RallyNorth.net

Methuen takes title

The Methuen wrestling team is getting healthier and the results of Saturday's Wakefield Tournament is all the evidence you need.

The Rangers placed in 12 of 14 weight classes and rode a huge consolation semifinal round un which they had five pins to an impressive championship.

Methuen finished with 238 1/2 points in the 16-team field, followed by Lincoln-Sudbury (171) and surprising Greater Lawrence (155) and Pentucket (149).

Leading the way for the Rangers were champions Billy Wehring (126), Travis Manick (182) and Saul Cabrera (220). Wehring had three pins, including a 10-second fall in the quarterfinals, Manick won his second tournament in two weeks and Cabrera had four pins.

Unseeded Abimael Gonzalez (120) and heavyweight Angel Ramos (285) both placed second.

"I thought it was a solid team effort with some good wins by first-year varsity wrestlers," said Methuen coach Bill James. "This is something we hope to build on moving forward."

Greater Lawrence had nine placers including 138-pound champ Christian Roman and 195-pound runner-up Jarred Garcia.

"This was a much improved effort all around and we expect to wrestle this well al year," said Greater Lawrence coach Adam Porro.

Pentucket had two first-time champions in 152-pounder Kyle Knox and 195-pounder Noah Malhi. An Eagle-tribune All-Star in football, Malhi had three pins on the day.

For Georgetown, which finished 10th, freshman Ian Forgitano placed first at 106, grabbing a 7-3 decision in the finals, and junior Charlie Koshivas was the runner-up at 160.