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The following was submitted by Winchester Recreation Department Director Nick Cacciolfi:
The Winchester Recreation Department sent 10 youth wrestlers (U12 and U15 divisions) to the Regional Tournament in Haverhill on Feb. 15 and came away with five place-winners who qualified for the Massachusetts Youth State Championship.
Winchester Recreation Department youth wrestler Omar Malik, left, goes for a pin during his match while Alex Lam, right, is in control during one of his victories. COURTESY PHOTOS/MATT KELLER
Leading the way was Alex Lam, who captured the team’s only individual title with a dominant performance, recording three pins on the day to earn a first-place finish.
Dunavan Pulli placed second, securing two of his victories by pin. Daniel Akisnov and Robbie Berling each earned fifth-place finishes, while Omar Malik placed seventh to round out the group of state qualifiers.
The five place-winners will compete on Feb. 22 at the Massachusetts Youth State Championship in Gloucester, where they will look to earn spots in the New England Tournament.
Coaches praised the team’s effort in what is widely considered one of the most competitive tournaments of the season. Qualifying five wrestlers for the state championship is a significant accomplishment, and all five will enter the weekend with an opportunity to compete for a state title.
Winchester Recreation Department youth wrestlers show off their medals from the Regional Tournament in Haverhill on Feb. 15. COURTESY PHOTOS/MARK PULLI
Other Winchester wrestlers competing at the regional tournament included Lucas Fickel, Julian Soto, James Makin, Daniel Aksianov, and Nick Freeman.
