practice lasts pretty late so mandatory study halls allow student athletes to do homework after school,” assistant coach Mr. Ruzbarsky said.

This is Ruzbarsky’s eighth year as the team’s assistant coach.

“Our team has great potential since we have 11 sophomores and six freshman,” Ruzbarsky said.

Freshman members of the team say they feel very welcome to be a part of this team.

“I’m really excited for the season because this is my first time wrestling,” freshman Jared Steiner said.

The wrestling team is also a great place to try new things and find new interests at the school. Sophomore Storm Furtado is new to the team but has high expectations for the season.

“This is my first year on the team and I’m reaching for varsity time and to get stronger throughout the season,” Furtado said. “I’m very excited.”

Law will host a Duals tournament on December 28. This tournament features 12 teams, including Farmington, Ledyard, Foran, and Fitch.

“We hope to come in top three this year at the tournament,” Ruzbarsky said.

The team’s first three SCC cross-over meets are against Xavier, Hand, and Foran. Law will host Xavier for their first match on December 16 and visit Foran on January 6.