Wrestling, one of the world’s oldest and most spirited sports, has captivated audiences for centuries with its blend of strength and strategy. This physically demanding combat sport has become a Marriotts Ridge staple. Taking place on a specially designed mat, wrestlers engage in intense matches that challenge their strength, technique and mental toughness. With new management, Marriotts Ridge’s wrestling team is experiencing a resurgence of success, driven by a focus on development.
Coach Muscato, leading the program, brings a wealth of experience to the mat.
“I started wrestling when I was in middle school, [I] loved it- had an undefeated season. I wrestled throughout high school, and I wrestled one year in college- didn’t really love it at that high level, but I knew I would be coaching for a long time. This is my tenth season, but second as a head coach. Last year we had a phenomenal season- we won a second regional title and our first county title for team championship.I always felt that I have been a big leader in the team, I just feel that now, I’m the one getting the recognition. I try to dedicate everything I have to this, even when my daughter was born I was only in the hospital for two weeks, and then the following day came out, and coached a two-day tournament,” Coach Muscato exclaimed.
Alongside him, Assistant Coach Land has been instrumental in introducing creative drills and training techniques.
“I started wrestling in high school, I won states twice as a sophomore and a junior in Maryland. I got a full scholarship to University of Maryland- there I was a three time national qualifier, two time All-American, senior year I was ranked third in the country. I wrestled in a couple U.S international teams and took home a couple silver medals in Italy and France. I have coached throughout my career. I was a graduate assistant at American University, and graduate assistant at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. I coached a youth league and some youth camps, but it’s good to get back,” Assistant Coach Land stated.
The impact of the new coaching staff isn’t just reflected in match wins—it’s evident in the wrestlers’ growth, both on and off the mat. Emphasizing mental toughness, strategic thinking and a team-first mindset, the coaches have created a supportive environment that pushes athletes to reach their full potential.
“The new coaches really care about the players. Coach Muscato has always had faith in me even when I was terrible. Freshman year I kept losing, and it made me really discouraged, but Coach Muscato never gave up on me. He kept me motivated and then I won JV counties- he gave me a really encouraging speech after, and I really love him as a coach,” junior A.J Reyes-Pineda exclaimed.
Senior Trip Bennet’s journey exemplifies the resilience and determination that wrestling instills in its athletes on and off the mat.
“Wrestling teaches consistency. Off the mat, I’m more consistent and persistent in my own life. I tore my ACL, which made me lose that consistency, but it pushed me to get back as fast as I possibly could. I tore my ACL twice and had two complicated surgeries, but I was motivated to return because I love my team,” Bennet shared.
That sense of dedication is echoed across the team, especially in the leadership of the captain. He serves as a bridge between the players and the coaching staff; the captain not only guides drills, but also provides emotional support, promotes team unity and leads by example.
“It’s obviously stressful having everyone looking at me like that, but I think it really helps me stay focused and motivated. Knowing the team relies on me pushes me to give my best effort every time, whether it’s during practice or in a match. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s also what makes me better,” senior Varsity Captain Jonah Obitz stated.
Wrestling is also a sport that thrives on pushing boundaries and stepping out of the comfort zone.
“I have been wrestling for a little over a year now. The wrestling workouts are intense, it’s usually a mix of conditioning, cardio, strength and live wrestling with other people in the room. I’m the only varsity female wrestler. At first it was a little scary, but it is really nice being included in the team and just feeling a sense of brotherhood, and support even though there are not a lot of female wrestlers. I would encourage other females to wrestle, but they need to have a certain mindset,” Regional and County Champion, senior Violet Land stated.
Building on the momentum of last year’s successes, the team is poised to make another deep run this season, with high hopes of reclaiming their county and regional titles and securing a spot at states.
“We have a strong team—we’ve been building up for the past three or four years. I think this is our year to really show everyone what we’ve got,” Obitz remarked.
With their sights set high and a renewed sense of purpose, Marriotts Ridge wrestling is ready to rise to the challenge and solidify their place among the best.
