BYFIELD — The magic hasn’t run out – not even close.
Saugus-Peabody’s picture-perfect wrestling season hit another high note during Saturday’s Cape Ann League/Northeastern Conference Tournament at Triton Regional High School. The co-op captured first place with 204.5 points.
Following were Beverly (T-2nd -165), Lynnfield-North Reading (T-2nd – 165), Triton (4th – 164), Gloucester (5th – 157.5), Marblehead-Swampscott (6th – 135), Pentucket (7th – 133.5), Salem (8th – 102.5), Essex Tech-Masconomet (9th – 35), and Danvers (10th – 28).
For Saugus-Peabody and coach Wayne Moda – who received Northeastern Conference Coach of the Year – the team was led by Antonio Anzalone (285) and Max LoRusso (144), who both won their respective weight divisions. Jackson Deleidi (120) and Justin Bremberg (157) secured second-place finishes.
Despite first-place nods from Brayden Pouliot (120), Cooper Lang (113), Jason Knapp (215), and Joseph Baker (165), Beverly settled for a second-place tie.
Lynnfield-North Reading sported just one top finisher in James Fodera (190), but spread the wealth elsewhere. Cameron Arya (165) and Nathan Barstow (113) grappled for second, while third-place finishes went to David Glynn (157) and Jason Kouyoumdjian (126).
“Having so many wrestlers do so well at the tournament put an asterisk on a week of
challenges and accomplishments,” said Lynnfield-North Reading coach Craig Stone. “That challenge will continue this Saturday at the Division 3 State Dual-Meet Championships (Ashland High School) as we face the top teams in the state.”
For Marblehead-Swampscott, three first-place finishes squeaked the Black and Blue past Pentucket by a hair. Those came from Jaymes Carey (106), Liam O’Brien (132), and Mason Hinshaw (157). Justin Gonzalez (285) performed well to secure second, while the team’s only third-place finish came from Gary Podstrelov (144).
“Very pleased with our overall performance. We are well-conditioned and disciplined and that shined through,” said Marblehead-Swampscott coach Michael Stamison. “Jaymes remains undefeated since cutting down to 106. Liam and Mason both moved ahead of all-time wins leader Stephen Hopkins, and are now and and two, respectively, on that list. ‘Gonzo’ wrestled great, despite nursing an injury. We still have a lot more work to do to get ready for the postseason. We also were awarded Team Sportsmanship. I’m very proud to receive that award, as it’s voted on by the opposing league coaches.”
