Before the wrestling season started, senior Anatoliy Alkazov  knew there would be many chances for growth.

Alkazov started wrestling during his sophomore year with the Bridgemen.

He learned more about the sport his junior season, and now has become one of the top wrestlers on the Fort Lee team for his senior year.

“Anatoliy is tough,” said coach Alex Almeyda before the first match. “He put in his time over the summer…and [Alkazov] should step up and shine.”

Anatoliy has done so on my levels, both as a wrestler and as a team leader.

With ten seniors graduating from last season and many team members wrestling for the first time this season, Alkazov took it upon himself to help the underclassmen.

“They are tough and learn quickly,” the senior said about the new wrestlers. “With me and a couple other guys leading the team, we will really learn quickly.”

Some of his season's highlights include an emotional win against his junior varsity coach when Alkazov beat Coach MacIver in the Dumont match.

This week, Anatoliy had another familiar encounter when he faced another person from his past. In the Northern Valley-Demarest match, Alkazov came in over-weight and was forced to bump up a class against Ronu Thomas. The senior wrestled last year on the Fort Lee team and the two had some intense clashes throughout the season.

“It was strange and emotional,” Alkazov said after facing Thomas. “Even though we didn’t get along, he was still my teammate. Going into the match, I just knew that I was going to win. I didn’t try to let my emotions control me.”

Anatoliy’s pin of Ronu ended a run of six consecutive pins for the Norsemen and helped the Bridgemen get their first points of the match.

“When Anatoliy came out, we definitely felt the spark,” said junior Demir Radoncic. “It definitely boosted the team morale. People put up a bigger fight after that.”

Even though Fort Lee went on to lose the match 60-24, Alkazov’s pin helped motivate the team the rest of the night. Radoncic earned a pin later in the match as did senior Jose Granados.

Alkazov will look to continue his success and leadership next week when the Fort Lee Bridgemen return to the mats. They will be on the road for a Wednesday night match at Leonia beginning at 7 p.m.