Sophomore Wrestler Benjamin Kasdan-Grollo Sets Sights on Bigger Goals

After a successful sophomore season, Benjamin Kasdan-Grollo, known by everyone as Benji, is already looking ahead to what comes next.

 

The match ends. He is out of breath, sweat dripping after a hard-fought battle. The referee raises his arm. Another win.

 

Benji finished the season with a 10–9 record for the Murry Bergtraum Blazers, qualifying for high-level competitions such as borough championships, city championships, and the Mayor’s Cup, where top wrestlers from across New York City compete.

 

“I’m proud of this season,” Benji said. “I made it to the Mayor’s championships, Boroughs, and Cities. Those are some of the hardest tournaments in the city.”

 

Still, he is not satisfied.

 

“Next year, I want to place at cities. And when I’m a senior, I want to make states,” he said.

 

Benji’s rapid success is especially notable considering he only started wrestling a year ago. His progress is driven by a strong work ethic. He attends every practice and pushes himself to improve with each match.

 

That effort has not gone unnoticed.

 

“He definitely knows what he’s doing out there,” said Matt Oxman, a Biology and Earth and Space teacher and avid wrestling match attendee. “You can tell he’s always giving 100 percent. Sometimes he might think a little too much and be slow to react, but one of the best matches I saw at boroughs was his.”

 

Oxman also pointed to Benji’s leadership on the team.

 

“He’s definitely hard-working,” Oxman said. “During practice, he stands out as someone who helps keep the team focused and makes sure everyone is working to get better.”

 

Wrestling itself has been growing in New York City. According to Beat the Streets, more than 2,000 students participated in PSAL wrestling in 2023. The organization emphasizes that wrestling teaches discipline, perseverance, and self-reliance.

 

Benji has already faced challenges, including a hospital visit for a cauliflower ear injury. Despite setbacks, he continues to push toward his goals.

 

While his future is still unfolding, one thing is clear: Benji is not just competing. He is building toward something bigger.