By DAN TOMASELLO
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Lynnfield-North Reading co-op wrestling senior captain James Fodera gave a valiant effort during the New England Interscholastic Wrestling Championship at the Providence Career Training Center on March 8 and 9.
Fodera went 0-2 during the New England Interscholastic Wrestling Championship’s 190 lb. weight class and did not place. During the round of 32, Fodera lost to a Fairfield-Warde, Connecticut wrestler by a 17-5 decision. He fell to a Concord-Carlisle grappler by a 12-8 decision in a consolation round.
“It was James’ first trip to the New England Interscholastic Wrestling Championship,” said LNR head coach Craig Stone. “He did not wrestle during last year’s tournament due to an injury.”
Stone said Fodera finished the 2024-2025 season with a 54-5 overall record and a 23-1 dual meet record. He was crowned champion of the 190 lb. weight class during the Anthony Lisitano Tournament, the Lowell Holiday Tournament, the Pentucket Holiday Tournament, the Cohasset Tournament, the Cape Ann League/Northeastern Conference Tournament, the Division 3 North Sectional Tournament and the Division 3 State Tournament. He placed fifth in the All-State Tournament.
Stone said Fodera concluded his four-year LNR wrestling career with a 78-14 dual meet record, and a 153-36 overall record.
“James is second all time to Class of 2014 graduate Eric Kerr, who had a 162-37 record,” said Stone. “James is a three-time CAL/NEC Tournament, CAL/NEC, Sectional and state place finisher. He is a two-time All-State place finisher.”
Stone praised Fodera’s accomplishments over the course of his four-year career.
“Obviously, we were hoping for a New England Interscholastic Wrestling Championship place finish to end such an outstanding career, but what James has been able to accomplish during that time is one for the record books,” said Stone. “He will be an example for others to follow of what is possible with hard work during and out of the season.”