Wrestling (Boys)

Founded in 1973, the Deerfield wrestling program has a proud tradition, twice winning the New England Championship title. In the past two decades, Deerfield wrestlers have captured many individual titles at the Class A Tournament and New England Prep School Championships. Deerfield's varsity and JV squads practice together on two full mats for 90 minutes each day in the Kravis Arena. The 16 varsity matches, traditionally held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, include a mix of dual and quadrangular meets against rivals such as Northfield Mount Hermon, Choate Rosemary Hall, Phillips Andover, Loomis Chaffee, and the team's archrival, Phillips Exeter. In addition to the league and New England tournaments, the team also competes at the National Prep School Championships at Lehigh University. JV wrestlers grapple in informal jamborees and in a season-ending invitational tournament. A number of Deerfield wrestlers have gone on to compete in the collegiate ranks, appearing on the rosters at Boston University, Williams College, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Iowa, where the legendary Dan Gable coached.

Mark Scandling coaches wrestling at Deerfield. For more information, please contact him at mscandling@deerfield.edu.

Mark Scandling (Head Coach)

A former journalist, Mark came to Deerfield in 1987 after starting his teaching career at The Charlotte Country Day School. He has taught English at each grade level, directed plays, and worked at the KIPP STEP summer sessions. He also taught for two summers in New York for Prep for Prep.  Mark has led the girls’ polo team since 1997, their inaugural season. The girls captured the New England Prep School Championship just one year later. In 2003, 2010, and 2012, they finished second. Several of Mark's players have competed at the college level, including a four-time All American on Princeton's women's team. He also coaches the boys' team, which won the 2007 2008, 2010 and 2011 New England titles. Three former players are currently competing in Division I polo programs.  As a wrestling coach for twenty-five years, Mark, a four-year Division I wrestler at Davidson College, has enjoyed working with New England champions and beginners.

Send email to Mark Scandling (mscandling@deerfield.edu)