RL Wrestlers Earn Second Place in ISL Championship

On February 9, members of the varsity wrestling team competed in the prestigious Graves-Kelsey Tournament (the ISL championship tournament), earning a competitive second place finish overall in a field of 13 teams. RL’s wrestlers achieved this accomplishment through a collective effort, with 10 of 13 wrestlers placing. Doevy Estimphile (I) earned first place in his weight class. Earning second place finishes were seniors Makoto Kobayashi (captain), Liam Rimas, and Eric Zaks. Coming in third place in his weight classes was Mat Cefail (II). Earning fifth-place finishes were senior captains Nate Lopes and Alvin Massenat, and sophomores Miguel Rincon and Keaton Sahin. Pete Levangie (II) placed sixth in his weight class. Led by head coach Josh Wildes, tournament representatives from RL were rounded out by AJ Gutierrez (III), Daniel McElroy (I), and Elias Simeonov (I).

The Graves-Kelsey Tournament was named in honor of Bert Kelsey and Gibby Graves in 1966. Bert was Roxbury Latin’s wrestling coach from 1937 to 1966, earning 24 winning seasons and numerous individual championships. A master of English and debate, his energy and good nature endeared him to hundreds of students. Gibby Graves was a long-time coach at Buckingham Browne and Nichols and was a pioneer in developing the league tournament. Roxbury Latin has earned the title of Graves-Kelsey Champion 20 times since 1966; this marks the eighth time the team has placed as runner-up.

 

Several members of RL’s wrestling team will continue on to the New England Championships this weekend.