Dedham Wrestlers Win State Titles

Editor's note: The following was provided by Dedham Bulldogs coach Jim Maher.

Last year, Phil Conigliaro lost in the state finals and rededicated himself to the sport by attending a number off season clubs, clinic and camps with the goal of winning a championship. Well it paid off. Phil won the 98-pound weight class for his first state title.

He pinned his first two opponents to make the semifinals where he won a close match 6-2 over a tough Foxboro wrestler. In the finals, Phil faced Kevin Thomas, of Natick. Phil opened the match with a quick takedown in the first period, a reversal in the second and another takedown in the third period to close out the match with a 6-0 victory. 

The best youth wrestler in Massachusetts, Eric Reyes, won his fourth MYWA state championship title dominating all of his opponents. 

Eric technical falled (by a 15 point margin) every wrestler he faced. Eric had a rematch of the MYWA sectional final with his Holliston opponent and gave up no earned points against him for the tournament.

Eric is the most highly decorated Dedham Recreation wrestler in the program’s history. Eric has five sectional titles, four state titles and three New England titles. Eric will be going for his fourth New England title on March 10 in Nashua, N.H. If he wins his fourth title, Eric will be the first youth wrestler to accomplish that honor.