Published in the January 8, 2016 edition
THE MELROSE High School boy’s wrestling team has begun their 2015-16 campaign 2-0 in the league. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — The Melrose Red Raider wrestling team returns to the 2015-16 season already 3-0 in the Middlesex Freedom League (3-3 overall) – this after earning a share of the Freedom League title in 2014. Led by coach James Bleiler, the Raiders’ season is well underway with a number of dual meets in their pocket and key victories over league rivals such as Burlington, Reading and Wilmington.
Leading the team as captains this season are juniors Antonio DiFronzo and Patrick Whelan. According to coach Bleiler both are considered wrestlers who can go the distance into post season. On Dec. 28 and 29 the team took part in the 2015-16 George Bossi Lowell Holliday Tournament at the Tsongas Center. Melrose scored 52 points, landing around the middle of the 70 teams that competed in the two day event.
“We’re off to a good start,” says Bleiler. “Sometimes it’s a slow start to the season right off of football and before the holidays but we’ve picked up some key wins early and are hoping to be on track to take the league this season.”
On Saturday, Melrose’s top performance came from Patrick Whelan, a standout from 2014 who competes now in the 182 class. He advanced along with DiFronzo to a second day of competition. Whelan took down opponents Stathsi Dandis of Canton, Joe Linehan of Milton, Neil Thibaudeau of Mt. Hope, and Matt Messina of North Andover. He ultimately fell to Malik Settles of Lowell, 4-2. DiFronzo took an opening round win over Dave Abrams of Fairfield before falling in the next round. “It was an incredibly tight match and there were a few questionable calls but I expect him to be a wrestler this season who places this year.”
Melrose’s Mike Calvert (145) and Mandip Singh (138) also had successful consolation rounds with wins against opponents from Southington, Wayland and Manchester. Newcomer Stephen MacIntosh (120) enjoyed a consolation win over Will Chu of Dedham. MacIntosh is a wrestler Bleiler considers one who could see a postseason run.
Among those wrestling in Lowell were MacIntosh (120) Mandip Singh (138), Mike Calvert (145), Cameron Rossie (152), Josh Roderick (160), Jacob Harvey (170), Patrick Whelan (182), Antonio DiFronzo (195), Colin Casey (220) and Jacob Fortier (285).
It’s always a quick season for the Raiders, and Bleiler knows each match counts. As they compete, this Melrose team is keeping the eye on the prize. “We’re hoping to send as many as we can to sectionals and hopefully take the league this season.”
Melrose continues their season tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Sandwich High School when they compete in a quad meet. Melrose’s next home meet is Wednesday, Jan. 13 against Wakefield.
