Queen, Other Severna Park Wrestlers Show Off At States

In his time as a Severna Park High wrestler, Sam Ziff, who coaches the team now, set a few school records.

Those look to be a thing of the past thanks to junior Michael Queen, a wrestler who dominates because of his quickness and underrated strength.

“I like to rib him,” Ziff explained. “He is probably going to break all of my records. I joke with him about it. He is in the running to win states and I tell him, ‘If you win states, I am not going to recognize your records. I will make you sit out matches to make sure I keep my records.’ But actually, I love to see them broken.”

Queen tied Ziff’s record for wins in a season (43) in 2023 as a freshman.

He came one win away from tying it again when he lost at 126 pounds in the Class 3A-4A championship at Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro on March 8.

Queen bettered his finish from last year at states. He took second at 126.

Queen’s career record stands at 127-12 and he should surpass Ziff’s mark of all-time wins with 132 — which Ziff set in 2013 — early next season. Ziff said Queen was wrestling at the highest level of his career entering the state tournament.

“He is a rare wrestler and one that comes around once in a blue moon,” Ziff said. “You just have to be happy about it and prove that you help them achieve the ultimate goal.”

Looking back at this season, Queen feels he’s getting closer to his lofty goal of a state title. He lost to Walt Whitman’s Solomon Randall, the defending state champion at 113 pounds, 8-0, on that Saturday in March. Queen did beat defending 120-pound state champion Brennan Considine of Linganore, 13-2, in the quarterfinals.

“This year, I think I was able to wear down my opponents and dominate on my feet,” Queen said of his improvements over last year. “I will take everything out of this year and learn. It was one step better than last season.”

Severna Park junior Aidan Holly (138) also qualified for the tournament and was eliminated in the early rounds.

On the girls side, the Falcons made a statement at states. Twins Alex Adams (fourth, 145 pounds) and Alanna Adams (second, 140 pounds) both placed. Alana finished 14-4 and captured her second county championship and first regional title in February. Alex posted an 11-4 record and won a regional championship as well.

“I hope their success will kickstart interest in a girls team at Severna Park,” Ziff said.