The FVHS men’s wrestling team is pushing through this season with a 10-8 overall record and an undefeated conference record. While the numbers reveal a competitive year, the spirit of the team and their supporters shows that they’re only becoming stronger.
Each captain brings something unique to the mat and plays a significant role in the team’s overall performance. Senior Lucas Prestipino leads with a 19-2 record, demonstrating consistency and intensity. Along with him, seniors Brady Thomas (9-4), Jayden Machego (16-6) and Dominic Austin (9-12) form a leadership group that motivates the entire roster to improve.
The Bengals won a hard-fought match against Southeast Raleigh on Dec. 17, defeating them 46-36. The victory was more than simply another win; it moved the team to 3-0 in conference. That undefeated conference record gives the team confidence they need.
Junior Mateo Ocharan said, “So far, the season has been pretty good. We’ve gone against a lot of hard teams, but right now in conference, we’ve been doing well.”
What differentiates this group is how they perform under pressure. Even in close matches, the wrestlers display determination, which represents hours of practice and conditioning. The captains have been key in encouraging and guiding the team toward their long-term goals.
“We’ve been improving by learning new moves, getting our endurance up and by also motivating each other to do better,” said Austin.
As the season progresses, all eyes are on the team’s next big challenge: the WRAL Invitational at Knightdale. The tournament, which takes place on Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20, is known for being one of the most anticipated high school wrestling events. For the Bengals, it’s an opportunity to put themselves to the test, gain experience and show how far they have come.
The team is confident as the season continues, thanks to the growing energy and strong leadership. Their record reflects growth, but their mindset shows ambition. If they keep competing with the same intensity they’ve shown so far, this will be a memorable season for all.
