By Henry Smith – Staff Reporter

Senior wrestling captain Will Smith recently placed second at the SCC Tournament and third at Class Ms and hopes to continue his success into the upcoming State Open Tournament.

Smith has had lots of success this season with a record of 32 wins and 17 loses. He has placed in three out of the four tournaments the team has participated in, third in the Berlin Invitational, second in the SCC Tournament, and third in the Class M Tournament.

“I can attribute my success this season to a couple things such as my teammates and coaches who push me to be my absolute best,” Smith said.

Smith hopes to make the “Blood Round” at the State Open Tournament and place in the Top 6 at the 190 pound weight class.

At the Class M Tournament, Smith placed third, losing to the eventual champion. He wrestled the whole tournament with a cold.

Smith wrestled all offseason with Team Tugman wrestling club. He traveled to Penn State and other places to wrestle the best of the best and improve himself.

“Ever since Will started wrestling in the offseason he has improved by gaining more skills and pursuing his goals,” senior Tim Firla said.

Smith’s coaches have been with him throughout his years wrestling and have helped him the most.

“Throughout my wrestling career my coaches have helped me the most,” Smith said, “After wrestling for a little less than seven years they’ve always been in my corner.”

Smith exemplified his captain role after his placement in the Berlin invitational. He sets a good example for the team on how to practice.

“If he asks me to do something I listen; he sets an example of how to practice,” junior Santiago Peganos said. ”He has helped me improve my own wrestling skills by being a good example.”

Smith has helped the team by making new and less experienced wrestlers push themselves and become better.

“Will pushed me when I thought I had nothing left and made me try over and over until I did the moves correctly,” junior Max Steele said.

Smith’s height gives him an advantage when on the mat. 

“Will is so tall it is hard to do any moves on him,” sophomore Alex Morillo said. “It helps me by trying new styles and techniques, it really challenges me.”