Published February 26, 2020
SENIOR CAPTAIN Sean McCullough (on top) finished second in the 182 lb. weight class during the Division 2 state tournament at Milton High School last weekend. (Courtesy Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
MILTON — Lynnfield-North Reading co-op wrestling senior captain Sean McCullough had a stellar performance during the Division 2 state tournament at Milton High School last weekend.
Sean McCullough placed second in the 182 lb. for the second straight year. He began the first round of the tournament pinning North Attleboro’s Montrell Jackson at 1:29. He defeated Shepherd Hill’s Ethan Ayotte, the Central sectional champion, by fall at 5:15 during the quarterfinals. Sean McCullough defeated Woburn’s David Langlois, the Metro sectional champion, by a 10-6 decision during the semifinals.
“This was a very competitive match that seesawed back-and-forth,” said Black and Gold head coach Craig Stone. “The match was not decided until the end.”
Danvers’ Russ Canova pinned Sean McCullough at 5:22 in the finals. Canova had previously defeated Sean McCullough during the Cape Ann League/Northeastern Conference Tournament and the Division 2 North Tournament this winter.
“Sean was also the state runner-up at 182 lbs. last year,” said Stone. “Sean will wrestle this weekend at the All-State Tournament at Methuen High School. Wrestling begins at 3 p.m. on Friday. The tournament combines the state place finishers from Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3. The top seven place finishers from this tournament advance to the New England Championships.”
In addition to Sean McCullough, there were three other members of the Black and Gold who competed in the Division 2 state tournament. Senior Gerry Callagy (170 lbs.) went 1-2 in his first state tournament appearance. Senior Brandon Ouellette (220 lbs.) and junior Christian Real-Costa (113 lbs.) each went 0-2 during the tournament.
Sophomore Ryan McCullough (152 lbs.) and junior Nik Marotta (160 lbs.) were both named alternates for the tournament, but neither grappler wrestled.
Stone commended the six grapplers for qualifying for the Division 2 state tournament.
“Just to earn the right to participate at this tournament is an accomplishment in itself,” said Stone. “Christian, Ryan and Nik are all underclassmen who will get another shot. Both Gerry and Brandon were able to put an exclamation point on outstanding seasons, and Sean further distinguished himself with the rare feat of being a two-time finalist. As a coach, and as a wrestler, you want to have a successful dual meet season, then get further recognition at the sectional and state level. We were able to do both this season.”
