Published in the March 10, 2017 edition
As the Melrose High wrestling team wraps up their state-winning season, they bid goodbye to five seniors, (from left) Collin Casey, Mandip Singh, state champion Antonio DiFronzo, Patrick Whelan, and Josh Roderick. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
PROVIDENCE, RI—Three members of the Melrose High School State champion wrester team qualified to appear at the 2017 New England High School Championship in Providence. Hunter Adrian, Sean Herbert and Antonio DiFronzo continued their tremendous seasons last weekend from March 3-5 in Rhode Island. Melrose enjoyed an overall strong day, placing 17th as a team and saw all three wrestlers advanced to second day play, while DiFronzo and Adrian both medaled.
“This was a huge achievement for all three,” said Melrose head coach James Bleiler. “We did really well, overall.”
State Champion Antonio DiFronzo (53-3) earned 4th place in the 195 class. According to his coach, the senior captain and All State silver medalist is the most accomplished MHS wrestler he has coached in his eight year tenure. “Antonio has been a great kid to coach,” says Bleiler. “He has done everything we asked of him in the four years I’ve coached him. He’s a tough kid with a great personality. He’s had an amazing career here. “
Hunter Adrian, meanwhile, placed 6th in the 106 lb class. This year’s All State Champion and ML Rookie of the Year is only getting started at MHS. “He’s my first All-State Champion I’ve coached, and he’s young. He’s earned over 50 wins this season. He’s been great.”
Bleiler also credits Herbert for some incredible wrestling. “Sean performed incredibly tough in the two days. He fought hard, lost 1-0 in a really tough match on day 2. Really proud of him and glad he will be back.”
Adrian started the day beating Ben Smart of Ridgefield, CT by a score of 18-2 at 5:02. That advanced him to face Joziah Fry of Coventry, RI, whom Adrian beat in a 4-2 decision. Adrian ultimately fell fell to Ryan Jack of Danbury, CT in a 4-1 decision. He finished 6th overall, best in Massachusetts.
DiFronzo, this year’s Div. 3 State Champ, found three of his opponents disqualified for biting and punching him, according to his coach. DiFronzo started the tourney with a 4-2 decision over Noah Gifford of Concord, NH. He prevailed over Jacob Griggs of Champlain Valley, VT, before falling to Jackson Rheault of Somers, CT. His fourth place finish represents Melrose’s best finish in several years.
All three wrestlers, Adrian, DiFronzo and Herbert have qualified for Nationals to be held in Virginia Beach later in the month.
