METHUEN – A total of 18 teams from across New England hit the Klimas Fieldhouse for the Methuen Invitational Wrestling Tournament on Saturday.
The home mat suited a pair of Rangers just fine, even against a rugged field.
Joey Bolduc and Vinny DeMaio took home championships on the day as Methuen placed third overall behind Xavier High of Connecticut and Salem, N.H.
“It means a lot to be in my hometown, to be able to win. It’s a great tournament,” said Bolduc, the 165-pound champ after scoring three straight pins to get there. “I was just wrestling my style, with confidence, especially with a lot of those kids who know who I am.”
He’s now 35-2 on the year.
At 157 pounds, DeMaio was equally impressive, improving to 31-0 on the mat this year.
“I was confident going in, confident in my ability and confident in my hard work,” said DeMaio. “I’m just trying to keep everything in front of me, taking it one match at a time. I’m adding money to the bank as far as confidence goes.”
Salem had a strong day, taking second overall, placing four wrestlers in the finals.
Brody McDonald took home the title at 120 pounds, while Spencer Buscema (126), Evan Lynch (132) and Caleb O’Rourke (138) all earned runner-up medals.
Lawrence High was 12th overall.
Methuen Invitational
Area Placers
106: 5. Maddox Boudreau (Sal); 6. Randy Roque (Law)
113: 3. Dom Gangi (Meth); 4. Dom Murphy (Sal)
120: 1. Brody McDonald (Sal); 6. Antonio Rios (Meth)
126: 2. Spencer Buscema (Sal)
132: 2. Evan Lynch (Sal); 3. Denzel Morales (Law)
138: 2. Caleb O’Rourke (Sal); 3. Anthony DeMaio (Meth)
144: 4. Talen Walton (Sal)
150: 4. Noah Beshara (Meth); 6. Cam Monahan (Sal)
157: 1. Vinny DeMaio (Meth); 5. Jon Belkus (Sal); 6. Anthony Campagnone (Meth)
165: 1. Joe Bolduc (Meth)
175: 3. JeanCarlos Martinez (Law); 5. Shane Eason (Meth)
215: 3. Gabe Fonseca (Meth); 6. Eli Santell (Law)
285: 5. Tyler Pavidis (Sal)