Takedowns
Dave Dyer
June 13, 2009 01:14 am The awards keep pouring in for Greater Lawrence Tech senior Miguel Guzman, who was 44-0 and a New England champion this past year and posted a brilliant 174-10 career mark. Guzman recently was named by Wrestling USA Magazine as a high school All-American, based on a nomination process that includes coaches, sports writers and the editors of USA Wrestling. He was ranked No. 24 among seniors at 119 pounds. He joins such accomplished wrestlers as Joey Fendone of Central Catholic, Georgetown's Ryan Malo of St. John's Prep and Sean Bilodeau of Brooks School. Perhaps more impressive, Guzman was awarded the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award for the state of Massachusetts. The award is based on excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship and community service. As a state winner, Guzman will be flown this week to the Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs, all expenses paid, for a leadership and training camp. "I was surprised, because I had never heard of the award, but I'm excited about being there," said Guzman. "It'll be a good experience." Prior to the camp, recipients must speak to youth groups on the value of extracurricular activities like athletics. Guzman spoke to youngsters at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club. "I think this is a tremendous accomplishment for Miguel, as well as Greater Lawrence, to have two nationally recognized and prestigious awards based not just on wrestling prowess but on his citizenship and character as well," said Greater Lawrence coach Bryant Dube. Guzman is still not certain about his college plans. His first choice is The Apprentice School in Newport News, Va., but he is also considering Southern Maine. While in Colorado Springs, Guzman may get some salesmanship on Southern Maine from Londonderry's Cody Byrd, who was the New Hampshire recipient of the Dave Schultz Award after he finished 45-0 and was the New England champ at 152. Byrd is considering Southern Maine, but may prep at Northfield Mt. Hermon or Kiski School in Pennsylvania. "I didn't do as well academically as I should have, so a lot is up in the air," said Byrd. Hillie Fame inductions Congratulations are in order to the three recent inductees to the Haverhill High Wrestling Hall of Fame. They were Mike Bonnell, Doug Currier and former head coach Chip Dunn. Bonnell was a team captain in both 1994 and 1995, Currier was the captain in 1999 and was an All-State champion and New England runner-up. Dunn compiled a 258-177-6 record in 21 years as coach, was inducted into the Mass. Wrestling Hall of Fame and helped sustain the program when numbers were so low that there was talk of dropping the team. Although he has been Haverhill's baseball coach for 20 years and has a long background as a football coach, I've always contended that Dunn's best sport as a coach was wrestling. It best fits his temperament. Williams on the move? According to a source close to Timberlane wrestling, there is no truth to the rampant rumor (on the Web site masswrestling.com) that Eagle-Tribune Wrestler of the Year Isaiah Williams of Haverhill is transferring to Timberlane. However, there is talk that Williams may go to a prep school next year to work on his academics. ... Former Pinkerton standout Phil Moricone has been granted a medical red-shirt year at Edinboro University and will be eligible to wrestle a sixth year in 2009-10. He will probably rejoin former Timberlane star Eric Morrill, who red-shirted last year, and Shawn Fendone, the younger brother of recent Edinboro graduate Joe Fendone. Also, one of Edinboro's recruits for next year is Chelmsford's Tim Rich. ... Thanks to the some successful fund raising, college wrestling has been rescued at Norwich University ... Finally, a move is on at UMass Lowell to form a club team.
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Photos
Greater Lawrence’s Miguel Guzman, top, was selected the Dave Schultz Award winner for Massachusetts and was named a USA Wrestling Senior All-American. Staff Photographer