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McLean’s wrestlers secured fourth place at the third annual Highlander Duals after a demanding day of competition against some of the region’s toughest teams.

The Highlanders hosted the 10-team tournament on Saturday, Jan. 17, drawing wrestlers from West Springfield, Hayfield, Thomas Jefferson, Bishop O’Connell and other schools. Music, cheering and continuous matches kept McLean’s gym lively throughout the day.

“It was really exciting and a great community for all our wrestlers,” sophomore Jude Murray said. “Throughout the meet, we kept our focus by staying connected to each other. We listened to music, had electrolytes and just had fun with each other.”

McLean began pool competition against West Springfield. Senior Jasper Willems won the opening match to put the Highlanders ahead 6-0, but West Springfield soon seized control and handed McLean a 59-18 loss.

The Highlanders responded emphatically against Hayfield, controlling the action in a 56-14 victory. McLean wrestlers dictated the pace while teammates crowded near the mat to support each competitor.

“We wrestled well in both matches,” Assistant Coach Joe Gulotta said. “You can see guys improving in positions and lasting longer in matches.”

McLean carried that momentum into victories over Thomas Jefferson and Bishop O’Connell, advancing to the placement rounds. The Highlanders then met Woodbridge in the third-place dual but fell short, leaving McLean fourth overall.

“I love coming out and supporting them and seeing them grow,” Coach Kenneth Jackson said. “[The fans] came out ready to go. It’s always exciting to wrestle in your own house.”

Although McLean did not capture the tournament championship, its wrestlers displayed progress and remained connected through a full schedule of difficult matches.

“Every match today showed how far we’ve come,” Murray said. “Even when we faced tough opponents, we stayed focused, encouraged each other and gave everything we had on the mat as a team.”