James Fodera crowned champion of Lowell Holiday Tournament

 

 

By DAN TOMASELLO

LOWELL — Lynnfield-North Reading co-op wrestling senior captain James Fodera finished first in the 190 lb. weight class during the Lowell Holiday Tournament on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21.

“James became LNR’s first Lowell Holiday Tournament champion,” said Black and Gold head coach Craig Stone. “He placed eighth in the 190 lb. weight class last year, and came into the tournament as the number four seed.”

Fodera pinned a Leominster wrestler at 1:09 in the round of 64. He defeated a Canton grappler by a 20-2 technical fall during the round of 32. Fodera defeated a Bow, New Hampshire wrestler, who was ranked fifth in the 190 lb. weight class, by fall at 3:03 in the round of 16.

During the quarterfinals, Fodera defeated a Fairfield, Warde, Connecticut wrestler by a 13-10 decision. He upset a Stafford, Connecticut grappler, who was the number one seed, by a 14-10 decision in the semifinals. Fodera pinned a Taunton grappler, who previously defeated the number two seed, at 2:34 during the finals.

Stone said Fodera made family history as well as Black and Gold history during the Lowell Holiday Tournament.

“James’ father, Frank, who wrestled for Winchester High School, also won the Lowell Holiday Tournament in 1996,” said Stone. “They have become the only father-son tandem to win the prestigious tournament.”

Stone praised Fodera’s performance during the Lowell Holiday Tournament.

“I am so excited for James and for the recognition it gives to our program,” said Stone. “He has worked extremely hard throughout his high school career both during the season and offseason. He is a great example of what can be accomplished with a strong work ethic, drive and discipline.”

Sophomore Nathan Barstow (113 lbs.) and junior Dylan Matthews (285 lbs.) each went 2-2 during the Lowell Holiday Tournament, but they were unable to place.   

“Sixty-five teams from all over New England entered,” said Stone. “The tournament is ranked as the number one most competitive season tournament in New England.”

Shines at quad meet 

The Black and Gold (4-1) went 3-1 during a quad meet at Excel Academy on Dec. 23.

LNR defeated Weston 48-24.

Barstow (113 lbs.) won his match by fall at 1:16. Sophomore Zach Inafuko (106 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 31 seconds.  Senior captain Cam Arya (165 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the ground at 31 seconds. Junior Zack Morse (215 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 29 seconds.

Fodera (190 lbs.), Matthews (285 lbs.), captain David Glynn (157 lbs.), sophomore Sam Bird, freshman Griffin McCarthy (144 lbs.) and freshman Lucas Lopes (175 lbs.) won their respective matches by forfeit.

“Weston was unable to fill six out of 14 weight classes,” said Stone.

The Black and Gold defeated Oliver Ames 46-30.

Barstow (113 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 30 seconds. Glynn (157 lbs.) won his match by fall at 3:47. Arya (165 lbs.) defeated his counterpart by a 15-2 major decision. Lopes (175 lbs.) earned his first varsity win and pin after pinning his opponent at 1:55. Fodera (190 lbs.) defeated a returning state place finisher by fall at 3:47.

Sophomore Jason Kouyoumdjian (126 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 53 seconds. Inafuku (106 lbs.), Morse (215 lbs.) and Matthews (285 lbs.) won their respective matches by forfeit.

“LNR was down 18-30 after the first eight weight classes, but we rallied back to win the next six matches for the team win,” said Stone.

The Black and Gold fell 48-25 to Excel Academy.

Barstow (113 lbs.) pinned his counterpart at 1:44. Arya (165 lbs.) defeated his opponent by a 14-2 major decision. Fodera (190 lbs.) won his match by a 17-1 technical fall. Sophomore Jakob Hullet (120 lbs.) won his match by an 18-4 major decision.

The Black and Gold defeated Malden Catholic 60-18.

Barstow (113 lbs.) won his fourth match of the quad meet after pinning his opponent at 1:05. Inafuku (106 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the ground at 1 minute. Kouyoumdjian (126 lbs.) won his match by fall at 19 seconds.

Fodera (190 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 1:11.  Morse (215 lbs.) won his match by fall at 59 seconds. Matthews (285 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the ground at 2:45.  Glynn (157 lbs.), Hulett (120 lbs.), Lopes (165 lbs.) and senior Isaac Medford (138 lbs.) won their respective matches by forfeit.

“LNR bounced back by winning six out of seven matches wrestled on the mat,” said Stone about the win over Malden Catholic.”

Stone commended the Black and Gold’s strong performance during the quad meet.

“Obviously the loss to Excel was disappointing, but we had a very good day and motivation for the future,” said Stone. “We train, we compete and we get feedback. The season is a process and staying positive leads to future success.”