Story Links
SYKESVILLE, MD — In an impressive show of strength, Maryland Wrestling triumphed over American with a commanding score of 37 to -1 during Saturday’s competition.
The match, hosted at South Carroll High School, saw the Terps deliver an exhilarating performance in front of an enthusiastic and packed crowd, showcasing their skills with pin fall victories from standout wrestlers Chase Mielnik and Jaxon Smith.
Adding to the excitement, the Terrapins also celebrated two major decision victories, with John Martin Best and Braxton Brown displaying superior technique and strategy in their encounters, further solidifying Maryland’s dominant position.
Meanwhile, newly minted freshman Tyler Garvin demonstrated remarkable resilience and composure as he staged an impressive comeback, recovering from a 4-0 deficit to claim a thrilling 9-6 victory in overtime.
This match marked a significant milestone for the Terrapins, as it was the first time the team achieved a shutout victory since their flawless 37-0 performance against Duke in 2022.
Looking ahead, the Terrapins are scheduled to return to the mat against Morgan State on Friday, Nov. 22, where they will seek to keep their winning momentum alive in College Park.
Full Results
- 141: Dario Lemus dec. (13-7) Jack Maida (Maryland 3, American 0)
- 149: Kal Miller dec. (3-2) Gage Owen (Maryland 6, American 0)
- 157: Ethen Miller dec. (9-4) Jack Nies (Maryland 9, American 0)
- 165: John Martin Best major dec. (12-1) Kaden Milheim (Maryland 13, American -1)
- 174: Branson John dec. (13-6) Hunter Hohman (Maryland 16, American 0)
- 184: Jaxon Smith fall (0:58) Lucas White (Maryland 22, American 0)
- 197: Chase Mielnik fall (4:20) Carsten Rawls (Maryland 28, American 0)
- 285: Seth Nevills dec. (6-2) William Jarrell (Maryland 31, American 0)
- 125: Tyler Garvin dec. (9-6) Coen Bainey (Maryland 34, American 0)
- 133: Braxton Brown major dec. (14-0) Shamil Kalmatov (Maryland 38, American 0)*
*Both teams lost one point for unsportsmanlike conduct after the 157-pound match, which adjusted the final score to 37 to -1.
How does Coach Thompson plan to foster team cohesiveness throughout the wrestling season?
**Interview with Maryland Wrestling Coach, Mark Thompson**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Thompson! What an outstanding performance from the Maryland Wrestling team this weekend against American. Can you share your thoughts on the match?
**Coach Thompson:** Absolutely! It was an incredible day for our team. The athletes came out with a lot of energy and focus. Winning by a score of 37 to -1 is a testament to their hard work and preparation.
**Editor:** Chase Mielnik and Jaxon Smith really stood out with their pin fall victories. What did you see from them that impressed you the most?
**Coach Thompson:** Both of them displayed remarkable technique and composure on the mats. They executed their strategies flawlessly, which is not easy at this level of competition. I’m really proud of how they performed under pressure.
**Editor:** The environment at South Carroll High School seemed electric with a packed crowd. How important is the support of fans to the team’s performance?
**Coach Thompson:** It makes a huge difference! The energy from the crowd feeds into the athletes’ performance. Our fans truly create an atmosphere that motivates the team, and I believe it played a significant role in our victory on Saturday.
**Editor:** Besides the pinfall wins, the team also celebrated two major decision victories. How does this variety of wins reflect on your team’s overall skill level?
**Coach Thompson:** It shows the depth of our roster and the versatility of our wrestlers. We not only have strong offensive strategies but also the ability to control matches and earn points through decisions. That balance is crucial as we head into tougher competitions.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the team this season?
**Coach Thompson:** Our main goal is to continue improving with every match and to build our cohesiveness as a team. We want to maintain this momentum and aim for success in our conference championships, with an eye on qualifying for nationals as many wrestlers as possible.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Coach. Best of luck for the rest of the season!
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! I appreciate the support. Go Terps!
