Over the years, wrestling has become a staple of Belmont Hill athletics. And every year, goals seem to become expectations which then become realities, this year being no different. Leading the team for the 2023-24 season will be three seniors: Haden Bottiglieri ’24, Will Stewart ’24, and Cord Vallis ’24. Along with an amazing coaching staff full of Belmont Hill alumni and highly successful wrestlers in their own right, the team welcomes coach Bryce Anderson, a former Belmont Hill wrestler, to the squad. With the annual Germantown tournament right around the corner, the team is eager for the season to start back up.
After leading the team for over fifty years, Mr. Bradley is excited about both the returners and some of the newer boys. When asked about the expectations for the year after coming off one of the best seasons in Belmont Hill wrestling history, Mr. Bradley states, “Our expectations are pretty much the same every year: to get better, to maintain the tradition of camaraderie, and to win.” Looking towards the end of the winter, Mr. Braldey also mentions that success at the Graves Kelsey Tournament, New England Tournament, and the National Prep Tournament are all goals as well. After sending many Belmont Hill wrestlers to the All-American podium each year, he is confident that this year will be no different.
This year, the boys also look forward to getting to know one another and forming bonds all across the team—ranging from Brody Sayers ‘28 wrestling at 106 lbs to Ford Webb ‘25 wrestling at 285 lbs. The cohesive dynamic across the team seems to stem from the older boys helping to mentor some of the younger guys, both on and off the mat. Family always seems to be a recurring theme that the wrestling team embodies to the fullest.
Looking towards the more important matters, many are excited for the redesigning of new singlettes: a chance to show the ISL who has the best swag Opportunities to wrestle at Harvard, wrestling against Blair Academy, and hosting the annual ISL tournament excite the team as well
After talking with one of the captains about what he is looking forward to most, Haden Bottiglieri mentions, “I’m super optimistic to see a lot the younger guys who are enthusiastic about the sport.” Haden also talks about the upcoming seasons after he graduates and his “optimism in the team’s success in the coming years.” The Panel wishes the team good luck for the upcoming season and cannot wait to see the success that lies ahead.
