Wrestling Captain Heads to West Point

When Branford’s wrestling team match with Shelton was scheduled, it looked like it would be pretty even. Both teams had some good wrestlers in the different weight classes. But a series of illnesses and injuries over the season have resulted in the Hornets not being able to field a complete lineup.

But there was one highlight of the evening. It came with an announcement by Coach Christopher Bonagiuso that senior captain HyunJin Lim, who was injured and didn’t wrestle on Wednesday, was accepted at the United States Military Academy at West Point and would be attending the school. ​“This is a great honor for HyunJin, his family, Branford High School and the entire community,” the coach said. Lim is also a student representative on the Branford Board of Education 

Last Wednesday, the effects of those issues became apparent when Branford forfeited five of the 14 scheduled matches with the Gaels. ​“We’ve had a very inconsistent season so far,” said Bonagiuso. ​“We can’t seem to shake off illnesses and injuries this year.” Here the referee explains to the Hornets how the match will proceed prior to the start.

The result Wednesday was a 59 – 15 loss to Shelton, bringing the Hornets’ record to 6 – 10. Shelton improved to 13 – 3. Here Coach Bonagiuso looks over the action during a match.

Here Shelton’s Nate Reyes pinned junior Chris DeLise in the 132 weight class.

“When we are at full strength, we are a pretty solid team,” said Bonagiuso. ​“I expect us to have a better showing, come the post season tournaments. We have four or five wrestlers that have outstanding chances to have deep runs in the CIAC and Open tournaments”. Here Branford junior Kyle Zalewski pinned Bob O’Brien in the 220 weight class.

The Hornets had two wrestlers that pinned their opponents early on in their matches. Junior Kyle Zalewski pinned Shelton’s Bob O’Brien in 1:02 in the 220 weight class and junior Zach Cash (pictured) pinned the Gaels Anthony Rosa in 2:28 of the 152 weight class.

Sophomore Jack Seward lost a decision to Ray Weiner in the 195 class. 

Stella Kelly a junior lost on a technical fall to Chandler Duhaime.

And Jaden Whittingham of Branford lost a decision to Nick Lacey in the 145 weight class.

The only other Branford wrestler who won a match was Ayman Nasry (pictured). He won a decision over Andrew Cordes in the 138 weight class.

The Hornets’ next home match is today, Jan. 24, against Xavier.

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