The DeMatha wrestling program’s success is unparalleled in the Washington area. It was built by legendary coach Dick Messier, who guided the Stags to a record of 529-107-6. During his 35 years (1979-2014) at the helm, his teams won seven National Prep Wrestling Championships and 25 conference titles.

In 2023-24, DeMatha improved by one place in the WCAC Championships to finish third. It was the Stags’ best performance in the conference tournament since a second-place showing in 2014. Last year, Joseph Lagman placed second (175 lbs.) in the Maryland Independent Schools State Championships and the WCAC tournament and qualified for the National Prep Championships.

Dylan Devine ’12, an All-American under Messier and two-time WCAC champion, is the current head coach. As a senior, he led the Stags to a 26-1 record and the conference championship. He was 58-4 with 37 falls that season and went on to wrestle at the University of Maryland.