SALEM — Of 47 teams competing across Friday and Saturday’s Division 2 state wrestling meet at Salem High, Marblehead-Swampscott bowed out with 31 points and a 24th-place finish. Milford (177.5 points) won the meet.
“While Friday was a solid day for us, Saturday proved to be a test of our resolve,” said Marblehead-Swampscott Coach Michael Stamison.
Liam O’Brien (132 pounds) put on a show Friday, scoring wins against Silver Lake and Shepherd Hill. From there, on Saturday, O’Brien lost two matches, but took down his Salem/Hamilton-Wenham opponent for a 3-2 weekend and a fifth-place finish.
“Liam placed fifth in the divisional state and will wrestle next week at All-states,” Stamison said.
All-state-bound Mason Hinshaw (157) placed sixth and Justin Gonzalez (285) took seventh.
“Mason was dominant, ending his first day and punching his ticket to the semis and to next week’s All-states,” Stamison said. “If that was it for Gonzo (Gonzalez), he goes out with a season record of 28-11 – placing at every tournament – winning his first tournament at Pelham, and, of course, his big sectional tournament win. He also won his final match – something not many people can say.”
Eva Goodman (2-2) impressed in the 114-pound division.
“I’m excited to see what this offseason brings for Eva, who competes in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) as well,” Stamison said. “I’m excited to see her back in the lineup next season.”
