Published March 6, 2020

will head to New England’s this weekend

ALL STATE Champs Sean Herbert (left) and Hunter Adrian. (courtesy photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—It’s been another historic week for the Melrose Red Raider wrestling team, who crowned two All-State Champs last weekend at the MIAA All State Meet at Methuen High on Saturday, March 1.

Senior captains Hunter Adrian and Sean Herbert both earned All State Crowns in their weight classes. Adrian swept the 120 weight class and Herbert became the champ in the 152. Both will represent Melrose this weekend at the New England Finals at Methuen High and will compete after earning first-round byes starting on Saturday. 

Melrose placed fourth overall (68 pts) at All States in a tie with St. John’s Prep. Springfield Central was a the winner with 119 points. The Red Raiders also placed wrestlers Matt Hickey in the 220 (8th) and Victor Rodriguez 160. They finish their strong seasons with a fantastic win-loss records. Hickey ends his season 31-9 and Rodriguez 34-13. 

It was a historic day for Hunter Adrian. He became only the third wrestler in state history to earn four All-State titles after he beat Calvin Dalton of Salem, 9-3, in the 120 finals. He now joins Joey Fendone of Central Catholic (2001-2004) and Christian Monserrat of Methuen (2011-2014) as one of the most accomplished high school wrestlers in Massachusetts history.

To Adrian, this latest accomplishment had him lapping up victory. “It’s a very rewarding feeling. All my hard work and dedication in reaching this milestone paid off.” 

Adrian remains 211-6 in his career and 54-1 on the season heading into this weekend’s All-New England finals at Methuen High. He was thrilled be be able to see teammate Sean Herbert achieve an All State victory too. 

“I couldn’t ask for a better practice partner than Sean. Everyday in the room we pushed each other to our limits, and he has played a huge role in my development throughout the season. For both of us to win our senior season is an incredible feeling.”

Herbert will graduate a five-time sectional champ, a four-time Div. 3 State Champ and is now on the cusp of clinching 200 careers wins. He enters New England’s with 199 and will mostly surely earn that mark. On Saturday, he prevailed over Eddie Marinilli of Canton in the 152 pounds in a 7-2 decision. He also beat Evan Goodall to advance to finals. Herbert goes into this weekend’s New England Championship 39-1 on the season.

This was icing on the cake for the senior captain. “It means a lot after being at All-States so many times,” says Herbert. “My sophomore year I took 2nd and lost to the kid I beat in the finals this year. It feels good to achieve that goal after all these years. It was a storybook ending.”

He also values being in great company with his longtime teammate, Adrian. “It’s great seeing him accomplish his goals. He works so hard and we worked hard together to get here. This is what it’s all for.”

As they wind down their high school wrestling careers, both express gratitude to their coaches, teammates and families for helping them achieve what very few Red Raiders can. Says Adrian. “I’m grateful for all the coaches, teammates and family who have helped me along the way.” 

Herbert concurs. “I’m thankful to my mom, dad and the rest of my family that have supported me.”

As for this weekend, Herbert sums is up best. “Excited to compete and let it fly one last time!”