Holliston’s Garry Earning his Share of Wrestling Success

Brian Garry has compiled a plethora of impressive credentials during his first three years as a Holliston High wrestler.
The 126-pound junior has been a two-time captain, was selected as a Tri Valley League all-star twice and currently has a career record of 113-20. He’s won three Sectional championships, finished second and third in State tourneys, had a sixth-place finish in the All-State Tournament as a freshman, and wrestled in the New England Championships in his frosh campaign.
Three weeks ago, on Feb. 9 at Wayland High, Garry won all four of his matches at the Division 3 Central Mass. Sectional Tournament, giving him three straight titles at that level. Garry defeated Harry Brooks of AMSA-Keefe Tech in the semifinals and beat Greg Deeley of Wayland in the final, 3-2. Holliston’s team, which had 9 of 11 wrestlers place, finished fifth with 168.5 points.
“It’s a cool feeling to win three straight Sectional championships,’’ Garry said. “The competition in the 126-pound class was tough. I’m pleased the way I wrestled, but now I’ll be looking to do the best I can at the State Tournament.’’
Success on the mat seems automatic for the 17-year-old Holliston native but his achievements are the result of a variety of strengths that come with lots of hard work.
“Brian is mentally tough, he’s technically sound and his wrestling IQ is very high,’’ said Holliston coach Mike Capobianco. “He aims to be the best, and it’s his work ethic that defines him. He puts in so much time, whether it’s in the off-season, at practice or in the weight room. He’s so impressive, on and off the mat.’’
Garry’s third straight Sectional crown made his coach proud. “It’s a rare achievement,’’ Capobianco said. “Brian is a talented wrestler who grinds out every match.’’
When Garry isn’t wrestling, he devotes time to becoming an honor-roll student and, when possible, he volunteers to help those in need. Last summer, he traveled to Texas with his high school youth group from St. Mary’s Church to assist hurricane victims in Houston rebuild their homes and property.
“We painted houses, build fences and did landscaping work,’’ Garry said. “It felt good to help people.’’
When he’s on a wrestling mat, Garry is as intense as he was assisting in Houston. His style usually is aggressive as he aims to win as often as possible by pinning opponents. “I really don’t have a specific style,’’ he said. “I can be patient or aggressive. It varies from match to match. I just try to figure out what’s needed.’’
Garry, who is a reserve defensive back and wide receiver in football, started wrestling at seven years old in Holliston’s youth program. He liked the experience and quickly developed a passion it.
“It’s a sport where you hold yourself accountable,’’ he emphasized. “You work for individual success to score points for your team. Your success comes from individual commitment, and what you get out of wrestling is what you put in.’’
Garry’s success in post-season tourneys has been dynamic. His three straight Sectional titles have come in the 106, 120, and 126-pound weight classes.
“Those victories were enjoyable,’’ he said. “You wrestle all year long (club team in off-season), so it’s nice to be successful in the tournaments. I didn’t have high expectations as a freshman, but when I won the Sectional my sophomore year, I went in with confidence.’’
Garry’s top thrill on the mat was competing in the New England Tournament as a freshman. After his Sectional title, he finished third in the States, then sixth at the All-State meet, which qualified him for the New Englands.
“It’s hard to get to that level,’’ he noted. “I lost both matches, but I competed against the best wrestlers in six states. It was still a major thrill in spite of losing twice. I’m also proud of what I achieved in the Sectional, States and All-State meets and being a TVL all-star and a captain.’’
Garry credits his teammates and his coach for Holliston’s overall success this season and its 10-9-1 record in dual meets. “All my teammates have a great work ethic, and they’re all very supportive of each other,’’ he said. “And, coach Capobianco has been very helpful. He’s a good motivator who pushes us to succeed, and he knows what’s needed for us to improve.’’
Garry relies on an athletic philosophy that focuses on reaching his potential and enjoying a competitive atmosphere. “If those aspects are occurring, then winning usually follows,’’ he said. “Wrestling also teaches valuable life lessons. I’ve learned to overcome adversity, to be accountable, how to develop mental toughness and how to manage my time.’’
With another year to go before he wraps up his wrestling career at Holliston, Garry isn’t sure what college he’ll attend or whether he’ll be wrestling at the collegiate level. Business management could be his major but even that isn’t etched in stone.
What is clear and in perfect focus are Brian Garry’s commitment, work ethic and dedication to wrestling. His senior year should be dynamic and dominant.