WESTFIELD – A.S. might as well stand for All-Star, because in this case the initials of this top-ranked wrestler, Westfield High senior heavyweight Austin Shrewsbury, is an athlete who excels at an all-star level.
Shrewsbury returned to top form Wednesday, as he and his Bombers’ teammates edged the Ludlow Lions, 36-31. The senior wrestler pinned his opponent within 90 seconds.
“I give all the credit to Ludlow – they’re always tough,” Westfield coach Bob Coe said. “We’re just blessed to come out with the win.”
Westfield senior captain Austin Shrewsbery takes down his Ludlow opponent Josh Paulo on Wednesday night. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
It took 28 seconds for Westfield to enjoy the first lead of the night as Shrewsbury collected the first two points. One minute, 25 seconds into the 285-pound match, the senior captain pinned Ludlow’s Josh Paulo for his school record 110th victory.
“It’s all about quick wrestling,” said Shrewsbury, who suffered his first loss of the season Saturday against St. Joe’s Prep.
Westfield jumped out quickly 6-0, surged ahead 12-6 with a 5:21 pin from 120-pounder Cole Cannady, and took a key six points with senior Thomas Flaherty’s 3:08 pin of Justin Domingos.
Westfield’s Mike Pacheco (138 pounds), Andy Pahelka (145), and Ryan Bucko (220) won by forfeit.
Coach Coe said he was impressed with several of the performances of his wrestlers, including two Bombers who lost.
Westfield senior Jordan Cree (170) wrestled a grueling match against Ludlow’s Brandon Macznik. Cree fell behind early, tied the match at 2-all late in the first period, and took a 3-2 lead in the middle frame before losing a tug-of-war, 8-4.
“Even though (Jordan) lost, he wrestled tough,” Coe said.
Richard Jablonski (152) fought valiantly against Tim Salvio, pushing Salvio a full three periods before falling 17-7.
“His match could have went either way,” Coe said. “Up and down the lineup, we’re getting better and better.”
St. Mary’s Jacob Butler, right, looks for the net during Wednesday night’s game against Holyoke Catholic. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
BOYS’ HOOPS
Gaels press Saints
Holyoke Catholic 56, St. Mary’s 25
Holyoke Catholic turned to its press late in the first quarter to put the game out of reach early at Westfield Middle School South.
Steve McKenna (7 points), Nick Garde (6), and Gio DePergola (5) led St. Mary’s attack.
LATE RESULTS
Gateway 72, Pathfinder 46
Gateway (2-6) delivered one of its finest efforts of the season to net its second victory of the season.
Peter Kowal (22 points), Johnny Haskell (17), Brett Turban (11), Brad Moreau (10), and Shane Mastello (8) led the Gators, who opened the game with a 30-point first quarter.
Pathfinder’s Andrew Roman scored a game-high 23 points.
