Canton Bulldogs Wrestling 2008-2009

 RESULTS:

A note to everyone else from the Captains-

Thank you to all for everything, it has been a wonderful four years. The banquet went smoothly as always and the season went even better. We ended up having a fantastic year and we had some historic moments. You will be led next year by two of the finest wrestlers we have encountered. The Captains next year will continue to preach the importance of off-season work, overall dedication and respect to teammates and coaches. We are extremely confident that the holes left by this year's seniors will be filled with J.V. wrestlers who are ready to step it up. We had a great year and thanks for all the memories. We all know the number by heart, so give it a call sometime for us. We'll miss you.

Rob McCarty, Matt Connolly, Eric Mulford, and Doug Rockwell

Division III South Sectionals turned out to be an interesting tournament. The Bulldogs went into Day II in fourth place, only 2 points from the nearest team. It was a dogfight for the team as there were six teams in total going for the spot in the dual meet tournament. They finished fifth overall out of 17 teams in a great ending. Although the Dogs didn't qualify for the dual meet tournament, they did have some outstanding individual honors. After being the 15 seed in his weight class, Captain Doug Rockwell upset the number two seed in his first match of the day and went on to place second overall in the tournament. It was a great end to an incredible career with the Bulldogs. Senior Captain Matt Connolly took fifth in the toughest weight class at the tournament, as did Will Alfano and Kyle Forte. Senior Captains Eric Mulford and Rob McCarty took fourth in their classes, as well as Senior Ian Hildred. sophomore Kevin Connolly took third place in an outstanding match, sealing his place as one of the top competitors on the team.  

The Hockomock Championships fared well for the Bulldogs, with two Seniors placing in the top two. Captain Eric Mulford placed 2nd along with his co-captain Rob McCarty in their repective weight classes. Will Alfano placed third in the 135 weight class as well.

 The Bulldogs had a historic victory last Thursday against Foxborough, winning 53-17. Foxborough, who is ranked in the top ten in Division III, is the third DIII ranked team the Bulldogs have beaten in the last week and a half. The mat men are on a tear and ready to take this intensity into the post-season. The Bulldogs went into the meet knowing it wasn’t going to be easy, but that they could come out victorious. And that they did. The Bulldogs looked the best they have looked all season, with all fourteen wrestlers working together as a whole rather than as individuals. From 103, with David Rosenberg giving up a tech rather than a pin, to Caraminas almost sticking one of the state’s toughest competitors, to Donovan Lewis, Tyler Matt and Rob McCarty ending the meet strong with victories. The Bulldogs look forward to seeing some of these tough competitors at the Hockomock League Championships this Saturday.

On Tuesday at home, the Bulldogs romped their rival Stoughton Black Knights, 49-9.  The team decided not to take the four forfeits Stoughton was giving up unless they were needed at the end of the meet, and certainly did not need them. Captain Eric Mulford started out the night by tech-falling his opponent. Following him were pins from Donovan Lewis, Captains Doug Rockwell and Rob McCarty, Tyler Matt, David Rosenberg, and Will Alfano. Kyle Forte also had a solid victory on the night. The Dogs came back from losing by one point for two years straight to beat the Knights.

Over the weekend, the Bulldogs had a couple of tough losses. They were held back by injuries ad sicknesses, but according to Head Coach Bartosek, its "Better now than at Sectionals and Hocks." The Green and White Gladiators were missing four starters in Freshman David Rosenberg, Senior Ian Hildred, and Senior Captains Eric Mulford and Rob McCarty.  They beat Watertown, but lost close ones to Holliston and Hudson. There was no question that the bulldogs would have gone 3-0 if they wrestled full strength Saturday. There were several individual successes though. Kyle Hanlon achieved his first pin, and freshman Brian Matthews and Calvin Winchill both stepped it up as well to help fill the gaps the Bulldogs had. Ryan Brady's match was a highlight of the day. After being down on points and looking like a sure defeat, Brady drew from within himself and headlocked his opponent to his back, helping seal the day's only victory.

On Wednesday, January 21, the Bulldogs faced off against yet another tough Hockomock opponent. At Oliver Ames, the mat-men took an astounding victory, winning 39-24, in an important win for the team. "O.A. is generally pretty tough and tonight we showed how tough we can be when we actually wrestle the way we are capable," said assistant coach Aaron Mann on the nights victory. The scene was set in a frigid gym, which made it difficult for Canton wrestlers to warm up, but even through the difficulty generating a sweat, they prevailed. "I've never been in a wrestling gym that was so cold,"  said Head Coach Bartosek. Despite the coldness, the Bulldogs registered wins at 119, 125, 130, 140, 145, 152, 160 and 189. Captain Matt Connolly improved his record to 14-3 and win streak to 7 by defeating O.A.'s captain by 14 points, along with Captain Eric Mulford who registered his sixth pin.

Canton had a good weekend on the weekend of January 17 and 18, with the Varsity members wrestling in the Peckham Tournament on Saturday and the J.V. and Women wrestlers wrestling in a tournament the following day. Canton took fourth place overall, behind Norton, Dedham, and the first place Somerset. Fourth place winners were: David Rosenberg, Kyle Forte, Billy Rothkopf, and Will Alfano. Third place winners were: Kevin Connolly, Ian Hildred, and Nick Caraminas, who had one of his best matches of the season. Captains Matt Connolly and Eric Mulford both took first place victories in the tournament.

The Dogs suffered another tough Hockomock league loss against K.P. on Wednesday January 14, where they lost at home, 37-27. Tyler Matt wrestled especially tough, going in at 189 to face one of the toughest competitors in the state. Kyle Hanlon also had an enthralling victory, registering his first win of the season. The best highlight of the night, though, was Donovan Lewis's match. He was down by a few points after being taken down to his back, but sprung back and pinned his opponent for 6 team points in Canton's column. Other victories on the night were recorded by Kyle Forte, Matt Connolly, Eric Mulford, and Rob McCarty.

The Bulldogs suffered an unfortunate  defeat on Wednesday January 7th, losing to the N.A. Warriors, 50-15. Highlights in the  meet were Captain Eric Mulford's close match, Matt Connolly's impressive pin, Doug Rockwell's solid victory, David Rosenberg's outstanding effort to not get pinned. Billy Rothkopf also looked very aggressive in his match, leading to a pin. They look to come back strong on Wednesday against King Phillip 

The Bulldogs had a great win against Sharon on Saturday January 3rd, winning 42-25. Kevin Connolly started out the meet with an outstanding victory at weight 130. Next up was Will Alfano who, as usual, showed his knowledge on the mat, sticking his opponent for a quick 6. At 140, Nick Caraminas had an extremely exciting win, pinning his opponent in the third. His match went back and forth and the better man came out on top. At 145 Chris Parsons made his varsity debut and had a great match for his first time on varsity. Even though he got pinned, he could take a lot a way from his match and learn from his mistakes. At 152 Captain Matt Connolly had yet another victory, winning his match on points. At 160 Donovan Lewis wrestled one of the toughest competitors in the state, and even though he lost by major decision, he wrestled very tough. Captain Doug Rockwell had a tough loss at 171 pounds. At 189, Captain Rob McCarty started what was the beginning of the end for Sharon, pinning his opponent in the first period. Tyler Matt bumped up to 215 for the Sharon meet, and almost got pinned in the first period. Giving up 30 pounds is one of the toughest things to do in the sport of wrestling, but it didn't matter to Tyler when he pinned his opponents in the best come-from-behind victory the Bulldogs have had all season. Kyle Hanlon gave a valiant effort as always at Heavyweight, as well as David Rosenberg at 103. Kyle Forte sealed the victory, ending the Eagles chance for a come back when he pinned his opponent. Billy Rothkopf seemed tentative when he was on the mat and he lost his match by one point on yet another official's poor judgement.

The Bulldogs had a solid performance this past weekend at the Lowell Holiday Tournament. " Everyone wrestled tough and we saw a lot of things that we can build upon over the course of the season," said Coach Aaron Mann. Weighting in at 103, David Rosenberg got a first round bye, the lost two tough matches to seasoned opponents. At 119, Billy Rothkopf made his Lowell debut and had three great matches, finishing up the day 1-2. "Lowell is a humbling tournament, and it's better for the guys to see really tough competitors then wrestle guys they know they can beat." said Coach Brian Caffelle. At 130, Ian Hildred wrestled some of the toughest matches he has during his tenure at Canton High School. After almost being disqualified, he came back in his second match and wrestled intelligently, giving his opponent a tough match. At 135, Will Alfano showed that he is a true contender for the sectional crown after just missing a victory to Foxboro's Avery on a questionable call. He won his next match and advanced to day two. Also advancing to day two were: Kyle Forte, Kevin Connolly, Eric Mulford, Matt Connolly, Donovan Lewis, Doug Rockwell and Rob McCarty. " We had more guys come to day two this year than in any year in the past. Even though day one was shortened by one round, it still shows how deep our team is," said Coach Sean Rockwell. Highlights from the weekend were Mulford's match against a two-time Lowell Tournament Champion and Forte's day two match. Mulford wrestled tough for the first two periods and eventually ended up losing the match on points. Mulford showed that he truely is the real deal when he hung with a D1 State Qualifier. Forte also wrestled a great match against a tough Lowell opponent. Forte won the match 3-1 and showed that even though he bumped up a weight class, he is still a threat to any opponent.

RESULTS 12-23-2008 

The Bulldogs had a great comeback this past week when they defeated the first-year Plymouth North, and when they routed Hingham. The Bulldogs suffered a tough loss to Hingham last year, so this year the victory was extremely satisfying for Canton. Sophomore Kevin Connolly and Seniors Matt Connolly, Eric Mulford and Doug Rockwell all had two pins on the day. Also walking away with solid victories were: David Rosenberg, Ian Hildred, Will Alfano Nick Caraminas, Donovan Lewis, John McCabe, and Rob McCarty. "Everything that should have happened, happened," said Coach Brian Caffelle. The Bulldogs came out very aggressive, and seemed to be more comfortable on the mat. The technique was bar-none the best the Bulldogs have wrestled in the past two seasons. As individuals,they seemed strong, confident and comfortable when they stepped on the mat to face their opponent. As a team, they seemed very supportive and close. Let's hope the Bulldogs can keep up the intensity when they go to the Lowell Holiday Tournament this weekend.

RESULTS, DECEMBER 17, 2008:

103-Rosenberg, LBF    (12-0)                              145- Mulford, WBF (32-13)

112-Forte, Win Minor decision  (12-3)                152- M. Connolly Loss Minor decision (35-13)

119-Rothkopf, Loss, Minor decision  (15-3)        160-Lewis, WBF (35-19)

125-K. Connolly, LBF  (21-3)                                 171- Rockwell, WBF (35-25)

130-Hildred, Loss by tech  (26-3)                         189- Matt, LBF (41-25)

135-Alfano, Win Major decision  (26-7)                 215- McCarty, Loss Minor decision (44-25)

140-Caraminas, LBF  (32-7)                                   HVY- Hanlon, LBF    (6-0)

TO ALL NEW WRESTLERS:                    

"Wrestling will challenge you at times. Most times. But it is through hard work, discipline and dedication that non-athletes become State Champions." Wrestling is not an easy sport, and it will challenge you. You have taken the first step in a meaningful, exciting, and rewarding endeavor. Good work. We know how disciplined you are as athletes, we have talked to your fall sport coaches. If you did not participate in a fall sport, we have talked to some teachers. We know most of you are good, if not exceptional students. We promote outstanding work in the classroom, and if that is not achieved, we can help anytime. Come to one of us for help in any subject. Between the four of us, you can have help in any of your classes. School work is Number 1, no matter what.  If you have low grades, get them up. We're going to have one hell of a season.

Sincerely,

Doug Rockwell, Eric Mulford, Rob McCarty, Matt Connolly

OFF SEASON WORK:

 Thanks to an outstanding turn out at camps and open mats this summer, the wrestling program looks like it is in good shape for next season. Coach Bartosek offers the following thoughts: "We could have had a few more keys guys go out there and go to camps this summer and do more work in the offseason, but there is still three and a half months to put in some serious work before the season starts. I would like to see more faces at open mats and the weight room and running to stay in shape. It's the wrestlers that put in the time in the offseason when it is hardest that have the most success in winning and placing in tournaments, Sectionals, States, and All-States during the season. When they go to camps as a team, like this team did with Harvard and Gramby, and work together lifting and running in the offseason, that's what builds teams that can win Sectionals, States and All-States.  I asked the team if they want to be a 'flash in the pan' or do they want to be the beginning of something big."

The weight room is open during the week after school, check with the athletic director with questions about the schedule.  Open Mats will be starting up again sometime in October, ask any of the four captains or Coach Bartosek with any questions. "I really hope the team keeps up the good work training, lifting, and running, as they have done all summer." explains Assistant coach Aaron Mann. The wrestlers who attended the Gramby System Wrestling Camp in late July were: Kyle Forte, Kevin Connolly, Will Alfano, Josh Matt, Nick Caraminas, Eric Mulford, Matt Connolly, Doug Rockwell, Tyler Matt and Rob McCarty. The camp was a big success, teaching a style of wrestling to those ten members of team, and hopefully success will follow this season. "Sometimes it gets hard to stay focused and put the time in, day in and day out when school comes around, with homework and fall sports, but it is great wrestlers and leaders on the team who figure out a way to fit it in, and it is those wrestlers who win." says Coach Mann.

Keep up the good work lifting, running, and training, and good luck to all wrestlers participating in fall sports. 

WRESTLING UPDATES:

On Saturday, March 15, Keough and Cortizo again wrestled in a tournament, the 2008 U.S.G.W.A. New England Regional  tournament.Christine Keough lost her first match in a dramatic overtime loss by one takedown, 7-5."Christie has had a great year this year and she is a completely different wrestler," Head Coach Tom Bartosek said. Keough came back with a big victory in her second match, pinning her opponent in the first period. She lost her third match to one of the toughest opponents in the whole tournament, by pin-fall late in the second period."She wrestled great today, and sometimes it is just the luck of the draw where the wrestler is seated in the tournament," said Coach Aaron Mann of Keough's performance. Wrestling at 125 pounds was Lauren Cortizo. In her first match, Cortizo had a battle where she pinned her opponent in the second period after a devastating Japanese Arm Throw. She came back for more, later in the day against one of the tougher opponents in the tournament, and ended up pinning her in the third period. "If you saw her wrestle, you would think she is a completely different wrestler from three months ago at the beginning of the season." Said coach Aaron Mann. In the championship and final match of the day for the Lady Bulldogs, Cortizo waged war on her opponent, defeating her in a great match, 7-5. Now that Cortizo is the 2007-2008 U.S.G.W.A. New England Regional Champion, she is ranked 10th in the National Tournament.

On Saturday March 8th, Christie Keough and Lauren Coritizo wrestled in the USGWA state championships. Keough, wrestling at the 112 weight class, beat her first opponent 14-2, then sealed another victory by pinning her opponent in the second period, and won yet another match 6-5 against a brutal opponent. She took second place in the whole tournament and had a great day. Lauren Cortizo started the day off great and continued all day at the tournament. Her first match was a battle with a worthy opponent, and ended up pinning her. ***NOTICE***-The opponent she faced in that match turned out to be a college girl wrestler, therefore the loss did not register against her in the tournament. She won her second match and lost a tough battle in her third match. She ended the day strong by winning her fourth and final match,  sealing a gold medal, becoming the U.S.W.G.A. 125 pound Champion. 

On Friday, February and Saturday, Feburary 23, Senior Captian Marc Julien and Sophomore Kyle Forte competed in the State Tournament. Wrestling at 103, Forte wrestled extremely tough in his first match, only losing 3 points, and then losing another tough match later on on Friday night.  "Kyle is in a group of sophomores who are really going to help the team the next few years," head coach Tom Bartosek said. Julien, coming back to states again, wrestled fantastic all day, Friday and Saturday. He registered two pins, to get to second on the team in pins, behind Sophomore Donovan Lewis, who has 15.

On Saturday, February 9th, the Bulldogs had a great day, taking 6th place at Sectionals, even though they were missing two of their top varsity starters. Taking sixth place in his weight division, Donovan Lewis wrestled great in the first few rounds when he had to exit the tournament due to an injury suffered in one of his matches. At fifth place, Ian Hildred had a great day pinning his opponent in the fifth place match. Wil Hennessey wrestled great all day, as did Eric Mulford and Rob McCarty, who are all now alternates in States. Kyle Forte had an outstanding day of wrestling, and took third at his weight division, setting in stone his place at States, next weekend. Also wrestling at States next weekend was 112 pounder, Captian Marc Julien, who wrestled strong all day, despite an injury, taking third place as well.

 February 2nd, the Bulldogs competed in the 2008 Hockomock Championship Tournament. At weight class 112, Senior Captian Marc Julien placed second after winning a great match against one of his rivals, the North Attleboro 112 pounder, but lost a tough match in the finals to Connor David of King Phillip. At 140, Junior Eric Mulford took third place, defeating a tough opponent from King Phillip, who beat him by 13 points on Wednesday. At 189 Rob McCarty took third place, defeating his opponent from King Phillip who also beat him on Wednesday. All and all, the Bulldogs had a tough day, coming in 7th in the tournament as a team, defeating King Phillip and their rivals, Stoughton.

 January 30th, the Bulldogs went up against a tough opponent, King Phillip. Needless to say, the Bulldogs were considered a great underdog. The meet started at 103 with Kyle Forte, who beat his opponent, and then went to Captain Marc Julien's match. Julien lost a battle to one of the state's top competitors, ranked 3rd, Connor David, but it only cost the Bulldogs 4 team points. Also fighting hard was Freshman Kevin Connolly, who lost his match, but didn't get pinned. Ian Hildred came in with a  great victory at 125. Stepping up at 130 was Junior Lauren Cortizo, who fought hard to keep from getting pinned and ended up going all 6 minutes with her opponent. At 140, Junior Eric Mulford had a tough battle, but also fought hard, sticking out the match and keeping the Bulldogs in the meet. Another victory came with Junior Matt Connolly when he beat his challenger in the third round. Back with another vicious headlock, was Sophomore Donovan Lewis sealing another Bulldogs victory. With the score being 25-19 in the Bulldogs had to have the heavyweights stay strong. Freshman Ryan Conrad really stepped up having one of the most exciting matches of the year, but just losing to his opponent by a mere 2 points, making the score 25-22. Doug Rockwell had a terrific match with a vicious opponent and also lasted three rounds with one of his toughest foes of the year and only losing by a few points. Next up was Junior Rob McCarty who lost his match by one point on a controversial call in the last seconds of the match, making the score 28-25, King Phillip. Hardy Zephrin registered the first pin of the night by either team, and Kyle Hanlon iced the victory, taking a forfiet, making the score 31-28. Not one member of the Bulldogs was pinned by their opponent. Coach Aaron Mann summed up the night when he said "Everybody, from the 103 to the 285 wrestled great and it just goes to show how good this young team can be when they pull themselves together and do it all."

On January 23, the Bulldogs were set against the up and coming Oliver Ames in a dual meet. Mark Julien improved his record to 20-3, and other winners on the night were Kyle Forte (pin) Kevin Connolly, Ian Hildred, Eric Mulford, (pin) Donovan Lewis, and Rob McCarty.  Unfortunately, the Bulldogs lost the meet by one point, 37-36. 

At the meet on 1/19 the Bulldogs upset Watertown 39-33 and beat Holliston 49-21 but lost to Division III powerhouse Hudson, who is ranked 25th in the state.

Triple winners for Canton were Marc Julien (19-3), Eric Mulford (7-1), Will Alfano (12-10) and Donavan Lewis (12-7). Kevin Connolly, Ryan Conrad, and Hardy Zephrin each had two victories. Kyle Forte, Ian Hildred, Will Hennessey, Matt Connolly, Doug Rockwell and Kyle Hanlon each had a victory.     

January 12th at the Peckham  tournament, the Bulldogs had some great individual success. Senior Captain Marc Julien took second place, as did Junior Eric Mulford, and Sophomore Kyle Forte. Taking third place at his weight class was Sophomore Donovan Lewis. Hardy Zephrin, Tyler Matt, Ian Hildred, and Matt Connolly all took fourth place.                                                         

GO BULLDOGS!!!!!!!