The Needham Rockets wrestling team delivered a strong performance on Saturday, December 20, at the annual Sharon Lombardo Tournament held at Mt. Hope High School in Rhode Island. Competing against twelve teams, Needham earned an impressive fourth-place finish overall.
Six Rockets placed among the top five in their respective weight classes, with four wrestlers finishing in the top three. Junior Baysangur Imakaev captured first place at 126 pounds, while Senior captain Daniel Burdin continued the Rockets’ success with a first-place finish at 215 pounds. Senior Umar Datsaev added a third-place finish at 150, and senior Max Sherer placed third at 144 pounds.
The tournament performance builds on a strong start to the season for the Rockets, who currently hold a 6–1 record. Needham has earned victories over Weymouth, Brookline, Braintree, Walpole, Framingham, and Milton High Schools.
With a strong core of returning wrestlers and the addition of new team members, the Rockets are poised for continued success as they move forward into the remainder of the season.
By Junior Robert Mahar, Community Contributor
