The Cranston West wrestling team is rebuilding its roster this winter and will be getting into the meet of it regular season schedule in the coming weeks.
The team finished sixth overall at the …
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The Cranston West wrestling team is rebuilding its roster this winter and will be getting into the meet of it regular season schedule in the coming weeks.
The team finished sixth overall at the recent South County Invitational tournament then ninth in North Providence’s annual event. Making noise for West was senior captain Andrew Pappas, who won his division in North Providence, then took second in South Kingstown.
Pappas is gearing up for what should be a big season. Pappas will be competing at 165 pounds and has his eyes on not only reaching the podium at states, but claiming the top spot.
“Andrew Pappas is on a tear. He’s a man on a mission. He believes that he can be All-State, if not the state championship,” said West coach Tom Lynch.
A big question for West will be the status of fellow senior captain Andrew Alchihed, who finished last season with a perfect 12-0 record. The senior tore his ACL in the state championships last season and will likely be hitting the mat in the coming weeks. Alchihed would have been perhaps the favorite to win his division this winter, but his health will be something to watch upon his return.
The program’s numbers have been impressive this season as it boasts 55 wrestlers, including 24 freshmen.
“[Having 24 freshmen] is huge. Winning the freshman state championship is definitely a goal of ours this year. Between the number of freshmen we have and the quality of wrestlers, we should be able to go at least top-3,” said Lynch.
Freshman Dante Richardson has emerged as a potential difference maker for West as he took second at South Kingstown and third at North Providence, beating multiple seniors along the way. Owen Polofsky is another freshmen that will have a chance to reach the varsity lineup.
Lynch has been excited at the competiveness he has seen at practices early this season, especially from the underclassmen, who will be relied on heavily to fill out the lineup.
“They came into the room ready to push the upperclassman for their spot. They came in looking to make some noise and make a difference and they did that,” said Lynch.
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