Report by Coach Katz from the 85th National Prep Wrestling Championships at Lehigh University

February 21 & 22, 2020 Lehigh University

by Coach Katz

The season has officially come to a close.  I thoroughly enjoyed spending the weekend with Coach Lacroix and two amazing Seniors: Matt Amitay and Lorenzo Lopez.  They have both made a tremendously impact on this program and they ended their career in style.

Mattlost to an All-American from Governor’s School in MA, and then 7-1 decision from 1^st place qualifier from St. John’s Texas.  Matt ended his career being the 8^th highest career win wrestler in Landon history with 107 victories.  Matt is a 2x State place winner (6 & 7), a 2x National qualifier, a 3x Melee on the Metro place winner (5,5,5), 2x IAC finalist, and All-IAC his Senior year.  More importantly, he was an excellent Captain and role-model on the team.  No one has work ethic like Matt and he has pushed his teammates to be their best every day. 

Lorenzo ended his career as one of the best wrestlers Landon has ever had.  This weekend he was one away from being Prep All-American.  He earned 3 major decisions over some of the best in the country.  Unfortunately, he lost 2-1 to the eventual 5^th place winner and 3-0 to the 7^th place winner. Overall, he earned 165 career victories, making him the 2^nd highest in wins behind Axel Giron ’19 at 168.  He is Landon’s only State Champion.  He is the only wrestler to be a 4x IAC Champion and 4x All-IAC. Here is a list of his accomplishments:

1x Mount Mat Madness Champion 2019

3x Mad Mats place winner: 2x Champion and 3^rd place

4x Ray Oliver place winner: 1x Champion, 2, 3 & 6

4x Melee On The Metro finalist

4x IAC Champion

3x Maryland Independent State place winner: State Champion 2018, 5^th and 3^rd

3x National Qualifier: 3x round of 12 (lost in blood round)

Earned Most Pins Award at Mad Mats 2017

Earned Outstanding Wrestler at IAC tournament 2018

Earned Outstanding wrestler – BCC Duals 2020

Lorenzo has represented Landon at the highest level of sportsmanship and has been the core of the team’s success over the last four years. His presence in the room will surely be missed, but we are all better for him being a part of this community.