RallyNorth.net

I wanted to email (hopefully) before you heard it elsewhere and let you know that I've accepted an offer to become the North Shore Chamber of Commerce's new communications director. As I know you know, newspapers have been in my blood all my life and hold such an emotional attachment to me because of my dad. So the decision to leave behind my 30-plus year career at NOBMG papers was not an easy one. But I feel the position dovetails nicely with what I've been doing, while opening up the prospect for new opportunities in the future. I broke the news to David Joyner on Friday.

As challenging as the world of journalism has been, particularly in recent years, I can honestly say I've loved (most) every minute of it and am sad to be leaving aspects of it behind — especially the dedicated group of people I've been fortunate to have called my colleagues over the years. No one cares more deeply about community news than the folks at NOBMG. I feel we don't often say it to each other, but I have enormous respect for what you and the sports staff here does day in and day out to highlight the local sports scene. The enormity of the task is not lost on me, and what you are able to accomplish with the resources you have is truly remarkable.

Salem recorded four pins but fell short of Concord, 46-36, in the Division 1 semifinals. Among those with wins for the Blue Devils (8-2) were Cam Monahan (120), Ryan O'Rourke (126), George Boudreau (138) and Matteo Mustapha (145), all of whom finished the season undefeated.

Timberlane demolished Nashua North 74-0 in the semifinals of the Division 1 dual-meet tournament. In his varsity debut, freshman Jacob Andrade had a second period pin and eight Owls had first period pins. The Owls (9-0) will host Concord in the finals at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Ryan O'Rourke, George Boudreau and Matteo Mustapha all remained unbeaten with pins as Salem crushed Londonderry 60-15 in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 dual-meet state tournament. The Blue Devils will face Concord in the semifinals Wednesday.

Windham's wrestling team won six of eight contested matches but six forfeits proved lethal in a 42-33 loss to Nashua North in the Division 1 dual-meet quarterfinals. Tyer Tokanel, Con Isaac and Nick Parker all had wins against wrestlers who beat them earlier in the season.

DERRY — It was a bittersweet evening Wednesday for the entire Pinkerton wrestling team.

But, for different reasons, especially for freshman Michael Ziniti and senior David Hammond.

Pelham's wrestlers defeated Souhegan 39-30 to finish the regular season at 6-4 as they gear for the Division 3 dual tourney. Nathan Maslanek moved up to 113 again and prevailed with a 10-5 decision and Patrick Soonthornprapuet had a 29-second pin.

Windham's Nick Antonucci and Nick Parker rallied for comeback wins and Mason Ketelaar came through with a major decision for the decisive point as the Jaguars held off Keene, 37-36.

George Boudreau scored a major decision over reurning all-state finalist Connor McDonald at 138 pounds as Salem tripped up Bishop Guertin, 41-30. Mike Williams rallied for a pin at 160 pounds to seal the win. 

Ben Little continued to impress, grabbing a 7-0 decision at 132 pounds as Timberlane ended its regular season with a 60-12 win over Goffstown. The Owls have now won 192 straight meets against New Hampshire teams.