After going through a season marred by inexperience, the Mahar wrestling team is ready to get back to form.
“Two years ago we won our league championship for the third time in a row,” Mahar coach John Speek said. “We only had one senior last year so we hit a bit of a dry spell.”
The Senators will get a boost from down Route 2A in Jonathan Mahony, who transferred from Athol High School.
Mahony will wrestle at 113 pounds for the Senators. He finished second at the sectional tournament last season for the Red Raiders wrestling at 106.
“We expect him to be very tough for us,” Speek said.
Justin DiDiego is coming off an average season, according to Speek, and will wrestle at 138 during his senior season.
“He was one match away from the medals,” Speek said. “He didn’t wrestle well last year. He has a renewed focus and we are really excited to see what he can do.”
Henry Ndayisaba (152) is coming off a second-place finish at the sectional tournament.
Adam Clement placed sixth at the sectional tournament last season at 145 pounds.
“He is a workhorse and just gets stuff done,” Speek said.
All of the middle weights have experience coming back for Mahar, including captain Todd Chiasson (160) and Peter Tattan (170).
“I have a deep team in those middle weights,” Speek said.
For the first time there will be an MIAA sanctioned state tournament for girls, according to Speek. The Senators have several female wrestlers.
“Now there is something to aim for,” Speek said. “As opposed to going around trying to pick up a match here and there. We have a clear objective for them.”
Senior Bella Marigliano enjoys the rigors of the sport.
“It’s the hardest thing I have ever done,” Marigliano said. “It’s a great way to stay in shape.”
Carrie Gilmore has wrestled since seventh-grade for the Senators.
“She (Gilmore) is a vocal advocate of female wrestling,” Speek said. “She has put in the time and the work and we are really excited her potential at an all girls state tournament.”
Gilmore does dual enrollment with Mount Wachusett.
