The Winnacunnet Wrestling Team made a strong showing at the NHIAA Division 2 State Championships held at Hollis-Brookline on Saturday. Leading the team was Team Captain and WHS senior Lucas Rosa, as he took home the state title in the 138 pound weight class. Lucas achieved his goal, he had set 4 years ago – “to win a State Championship.”
Team Captain and WHS Senior – Francis Rosa – wrestling in a very competitive 106 pound weight class, advanced to the championship round, and was edged out, and took home a second place medal.
The Rosa brothers are both outstanding wrestlers and were the pioneers of the Seabrook Middle School Wrestling Program. In fact, their Seabrook Middle School Coach – School Resource Officer Jim Deshaies – predicted the brothers would be future state champions when they were in eighth grade. The brothers also were instrumental in establishing a youth wrestling team at the Seabrook Rec Department for grades Kindergarten to Grade 8 – The Seabrook Junk Yard Dogs. (which is open to all SAU 21 students).
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WHS, a young team, showed great potential at the championships – as eight other warriors placed in the top five of the championships:
113: Freshmen, Matt Cooney – 4th
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120: Freshmen, John Ferrelli – 2nd
132: Freshmen, Tyler Mallett – 5th
145: Sophomore, Ryan Boyle – 4th
160: Junior, John Carrigan – 4th
170: Sophomore, Alex Larson – 5th
195: Sophomore, Mike Palazzolo – 5th
285: Sophomore, Mike Ellis – 3rd
The WHS Team, coached by – Head Coach, Eric Larcomb and Assistant Coach, Sean Kelley – finished in 4th place in team scoring.
The Warriors will spend their vacation week at practice, as next up is the NHIAA Meet of Champions on Saturday, March 1 at Pinkerton Academy. Wrestling begins at 9 am.
A wrestling clinic for Grades kindergarten thru grade 8 will be held on Thursday, February 27 from 9 am to noon at the Seabrook Rec Center, Route 1, Seabrook NH. Wrestlers or those that would like to try wrestling, from all SAU 21 towns, are welcome to participate – there is no charge – just fun, games and wrestling. Come dressed to wrestle…
