Watertown High School’s wrestlings enjoyed success at the MIAA Div. 3 North Sectional meet on Saturday, where one Raider won his bracket, and two more placed third. Watertown finished in seventh place at the meet in Gloucester.
Watertown Head Coach Kevin Russo said the Raiders are trending in the right direction after finishing the regular season 16-9.
Watertown’s Fahad Khan won the 106 pound class after going 4-0 in the bracket. He came in seeded third.
“He is only the second wrestler I have coached to be a sectional champion in his first year of competition. He is extremely strong and learns more each day,” Russo said. “He could me a real force next year if he continues to train the way he does. Fahad was seeded third, so winning it was not expected by anyone else.”
Khan moves on to the state championships in Foxboro on Friday and Saturday.
A pair of Raiders finished third: Jimmy Shrestha (126 pounds) and Brady Gleason (175 pounds).
“Brady lost a heartbreaker in the semifinals by a point but came back to pin his next couple opponents to finish strong. We look forward to getting another opportunity this weekend and Brady is even more focused than last week.”
Gleason became the third Watertown wrestler to win 100 matches on Jan. 25, joining Daniel D’Amico and Noah Jefferson. Russo expects him to have a good chance at States.
“He will be just fine. He does not lose often, but he handled it like a pro and will only be better as a result. He is hungry for success,” Russo said.
Shrestha will also be wrestling this weekend.
“Jimmy took third in a very competitive weight class. he wrestled real well, and pinned his last opponent in overtime, a testament to his level of training and conditioning,” Russo said.
Another wrestler heading to States is Christian Barrett, after winning four matches and placing fourth in the 113 pound class.
“Christian has come a long way, with 17 wins this year after having only a few last year,” Russo said. “Christian has worked hard and improved week to week throughout the season. he worked for every point and I am happy for him.”
Two Watertown wrestlers finished fifth, Elvis Diliberto (165 pounds) and Hagop Shabazyan (190 pounds). Dilberto will be an alternate at States, and Russo said he is capable of big things if he can get into the tournament. Shabazyan won his final match at Sectionals and will also be an alternate at States.
Tristan Galeano got sixth place in the 150 pound class after winning a couple matches, and earning the the team with some pin points. He struggled win injuries, so Russo is hopeful he will come back healthy next year.