The Schwartz Report has been told, by the source himself, that 2024 NHSCA Freshman All-American Chase Catalano will be transferring from Old Lyme High School to Xavier High School for the 2024-2025 season, bolstering an already strong Falcons lineup.
Catalano, who wasn’t even sure about wrestling at the start of last season, is ranked No. 10 in the public class of 2027 in New England and No. 5 at 165lbs in the July 11th set of the New England rankings.
“Overall I would call it [his freshman season] a success. I was uncertain about participating as I didn’t wrestle in the offseason,” Catalano told The Schwartz Report. “At the end of October I wanted to represent my school and town and join the team, this was uncharted waters for me as a freshman in high school. I realized quickly from my first tournament that I could make a big splash in my first high school season.”
And a big splash is what Catalano made in his freshman campaign. At Old Lyme, Catalano finished with a 32-3 record and was the Class S state champion and the Connecticut State Open runner-up. And although he fell short in New Englands, he made some ruckus in Virginia Beach when he placed eighth at Nationals.
“It felt terrible not placing at New Englands. I knew there were very good wrestlers in my weight class but I was confident about getting on the podium.” Catalano, not usually one to make excuses, concedes that his lackluster performance at the tournament was due to being ill; more specifically, food poisoning. “My confidence was soon rattled as I fell ill on day one. I’m not big on making excuses for myself but I definitely was not there 100%. I was pleased to earn All-American status, but know in my heart that a higher spot on the podium was achievable. I’m ready for the big dance and I’m locked in for a better performance at these national events.”
When it comes to new challenges and national events, that is exactly what the incoming sophomore will get at Xavier. Ultimately, his future was the defining choice in changing schools.
“The reality and urgency of college is just around the corner. After speaking with my parents we felt that the education and opportunities that Xavier provided would be more attractive on a college resume.”
Xavier High School is a known powerhouse in the New England region, scoring the second-most points ever at the tournament last year en route to a second place team title. Catalano is ready to help the team win another Connecticut state title and contend at New Englands; he’s happy to fill whatever weight the team needs him to be, whether 165lbs or higher.
“I’m not sure [what weight class]. We’ll see. I thought I was done growing last year, but I’m getting taller so it’s still a mystery.”
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