Merrimack Valley Conference
andover
2008-09 season: 12-14 with non-league schedule, placed 11th in Division 1 North
Returning starters (7): Brian Martin, Sr., 160; Joe Chartier, Sr., 171; Mike Tiwali, Jr., 119; Brett Welch, Jr., 125; Tito Brito, Jr., 130/135; Caleb Lynch, Jr., 140; David Ortiz, Jr., 215/285
Returning lettermen: Andy Klempa, Sr., 285; Michael Olivieri, Sr., 119;
Promising newcomers: Matt Barker, Jr., 112; Zach Johnson, Frosh., 112; James Kelly, Jr., 189; Evan Mecheras, Soph., 285; James Bourque, Frosh., 103; Rey Brito, Frosh., 135
Returning Division 1 North placers: Tito Brito
Candidates in all grades: 40
Fast fact: Kevin Cote, who has been running the Andover youth program and helped out at St. John's Prep, is on board as a co-coach this year, joining third-year coach Sobhan Namvar.
Captains: TBA
Assistant coaches: Neal Callahan
Co-coaches Kevin Cote, Sobhan Namvar (3rd year, 17-17): "We'll be in the MVC for the first time and that will be a challenge, but I think we'll be pretty tough in the middle weights and we'll just have to see how the other weights develop. We've got a few kids, starting with Tito (Brito), Brian Martin and Joe Chartier ,who should have big years."
central catholic
2008-09 season: 15-6-1, lost in Division 2 team state semifinals
Returning starters (9): Tommy Lacroix, Sr., 152/160; Zack Lattrell, Sr., 189/215; Pat Driscoll, Sr.; Bryan Lawrence, Sr., 140/145; Matt Armano, Jr., 119/125; Mark Strassel, Jr., 125/130; Simon Dellea, Jr., 135/140; Ryan O'Boyle, Soph., 103/112; Chris Lacroix, Soph., 112/119
Returning lettermen: Koya Sonuga, Sr., 125/130; Connor Benjamin, Sr., 135/140; Kevin Abisalih, Sr., 140/145; Joe Helfrich, Jr. , 119/125; Matt Horgan, Jr., 171/189; Christian Nunez, Soph., 215/285
Promising newcomers: Cam Boutin, Jr., 171/189; Cam Walsh, Jr., 152/160; Matt Kando, Soph., 135/140; Nick Pagliarulo, Soph., 112/119; Dave Strykalsi, Soph., 160/171; Tyler Yeastedt, Soph., 171/189; Pat Lacroix, Frosh., 103/112; Brett Strassel, Frosh., 103/112
Returning Division 2 North placers: Tom Lacrois, Zack Lattrell, Pat Driscol, Simon Dellea, Ryan O'Boyle Chris Lacroix
Candidates in all grades: 40
Captains: Tom Lacroix, Zach Lattrell, Pat Driscoll
Fast fact: The Raiders are solid at the lower weights, partly because of the arrival of another Lacroix. Freshman Pat Lacroix is the younger brother of senior Tom Lacroix and sophomore Chris Lacroix.
Assistant coaches: Mike Clement, Mike Armano, Tim Lattrell
Coach Dennis King (19th year, 292-75-5): "We have a pretty solid lineup in some weights but will be very inexperienced in others, particularly the upper middle weights. Whether we can compete for an MVC title or sectional/state titles will depend a lot in how we fill those uncertain weight classes."
Haverhill
2008-09 season: 6-16-1, placed 10th at Division 1 States
Returning starters (3): Isaiah Williams, Sr., 171; Dan Packard, Sr., 125/130; Jared Grazio, Jr., 152
Returning lettermen: Same as above
Promising newcomers: Terrence Jean-Jacques, Jr., 285
Returning Division 1 North placers: Isaiah Williams
Candidates in all grades: 18
Fast facts: Isaiah Williams was an undefeated New England champion last year and the Eagle-Tribune Wrestler of the Year. His younger brother, Paris Williams, set a freshman school record for wins with 24, but he's at least temporarily dropped off the team. Junior heavyweight Terrence Jean-Jacques is a transfer from the Governor's Academy, where he wrestled varsity for two years.
Captains: Isiaiah Williams, Dan Packard
Assistant coaches: Dave Pinette, Joe DelGrosso
Coach Brett Legault (3rd year, 9-34-1): "We had more interest this year, but right now we're having a problem with kids not being eligible. Obviously, we're expecting big things from Isaiah (Williams), and we should have some individual success but, with so few numbers, we'll struggle as a team again."
lawrence
2008-09 season: 22-5-1, lost in Division 1 North team final
Returning starters (6): George Aquino, Sr., 103; Kevin Valerio, Sr., 160; Sebastian Jimenez, Sr., 135; Hugo Dominguez, Sr., 112/119; Manny Hernandez, Sr., 135; Juan Rodriguez, Jr., 160
Returning lettermen: Shaquille Fuentes, Sr., 112; Abel Zapata, Sr., 125; Elvis Genao, Jr., 103; Jonathon Cruz, Jr., 112; Rafael Polanco, Jr., 140; Jeffrey DeLeon, Jr., 119; Edgardo Rios, Soph., 125; Joshua Espinal, Jr., 215; Alonzo Arias, Soph., 189; Janer Reyes, Soph., 215; Carlos Feliz, Soph., 140; Stephen Arce, Jr., 152; Christian Morales, Jr., 171; Ricardo Lopez, Sr., 189; Joanel Santiago, Sr., 285
Promising newcomers: Adrian Sosa, Frosh., 125; Juan DeLaCruz, Sr., 171; Jose Polanco, Soph., 171; Anthony DeLeon, Jr., 145; Jeremiah Damiron, Frosh., 140; Derek Ibell, Soph., 145
Returning Division 1 North placers: Jorge Aquino, Hugo Dominguez, Kevin Valerio
Candidates in all grades: 92
Fast fact: Promising freshman Adrian Sosa is the younger brother of former Greater Lawrence standouts Victor and Isaac Sosa.
Captains: Hugo Dominguez, Sebastien Jiminez, Kevin Valerio
Assistant coaches: Andy Erban, Jose Dominguez, Ozzy Morales
Coach Rob Niceforo (7th year, 86-47-2): "We graduated eight starting seniors ... (but) the kids are excited about the season and they feel they can compete for a league title and state championship. The JV wrestlers from last year have some big shoes to fill since all those starters last year qualified for state ... but I think it's an achievable goal."
methuen
2008-09 season: 11-11-1, placed eighth in Division 1 North
Returning starters (7): Sarith Has, Soph., 103; Nate Gioacchini, Sr., 112; Jason Pendergast, Soph., 125/130; C.J. Doherty, Soph., 135/140; Shaun McCarthy, Sr., 215; Mike Eyssi, Sr., 140/145; Chris Bouchard, Sr., 171
Returning lettermen: Scott Delrossi, Soph., 152; Edwin Alfonso, Sr., 135/140; Colin Bleem, Sr., 285; Mike Mouawad, Soph., 130/135; Anthony Andronaco, Soph., 119/125
Promising newcomers: Alex Diaz, Sr., 189/215; Joe Getchell, Soph., 152; Jack Khoury, Soph., 160; Kyle Sheehan, Soph., 145; A.J. Bolduc, Frosh., 112; Ryan Doyle, Frosh., 130; Kevin Jandreau, Frosh., 119; Toni Khouri, Frosh., 130; Paul Sughrue, Frosh., 112; Jimmy Summa, Frosh., 135; James Stark, Frosh., 189
Returning Division 1 North placers: Nate Gioacchini, Mike Eyssi, C.J. Doherty,
Candidates in all grades: 60
Fast fact: Freshman Paul Sughrue is the younger brother of former Methuen standouts Kevin and John Sughrue
Captains: TBA
Assistants: James Quinlan
Coach Bill James (9th year, 128-47-1): "We have no returning state placers and have limited experience. Dual meets are gong to be a challenge for us, but we should have some individuals capable of doing well in tournaments and hopefully will be ready to do well in the sectional and state at the end of the year."
Cape Ann League
GEORGETOWN-ipswich
2008-09 season: 6-16, placed ninth in Division 3 North
Returning starters (8): Dean Nemeroff, Sr., 140; Shawn Kavanaugh, Jr., 160; Andrew Galanis, Jr., 152; Luke Rabel, Soph., 103; Zach Rabel, Sr,,, 119; Matthew Prescott, 8th, 125; David Ingraham, Frosh., 112; Chris Paquette, Frosh., 119;
Returning lettermen: Cameron Greenwood, Soph., 152; Ben Tzizik, Jr., 145; Nick Cashman, Jr., 171; Eric Gesualdi, Jr., 285
Promising newcomers: Nate Young, Frosh., 145; Mike Maher, Frosh., 112; Ryan Lally, Jr., 135; DeAndre Lampert, Soph., 215; Michelle Lally, Soph., 119; Noelia Fernandez, Soph., 130
Returning Division 3 North placers: Dean Nemeroff; Luke Rabel
Candidates in all grades: 18
Fast fact: For the first time in a long while, Georgetown has two girls on the team. Sophomore Michelle Lally and Noelia Fernandez are both from Ipswich.
Captains: Dean Nemeroff
Assistants: Bug LaRochelle
Coach Mike Curley (2nd year, 6-16): We have more experience and should do better in tournaments, but our (dual) schedule is a lot tougher so it'll be tough to improve our record. Dean Nemeroff looks great and should have a real good season."
North Andover
2008-09 season: 24-5, lost in Division 2 North team final
Returning starters (10): Brody Kelley, Sr., 130; Garrett Alter, Sr., 160; Frank McCarthy, Jr., 140; Jake Munroe, Sr., 135; Jake Mehlman, Jr., 189, Adam Bates, Jr., 215; Jason Ricketts, Soph., 125; Danny Connolly, Soph., 145; Pat McLean, Soph., 112; Danny Lora, Soph., 119
Returning lettermen: Gerry Caseletto, Jr., 119; John O'Neal, Jr., 130; Alex Cortes, Sr., 152
Promising newcomers: Ryan Neals, Frosh., 171; John Pollard, Soph., 215/285; Danielle Coughlin, Frosh., 103; Emil Lora, Sr., 140/145
Returning Division 2 North placers: Frank McCarthy, Dan Connolly, Garrett Alter, Brody Kelly, Jake Munroe, Jason Ricketts
Candidates in all grades: 35
Fast fact: Danielle Coughlin, who is the younger sister of former Knights' standout Larry Coughlin, is the first girl coach Dave Castricone has coached in 36 years. She may be the starting 103-pounder.
Captains: Jake Munroe, Brody Kelly
Assistants: Carl Cincotta, Mike Wilson
Coach Dave Castricone (24th year, 452-79-2; 623-138-2 all-time in 35 years): "We should have another good dual-meet team and I think we have pretty good balance in our lineup. I'd like to do a little better at the end of the year with our individuals."
North Reading-Lynnfield
2008-09 season: 16-9, placed sixth in Division 3 North
Returning North Reading starters (6): Chris DiPietro, Sr., 130/135; Nick McGrath, Sr., 1230/135; Jeff Conron, Jr., 130/235; Paolo Settipane, Jr., 103; Adam Salemime, Sr., 145; Matt Curran, Sr., 160
Returning North Reading lettermen: Steven D'Amico, Sr., 285
Promising newcomers: Joe Anderson, Sr., 189
Returning Division 3 North placers: Jeff Conron, Matt Curran
Candidates in all grades: 31
Fast fact: Of the 31 wrestlers on the roster, 18 are from North Reading.
Captains: Matt Curran, Trent Taylor, Chris O'Connor, Jay Godding
Assistants: Mike Winslow
Coach Craig Stone (36th year, 374-278): "We were happy with our record last year and we'd like to improve on that. We've got good balance and should so well in dual meets, but we don't have any real superstar."
Pentucket
2008-09 season: 7-14-1, lost in Division 3 North team semifinals
Returning starters (6): Austin Perreault, Sr., 145; Shane Sloban, Sr., 285; Ben Lane, Jr., 140; Brendon Healey, Sr., 112; Andy Stasiuk, Jr., 189; Dan Dragon, Sr., 140
Returning lettermen: Braeden Leach, Jr., 160
Promising newcomers: Chris Meuse, Sr., 145; Peter Koopman, Sr., 171; Joe Lemaite, Sr., 152; Tom Funk, Frosh., 103; Ben Meuse, Frosh., 119; Jeff Funk, Frosh., 112
Candidates in all grades: 19
Fast fact: Seniors Chris Meuse and Peter Koopman didn't wrestle last year but both are back out this year and could be impact wrestlers.
Returning Division 3 North placers: Austin Perreault, Dan Dragon
Captains: Shane Sloban, Austin Perreault, Dan Dragon
Assistants: Bob Lyons, Steve Beaudoin
Coach: Dennis Puleo (7th year): "We could have some holes in the middle weights that will hurt us, but we have some kids who should do well individually. Dan Dragon (second in Division 3 state meet) should have a real good year and Shane Sloban has worked hard and should be really improved."
