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Max Smith makes a name for himself, Jewish Day on wrestling mat

Competing unattached because of Jewish Day School policy, senior Max Smith enters the Maryland Independent School state tournament as a contender at 152 pounds.

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Max Smith began wrestling at Jewish Day as an eighth grader, joining a loosely organized team for practice in the school cafeteria. Now a senior, he has become one of the area’s top 152 pounders, and the team’s membership has spiked, too.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Because of a policy at Jewish Day prohibiting competition on the sabbath, senior Max Smith, right, will compete unattached at the Maryland Independent School state tournament this weekend.

Because of a policy at Jewish Day prohibiting competition on the sabbath, senior Max Smith, right, will compete unattached at the Maryland Independent School state tournament this weekend.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Jewish Day senior Max Smith holds a 16-1 record on the mat this season, helping the Lions to a 9-3 team record, including a win over Gonzaga.

Jewish Day senior Max Smith holds a 16-1 record on the mat this season, helping the Lions to a 9-3 team record, including a win over Gonzaga.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Jewish Day Coach Jordan Lipp, in his third year at the Rockville school, has served as a mentor for Smith, on and off the mat.

Jewish Day Coach Jordan Lipp, in his third year at the Rockville school, has served as a mentor for Smith, on and off the mat.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Max Smith and Coach Jordan Lipp have helped grow wrestling’s popularity at Jewish Day. The team has 19 members this season, and Smith said it’s become one of the “big sports” at the school that bears his great-grandfather’s name.

Max Smith and Coach Jordan Lipp have helped grow wrestling’s popularity at Jewish Day. The team has 19 members this season, and Smith said it’s become one of the “big sports” at the school that bears his great-grandfather’s name.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Smith, shown here on the way to a first-period pin against Robert Page of St. Andrew’s, plans to compete at Navy next winter.

Smith, shown here on the way to a first-period pin against Robert Page of St. Andrew’s, plans to compete at Navy next winter.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Max Smith (blue singlet) has steadily improved since taking up wrestling at Jewish Day in eighth grade. His mother, Liz, credits the sport with changing his life.

Max Smith (blue singlet) has steadily improved since taking up wrestling at Jewish Day in eighth grade. His mother, Liz, credits the sport with changing his life.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Jewish Day senior Max Smith heads into the Maryland Independent School state tournament as the fourth seed at 152 pounds. He finished third at 145 pounds in the event last year.

Jewish Day senior Max Smith heads into the Maryland Independent School state tournament as the fourth seed at 152 pounds. He finished third at 145 pounds in the event last year.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

The Jewish Day wrestling team warms up for a match at St. Andrew’s. Senior Max Smith led the Lions to their most successful season in school history this winter, compiling a 9-3 record.

The Jewish Day wrestling team warms up for a match at St. Andrew’s. Senior Max Smith led the Lions to their most successful season in school history this winter, compiling a 9-3 record.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

Members of the Jewish Day wrestling team and fans applaud during a 48-15 victory at St. Andrew’s on Jan. 30 in Potomac.

Members of the Jewish Day wrestling team and fans applaud during a 48-15 victory at St. Andrew’s on Jan. 30 in Potomac.

Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post

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