Braintree High Wrestlers Dominate at Oliver Ames, Look Forward to Archrival Weymouth

The Braintree High School wrestling team, just off a commanding performance at Oliver Ames this past weekend, is looking for its second ever victory against Weymouth on Tuesday.

After Saturday's meet, in which BHS earned 301 points and toppled second place team and defending state champions Methuen by 120, Coach Marty Dundon said he is optimistic that this season's deep roster will help the squad advance further than last year.

"We did a good job," Dundun said. "We're pretty experienced and we're hoping to improve on last year's finish."

At Ames, Braintree had four 1st place champions in the tournament: varsity wrestlers Martin Mulkerrin in the 285lb division, Dominic Cataldo in the 220lb division, Brandon Carvello in the 182lb division, and Bob Devin in the 106lb division.

Additionally, Pat Kane took 2nd place in the 145lb. division, Dom Defrancesco 2nd place in the 120lbdivision, Andrew Grant 3rd in the 132 division, CJ Galluzzo 4th in the 195lb division.

During the 2011-2012 season, the Wamps ended 19-6. They were third in the league, third in sectionals and eighth in Division 1 states. The team lost seven starters afterward, including two starters.

There are 78 athletes on this year's roster, with those making regular appearances in the mid-60s, Dundun said. They are two deep in most weight classes.

"That's really good," the coach said. "We've been able to get kids to come out and stay out and stay committed to the program."

Braintree's first league match is on Tuesday at home against Weymouth. The Wildcats are the Wamps' archrivals, Dundon said, and they consistently beat Braintree for the past 20 years until losing for the first time last season.

"We obviously hadn't had much success against them until last year," Dundon said. "We have 12 starters returning and we hope that the match is as exciting as it was last year."