All season the Staples wrestling team competed at a disadvantage. With only nine wrestlers filling a 14-weight lineup, the odds were stacked against them. Yet, by the end of the CIAC state open they had done the unexpected— placing third out of 121 teams.
Going into the post season, rather than dwelling on the gaps in their lineup, the team leaned into their strengths. Wrestlers focused on scoring bonus points and advancing as far as possible with individual performances. After placing sixth at the Ciac Class LL championship, four wrestlers qualified for the state open and ultimately helped the team place: Julian Rousseau ’28 (2nd), Damian Rousseau ’26 (5th), Seamus Brannigan ’26 (5th) and Gavin Donaldson ’27 (5th).
“It felt surreal beating some of the top teams in the state with full rosters,” Damian Rousseau said.” Especially since we haven’t placed that high since 1973.”
One of the standout performances of the tournament came from Julian Rousseau who battled his way through the bracket to reach the final match. For him, simply stepping onto the match for the championship represented a rare opportunity and a major moment for the program.
“Going into the finals I felt extremely proud and excited to have the opportunity to wrestle,” Julian Rousseau said. “Not many people get the opportunity to wrestle in the state open finals, especially as a sophomore.”
While individual performances drove the team’s success, the results were built long before the tournament began through collective effort and hard work. All season, every match was backed by hours of demanding practices where everyone pushed through intense conditioning, technical drills and long sessions that tested their physical endurance and mental toughness.
“Many people view wrestling as an individual sport, but what they don’t see is the support in practices, matches and as friends,” Damian Rousseau said. “It was amazing to see how close the team grew from the beginning to the end of the season.”
For Amelia Guimand ’28, who made Staples history as the first female wrestler to place at the state opens tournament, it was the guidance and unwavering encouragement from her teammates that helped her achieve the notable milestone.
“I started wrestling in September of last year,” Giumund said. “I stuck with it because I not only enjoy the sport but also my teammates [are] a very supportive group.”
Despite a shorthanded lineup, the team proved that determination and teamwork can defy expectations as they now set their sights on the New England championships.
“I’m able to wrestle harder,” Brannigan said, “knowing I have a full team of friends and family that will cheer me on if I win or lose.”
