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Central, Pinkerton shine at Blue Devil Classic

SALEM — With some modification, the recent tradition continued for the Central Catholic and Pinkerton wrestling teams yesterday at the season-opening Blue Devil Classic.
While both have had fine dual meet teams over the last decade, both teams have been more noted for their standout individuals. Based on yesterday’s performance, that pattern may be repeated, although they both showed some added depth that may eventually translate into superior dual-meet strength.
Concord came in first for the eighth time in 10 years with 216 points, with surprising Nashua South (155 1/2) a distant second, while Central Catholic (152) and Pinkerton (147) took the next two spots thanks to some outstanding individual performances that included three champions apiece.
Central’s champions were defending New England champion Ryan O’Boyle, who pinned Salem’s John Rheaume in the 126-pound finals, 120-pounder Pat Lacroix and 132-pounder Chris Lacroix, the latter of whom captured his first tournament crown with an 11-7 decision over Spaulding’s Ed Davis in the finals.
The Astros’ gold medalists were veterans Tanner Burke, who had a second-period pin at 152 pounds, and 145-pounder Zack Daigle, while freshman Jean-Luc Lemieux joined the standouts with a dominating performance at 106.
Lemieux had three first-period pins, including over Andover freshman Tyler Ferris in the finals, and gave notice that he’ll be a force throughout the season. He’s a defending middle school champion who was third in New England last year.
“He (Lemieux) has a lot of skill and I expect a lot out of him and another freshman, Tyler Wilson,” said first-year Pinkerton coach Dave Rhoads. “The difference is that he has so much experience.”
Which is putting it mildly.
“I’ve been wrestling since I was 3-years-old at the Manchester YMCA,” said Lemieux, who has wrestled for the Derry Boys and Girls Club, Dough Boy and Smitty’s Barn. “I’ve always been active and I love it.”
Not surprisingly, Lemieux wasn’t nervous in the least by wrestling in his first high school tournament.
“I’ve wrestled in a lot of tournaments ... it didn’t seem that different,” said Lemieux, whose season goal is to qualify for New England.
Pinkerton also had a runner-up in 182-pounder Kevin Ell, who was pinned by Concord strongman Walters Ndi in the finals, and four third-place finishers.
In the 220-pound class, Central had the runner-up in Manny Suarez and third-place finisher in Ben Tavitian, who had a strong tournament. Tavitian had three pins within the first minute.
“For a first tournament, I thought we looked pretty good,” said Central coach Dennis King. “It was good to see Chris take first and Ben and Manny looked very good.”
Host Salem, which finished fifth, was led by 170-pounder Phil Smith, who defeated teammate Cody Sharpe 14-8 in the finals. Sharpe will eventually wrestle at 160.
Finishing second for the Blue Devils in addition to Rheaume and Sharpe were Ryan Bolduc (113) and Zach Hicks (138).
Concord, which returns 10 starters from an 18-1 squad, had three champions and 11 placers. Individually, Manchester Memorial heavyweight Steve Dwight was as dominant as expected with four straight pins.