Bulldogs Wrestling Dominate Final Match of Season

The Hewlett Bulldogs’ dominating 63-11 win over Mount St. Michael Academy on Thursday couldn't have come at a better time for Coach Mike Jimenez’s squad.

Not only was this victory one week after placing second at the Group II, Nassau Invitational Tournament, but this past Thursday was also Senior Night at .

Parents came prepared with their cameras flashing to capture this heartfelt moment of their child's last match of the season while supporting friends and students nearly filled the bleachers to cheer along their team.

Hewlett Wresting is only in its fourth year, so the seniors who led the team to this final victory have been team leaders since the beginning of the program.

“I’ve been with them since they were in 9th grade, and it’s sad to see them leave," Jimenez said. “They really made Hewlett Wrestling what it is and I’m very proud of these boys.”

After losing in the first period 19-2, Hewlett immediately took control of the match, winning the rest of the periods nearly uncontested.

Troy Smith, the 160-pound junior, stood out as the most dominant wrestler of the night, manhandling his opponent to a 15–2 victory in his respected two-minute-period.

Although it might have just been a sparring match for the outnumbered visitors from the Bronx who only came with half of their boys, it was the last chance for the wrestlers on both sides to prove themselves before the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs this weekend. 

“We’re pretty focused on the post season right now,” Jimenez said. “It’s just another little step to prepare for that, and I think these guys are in their right state of mind.”