Most high school wrestlers walk into a gym surrounded by teammates warming up beside them.

Colby Marsan walks in alone.

Marsan, a junior wrestler, competes in the 175-pound weight class. While he represents Woodland, he practices daily at Amity High School because Woodland does not have a full wrestling team. In fact, Colby is the team — a one-man roster carrying an entire program on his shoulders.

Being a one-man team is rare. It is demanding. And for Marsan, it is motivating. Marsan explains that his approach to practices and competition is more logistical than mental.

“Sometimes I don’t even get to wrestle the other team’s varsity athlete because of match limits during tournaments,” said Marsan. “But when it comes to practice, nothing really changes. I train just like everyone else.”

His mindset reflects maturity beyond his years. No excuses. No complaints. Just preparation.

Still, stepping into a gym where the opposing team has a full lineup can be intimidating. 

“When it comes to the Berkshire League (BL) or states, it can be a little intimidating at first,” Marsan admitted. “You see other teams with full lineups and their systems in place. But once I start warming up with my coach, I lock in. I don’t treat it any differently than any other competition.”

That focus has paid off.

Marsan only began wrestling during his sophomore year, yet in just two seasons, he has become a two-time NVL and BL champion.

“Winning BLs and NVLs last year meant a lot,” said Marsan. “That was my first tournament win. My dad was there, and having him see that was special. I also had my friend Ali Gega supporting me through it; that made it even better.”

When asked which moment stands out most in his career so far, win or lose, Marsan immediately reflected on a recent tournament performance that tested him against the best.

“I had a really strong tournament at the Highlander Invitational,” said Marsan. “I wrestled the seventh-ranked wrestler in the state in the semifinals. He was seeded above me and expected to win, but I beat him. I took him down twice and controlled the match.”

That victory sent Marsan to the finals, where he faced the number-one-ranked 175 lbs wrestler in Connecticut.

“In the finals, I lost 7–4,” he said. “It was a tough match, but I only lost by three points; I’m proud of that.”

Even in defeat, Marsan measures success by growth and performance against elite competition.

“Ethan Lah,” said Marsan. “He wrestled for Amity last year, and he’s one of the best wrestlers I’ve ever trained with. He pushed me every day, and I learned so much from him. If I could train with anyone again, it would definitely be him.”

For Marsan, wrestling is not about the size of the team standing behind him. It is about preparation, resilience, and heart. Every time he steps onto the mat determination outweighs numbers, he knows he represents not just himself, but his school and the idea that one is better than none.