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Manick, O'Connell still unbeaten

METHUEN — Methuen senior Travis Manick gave notice to the rest of New England Saturday afternoon.

He proved that he's ready for all comers.

Facing unbeaten Sampson Wilkins of Mount Anthony, who entered the 195-pound Methuen Invitational finals match undefeated and was champion at the Lowell Holiday Tournament while being ranked No. 3 in New England, Manick was up to the challenge.

Manick got the opening takedown, added an escape in the second period and was never in trouble while prevailing with a 3-2 decision. That kepy him undefeated on the year with a 26-0 record. He was also named the tourney Outstanding Wrestler.

And, while he was 44-7 last year and has enjoyed a terrific career, Manick looked more assertive than in past years as well as more confident in his ability.

"I did a lot of work in the offseason and improved my ability to score in the neutral position," said Manick. "I feel I can score from anywhere now and thanks to (football) coach (Tom) Ryan, I'm a lot stronger. I was benching 250 at this time last year and now I'm at 315."

Manick also credits drill partner Dan O'Connell, who also remained unbeaten Saturday, winning the 182-pound class to improve to 27-0. After winning impressively in the semifinals, O'Connell won in the finals due to a medical forfeit.

"We push each other every day," said O'Connell. "We're both trying to win a state title."

O'Connell would have preferred to wrestle for the title, but he welcomed the rest. H'es headed to Wagner College Sunday to possibly pursue lacrosse there. Manick, meanwhile, is torn between football and wrestling.

The two Rangers' titles lifted the Rangers to a strong second place with 196 points. Mount Anthony rolled to the crown with 252 points after crowning seven champions.

Adding to the Rangers' point total were eight other placers, including thirds from Jarmany Colon (120), Chris Ramos (132) and Jose Diaz (170). Methuen coach Bill James was also particularly pleased with the fifth-place finish of 138-pounder Justin Sheehan.

"That was a good tournament for him (Sheehan)," said James. "Overall, I was really happy with the way we wrestled."

Matt Cabezas, who likely would have added more points for Methuen, missed the tournament with illness.

Super Salem

It was a great tournament for Salem, which had two champions and a runner-up on its way to finishing sixth. Sophomore Matt Adams was the winner at 113, junior Tristen Cabinta was the champ at 160 and freshman George Boudreau was runner-up at 120.

Adams, who had a fine freshman campaign for the Blue Devils at 106, was impressive while pinning Xaverian's Michael Bobola in the finals.

"I feel a little stronger and I think I'm a lot better than last year at this time," said Adams, who credited good practice workouts with Boudreau for his improvement.

Cabinta, meanwhile, dominated Dedham's Branden Reyes in the finals, winning 11-5. Also for the Blue Devils, Ryan Burke was fourth at 132 and Beau Dillon picked up a fifth at 195.

Mauricio takes 3rd

Overall, it was a tough tournament for Lawrence but Luis Mauricio impressed at 106, taking third place with a pin over Methuen's Joe Gangi in the consolation finals.