The Archbishop Hoban Wrestling Team seems to have found their stride this year, getting off to a strong start to the season and finishing the year on a high note. With the return of senior Peyton Weigand after a year-long hiatus, plus the addition of freshman Brydon Feister, the Knights were spurred towards success early in the season.
The team is led by seniors James “Tad” Holzapfel, Owen Jackson, and Weigand. Additionally, Feister brothers Brayton (sophomore) and Brydon (freshman) took the team’s dominance to the next level, adding numerous first place finishes.
Before an injury in sectionals last year cost Brayton the opportunity at a potential state title run, he showed immense promise, building a 31-0 record that consisted of 26 pins. This year, he returned with a hunger to take back his throne at the top of the 215 lb class. However, his younger brother, Brydon, also thrived in the same weight class, placing in the top two in every match he participated in.
In addition to the dominant Feister duo, freshman Cameron Barnett has made his own mark on the program, placing top 10 in three matches, including two top five finishes.
While the underclassmen pave the way for the future of Hoban Wrestling, the senior leaders are doing more than their fair share of the work. Weigand went on a tear this season, finishing in the top three at every match. In addition, he took home first place three matches in a row beginning on Dec. 21 at the Hudson Holiday tournament.
Weigand is not the only senior Knight to shine, though. Holzapfel added three top six finishes, solidifying his presence in the 175 lb class. Additionally, Jackson added two seventh place finishes in his last three matches.
On the team’s mentality to close out the season, Holzapfel commented “we wrestle every match like we are the better wrestlers, no matter who is standing across from us. Every match is winnable.”
The Knights finished their regular season on Feb. 8, competing against Kent Roosevelt, Walsh Jesuit, and St. Vincent St. Mary. Congratulations to the wrestling program on another great year!
