Stafford Senior High Wrestling Caps Off Historic 2025 Season with State-Level Success and Bright Future
The 2024–2025 wrestling season at Stafford Senior High School will go down as one of the most memorable in school history. Under the guidance of Head Coach Joe Pittman, the Stafford Wrestling program reached new heights, boasting record-breaking performances, thrilling dual victories, and a deep postseason run that showcased the team’s unity, grit, and emerging young talent.
With standout performances across both the boys’ and girls’ teams, Coach Pittman and his athletes established themselves as a program to watch, not just for what they’ve accomplished, but for what lies ahead.
A Season of Firsts and Fast Growth
This year, Stafford Wrestling broke new ground, both in team and individual achievements. For the first time in school history, 11 wrestlers—boys and girls combined—qualified for the state tournament, a remarkable feat that reflected the depth and drive of the team.
Among the key contributors were:
William Etu, who not only qualified for states but also placed 6th, solidified his role as a team anchor.
Danny Gatto, another top performer, also placed 6th in the boys’ tournament as just a freshman.
Julie Gatto and Abby DeBerry, who each placed 4th at the girls’ state tournament, provided pivotal points and proved themselves against top-tier competition.
Other state qualifiers included Jesse Gatto, Michael Lampman, Brenden Snaevly, Nick Kezierski, Luke Schneider, and Eli Hill—each contributing to the team’s overall strength, along with senior Alejandra Miranda.
With notable team placements at prestigious events—1st at the Cosby Duals, 2nd at the Blue Devil Duals, 3rd at Fear the Spear, and 4th at the Battle of the Bridge—the team also finished with an impressive dual record of 23-9. One of those victories stood out in particular: a win over local powerhouse Riverbend, a school Stafford had not defeated in a dual meet for years.
Defining Moments That Cemented Unity
Every great season has its defining moments, and for Stafford, one of the most dramatic came at the Culpeper Duals. The match came down to the final bout. Freshman Julie Gatto, wrestling against a male starter from Culpeper, had to secure a pin in the closing seconds for her team to advance to the semifinals.
With just four seconds left, Gatto executed a takedown and pinned her opponent to the mat, sending the team into the next round and igniting a celebration that Coach Pittman described as a “true test of strength.” The moment was emblematic of the heart and resilience that defined the team this season.
The Battle of the Bridge was another turning point, where the team’s collective effort led to an unexpected 4th-place finish, with every wrestler contributing team points. It was more than just an individual performance—it was a clear sign of the team’s growth and potential.
Freshmen Making Waves
This season also saw the rise of new stars, especially Danny and Julie Gatto, two freshmen who exceeded expectations and grew into key roles. Both piled up regular-season wins and capped their campaigns with state placements.
Their development is not only a source of pride for the coaching staff but a glimpse into what could be a dominant run over the next three seasons. These young athletes, along with other returners, form the core of a team with serious postseason aspirations moving forward.
Rising to Challenges
No successful season comes without adversity, and the Stafford Wrestling team faced its share. One of the biggest setbacks came in the form of a midseason injury to a key starter. But instead of faltering, the team responded with strategic adjustments and a renewed focus.
Wrestlers stepped up to cover the gap, with some tasked with earning pins, while others were challenged to limit points against tough opponents. The team rallied behind their shared mission and pushed through the challenge, gaining even more cohesion in the process.
Senior Leadership and Lasting Impact
Despite being a young team overall, Stafford’s seniors played a pivotal leadership role this season. Luke Schneider and Alejandra Miranda were the only seniors on the roster, but their influence reached far beyond the mat.
“They helped to shape and guide the team in a positive direction,” Coach Pittman shared. “These two athletes will be sorely missed next season.”
Their legacy is more than just stats and match results—it’s in the culture they helped build. Their work ethic, mentorship, and example have laid the groundwork for the future of the program.
Eyes on the Future
If the 2025 season was about breaking records and making history, 2026 may be about rewriting the playbook altogether. With 10 returning seniors and 11 state qualifiers eligible to return, the Stafford Wrestling program is poised for even greater success.
“The sky is the limit for this team next year,” said Coach Pittman. “Many of these wrestlers are working hard in the offseason as we attempt to break as many records next year as possible.”
Another exciting development is the school’s third annual summer wrestling camp, aimed at building enthusiasm for the sport among elementary and middle school students. Taking place June 16–18, the camp reflects the program’s long-term vision: not only to succeed now but to build a sustainable culture of excellence and community engagement.
Offseason Goals and Growing the Sport
Coach Pittman and his staff are clear about what needs to happen in the offseason. Their focus is on increasing participation, especially among those not playing fall sports. They’re calling on both male and female athletes to get involved with preseason conditioning and offseason training to help keep the momentum going.
“Our goal is to pack the wrestling room with quality athletes,” Pittman said, “so that winning becomes a tradition, and we continue to develop student-athletes who are good, productive members of society.”
Tracking the Progress
For those wanting to follow Stafford Wrestling more closely, stats and highlights can be found on Track Wrestling, the team’s Facebook page, or through Coach Pittman’s team spreadsheet. Anyone interested in specific information or highlights is encouraged to reach out directly.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season wasn’t just about medals and rankings—it was about growth, unity, and establishing a legacy. With a strong returning roster, a motivated coaching staff, and a commitment to community outreach and personal development, Stafford Wrestling is laying the foundation for something truly special.
Coach Pittman summed it up best: “This season was one of the best in school history—and we’re just getting started.”
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