Westfield High senior wrestler Thomas Flaherty attempts to lock his opponent in place Wednesday night against visiting Dean Tech. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
WESTFIELD – Westfield opened the 2014-15 high school wrestling season with a solid 46-35 win over visiting Dean Tech Wednesday night.
It was an eventful night for the Bombers (1-0) from start to finish.
Westfield senior Lisa Lockheart locked down her opponent at 113 pounds for a second period pin. The female wrestler, also a jiu jitsu champion, is a strong grappler who exudes confidence and leadership. She should prove to be a major force this season.
Bombers’ Jordan Cree holds down his Dean Tech opponent and looks at the official for a call on the pin. (Photo by Liam Sheehan)
While youth and inexperience dominate the lower half of Westfield’s weight classes, freshman Jack Yvon emerged at 152 pounds for a pin.
“Jack kept us in it,” Westfield coach Bob Coe said.
As the matches progressed – and the weight classes grew – Westfield’s top wrestlers rose to the occasion.
Westfield seniors Jordan Cree (170 pound), Tom Flaherty (182), and Austin Shrewsbury (285), and junior Bodgan Ocharenko (195) all won by fall. Senior Ryan Bucko (220) won by major decision.
Shrewsbury is currently the top-ranked wrestler at his respective weight class in New England.
“Obviously we need a lot of work, but we did really well,” coach Coe said. “I was pleasantly surprised by their toughness.”
“It was a decent start to the beginning of the season.”
