Stoughton High Wrestling Team Edged By Sharon

The wrestling team technically tied in Monday night's home match, with each team winning six individual matches apiece.   But since Stoughton was without wrestlers in the 103 and 215-pound weight classes, the Black Knights had to forfeit those matches to the Eagles, with Sharon winning 39-36 as a result.

If a team can still feel the joys of victory even in defeat, this was it.

"I told the guys that I was really proud of them—the way they stepped up and pretty much just turned themselves around [from the season-opening 63-15 against Oliver Ames]," head coach Justin Leonard said.  "They made a miraculous improvement in a week's training.

"They really took their last loss to heart and really buckled down and stepped up.  If they keep making this progress, we're going to be tough to beat." 

As a whole, Stoughton was more successful wrestling in the heavier weight classes against Sharon.  The Black Knights won individual matches at the 145, 152, 160, 189-pound and heavyweight classes, while dropping matches at the 119, 125, 130, 135 and 140-pound classes. 

Bucking this trend was tri-captain Stephen Colling, who needed only 37 seconds to defeat his opponent in the 112-pound class.  "He was just being very aggressive and following through with all of his moves," Leonard said.

Colling also registered a win against O.A. in the opener.  "He is one of my hardest workers," Leonard said.  "He comes in, he puts in his time and never gives up.  He pushes not only himself, but the entire team."

Kevin Richard (145 lbs.) took control of his match and "didn't give his opponent any room to breathe," according to Leonard.  Richard was able to pin his opponent using his legs, which Leonard admitted was difficult to do.   

Travis Demko (152 lbs) and Andrew "Paco" Paredes (255 lbs.), both captains, followed up wins against O.A. with individual victories Monday night against Sharon. Stefanos Kampouris (160 lbs.) and John Mode (189 lbs.) rounded out the individual scoring for the Black Knights.  

Leonard said he was also impressed with the performance from the junior varsity wrestlers, who combined to win six of eight matches. James Slattery (130 lbs.) made a "110-percent improvement from his last match," to earn his first J.V. win, as did Tony Barros (160 lbs.). Jorge "Niko" Rodrigues (145 lbs.) continued to turn in a solid performance, winning his match. 

Stoughton (0-2) travels to Thursday at 7 p.m.