Report from states’ by Coach Katz

The Bears ended the season peaking at the right time.  With 8 freshmen in the line-up, the team improved every week of the season.  The team ended 12^th out of 29 teams at the Maryland Independent State tournament.  Seven wrestlers made it to the second day, with four losing in the “blood round”:Junior Tyler Younge (145), Freshman Anthony Savoy (152), Senior Marc Schermer (160), and Senior Jerrold Johnson (170).

Freshman Will Abramson (195) and Senior Matt Amitay (138) survived the blood round and both placed 7^th place.  Will had a phenomenal ending to the season.  The last two matches he was losing, but he tossed his opponents to their back and pinned them.  As a first-year wrestler, he placed in two big tournaments and peaked at the right time.

Matt beat his nemesis from Gilman who he had lost 3 close matches to throughout the season.  It was a great way to end his career.  Not too often do you get the chance to redeem yourself with an opportunity to beat someone who has beat you.  Matt picked up 4 more victories over the weekend which brought him to 107 career victories. He sits at the 8^th highest number of victories in Landon history.

Lorenzo Lopez had another amazing tournament.  He lost in the semi-finals in a close match 4-3 to the eventual champion. He then wrestled back to 3^rd place. Lorenzo picked up 5 victories which puts him at 162 career victories.  He holds the second spot on the All-time career wins.  He has qualified for the Prep National tournament where he can continue his amazing season.  We have petitioned for Matt Amitay get a spot at Nationals so our fingers are crossed that it comes though.