Adrian & Herbert prevail; a trio advances to All States
Published February 22, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
WAKEFIELD—It was a winning day for the Melrose Red Raider wrestling team, who crowned two state champions at the MIAA Div. 3 State Finals at Wakefield High on Saturday, Feb. 16.
Juniors Hunter Adrian and Sean Herbert repeated their state titles with victories in the 113 and 152. And senior captain Steven MacIntosh earned silver in his weight class. They helped Melrose place 5th with 90 points, the best showing of all Middlesex League and D3 North teams.
“I’m proud of this group,” said first-year coach Larry Tremblay. “We were under-manned going in and worked hard and pulled off some great wins.”
HUNTER ADRIAN earned his third straight State Championship in the 113 and is favored to win All States. (Steve Karampalas photo)
Five Red Raiders represented Melrose on Saturday: Hunter Adrian, Sean Herbert, Steven MacIntosh, Victor Rodriguez, Jackson Curran and alternates Shea Fogarty and Jake Petitpas.
This is the third state title for both Adrian and Herbert and both are favored going into this weekend’s All State Meet at St. John’s Prep. They are ranked first in their classes, making a trip to New England’s all but certain.
On Saturday, reigning All State and New England Champ Hunter Adrian went in as the favorite in the 113, ranked #1 and, sure enough, he dismantled opponents Joseph Deprey of Dambry, Fabian Heaslip of Dedham, Jay Mahoney of Maher, and in the finals, pinned Ari Dinerman of Ashland.
Says his coach, “I’m running out of superlatives for Hunter. It was just mission accomplished for him. I don’t see any roadblocks for him here on out.”
SEAN HERBERT is now a three time State Champ after taking the 152 weight class at the Div. 3 State Finals on Saturday. (Steve Karampalas photo)
Three-time state champ Sean Herbert also picked up where he left off, earning a gold medal in the 152. He prevailed over Kevin Carlucci of Tri-County, Paul Cody of Sandwich, and Brandon Reyes of Dedham in the finals with a 10-5 decision.
“Sean just has great technique and is so tough to score against,” said Tremblay. “He’s such a determined wrester. This kid doesn’t want to lose.”
Captain Steven MacIntosh also had a great day, earning silver in the 145, the highest postseason achievement for him. The D3 North Champ will also represent Melrose this weekend at All States.
“This is a kid who has placed at Lowell, which is hard to do. He’s a great captain, a great leader and loves the sport. I know he’s going to be tough to beat this weekend,” says his coach.
Melrose also collected a medal in the 220 thanks to Jackson Curran who placed 7th.
“Jackson had three pins and had beat the wrestler who came in fourth. He had a good day. And so did Victor (Rodriguez) who also had a quality pin and earned points for us.”
Look for Melrose’s Adrian, Herbert and MacIntosh to bring home medals this weekend when they compete Friday and Saturday at St. John’s Prep.
