A Brief History of Wrestling at Eaglebrook

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, the impact of new school leaders Stuart and Monie Chase was starting to take shape.  

It was a fractious time in the country. In sharp contrast, Stuart and Monie wanted to create an environment on campus with awareness and concern for others.

Stuart and Monie also embarked on a noticeable broadening of the curriculum in this period. In addition, they set about expanding the available extracurricular opportunities to reflect student interests. With this, the school’s first wrestling team was formed during the 1970-71 school year. By 1973, in only its third year of existence, the program had already achieved its first undefeated season.

Legendary faculty member Bill Van Order, who passed away in December of 2023, was the program’s first coach, along with assistant coaches Jim MacDonald and Joe Groff. 

Bill left an indelible mark on interscholastic wrestling in New England. To honor his contributions, area coaches established the “Van Order Award” to recognize future coaches and administrators who advanced the sport of wrestling.

The Eaglebrook wrestling program produced numerous wrestlers who would have success at the secondary school and collegiate levels. Of note, Hugh “Hugo” Smith ‘91 earned Division III All-American Honors at 167 lbs while at Wesleyan University in 1996. 

Other Brookie wrestlers to compete at the collegiate level include:

Unfortunately, like many wrestling programs, Eaglebrook’s team was severely impacted by the recent pandemic and remains on pause.