RallyNorth.net

Haverhill wrestling preview

2006-07 record: 6-18, didn't make state tourney

Returning starters (6): Chris Mader, Jr., 145; Tom Holt, Jr., 135; Isaiah Williams, Soph., 152/160; Tim Wallace, Sr., 285; Steve Jalbert, Sr., 215

Promising newcomers: Edwin Rozon, Jr., 130/135; Aaron Pinet, Soph., 125

Candidates in all grades: 20

Captains: TBA

Assistant coaches: Joe DelGrosso

Opener: Hosts Masconomet Dec. 12

Odds and ends: Former Hillie wrestler Brett Legault takes over for Chip Dunn, who coached 21 years and finished with a 258-177-6 record. Legault, who placed fourth at 160 pounds in the 1990 Division 1 North meet, had been Dunn's assistant. ... Joe DelGrosso, a former Hillie wrestler and the captain of the Northern Essex baseball team, will be Legault's assistant. He placed fourth at Division 1 States at 152 in 2006. ... The big challenge for Legault will be to increase numbers, which has fallen to 20 in the wake of rising user fees. "Our goal is to get fund-raising established so that we can do away with the user fee," said Legault. ... Isaiah Williams was a surprise sectional champion as a freshman and, along with junior Tom Holt, will provide a dynamic one-two punch in big tournaments. ... There are only three freshmen on the team.

**Coach Brett Legault (1st year): "We may have to forfeit three or four weight classes. We just don't have the numbers. So we can't measure our season by wins and losses. Are the kids getting better, learning the sport and having fun? That's what we'll measure by. We also want to stress the team and learn to stick together."