Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Keigo Koyasu ’23 likes a challenge, and he was up for the biggest challenge of the wrestling season last week.

Competing in the 120-pound weight class, Keigo placed second and earned a spot at the New England Championships Feb. 19 at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts.

Keigo won via pin in his first two matches before losing in the final in the Class A Championships Feb. 12 at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire.

As a freshman, Keigo took sixth in the 113-pound weight class at the Class A meet. There were no championships last season due to COVID-19.

Quotes

Keigo on reaching the final: “I think that the reason why I made it to the final is because of my teammates and coaches working with me every day to improve my weaknesses. It was unfortunate that I lost the final, but I still made it to New Englands and I really appreciate my coaches and my teammates who worked with me.”

Coach Drew Shea ’08 on Keigo’s performance at the Class A meet: “Keigo definitely impressed me on Saturday. His desire to compete and to win was felt by everyone on the team leading up to Class A's, and he was able to demonstrate it for the league to watch. Most importantly, Keigo adapted his game plan going into the finals and tailored it to best his odds against his opponent. Keigo's ability to receive direct instruction and apply it between matches should be recognized. These adjustments helped him to compete at his highest level against a quality opponent in the finals.”

Coach Shea on Keigo’s strengths as a wrestler: “Keigo runs on a never-ending battery. He pushes himself and his teammates to work harder every day during every drill and live wrestling situation. This high-speed, high-intensity style of wrestling is what Keigo is known for. In the finals, he was able to adapt and put his energy into focusing on technique and thinking one move ahead of his opponent.”