Putnam High wrestling is ready
The Putnam High School wrestling team is eagerly anticipating its upcoming season, expecting a full lineup with new and returning talent.
As of now they have two returning seniors, ten returning juniors, and three returning sophomores. Out of the juniors, there are three state conference placers: Deven Lamothe, Jacob Olson, and Lucas Benoit. Another notable junior this season is Emily Olecki, who finished top 8 in the Girls State Open last year. There is no doubt this team is filled with talent and prepared for the matches to come.
This year, the wrestling team has a busy schedule, with five home events including New Year’s Duels on Dec. 29 and Senior Night against Griswold on Jan. 31.
The team’s first home match is Dec. 20 which will also be the debut match of the first-ever official Putnam High School wrestling mat. The wrestling team will also be participating in out-of-state tournament including the Marlborough Early Bird Tournament in Marlborough, Mass., and then the Kilty Duels at Mount Pleasant High School in Rhode Island.
The Putnam High School wrestling team is coached by former Rhode Island College wrestler and Putnam High School teacher Zachary Ford, and their new full-time assistant coach Gene Deary, who is also a former Pomfret Academy wrestler and New England Prep Champion. Coach Ford says he is “hoping for a successful season” and to replicate some of last year’s triumphs. Conditioning will start next week to prepare for the exciting season to come.
By Isabel Vergoni

.