Ashland Wrestlers Achieve Impressive Results

Ashland High’s wrestling team has had an enjoyable season competing for the first time in 13 years without the co-op label.
During that decade-plus era, the Clockers and Keefe Tech joined forces so student-athletes from both schools could experience the sport and compete against schools at a high level. This year, the Clockers were able to forge their own entity, and the results Coach Peter Zacchilli and his forces have achieved are impressive.
Ashland posted a 9-9-1 dual-meet record, finished second in the Tri Valley League standings with a 4-1 mark and qualified eight wrestlers for the state meet after some solid efforts at the Division 3 Central Sectional tourney in Ashland.
Zacchilli’s contingent has relied on a variety of strengths and has been able to compete against state powerhouses like Natick, West Springfield, North Andover, Algonquin and Catholic Memorial. Ashland, which began its varsity wrestling program in 1967, has indeed regained some of the stature it developed in its earlier days.
“We’re a relentless team that battles non-stop,’’ said Zacchilli, who for three years was co-coach of the co-op team with Keefe’s Don Marini. “We’re intense and we compete at a high offensive level.’’
His squad, which is continuing to battle in post-season action at “Local Town Pages” deadline, has made Zacchilli proud of the way they’ve dedicated themselves to achieving a successful first-year on their own. “Our wrestlers have relied on mental toughness, perseverance, leadership, and being aggressive and sharp in their offensive ability in a neutral position,’’ he emphasized. “As we continue, we can still improve on our technique from one move to another and in our match preparation.’’
Some of Ashland’s key components are senior captains Michael Crupi (132) and Nick Riordan (220), and a trio of other seniors—Larry Gillis (195), Peter Trevelini (182) and Jack Campion (170).
“Michael is physical, wrestles strong from his feet, is a quality leader and faces opponents at a high level,’’ Zacchilli said. “Nick is driven. He sets high goals and he strives to achieve them. Larry is quick, agile and strong and always displays a positive attitude in practice. Peter works hard, leads by example and sets a positive tempo in practice. Jack has a high-compete level. He’s an all-around three-sport athlete with great courage.’’
Three underclassmen who’ve wrestled effectively are David Sunderland (138), Jon Tesler (120), and sophomore Jared Swartz (113).
“David is one of the hardest workers on the team,’’ Zacchilli said. “His work ethic and mental toughness are excellent. He’s a pro-active wrestler who missed a month-plus because of a broken knuckle. Jon has improved, he’s invested in the program and his technique from the neutral position is good. Jared is strong, tough and able to avoid pins. His work ethic and commitment are solid.’’
Four other wrestlers who’ve been consistent contributors are junior Noah Fuller (145), sophs Jack Flaherty (152) and Ari Dinerman (106) and freshman Jeffrey Wright (126).
“Noah has a good approach and attitude and he’s improved,’’ Zacchilli said. “Jack’s commitment to the sport is outstanding and he’s strong and relies on work ethic. Ari has a phenomenal attitude and his approach is great. Jeffrey is coachable, learns quickly and is a smart wrestler.’’
Wrestlers who placed at the sectional and advanced to the State meet at Wakefield are: Dinerman (fourth at 106), Swartz (fourth at 113), Tesler (second at 120), Crupi (second at 132), Fuller (fourth at 145), Campion (third at 170), Gillis (second at 195) and Riordan (first at 220).
The Clockers 28-man roster, which is built on perseverance, survived its share of nicks and bruises. Another reason for their success is Zacchilli’s insistence that the best preparation for post-season matches is competing against strong programs. That’s what Ashland did when it faced Natick, Algonquin, West Springfield, North Andover and Catholic Memorial.
It’s been a quality season for the Clockers and their emergence is a reflection of their coach’s competitive philosophy. “They’ve realized their capabilities and strived to pursue maximum effort,’’ Zacchilli noted. “And, they’re acutely aware that if they apply themselves, they’ll achieve and realize high expectations.’’
Ashland’s wrestlers displayed discipline, perseverance and accountability as they worked hard and dealt with any adversity they encountered. They also were honored by the Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association with the Division 3 Sportsmanship Award.
The Clockers’ co-op years were a plus but now they’re standing alone. And, they’re standing tall.