Shawsheen Wrestlers Impress With Solid Season

Mark Donovan has been coaching wrestling at Shawsheen Regional Technical High School for 26 years. In that time he has driven a very clear message to every wrestler he has spoken to: “You deserve nothing, you earn everything you get, every A, every B — you earn it.”

While speaking with Donovan, the passion he has for what he does is clear with every word he says. He holds the belief that every match his kids compete in they can win, and they can do so by outworking their opponents at every pass.

This attitude led the Rams to 39 victories over the past 2 seasons and they still have work ahead of them. He also credits the success to his long-time assistant coach Doug Pratt, whose intensity is definitely unmatched throughout the state.

The first loss of the season last year was suffered in the state semi-finals to Franklin and Coach stated that although it was a disappointment, it acted as a catalyst this year to fire up his team and to help them keep their focus.

From speaking to the students he teaches, you can tell that coaching means more than a certain move or training procedure to Donovan. He teaches his wrestlers the values they need every day of their lives. He isn’t just making better wrestlers, he is making better men.

When asked what would bring a normal person out to see a match, Donovan explained that they use a system much like the physical, bring it to you, brawling-style you see in the Iowa collegiate ranks.

It’s exciting, it can come down to the last second, down 2 points and you’re out there alone, but the cheers of your team keeps the adrenaline going. You know you don’t want to lose it for your team. That’s where the grit and determination that Donovan inspires truly shows up in these young men.

Besides amazing team success, the Rams had 12 individuals qualify for the state tournament. The qualifying students are:

103-punder Dilan Kennen, 112-pounder Jonathan Stearns, Devonn Pratt at 119 pounds, 135-pounder Anthony Finn, 140-pounder John Baker, Brian Ward at 145 pounds, 152-pounder Nick Hear, 160-pounder Jesse Dillon, Ryan Cassidy at 171 pounds, 189-pounder Lenny Houghton, 215-pounder Anthony Pimentel, and Stephen Higgins in the heavyweight division.