Ritson dominates opponents en route to sectional crown

Ruairi Ritson stands atop the podium after winning his 1st sectional title. (CHS wrestling photo)

In an incredible display of athleticism and technical mastery that had teammates and coaches buzzing afterwards, CHS junior wrestler Ruairi Ritson went from the ranks of the unseeded to the top of the podium in the 195-pound class at Saturday’s D3 central sectional championship.

Ritson, a budding star who led the Bulldogs in victories this season, was utterly dominant as he knocked off four straight opponents — including the nos. 1, 2, 3 and 7 seeds — to claim his first ever postseason crown.

“This was one of those runs that you always dream about as a wrestler,” noted first-year head coach Nick Matt. “But to see it actually happen and to see him run through the competition the way that he did was just mesmerizing.”

Matt said the fact that he went into the tournament unseeded provided added fuel for Ritson, who savored the chance to take on the best and prove his doubters wrong. In the end, he would surrender just two points — scored by his opening round opponent, the No. 2 seed from Norwood, in a hard-fought, 4-2 decision. From then on it was all Ritson, as he racked up three consecutive pins, culminating with a takedown of the No. 1 seed from Longmeadow in the finals at the 3:26 mark.

“An hour before the tournament he was out there practicing moves that he would execute perfectly in the tournament,” noted Matt. “He just does everything the way we coach it to perfection. He’s truly a stud in the making.”

Ritson now gets to put his skills to the test against other top 195-pound wrestlers at this weekend’s Division 3 state championship, which gets underway this Saturday.

He will be joined by two of his teammates, senior Julian Prentice, who took third at sectionals in the 285-pound class, and junior Max Kupferman, who finished fourth at 145 pounds.

Prentice, who took a tough loss in his opening match, rebounded with three straight pins to win the consolation bracket.

“Julian has really turned a corner these past few weeks and he’s wrestling the best he’s ever had,” said Matt. “I really do expect that to continue for him at states.”

Matt said Kupferman, who has been “banged up” all season due to an assortment of injuries, was also very impressive on the day as he picked up three wins in the most “loaded” weight class, with his only losses coming against the nos. 1 and 2 seeds.

“He wants to see [the eventual sectional champion] again next weekend, and Max definitely has what it takes,” said Matt. “He gave the kid his only real battle of the day and he’s even more motivated now.”

Also finishing on the podium for the Bulldogs at sectionals was senior Liam Shea, who picked up two wins to finish sixth in the 160-pound class. Zach Xayvethy, Matt Sica, and freshman Danny Harn each had one win at the tournament, and senior captain Anika Valluri made school history despite an 0-2 showing, becoming the first female wrestler to compete in a sectional tournament.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Feb 16 2023. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.