ATHOL — Seventeen wrestling teams came together to get the high school wrestling season started, Saturday at Athol High School.
The Red Raider Invitational saw the Mahar (74.5 points) and Athol (68) place ninth and 10th, respectively.
“It was a little lower a finish than I thought,” Mahar coach John Speek said. “But individually we did well.”
Both Athol and Mahar Regional had some impressive individual performances.
Athol’s Chris Waslaske made a definitive statement to the rest of the wrestlers in the regional with a dominant performance.
“Just like any other day at this point,” Waslaske said. “It’s about your mental state, not about my opponent. I know how to wrestle and I just need to do it in the match. Just knowing I am a better wrestler.”
Waslaske went undefeated in five matches, winning the 182-pound weight class with a 3-2 decision over defending Division 3 state champion Dylan Burke of Taconic.
“I wrestled some new kids early,” Waslaske said. “Obviously there was a big difference in the finals. You just got to play your match and out think your opponent and be one step ahead. Once you get to the better wrestlers you have to break down techniques.”
Waslaske wrestled Burke before with the same result, and is looking forward to the next time.
“He (Burke) is a very good wrestler,” Waslaske said. “I’ll be seeing him again. Should be a good match.”
Freshman Caleb Cox made it to the finals of the 145 class, but lost to Zabion Powell of Taconic by fall. Powell is a senior who placed eighth at all-states last season for the Braves.
Joey Gray also had a stellar day for the Red Raiders going 4-1 at 160 pounds.
Mahar’s Jonathan Mahony placed second in the 113 weight class. He lost an 8-4 decision to K.J. Sotomayer of Ludlow.
Todd Chiasson of Mahar went up against Hampshire Regional’s Michael Baldwin in the finals at 160.
Chiasson lost by fall to Baldwin, who advanced to the all-state tournament for Hampshire Regional last season.
After the top wrestlers for Mahar, the inexperience did fairly well for the Senators. Same with the Red Raiders.
Both teams are top-heavy as far as talent and experience.
“I was happy with how everyone did,” Athol coach Brandon Jeffrey said. “In victory and defeat. Everyone was coachable and willing to receive feedback.”
Natick finished first with 194.5 points.
