Brother Martin High School wrestlers were featured in a Crescent City Sports article written by Brother Martin alumnus Joshua Tapia '14 regarding his "2023-2024 Brother Martin Crusaders Wrestling Preview":
"Wrestling has consistently contended for state championships on Elysian Fields Avenue for the past decade. The Brother Martin Crusaders have earned the distinction of being a renowned wrestling institution due to their impressive record of success.
Their program stands as the third most decorated in the history of Louisiana prep wrestling, with an impressive tally of 21 titles. Furthermore, the school boasts numerous individual accolades, exemplified by the distinction of producing the first-ever four-time division I state champion, Paul Klein, and another in Steven Shields to achieve the same feat.
Brother Martin also claims the historical records for most state finalists (12) in 2000 and the highest number of individual state champions (7) in the years 2000 and 2001.
Nevertheless, the Crusaders experienced a setback last year, earning a third-place finish at the state championship.
Andrew Nicola, in his fourth season as head coach, has managed to secure two team titles since assuming the role. The Crusaders have finished fourth or higher in the state tournament in each year under Nicola’s guidance.
To overcome the loss of experienced wrestlers each year to graduation, Brother Martin solves this issue by providing their young wrestlers with opportunities to gain invaluable experience at varsity events, in common with other top wrestling schools in the state. The current season has already witnessed the Crusaders win convincinglyover Pearl River and Riverdale with scores of 84-0 and 78-6. It’s a tribute to the mix of proven talent and budding youth.
The team’s leaders are veterans to big meets. Juniors Trey Trainor, Ethan Simmons and Blake McDonald stand out as key figures in the lineup.
“As a trio the biggest thing they bring to the table is how they lead by example. They all do exceptionally well in the classroom and they simply love the sport of wrestling.” Nicola said.
Simmons, in particular, played a crucial role in shoring up the upper weights in the lineup, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination during his sophomore year, earning a second-place finish in the state championship, despite his relative inexperience. Trainor, who has been part of the lineup since his freshman year, possesses the knowledge of the program’s high standards and is poised to make a significant impact upon his return from his second sport. McDonald’s dedication to ensuring the team adheres to detail will help the team inch closer to their goal.
The remainder of the lineup is a tribute to their depth.
Richie Clementi, a junior and two-time state champion, stands out as a unique talent, with an impressive overall record of 100-2 since his freshman year. Clementi’s remarkable achievements include tying the school record for most wins in a single season (60) and ranking second in the school’s history for most pins in a single season (44). Clementi’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, with several Division I universities expressing interest in his talents, making him a contender for the rare group of wrestlers who have captured four individual division I titles.
Another junior, Rory Horvath, hails from a family with a rich wrestling tradition, and his older brothers’ successes have set a high standard. Horvath earned a runner-up medal at state but should be a favorite for the individual title this season.
“Horvath had a sensational sophomore year where he had the breakout season we knew he could have. He really came in clutch for us to win the dual in district against Jesuit last year,” Nicola noted.
Jacob Elsensohn, now a senior, contributes to the team with his wealth of experience and a track record of notable achievements. In his sophomore year, he advanced to the finals at the Louisiana Classic and secured a third-place finish at the state championship. Despite a previous injury that prevented his participation in the state competition last year, he remains a valuable asset with the potential to make a significant impact.
The lineup is further bolstered by the presence of senior Hunter Chabert and sophomore Quinn McDermott, both possess considerable wrestling skills. Also, the return of football players, like junior Jadon Weber, will only strengthen the team significantly more.
In addition, the Crusaders consistently introduce freshmen to their lineup who become immediate contributors. This year, Matthew Graffagnini is expected to be a notable presence in the wrestling world.
“Graff is eager to get better and he has the work ethic to do so. He is learning more daily about the discipline that it will take to achieve his goals.” Nicola said.
Graffagnini’s extensive mat experience positions him as a strong contender for his weight class. Other valuable additions to the lineup include seniors Braeden Hite and Kyle Chauvin, juniors Noah Confident and Wyatt Huling, sophomore Will Fontenot, and freshman Gerard Adam. All of them have exhibited flashes of their athletic prowess.
Moreover, the team will travel to plenty of out of state tournaments such as Georgia and Alabama. “There are many benefits to these trips as it helps our guys realize they are tough and can compete with athletes all over the country.” Nicola said.
Overall, the team, like any other, will encounter challenges to overcome. “We have a young squad,” Nicola said. “Over 75% of the team are underclassmen.”
Albeit younger than the norm, the Crusaders still possess a formidable roster capable of vying for the championship title. Their program, known for meticulous preparation and strategic reloading rather than rebuilding, ensures they make the most of their time on the mat. They are set to embark on a journey to the Katy Duals in Texas and the Cinco Ranch Invitation this weekend."
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