Young grapplers from youth wrestling clubs across New England competed at the 2025 Youth New England wrestling championships last weekend, and a number of Cape Ann representatives made their mark.
The competition, which included four co-ed division — 15-and-under, 12-and-under, 10-and-under, and 8-and-under, along with girls 14-and-under, girls 12-and-under and girls 10-and-under — was held at Game On Sports Complex in Fitchburg.
In the girls 15U field, Gloucester’s Joy Castellucci shined in the 126-pound division. She claimed second place overall after falling, 9-5, in a competitive championship clash to Connecticut’s Cecilia Verrilli. Castellucci went 4-1 overall for the day.
In addition, Michael Menyo had a standout performance, finishing fifth overall at 91 pounds in the 12U division. Menyo topped Connecticut’s Thomas Depratti, 8-0, to reach the podium and went 5-2 overall in his bouts at the marquee event.
Outside of the Cape Ann Youth wrestling scene, Gloucester’s Michael McGrath of Smitty’s Wrestling Barn earned a fifth place finish in the 15U division at 94 pounds. Smitty’s Barn would take home first place in the team award for club competition (co-ed).