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The high school wrestling season officially came to an end for the Red & Black squad locally during the New England Championship Meet at the Providence Career and Technical School on March 8-9, where junior captain Kai Napadow Baquero went 1-2.
Napadow Baquero’s lone win was an exciting, last-minute triumph in the 113-pound weight class over an opponent from New Bedford that he previously lost to twice during the Division 1 state tournament and the subsequent All-State matchup in late February.
It was sweet revenge for the junior Winchester wrestling star. After trailing 7-1 going into the third and final period, Kai took down his New Bedford counterpart by employing the cradle move to begin the comeback that ended with a most satisfying 8-7 victory.
Unfortunately, he lost in the next round to end the season with still an impressive 47-10 record.
The New England Tournament annually brings together the top four finishers in each weight class from the respective All-State Meets throughout the six-state region. It was definitely a great experience for both Napadow Baquero and the Winchester High coaching staff, and they know they will surely be back with more regional qualifiers next year.
But in the meantime, Kai Napadow Baquero (113-pounds) and Eddie Donlon (132-pounds), both Middlesex League all-stars, are now preparing for the 36th annual NHSCA (National High School Coaches Association) Tournament in Virginia Beach, Virginia from March 28-30.
The Red & Black finished up the regular season with a 6-3 record in the Middlesex League. They started the season 0-3, before turning the momentum around in a hurry with six straight wins.
Baldwin chosen Middlesex League all-star
Head Coach Ryan Errico’s program received another recent honor when Maria Baldwin was selected a Middlesex League All-Star in the girls division by the league coaches.
