A new day dawns on town’s wrestling team

Published in the December 16, 2015 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield-North Reading wrestling team returned to the mat last week and began the Black and Gold’s next era.

The 2014-2015 season was a special year for the Black and Gold, who finished the season with an overall record of 21-4. The grapplers won the Cape Ann League championship and the Division III North Sectional title.

Last season was expected to be the last year of the co-op team after the MIAA District Committee voted to separate the two schools in June 2014. The committee voted to separate the two schools because it felt North Reading had enough wrestlers to form its own program.

The two high schools appealed the decision earlier this year because of concerns surrounding the number of returning wrestlers and the ability for both high schools to field individual wrestling teams. The committee approved the request but decided to move the Black and Gold to Division II.

“They were agreeable but because of our success over the past three years (three sectional championships), we were asked to go up a division,” said Black and Gold head coach Craig Stone. “Division enrollment is determined by the number of students and the thinking was that combining both schools, we were a Division II program. Success aside, what we have been able to do with the program for both schools and towns, having to go up a division seemed like a small sacrifice to make. We traditionally compete against many Division II schools during the year anyway, so we welcome the challenge.”

Stone said the Black and Gold has five Lynnfield wrestlers and 13 North Reading wrestlers returning this winter.

“We have the smallest team in the history of the co-op,” said Stone. “We had 19 in 2005 when we began. We had 11 wrestlers not come back, (including) two to four potential starters. We have five returning starters and the opportunity for six other returning letter winners to step up into full time roles. Although we lack the numbers of the past, 17 out of 18 wrestlers have previous experience.”

Three captains will lead the Black and Gold this season, including Lynnfield senior Max Whyman (132 lbs.).

“Max is a returning state place finisher,” said Stone.

Senior captain Zack Monzione is a Lynnfield wrestler will be competing in the 152 and 160 pound weight classes this year.

“Zack is a returning sectional place finisher,” said Stone.

The third captain is North Reading grappler Michael Reardon (145 lbs.)

“Michael is a returning starter who was hurt at the end of last year and unable to compete in the end of season tournament,” said Stone.

Stone said all three captains are playing an important role with the Black and Gold.

“All of them are four-year varsity team members with a strong commitment to the team concept and strong leaders both on and off the mat,” said Stone.

The Black and Gold’s returning letter winners are Will Glover (113 lbs.), Chris Reardon (120 lbs.), Joe Reardon (120 lbs.), Aaron Gautreau (120/126 lbs.), Kai Jean-Simon (126 lbs.), Connor Stead (138 lbs.), Adam Rossetti (138 lbs.), Andrew DiPietro (145 lbs.) and Jared Curran (195 lbs.).

Stone said the co-op team’s promising newcomers are Dylan Reardon (106 lbs.), senior Devin Leggett (160 lbs.) and Kevin Farrelly (195 lbs.). Stone said the returning team members that will also make an impact this year are Anthony Wilkinson (160 lbs.), Joe Gonthier (170 lbs.) and Tim Goucher (220 lbs.).

Stone said the Black and Gold has two key strengths this winter.

“We have a great attitude and work ethic,” said Stone.

When asked what the Black and Gold need to work on, Stone commented, “Skill development, mental attitude and conditioning are always top priorities to work on.”

Undefeated start

The Black and Gold began the 2015-2016 season by defeating Hopkinton, Wilmington and Weston Dec. 12.

The co-op team defeated Hopkinton 48-25.

Freshman Dylan Reardon (113 lbs.) won his first varsity match after pinning his counterpart in 4:36. Kai Jean-Simon (126 lbs.) won his match by forfeit. Senior captain Max Whyman (132 lbs.) won his match by fall in 5:57. Connor Stead (138 lbs.) pinned his opponent in 2:46. Andrew DiPietro (152 lbs.) won his match by fall in 3:46.

Sophomore Anthony Wilkinson (170 lbs.) won his first varsity match after he pinned his opponent in 2:25. Kevin Farrelly (195 lbs.) won his match by forfeit. Junior Tim Goucher won his first varsity match after defeating his opponent by fall in 1:07.

Defeats Wilmington

The Black and Gold dismantled Wilmington 42-12 during the meet. The victory enabled Stone to clinch his 500th career victory.

Dylan Reardon pinned his opponent in 4:50. Chris Reardon (120 lbs.) won his match by forfeit. Jean-Simon defeated his opponent by fall in 1:29. Whyman won his match by forfeit. Adam Rossetti (138 lbs.) pinned his opponent in 58 seconds. Stead (145 lbs.) won his match by forfeit.

Mike Reardon (152 lbs.) won his match by fall in 1:58. Devin Leggett (160 lbs.), Joe Gonthier (182 lbs.) and Goucher won their respective matches by forfeit.

Defeats Weston

The Black and Gold defeated Weston 40-18 during the match.

Jean-Simon defeated his opponent by a 13-7 decision. Whyman defeated a returning sectional runner-up by a 9-5 decision. Rossetti won his match by forfeit. Stead (145 lbs.) pinned his opponent in 3:49.

Mike Reardon (152 lbs.) defeated his counterpart by an 11-1 major decision. Leggett earned his first varsity win after pinning his opponent in 1:48. Goucher defeated his opponent by fall in 50 seconds. Gonthier and Farrelly won their respective matches by forfeit.

Stone praised his squad’s performance in the quad meet.

“I was very pleased for the team to start the season 3-0,” said Stone. “Beating a top team like Hopkinton was especially rewarding. We may not have the quantity of wrestlers this year but we do have the quality! We will struggle at times this year covering the weights and that will hurt us against the top teams but we will be competitive.”