The Dolphins, featuring an exciting and deep roster entering the 2019 Wrestling season, kicked off the first competition of the season this past weekend. Behind veteran leadership, the team finished second in competition while boasting an incredible 11 athletes in the top three of their respective weight classes. Leading in every sense of the word, this week’s Athlete of the Week, senior Aedan Somers, compiled an undefeated record, finished in first place, and earned Most Valuable Wrestler honors in the process.

The celebrated senior, wrestling in his final season for Cape Henry, has been a committed member of the Dolphins’ illustrious wrestling program since his freshman year. He began his career as the Dolphins’ 113-pound competitor, and now in his senior year, Aedan is competing in the 145-pound weight class and is thriving for the Dolphins.

“Aedan Somers, senior team co-captain, went 3-0 this past weekend and earned tournament champion honors at 145lbs,” Head Coach Jack Effner said of Aedan. “He was voted Most Valuable Wrestler of the day by the opposing coaches for his incredible effort and class on the mats.”

In the first match of the day, Aedan faced his toughest competition by taking his Indian River opponent down to the wire in a 6-5 decision as time expired. From here, Aedan pinned his next two opponents; pinning his First Colonial opponent at the 1:19 mark and his final opponent in 57 seconds. The 3-0 record led Aedan to a first place overall finish.

“Aedan showed tremendous poise throughout the day,” Coach Effner continued of Aedan who brought his career win record to 62 wins. “What impressed me the most was his leadership; his positivity was apparent, helping his teammates by talking to them and preparing them to be successful.”

Aedan has developed into a successful leader throughout his four-year wrestling career with the Dolphins. He consistently provides motivation and inspiration for his teammates, battling through pain and sickness to compete at the highest level possible. This past Saturday was a great team effort, and Aedan helped the coaching staff bring the team together to run a smooth tournament on Cape Henry’s campus.

“I have found him to be very dependable, honest, and of high character. He sets his goals high and possesses the work ethic to match; I am really looking forward to a great season from him,” Coach Effner finished of Aedan.

The Dolphins will travel to Norfolk Collegiate this weekend for Cape Henry’s second competition. Although the season is young, the Dolphin Wrestling program looks poised to earn another TCIS title in 2019 behind the leadership of senior co-captain Aedan Somers.