Wrestling in the Upper Valley took a big hit last year because of COVID. Mascoma was the only team to compete with Lebanon, Newport and Stevens deciding to sit things out. But all four programs return for the 2021-22 season with high hopes as the sport is growing among the schools with programs.
“Upper Valley wrestling is on the rise with Lebanon and Mascoma having great numbers and Newport remaining competitive with great coaching and talent,” noted Lebanon Coach Chauncey Wood
Coach: Chauncey Wood (5)
Division: NHIAA Division III
Last year: Canceled because of COVID
Returnees: Juniors, Alexander Blish, 138, Drew Sanchez, 145, Dustin Jarvis, 182, Logan Rafter, 285
Newcomers: Seniors — Simon Amaro, 160/170lb, Sebastian Yates, 182; Juniors — Sawyer Beaulieu, 120/126, Connor McKinney, 160, Richard Gatto, 160, Keegan Fredette, 285; Sophomores — Jonathan Eylander,195, Benjamin Nelson, 170, Abigail Stone, 126, Zachary Thornton, Joseph Gile,132, Nicholas Wolstenholme, 220; Freshmen — Grayson Avery, 160/170lb, Tanner Brown, 132, David Champagne, 145, Jaxon Gunn, 106, Christopher Kinne, 285, Nathan LaHaye, 132, Hunter Zarr, 113
Analysis: Begun four years ago as in independent team and just four wrestlers, the Raiders begin their first varsity season with 24 wrestlers, filling almost all weight classes.
“We are an inexperienced young team with great numbers,” Wood said. “We are a new program with a few returners from the 2019/2020 season. Blish, Sanchez, Jarvis and Rafter all wrestled as freshman and will bring our only experience. We have some great athletes in Beaulieu, Stone, Yates, Amaro and Thornton mixed with some eager-to-learn freshman.”
Coach: Bill Clifton (1)
Last year: 3-3. Advanced to semifinals
League: NHIAA Division III
Returnees: Seniors — Roman Farnsworth, 152, Tyler Mekus, 170, Owen McKinney, 220; Juniors — Garrett Giovagnoli, 145, Asa Michetti, 160, Emma Bill, 182; Sophomores — Cam Jesperson, 126, Damien Nestle, 195
Newcomers: Juniors — Ryan Gilliland, 160, Emma Mullaly, 160, Alanna Cilbrith 132; Sophomore — Connor Hobbs, 170; Freshmen — Austin Crowder, 106, Dominic Dorman, 138, Ethan Lewis, 182, Ryan McKinley 285.
Analysis: A combination of experienced upper classmen and eager newcomers brings high expectation for the Royals.
The team goal is to place in the top three at the Division 3 state meet and have athletes win state championships and go on to compete at the Meet of Champions.
“The under classmen are ready to fill spots and show their toughness, and all of our returners worked hard in the off season to better themselves,” said Clifton.
Coaches: Rick Sharron (27) Collin Shaughnessy (3)
Last year: Did not compete because of COVID. The previous year the Tigers had three state champions: Anson Ritondo, Josh Sharron and Marius Edwards. Sharron, who graduated with Edwards in 2021, placed third in the New England Championships in 2020
League: NHIAA Division III
Returnees: Senior, Luke Bartlett, 220lbs, Juniors Anson Ritondo, 132, Erik Wilkinson, 132, Sophomore, Dylan Wharburton, 152.
Newcomers: Juniors — Ryan Nelson, 132, Timmy Fratzel, 160, Tommy Spiker, 170; Sophomore — Seth Adams, 160
Analysis: “We hope that through the season our wrestlers will progress towards becoming tough, respectable, and hardworking student athletes,” said Shaughnessy.
Coach: Joe Shepard (2)
Last year: No season ( COVID)
League: NHIAA Division 3
Returnees: Junior, Colby Shepard, 160
Newcomers: Senior Bryce Jarvis, 152
Analysis: Stevens is in just its second years as a varsity program and Shepard is looking to increase interest in the sport.
“Through development and success, we are hoping to attract additional athletes,” Shepard said. “This will allow us to grow into a sustainable varsity program for Stevens High School. This year we are looking to continue the success of our returning wrestler and develop the skills of our new wrestler.”
