By DAN TOMASELLO
GLOUCESTER — The Lynnfield-North Reading co-op wrestling team finished sixth in the Cape Ann League/Northeastern Conference Tournament at Gloucester High School on Jan. 27.
LNR concluded the 10-team CAL/NEC Tournament with 117.5 points. Six grapplers placed during the tournament.
“The six place finishers will be CAL All-Stars this year, as they were the highest placing CAL finishers in their weight classes at the tournament,” said Black and Gold head coach Craig Stone.
Senior Gavin Iby was crowned champion of the 144 lb. weight class after concluding the tournament with a 3-0 record. Iby, who was the number one seed in the weight class, began the tournament by pinning a Salem wrestler at 1:05 in the quarterfinals. He defeated a Saugus-Peabody grappler by a 16-1 technical fall in the semifinals. Iby won the 144 lb. championship after defeating a Marblehead-Swampscott wrestler by a 13-8 decision in the finals.
“Gavin won his third tournament championship this season,” said Stone.
Captain David Glynn placed second in the 138 lb. weight class after concluding the tournament with a 3-1 record. Glynn, who was the number three seed, pinned a Marblehead-Swampscott grappler at 1:26 in the quarterfinals. He upset a Salem wrestler, who he lost to twice earlier this season, by a 10-8 decision in the semifinals. He lost to a Saugus-Peabody wrestler by fall at 5:43 in the finals.
“This was David’s first varsity tournament finals appearance,” said Stone.
Captain James Fodera finished third in the 190 lb. weight class after concluding the CAL/NEC Tournament with a 3-1 record.
“James placed in his fourth tournament this season,” said Stone.
Freshman Nathan Barstow placed third in the 106 lb. weight class after finishing the CAL/NEC Tournament with a 4-1 record.
“Nathan has now placed in all three season tournaments,” said Stone.
Freshman Jakob Hulett finished third in the 113 lb. weight class after concluding the CAL/NEC Tournament with a 3-1 record.
“Nathan placed in his first varsity tournament,” said Stone.
Freshman Jason Kouyoumdjian placed fourth in the 120 lb. weight class after finishing the tournament with a 2-2 record.
“Jason placed in his first varsity tournament,” said Stone.
Stone commended the Black and Gold’s performance in the CAL/NEC Tournament.
“Last year, we finished ninth out of nine teams and scored 85 points,” said Stone. “This year, not only our team placed higher, we had higher place finishers. That points not only to our improvement this season, but the quality of that improvement.”
Defeat Essex Tech-Masco
LNR (10-8-1) defeated Essex Tech-Masconomet 48-33 on Jan. 24.
Barstow (106 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 2:49. Hulett (113 lbs.) won his match by fall at 1:17. Junior Cam Arya (144 lbs.) brought his counterpart to the mat at 24 seconds. Iby (150 lbs.) pinned his opponent at 2:15.
Sophomore Jack Cuddy (175 lbs.) won his match by fall at 3:39. Fodera (190 lbs.) pinned his counterpart at 3:17. Sophomores Zack Morse (215 lbs.) and Dylan Mathews (285 lbs.) won their respective matches by forfeit.
“The last time we defeated Essex Tech-Masco was 2020,” said Stone. “It’s always nice to grab a league win, especially after losing to them the last few years. We finished 2-1 in the CAL. Our only loss was to Triton, who is 3-0 and CAL champs.”
Upcoming meets
LNR hosted Gloucester on Wednesday, Jan. 31, taking place after deadline. The Black and Gold will compete in a super quad meet against Tri-County Regional High School, Middleborough, Quincy Upper School and Worcester Technical High School on Saturday, Feb. 1, beginning at 10 a.m. at Tri-County Regional High School.
The Black and Gold will compete in the JV CAL/NEC Tournament on Monday, Feb. 5, beginning at 4 p.m. at Triton High School.