Published February 12, 2020

By DAN TOMASELLO

HAVERHILL — The Lynnfield-North Reading co-op wrestling team went 2-3 last week, bringing LNR’s overall record to 16-15.

The Black and Gold went 2-2 in the Haverhill Dual Meet Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 8. Twelve teams competed in the tournament.

LNR began the tournament defeating Excel Charter 54-30.

Junior Christian Real-Costa (113 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 3:14. Senior captain Timmy Leggett (132 lbs.) won his match by fall at 1:35. Senior captain Stuart Glover (138 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the ground at 1:13. Senior Cam Randazzo (145 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 1:41.

Sophomore Ryan McCullough (160 lbs.) won his match by fall at 1:23. Senior Dan Ryan (170 lbs.) pinned his counterpart at 1:32. Senior Giovanni Colucciello (182 lbs.) brought his opponent to the ground at 1:41. Senior captain Sean McCullough pinned his opponent at 1:32. Senior Brandon Ouellette (220 lbs.) won his match by fall in 11 seconds.

SENIOR Greg Camier (on top) secured the Black and Gold’s victory over Weyland after pinning his opponent at 1:53 of the first period on Feb. 8. LNR defeated Weymouth 42-40 during the Haverhill Dual Meet Tournament. (Courtesy Photo)

“All nine of our wins were by pin,” said Black and Gold head coach Craig Stone. “We lost to Excel Charter last year at the same tournament. It’s always nice to beat a team you have lost to the previous year.”

The Black and Gold fell 60-24 to Lawrence.

Leggett (132 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 3:08. Randazzo (145 lbs.) won his match by fall at 4:38. Ryan McCullough (152 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the ground at 2:49. Sean McCullough (182 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 48 seconds.

“Lawrence is a top Division 1 North team and were the eventual winners of the dual meet tournament,” said Stone. “LNR also gave up 24 points due to forfeits. We did not match up well, but they are a solid team from top to bottom.”

The Black and Gold defeated Weymouth 42-40.

Glover (138 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 1:04. Randazzo (152 lbs.) defeated his counterpart by fall at 1:29. Ryan McCullough (160 lbs.) pinned his opponent in 25 seconds.

Sean McCullough (182 lbs.) won his match by fall at 1:23. Senior Aidan Carucci (195 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the ground in 19 seconds. Eighth-grader Matt Howell (145 lbs.) won his match by forfeit. Senior Greg Camier secured LNR’s victory after pinning his opponent at 1:53 of the first period.

“Each team won seven matches,” said Stone. “LNR had all pins, which made the difference. Weymouth is a Division 1 South program, and traditionally has had a strong program.”

The Black and Gold concluded the tournament by falling 42-30 to Haverhill.

Ryan McCullough (160 lbs.) earned his fourth pin of the day after bringing his opponent to the ground at 2:25. Dan Ryan (170 lbs.) won his match by fall in 32 seconds. Sean McCullough (182 lbs.) pinned his counterpart at 1:46. Carucci (195 lbs.) defeated his opponent by fall at 1:07. Leggett (132 lbs.) won his match by forfeit.

“Forfeits made the difference,” said Stone. “Haverhill beat us last year 84-0. They are another strong Division 1 North program. We finished the day 2-2 with some nice wins. More importantly, we continue to see the progress from last year, and the progress from day one this year.”

Falls to Concord-Carlisle

The Black and Gold began last week falling 36-32 to Concord-Carlisle on Feb. 5 at Lynnfield High School.

Real-Costa (113 lbs.) won his match by a 15-0 technical fall. Ryan McCullough (152 lbs.) pinned his opponent in 33 seconds. Senior Gerry Callagy (170 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the ground at 1:51.

Colucciello (195 lbs.) won his match by a 5-3 decision. Carucci (220 lbs.) pinned his opponent with one minute remaining in the match. Sean McCullough (182 lbs.) won his match by forfeit.

Stone noted LNR was missing four starters against Concord-Carlisle due to injury.

“We had a shot even though we were shorthanded,” said Stone. “Credit has to be given to the entire team. We are not just relying on a few wrestlers to carry us this season. Everyone has had the opportunity to contribute to our success this season.”

Upcoming matches

The Black and Gold will wrap up the dual meet season against Danvers on Wednesday, Feb. 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Lynnfield High School cafeteria. The co-op team will be honoring 12 seniors and their parents as part of the annual Senior Night celebration.

LNR will compete in the Division 2 North sectional tournament on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Masconomet, beginning at 10 a.m.

“The top four place finishers in each weight class advance to the Division 2 State Tournament in Milton the following weekend,” said Stone.