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Nick Riordan was a co-captain last year as a sophomore for the Ashland-Keefe Tech wrestling team and he is fulfilling that role again this season.
One reason why the Ashland junior is in a position of leadership is his refreshing, mature outlook on athletics and academics. He is all about old-fashioned values—like working hard to achieve goals, overcoming adversity, being accountable and contributing to help his team.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior was a sectional finalist who advanced to the state tourney in only his second season of wrestling last year. He started as a sophomore as a long-stick defender in lacrosse and was a two-way starter at center and linebacker on the Clockers’ playoff squad in football last year.
Nick Riordan is the real deal.
“When I compete, my philosophy is to give my best at all times,’’ Riordan said. “I also compete with a sense of enjoyment. With those two elements in place, winning will occur along the way.’’
Last year on the mat, Riordan posted a 15-8 record, then managed a fourth-place finish at the sectional tourney before bowing out in the states. The Ashland native is acutely aware that his life as a three-sport athlete is enhanced by the real-life lessons learned in sports.
“When I dislocated my knee in football with the jayvees, I pushed myself to get better,’’ Riordan noted. “That was about overcoming adversity. In wrestling, I had a below-average pre-season last year, so I worked to improve for the regular season. At a young age I’ve tried to get hold of situations and react appropriately. Being accountable is important. Athletics help me with real-life lessons more than I can count.’’
Pete Zacchilli, a co-coach in wrestling and an assistant for the Ashland football team, admires Riordan’s desire and approach in all sports. “Nick’s work ethic is a huge plus,’’ Zacchilli said. “He’s in the weight room year-round, he’s very competitive, and he’s always finding ways to stretch his potential to reach new levels.’’
The attributes that make Riordan a top-caliber wrestler are his physical and mental toughness, quickness and his technical skills. He is relying on them to place high in the sectionals in February and advance to the state tourney. “I’m aiming for a first-place sectional finish in the 195-pound class,’’ Riordan said. “And, if I stay focused and committed, I want to do well in the states. It’s like climbing a ladder. If you excel, you move up, maybe to the all-state and New England tourneys.’’
Two of Riordan’s best bouts last year came in the Framingham Holiday Tournament and the sectional playoffs. He defeated a Methuen wrestler, 4-3, in a grueling six-minute match. In the sectionals, he bounced back to defeat Milford’s Ryan Gray, who had beaten Riordan in the Framingham tourney. “Defeating Ryan, 5-2, showed how much I had progressed from my earlier defeat,’’ Riordan said. “He’s a highly-respected wrestler and to beat him was a plus.’’
Riordan, who was a Tri Valley League honorable-mention all-star in lacrosse, believes the Ashland-Keefe Tech matmen can compete for the TVL title this year and perform well in the post-season. “We’ve got kids who can compete and we’ve got good chemistry,’’ he emphasized. “We can finish high in the sectionals and hopefully do well in the states.’’
Riordan credits teammates like Mike Crupi (120) and Matt Pinski (195) as key components for the Clockers this year. “Mike is a co-captain who’s a hard-worker and great leader,’’ Riordan notes. “Matt goes full speed and always holds himself accountable.’’
A fan of Zacchilli, Riordan rates his coach highly. “Coach Zacchilli is a motivator who pushes his wrestlers to excel,’’ Riordan said. “He knows the sport well and he promotes team spirit and chemistry.’’
A good student who plans on a career in civil engineering or construction management, Riordan relies on a variety of holds and maneuvers. He is adept at escapes and knows how to scramble. He is comfortable going from a cradle move to a half-nelson.
A captain who leads by example and by being vocal, Riordan is quick to help a young wrestler with any questions or doubts. “It’s important to ensure our future by helping those following behind us,’’ he said.
Calling his father (Tim) his role model for his support and encouragement, Riordan put his passion for wrestling in perspective when he labels it a team and individual sport. “When you go one-on-one and win, you’ve done your job as an individual, but you’ve also scored points for your team,’’ he said. “I love wrestling because you know what you have to do to win and improve. It incorporates a lot of attributes to be successful.’’