The Hill School wrestling team hosted the annual Bissell '33 Tournament on Saturday, January 11, 2025, welcoming a competitive field of 12 National Prep teams. The tournament showcased some of the nation’s top prep wrestling programs, including Northfield Mount Hermon, Gilman School, and a partial squad from powerhouse Wyoming Seminary, a perennial top 10 team.

Despite missing several key starters, Hill managed an impressive fourth place finish, with two individual champions and seven medalists from only 10 entries in the varsity division. Leading the charge were sixth form standouts Conlan Boyer '25 (138 lbs.) and NCAA Division I Ohio University men’s wrestling commit Zak Zindle '25 (215 lbs.), who each claimed individual titles with dominant performances. Boyer celebrated a career milestone, earning his first tournament championship after going 3-0, capped by a pin in the finals. Zindle continued his stellar final season, adding a third tournament title to his name with two technical falls and two pins.

Wynn Pooler '26 (126 lbs.), reached the finals with two strong victories before falling to The Peddie School’s AJ Stover in the championship match. Additional podium finishes came from Lincoln Glennon '28 (106 lbs.), Kole Davidheiser '26 (113 lbs.), Arment Waltenbaugh '26 (157 lbs.), and Dante Donaldson '25 (HWT), all of whom secured third place in their respective weight classes.

Waltenbaugh’s semifinal match against Wyoming Seminary’s Vince Bouzakis was particularly noteworthy. Bouzakis, a returning National Prep and Fargo champion currently ranked fourth in the nation, edged out Waltenbaugh in a closely contested 4-2 decision, with the only offensive points coming from a late first period takedown. Donaldson also faced a tough semifinal bout in a rematch against AIM Academy’s Isaiah Taylor, whom he had defeated at the Beast of the East tournament last month. This time, Taylor reversed the outcome with a 7-3 decision.

On the JV side, Griffin Boyer '28 led the way, claiming Hill’s lone JV title with three first period pins. Otto Maentz '27 (HWT), Joe Dunn '28 (120 lbs.), Lexi Lubczenko '25 (175 lbs.), and Griffin Hopper '26 (157 lbs.) each finished as runners-up after strong 2-1 performances.

Next on the schedule for Hill Wrestling is the prestigious Escape the Rock tournament at Council Rock South High School in Holland, Pa., on January 18-19. Widely regarded as one of the toughest events in the nation, Escape the Rock will feature numerous top 10 programs and more than 50 individually ranked wrestlers, promising another challenging test for the team.