Published in the December 15, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The 18th annual Anthony Lisitano Memorial Wrestling Tournament will take place tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the Charbonneau Field House.
Wakefield Memorial High School will host the tournament once again. They will welcome 15 other schools to the tournament this year: Arlington, Catholic Memorial, Georgetown-Ipswich, Greater Lawrence Tech, Lexington, Lincoln-Sudbury, Lynnfield-North Reading, Marblehead-Swampscott, Malden, Malden Catholic, Methuen, Pentucket, Reading, Saugus and Watertown.
Anthony Lisitano ‘88 was the wrestling captain in both 1986-87 and 1987-88.
“Anthony was a three sport captain, but when it came to wrestling you’re talking about his passion,” said the Lisitano family, who are the tournament’s major sponsors along with Lisitano Produce, Inc.
“He was a monster on the mat at 6’2” – 265 lbs. and a gentleman off of it. He finished his wrestling career 3rd overall in Massachusetts and 6th in New England.”
“There was no place Anthony would rather be on a winter weekend than in a field house, on the mat, in a tournament. He thrived in the tournament environment. He loved the challenge to his preparation, stamina and resolve to make it through the grind and of course the chance to do what he loved, wrestle, all day. More than anything, Anthony loved the time he got to spend with his teammates; all pushing each other to be the best they could be.”
The 2017-18 Warriors enter the tournament coming off a 62-16 team victory over Watertown in their season-opening meet on Wednesday. Wakefield’s winners from Wednesday included: Anselm Schools, major decision: 14-2 at 106 lbs. Chris Alves, pin in 1:30 at 120 lbs. Aidan Armstrong, pin in 1:17 at 126 lbs. Luke Hopkins, pin in 1:58 at 132 lbs. Brock Johnson, pin in :23 at 138 lbs. Matthew Cunningham, major decision: 12-3 at 145 lbs (first varsity win). Jake Goodchild, pin in 1:05 at 152 lbs. Jimmy Grover, pin in :57 at 160 lbs (first varsity win). Kevin Tran, pin in :48 at 170 lbs. Diego Hernandez, pin in 3:12 at 182 lbs (first varsity win). Aiden Coleman, pin in 1:28 at 220 lbs.
“The Lisitano family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Coach Ross Ickes, his staff, current wrestlers and the entire Wakefield Athletic Department and School Department for making this tournament possible. Anthony loved the town of Wakefield and all the support he received from it. We couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute to a son of Wakefield than this great event.”
“To the wrestlers of today: All we expect is all you’ve got. Leave it all on the mat!”
