Critical Mass: Knights Wrestlers Rise as Coach Falls

It's go time.

The Scarlet Knights varsity wrestling team is set to take to the mats Wednesday evening in Worcester to defend their state title. And the man who led them there has begun a battle of his own, wrestling with the legal system to defend himself from possible prison time.

This has been perhaps the most eventful week in wrestling history, with power on the mats matched only with drama off the mats.

Knights Rise for Battle

Last year, the Knights had an impressive wrestling season, culminating with their state title victory, and this season has been equally victorious for them.

• They started off by
• In January, they in one fell swoop and
• Tewksbury, Whittier, Winchester and Masco
• And last week, and earned a trip to Worcester to defend their state title.

And Wednesday evening, the Knights will go head-t-head with Natick for that state title.

A Legend Falls

The Knights will charge into that battle without the man who got them there.

• Coach David Castricone, noticeably absent from meets last week,
• Castricone's arraignment that included nine alleged trips into the girls' locker room at NAHS and hundreds of images of child pornography in his attic at home.
• On Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Chris Hottel told parents that have been found in Castricone's possession.

Castricone has 38 years of coaching experience, 25 of which have been spent coaching North Andover, and he holds the New England record for coach with the most wins. The loss of his leadership is sure to deal a blow to the team's morale.

There is no telling how Castricone's arrest will affect the Knights as they take to the mats Wednesday evening. But Assistant Carl Cincotta has stepped up -- with his 22 years of coaching experience -- and managed to lead the team through the semifinals last week.

Will Cincotta be able to lead the Knights into state title glory in the wake of their longtime coach's dramatic -- and very public -- fall?

There's only one way to find out.