Gerry No. 5 in Marblehead welcomed the Marblehead-Swampscott co-op wrestling team for its end-of-season banquet last Thursday.
The Black and Blue finished 10-8 with wins against Pentucket/Newburyport, Plymouth South, Danvers, Lynn, Salem/Hamilton-Wenham, Billerica, Great Lawrence Tech, Pelham, York, and Essex Tech/Masconomet. To go with some strong tournament finishes, the team received the Northeastern Conference’s Sportsmanship Award.
It also marked Michael Stamison’s 10th season as head coach. He thanked his assistant coaches, parents, boosters, and student-athletes, among others.
“This is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, and I appreciate how hard you kids worked this year – our first winning season in a long time,” Stamison said. “You are the toughest kids in your schools – without a doubt – and you’ll all be better for having wrestled. To quote the legendary Dan Gable, ‘Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.’”
Rookie of the Year: Gary Podstrelov
Pat Cook Coach’s Award for Fire: Nolan Glass
Jeff Greenberg Coach’s Award for Toughness: Clive Connolly
Alex Carew Coach’s Award for Leadership: Justin Gonzalez
Most Improved Wrestler: Alejandro Haven
Outstanding Wrestler, Lower Weights: Liam O’Brien
Outstanding Wrestler, Upper Weights: Mason Hinshaw
Senior plaque inscriptions: Lorenzo Gaudioso, Gavin Ferretti, Greg Podstrelov, Gavin Lepler, Gary Podstrelov, Jayvery Monegro, Alejandro Haven, Clive Connolly, Justin Gonzalez, Mason Hinshaw