It's only a formality now. Georgetown's Ryan Malo will be continuing the St. John's Prep connection at Williams College.

Malo, the 2007 New England champion with a perfect 58-0 record, began the year on scholarship at Boston University. But, after splitting 10 matches, he withdrew from school because he did not enjoy living in the city.

While taking classes at Northern Essex Community College for the last month, Malo has been mulling a transfer. Although he briefly considered Wesleyan and other schools, Williams was always the frontrunner and it looks like it will be his destination.

"It looks pretty good — I just have to wait for my official letter (of acceptance)," said Malo. "It's a great school and having kids I know so well there just makes it better."

Williams currently has three St. John's grads wrestling at Williams and all are starters. Senior Doug Washington of Andover (his family recently moved to Alabama) sports a 16-9 record at 165, junior Kyle Ayer of Topsfield is 23-3 and ranked second in New England at 197 and freshman Tim Kiely of Newburyport is 9-8 at heavyweight.

Malo, who was the 2007 North Shore Moynihan Lumber Student-Athlete of the Year, is good friends with Ayer and Kiely. During the summer, they regularly work out in a wrestling room at Ayer's house.

Williams co-coach Dan DiCenzo is happy to have another St. John's product join the team and particularly excited that it's Malo.

"Ryan is obviously a quality wrestler and he's also an excellent student," said DiCenzo, whose Ephs are 10-9 and ranked 28th in the country. "With him and the kids coming back next year, we should be in the top 15.

"We think it's a great fit for Ryan and we know that any St. John's kid can make it. We have to have kids who get As and 1400s on their SATs and who can handle the work in the classroom.

"We've had great success with St. John's kids. It's a private school but we like that it competes against the public schools. (St. John's coach) Manny Costa does a great job with them. He works his kids hard and shows the discipline you need. It's tough to get kids who are so disciplined and ready to do the work."

DiCenzo, who also coaches football, often recruits athletes who can play both sports in college. Kiely is one of them and three recruits coming in next year will play both sports. Down the road, he likes what he's heard of Timberlane heavyweight Brian Nicoll as a football player, wrestler and student.

But he's also looking for specialists and he won't keep St. John's out of sight. He already has an eye on junior Ryan Harding of North Andover.

"I should put Manny on the payroll," joked DiCenzo. "It's challenging to get kids who are able to do the academic work and can make it on the mat. He's making my job easier."

St. John's wrestlers at Williams

Georgetown's Ryan Malo will join three former teammates at Williams College next year.

Name%Year%Weight%Record

Doug Washington%Sr.%165%16-9

Kyle Ayer%Jr.%197%23-3

Tim Kiely%Frosh.%285%9-8