LYNN — Lynn high schools went without wrestling teams for several years until Marshall Middle School formed a team in 2016. Following its success, a high school co-op team was formed in 2018.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the team to rebuild in the years that followed.
“It was really tough and we were afraid that we might lose it all together,” said assistant coach Frank Vieira.
They didn’t lose everything they built. Now, the team is reaching new success.
The co-op brings together athletes from four high schools: Lynn Classical, Lynn Tech, Lynn English, and St. Mary’s. At its lowest point, after the pandemic, the team was down to only three wrestlers. The program faced major challenges trying to regain popularity and attendance.
Since then, participation has surged. The most recent season was the program’s best, according to head coach Dan Koziski, whose roster increased to nearly 40 wrestlers.
The team has also seen competitive success. Six students qualified for sectionals and two of those students placed. Pablo Maldonado of Lynn Classical placed fifth and Omar DeJesus of Lynn English placed sixth.
The team has built a new community. It brings together students from different high schools, talents, ages, and teaches them “discipline and teamwork,” said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson.
The program also expands access to eighth graders who are involved in the Tech-affiliated Discovery Program, to give them an early introduction into the sport.
Vieira, who does much of the hands-on coaching while Koziski manages logistics behind the scenes, faced a back injury this year and was unable to work as closely on the mats with students.
“It’s killing me because I want to and I want to show them what to do and I can only tell them,” Vieira said. “I’ve got to kind of rely on the older kids to do what I’m telling them.”
Koziski said that peer mentorship is one of the biggest things his wrestlers can gain from the experience.
“Camaraderie, relying on one another, trying to drive each other, pushing each other. That’s definitely one of the biggest things that they can hopefully try to get out of it.” Koziski said.
Based at Lynn Tech, the team is looking to advertise more among the schools. Creating and maintaining interest in the sport is also key. High school wrestlers now have the opportunity to assist with the middle school level at Marshall, which is also coached by Vieira.
Nicholson has supported the program for years. Before becoming mayor, he served on the Lynn School Committee and helped the middle school team obtain mats, uniforms, and other equipment.
With a wrestling background, Nicholson said he was excited to see the sport return to Lynn. Vieira called him “a big ally in our corner.”
With Nicholson’s support, the team has contributed to the community. Each summer, Lynn hosts a beach wrestling tournament that highlights the area to the New England community, but also gives the wrestlers another chance to engage with their sport during the offseason.
As the program grows and gains recognition, other schools have begun inviting Lynn wrestlers to joint practices. These connections are a “big asset,” Vieira said.
Nicholson said the athletes represent Lynn well.
“They’re wonderful students and are always very welcoming and appreciative of the chance to connect, and I’m really proud of them,” he said. “Like all our student-athletes, they represent Lynn really well.”
Mary Christie is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story was published in partnership with the Massachusetts News Service.
