They were one big family defined by determination, hard work and dominance.
This year’s Blue Devil wrestling team should never be forgotten in Westfield’s deep athletic history. Under the leadership of senior captains Ethan Composto, Michael Murphy and Brandon Ribeiro, the Blue Devils finished with an impressive record of 21-5.
“Our captains were the backbone of our team,” head coach Glen Kurz said. “They scored a lot of team points for us, but more than that they set the example of how to work. They made everyone in the room better. I think that’s the legacy they’re leaving behind.”
After countless grueling hours of preparation during the off-season, the Blue Devils started off hot, winning 11 straight matches and taking the Union County Conference by storm. Their first three matches of the season consisted of wins over Linden (66–7), Roselle Park (57–9) and Clifton (50–27) in which Westfield showed its true potential. These matches were followed by wins against Bloomfield (58–15), Teaneck (72–9) and an incredible upset against Howell (37–28).
“Part of the reason for our strong start was the fact that we came into the season in such great shape,” said Kurz. “A lot of our kids were working out through the fall and we spent the first three weeks of our season doing double sessions. A lot of our opponents couldn’t match our pace.”
After continuing its brilliant win streak, Westfield placed 3rd in the Union County Tournament while Composto, Murphy and Ribeiro placed first in their respective weight classes. The Blue Devils then suffered an unfortunate loss to Governor Livingston, 37–28, following the tournament. After a few more tight matches and a three-game win streak against Livingston (48–25), Old Tappan (48–28) and Elizabeth (42–19), Westfield was ready to tackle the North 2, Group 5 sectional tournament.
The Blue Devils came out on the mat pounding, knocking out Columbia in the quarterfinal round, 64–18. They then advanced to face No. 2 Bridgewater-Raritan in the semifinal round.
Westfield’s entire season prepared it for this moment. No. 3 Westfield was familiar with high pressure and refused to back down in hopes of an upset. After multiple key pins and opportunities to wear their opponents down, the Blue Devils came up with the win, 43–22, and secured the upset.
“Coming into that duel, I knew from the start we were going to win,” said Ribeiro. “I don’t think it was an upset. We walked into that match with a little bit of swagger.”
Composto agreed. “I think that our win against Bridgewater was really important because people looked at that match as a toss up going into it but then we went out and completely dominated them.”
After a tough battle in the final round against No. 1 Phillipsburg, Westfield was eliminated from the tournament by a score of 46–17, and the hopes of a sectional title disappeared. However, this was far from the end.
The Blue Devils tagged on three more wins following the sectional tournament, filling themselves with motivation and digging deep to come up big in the District 16 tournament.
As Blue Devil success stories go, Westfield lit up the districts. Westfield sent seven wrestlers to the Region 4 tournament, including a first-place finish from Murphy.
The regional tournament was tough for Westfield. Kurz knew how much this tournament meant to his wrestlers, giving them advice and pushing them throughout the tournament.
“I’ve learned a lot this season,” said Ribeiro. “Especially the matches where I would lose, instead of whining, get your head up and move on, and learn from your mistakes. That’s what our coaches would always put in our head.”
Despite seven advancing, Murphy, Ribeiro, and Composto were the only Blue Devils to secure a seat in the state tournament.
“This season was so special because it was my last,” Murphy said. “Even though I am continuing my wrestling career, it will be with a completely new set of people.”
Murphy, who placed first in regions, was the wrestler to watch, hoping to fulfill the legacy WHS wrestling assistant coach and University of North Carolina wrestling alum Christian Barber once maintained; first place in states.
As the tournament progressed, Composto and Ribeiro faced elite wrestlers from across the state which led to their eventual elimination. However, Murphy progressed further, pinning his competition along the way. After a long tournament, Murphy secured an impressive 5th place finish at 165 lbs. To add, Murphy finished the season with 42 wins, which tied former Blue Devil Jack Miller for most wins in a single season. Murphy was also one of only three Blue Devils in the last two decades to advance to the state semifinal.
“The lesson I learned from this season was to have gratitude at all times,” said Murphy. “It’s a privilege to go out there to compete. It’s a privilege to be injury free and have the support system I do.”
In addition to their successful season, the Blue Devils tacked on numerous accomplishments to secure a spot in the record books. Both Composto and Murphy reached 100 wins. In addition, the Blue Devils maintained one of the longest win streaks in Westfield wrestling history highlighting a dominant year of victories.
“This team was the most special team that I have been on because I was on the team with my best friends and it was my last time getting to wrestle with them,” Composto said. “Some of these guys I’ve been wrestling with since 2nd grade so it really felt like everything was coming full circle this year.”
Although its season came to a close, the legacy this season’s Westfield wrestling team established will remain prominent in Blue Devil history forever.
