From the small town of Athol to a possible national stage.
That is the goal for Chris Waslaske approaching the postseason for the Athol wrestling team.
“Looking to win sectionals, win states,” Waslaske said. “Going to All-States then to New Englands and place, and maybe go to nationals.”
Waslaske is 23-1 with some forfeits so far during his senior season.
The last Athol wrestler to place at New Englands was Fred Marks II in 2011. Marks is the only state champion in school history, according to Athol coach Brandon Jeffrey.
“We’ve only had a handful of kids like Chris,” Jeffrey said. “He is really dedicated.”
Nick Cacciolfi, a recent Athol High School Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, won a Western Massachusetts title in 1995.
“It would be awesome to break some school records,” Waslaske said.
In addition to just brute strength at 182 pounds, Waslaske has the technical side of wrestling down as well.
“He isn’t just a big ogre,” Jeffrey said. “He has very, very good skill.”
Waslaske favors the double-leg takedown, similar to a football tackle with the attack coming low to the ground.
“He has a ton of different ways of setting up those leg attacks,” Jeffrey said. “He is able to disguise stuff. That’s what he does really well.”
Waslaske never loses sight of the situation either.
“He has very good mat awareness,” Jeffrey said. “He is aware of the time and the score and how to manage those situations. He doesn’t give up stupid points.”
With forfeits and a lack of wrestlers on his own team close to his skill level, Waslaske finds other ways to hone his skills.
Some area high school graduates have wrestled with Waslaske to help him stay sharp throughout the season, including Franklin Tech’s Chris Ludwig and Will LaRose of Athol High School.
“They are all really good wrestlers,” Waslaske said. “It has helped a lot.”
Waslaske suffered his first lost of the season this past Saturday at the Midland Duals to Quabbin Regional’s Sam Ware, who is a defending Division 3 state champion.
“I wasn’t here to just take the easy matches,” Waslaske said. “I was looking for competition,”
Not only is Ware a state champion but he has more than 15 pounds on Waslaske, who moved up to 195 pounds for the match.
“Fifteen pounds doesn’t sound like a lot but it takes a toll,” Waslaske said. “He was strong. But that was what I was looking for. I wasn’t worried about being undefeated. You learn more from your losses.”
Waslaske was quick to credit his coaches for his success during his senior season.
“I am thankful to have the coaches that I have,” Waslaske said “They help me stay on top of things. Picking the little things that need to be worked on. It’s not so much the major things now. It’s the little things that make me better.”
Athol’s next meet is Wednesday at Leominster. The Red Raiders face Mahar Regional at home on January 23.
