RallyNorth.net

Salem wrestling preview

2006-07: 10-6, runner-up at New England Tournament

Returning starters (6): Trevor Dearden, Sr., 125; Joe Herrick, Sr., 130; Alex Pittera, Sr., 135; Corbin Decker, Sr., 160; Ryan Stanton??, Sr., 275; David Welch, Soph., 140

Returning lettermen: James Malveira, Jr., 171; Steve Comtois, Jr., 189

Promising newcomers: Devin Dearden, Frosh., 112; Micah Dion, Frosh., 119; Brett Pittera, Frosh., 119; Jason Herrick, Frosh., 145; Richie Cronin, Soph., 145/152; Chris Fox, Frosh., 103

Candidates in all grades: 44

Captains: TBA

Assistant coaches: Todd Oljay, Phil Kalil, Joe Boucher Opener: at Winnacunnet Dec. 5

Odds and ends: Last year was the second straight time that Salem, behind champions Aaron Kalil and Trevor Dearden, were New England runners-up. ... Joe Boucher, who was on the 2001 New England championship squad, has joined the program as an assistant. ... Of 44 wrestlers in the program, a whopping 24 are freshmen. Impressive freshmen Devin Dearden, Brad Pittera and Jason Herrick are all younger brothers of seniors on the team. ... Seniors Trevor Dearden and Alex Pittera both cracked 100 wins last year and Corbin Decker should join them this year. ... Standout Peter Freeman dropped out of school. Another veteran, Dave Richardson, moved out of the district.

Coach Ryan Carr (4th year, 38-15): "We're looking for some pretty big things but a lot depends on how quickly the freshmen mature. If they grow up fast, we'll be tough."