Community Update

Two Black & Blue Wrestlers Each Capture 2nd place at CAL/NEC Conference Tournament

 On Saturday, February 1st, the Marblehead-Swampscott Co-Op High School wrestling team attended the CAL-NEC Conference Tournament held at Beverly High School. With 12 teams in attendence, the competition was tough, but the Black & Blue grapplers had a successful day as a team with two of their members earning 2nd place finishes in their respective weight classes.

 Senior Capt. Ali Atallah (182 lbs.) of Marblehead pinned his way into the finals with wins by fall over Gloucester and Beverly opponents before meeting Mark Boyle of Triton (ranked 5th in the state at 182 lbs.) where Atallah came up a little short.

 Head Coach Mike Stamison offered, "Ali, has had a great season, with an 18-6 record on the year, with his only loss in the section and CAL/NEC coming to Boyle of Triton in the 182 finals match. He's been an incredibly steady performer, and with such a young team, he has kept us from from getting shut out against powerhouses like Danvers and Masco. Time for him to kick it into overdrive, and keep his winning way going en route to states."

 Following a similiar pattern, Freshman Stephen Hopkins (106 lbs.) of Swampscott also pinned his wayinto the finals with wins by fall over his Danvers and Beverly opponents. Hopkins then met up with Joe Morse(D3 ranked at 106 lbs.) from Lynnfield-N.Reading and lost by fall.

 Stamison added, "Hopkins has been a much welcome revelation this year, and if memory serves he's the first freshman in our team's young history to place at the CAL/NEC. Best part is-we have three more full seasons with him. Sky's the limit, and if he keeps working hard, 100 wins and more are certainly attainable."

 The second place finishes by Atallah & Hopkins (to Cape Ann League opponents) effectively makes them each Northeast Conference All-Stars for 2014.  

 Also wrestling well for the Black & Blue were Seniors Cam Budrow (132 lbs.) and David Bologense (152 lbs.) along with Sophmore Brett Resnick (126 lbs.) who all had wins by fall, but came up just a bit short of placing.

 "We've been bit by the injury bug as of late." Noted Stamison, "We fielded only seven wrestlers at this tournament. That being said, five of our boys won matches, and obviously, we had two take second place. As a team we were honored with the NEC's Sportsmanship award as voted on by the coaches. Being a gentleman in victory or defeat is something we as a coaching staff try hard to instill in all our boys. I hold the award in high regard."

The Marblehead-Swampscott wrestling team wraps up their season with a Dual meet at Triton on 2/5, then a Tri-Meet at Everett on 2/12 (along with Peabody) before heading to the Division 3 North Sectionals at Danvers High School on 2/15.