Published in the January 25, 2018 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield-North Reading co-op wrestling team went 1-3 last week, bringing the Black and Gold’s overall record to 6-14-1.

The Black and Gold began last week defeating Peabody 39-30 on Jan. 20.

SOPHOMORE Brandon Ouellette (on top) won his first varsity dual meet match after pinning his St. John’s of Shrewsbury opponent in 2:34 on Jan. 21. (Courtesy Photo)

Sophomore Chris Metrano (132 lbs.) came from behind to pin his opponent in 5:30. Freshman Nik Marotta (160 lbs.) won his match by fall in 1:05. Senior captain Anthony Wilkinson (182 lbs.) pinned his counterpart in 46 seconds.

Freshman Jack Bird (113 lbs.), senior Josh Bedell (126 lbs.), senior captain Andrew DiPietro (152 lbs.) and sophomore Gerry Callagy (170 lbs.) won their respective matches by forfeit.

Black and Gold head coach Craig Stone noted Peabody led 15-0 after the first three weight classes.

“LNR was the recipient of four forfeit wins,” Stone. “We did not wrestle smart, and lost some individual matches we should have won. But you need to go through these type of matches so it doesn’t happen again.”

Quad meet at Canton

The Black and Gold competed in a quad meet against Canton, St. John’s of Shrewsbury and Methuen on Jan. 21.

LNR fell 64-9 to Canton during the quad meet.

Freshman Christian Real-Costa (106 lbs.) pinned his opponent in 5:02. “The freshman continues to impress,” said Stone.

Wilkinson (170 lbs.) defeated his counterpart by a 6-0 decision.

The Black and Gold fell 41-33 to St. John’s of Shrewsbury.

Bedell (126 lbs.) pinned his counterpart in 1:23. Wilkinson (170 lbs.) won his match by a 6-0 decision. Sophomore Brandon Ouellette won his first varsity dual meet match after pinning his opponent in 2:34. Real-Costa (106 lbs.) defeated his opponent by a 3-2 decision.

Bird (113 lbs.) and freshman Jack Ross (145 lbs.) won their respective matches by forfeit.

“LNR had to forfeit two weight classes which was the difference in the match,” said Stone. “LNR actually outscored St. John’s of Shrewsbury 33-23 on the mat.”

The Black and Gold fell 60-6 to Methuen. Stone noted “Methuen is a Division 1 powerhouse that will contend for the state championship.”

Wilkinson (170 lbs.) secured his fourth straight win last week after pinning his opponent in 2:40.

Stone acknowledged the quad meet was a learning experience for the young grapplers.

“We were down four starters for various reasons, and put a line-up together that had 10 first or second year starters and still almost manage to pull out a win,” said Stone. “I give them a lot of credit. They are facing adversity every match due to our general lack of experience and they continue to persevere.”