Sports
Stoughton’s Andrew Paredes Qualifies For All-State Wrestling Tournament
Paredes finished in second place for the heavyweight class at this weekend's MIAA Division 2 State Wrestling Tournament. He heads to the All-State meet next weekend.
After Stoughton High wrestler won the Hockomock League Heavyweight Wrestling Championship at the end of January he said he had his sights set on more—the SHS junior wanted to prove he was one of the best wrestlers in the state and move on to the New England Tournament.
Following Saturday’s second-place finish in the heavyweight class at the MIAA Division 2 State Wrestling Tournament, Paredes is on his way to accomplishing this goal.
At The Division 2 meet, held at Marlborough High School, Paredes beat Jim Rhuda (Masconomet), Josh Cappadona (Natick) and Robbie Timmerman (Needham) on his way to the heavyweight finals, where he lost to Somerset’s Nick Almedia.
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It was the first loss of the season for Paredes, but he still advances to next weekend’s All-State Tournament, held at Salem High School on Friday and Saturday, February 25-26.
SHS wrestling coach Justin Leonard, said he was “really impressed” with how Paredes performed at the Division 2 meet. “He always pushes my expectations, “ Leonard said.
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“I expect him to do extremely well [at All-States],” Leonard continued.
If Paredes performs well there, he will advance to the New England Tournament, held two weeks from now, March 4 and 5 in New Haven, CT.
Stephen Colling and Travis Demko also took part in this weekend’s Division 2 meet at Marlborough High.
Colling wrestled in the 112-pound weight class and lost his first round match, but won his first match in the consolation ladder, before being eliminated a round later.
Demko wrestled in the 152-pound weight class and won his first round match, before losing in the second round. He was unable to partake in the consolation ladder because of an injury.
“Both [Colling and Demko] demonstrate great athleticism and great sportsmanship,” Leonard said.
“I always tell them as long as they leave everything on the mat and try 100-percent, then I can’t be mad at them.”
Take a look at the full results from the Division 2 meet in the media gallery above.
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