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The McLean Highlanders swept Herndon and Wakefield on Jan. 8, earning decisive victories during a tri-dual hosted by the Wakefield Warriors.

For the first time this season, McLean entered wrestlers in every weight class. Senior Maxwell Kusano said the complete lineup reflected the team’s growth, particularly among its younger athletes.

“We had a lot of young wrestlers who showed up and did well,” Kusano said. “Overall the team is really starting to come together.”

Wakefield and Herndon opened the competition under a spotlight in the darkened gym. The Warriors built an early 24-12 advantage, displaying the strength and technique that McLean would later have to overcome.

Head coach Mike Herlands said wrestlers devote significant practice time to conditioning because competing continuously for six minutes can be exceptionally demanding.

McLean then took the mat against Herndon. Senior Spencer May-Stoffel opened with an aggressive performance and quickly took control of his opponent. The Highlanders built a 30-15 lead before completing a 54-26 victory over the Hornets.

Kusano highlighted the improvement of younger wrestlers Ramazan and Miles, crediting their progress to consistently attending practice and putting in the work.

Sophomore Samuel Emory said the Highlanders competed with effort but still needed to improve their standups and ability to escape disadvantageous positions.

Team support remained loud throughout the meet. McLean wrestlers erupted after pins and encouraged teammates during difficult moments.

“The entire team was pretty electric,” Kusano said. “We supported everybody on the mat, and I thought that was helpful.”

Herlands emphasized the individual focus wrestling requires, noting that athletes alone are responsible for what happens once they enter the circle.

McLean carried its momentum into the final matchup against Wakefield. The Highlanders surged to a 24-6 lead as cheers grew from both sidelines, then pulled away for a 48-18 win.

The two victories gave McLean a dominant result in its first district dual. The Highlanders’ next district dual was scheduled for Saturday at Freedom High School.

“You go on the mat and focus on your opponent,” Herlands said. “Go as hard as you can for six minutes.”