RallyNorth.net

Methuen takes 3rd

FRAMINGHAM — They're becoming "The Big Three" for the Methuen wrestling team.

Zabian Cruz (145), Dan O'Connell (182) and heavyweight Bryce Smith all placed first for the third tournament of their still-young season as the Rangers finished third at the 22-team Framingham Tournament.

That threesome was joined by junior Erick Lucas, who filled in admirably at 195 by placing first, recording a pin in the finals. If he was a surprise, so was freshman Joe Gangi at 106. He pinned his opponent in the semifinals and finished second overall.

Finishing fifth for the Rangers were Chris Ramos (138), Jose Diaz (170) and Aaron Searth (220), but they could have placed higher according to coach Bill James.

"The team scores were effected by the five-match (limit per day) rule," said James. "It didn't give wrestlers an opportunity to wrestle back for third. All three of our fifth-place finishers only lost one match."

Methuen will have a big dual meet at home Wednesday at 6 p.m. against North Andover, which won the Marshfield Tournament Thursday.