The Seahawk wrestling team has a reputation for success, with the current seniors having some big shoes to fill. For the last three years, Decatur has been the defending state champion in the sport and, after many changes, the successful team hopes to pin down another win.

Wrestling has been a key program at Stephen Decatur High School long before these wrestlers were champions. Student interest picks up in the sport mostly after football season ends and the attention of the student body shifts. After several successful seasons, it was all eyes on the Seahawks. Right now, the question is: how will they fare this season?

The team was led by history teacher Todd Martinek for many years, gaining momentum and racking up wins. Through his coaching, the team got to its current position of consistently winning state championships. Despite his retirement from coaching and the loss of now-collegiate wrestlers who graduated last year, the student body still has high hopes for its beloved team.

New head coach Josh August, a Decatur ROTC instructor, has taken the Hawks under his wing this season. With a drive to win, the Hawks under new advisory took to the mats to start off this season. Their opener was against Wicomico High School on December 5, resulting in an astounding 78-6 win.

The junior varsity and varsity wrestling team don’t have that much of a talent difference. This is caused by the weight class system, with some talented wrestlers not having the opportunity to play on the varsity team, according to varsity co-captain Gavin Solito.

When watching the Hawks on the mat, the lights dim as soon as varsity steps out to compete. Why is this?

“It puts a sort of spotlight on the team,” Solito said, noting how it adds a dramatic effect to the matches and really “gets everyone hype.”

Solito, a junior, has been a key part of the team for three years now. As a co-captain, Solito has become a team leader and is always looking to encourage his teammates. Solito said he looks for “somebody who is going to work hard every day and help [the team] get better.”

Varsity o-captain Logan Intrieri, a senior, said his expectations are high for the duration of the season.

“Go out there, wrestle, and win,” is the overall goal for the Hawks, he said.

In the spirit of winning, Logan’s teammate and brother Parker Intrieri said he hopes the team will make it to another state match. Although optimistic, Parker acknowledged that, to get there, the team has to “work harder and harder every day.”

With more matches ahead, the wrestling team encourages everyone to come support them at their next home match, January 25 against Kent Island High School.

The Hawks are looking forward to another great season this year and hopefully another state title under their wings.