EIGHTH-GRADER Ben Schumacher (on top) qualified for the Division 2 State Tournament after securing a third place finish in the 106 lb. weight class during the Sectional Tournament on Feb. 12. (Courtesy Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
DRACUT — Two wrestlers placed during the Division 2 North Sectional Tournament at Dracut High School on Saturday, Feb. 12.
Eighth-grader Ben Schumacher (106 lbs.) qualified for the Division 2 State Tournament after securing a third place finish during the sectional tournament.
Schumacher began the tournament by falling to Billerica’s James Tildsley, who was crowned as champion of the weight class, at one minute in the Round of 16. Schumacher bounced back by defeating North Andover’s Paul Luciano by fall at 2:39. He brought Greater Lowell Tech’s Anthony Baia to the ground at 5:48.
During the match for third and fourth place, Schumacher pinned Reading’s Colton Blomquist at 1:47. LNR head coach Craig Stone recalled that Blomquist defeated Schumacher in the Anthony Lisitano Tournament in Wakefield this past December.
“Colton was actually Ben’s first match of his interscholastic career at the Anthony Lisitano Tournament,” said Stone.
Isaac Medford finished sixth in the 113 lb. weight class. Junior Ethan Downey (160 lbs.) won his first career tournament match on Feb. 12, but he did not place in the Division 2 North Sectional Tournament.
Stone commended the Black and Gold’s performance during the tournament.
“We were down a couple of wrestlers to injuries who could have made an impact, but as we have done all season, our team has faced adversity with a positive attitude and tremendous drive,” said Stone. “The improvement in each of them was remarkable, and I applaud each and every one of them for their commitment to the team and each other. Hopefully, with all being underclassman, we have the foundation to take a giant step forward next season.”
Stone said Schumacher will be competing in the Division 2 State Tournament in Game On in Fitchburg on Friday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 19.
“For the first time ever, the Division 1, 2 and 3 State Tournament will be held simultaneously at the same location,” said Stone. “Wrestling begins at 11 a.m. on Friday.”