BYFIELD — The magic hasn’t run out – not even close.
Saugus-Peabody’s picture-perfect wrestling season hit another high note during Saturday’s Cape Ann League/Northeastern Conference Tournament at Triton Regional High School. The undefeated co-op captured first place with 204.5 points ahead of second-place finishers Beverly and Lynnfield-North Reading, which tied with 165 points each.
Saugus-Peabody was led by Antonio Anzalone (285) and Max LoRusso (144), who both won their respective weight divisions. Jackson Deleidi (120) and Justin Bremberg (157) secured second-place finishes.
Eleven of the 13 Saugus-Peabody competitors who wrestled placed in the top four.
“It was great to win the first NEC tourney title in either school’s history,” head coach and NEC Coach of the Year Wayne Moda said. “We started on top with a great first round with almost all pins and that really set us up. We faltered a little in some winnable quarter and semifinal matches. Then, a great consolation semi-round is what got us the victory… having six of the seven wrestlers place third was amazing.”
Moda had high praise for LoRusso and Anzalone.
“I can always count on Max. His dedication to the team as a leader on and off the mat has been great this year. That’s just another aspect of him that contributes to his success,” Moda said. “Antonio won his first tournament, but has struggled to get over the hump in big matches since he started wrestling. I was happy to see him win this in his senior year.”
Bremberg (157) won a close 9-7 decision to Mason Hinshaw (Marblehead-Swampscott), a 2024 All-State placer, who had defeated Bremberg back in December in the first meet of the year. Moda said Bremberg trailed early, but turned Hinshaw over twice to tighten the match.
“He was on top to finish the match and couldn’t get a last turn in as time expired,” Moda said. “This last match was one of the best he has wrestled this season.”
Eighth- grader Tucker Landry finished third at 113 pounds, behind what Moda described as “two of the best wrestlers in the state.
“I was really proud of Tuck. He jumped right in the lineup this year and has been winning big matches for us,” Moda said. “He is poised to have a great career when it’s all said and done.”
Lukas Fondulis (138) lost 17-1 in the semis to the top seed from Pentucket, Tanner Kamuda, but rallied to win his third-place bout against Lynnfield’s Isaac Medford, 21-3.
“I am super proud of Lukas. He quietly works hard and always seems to just miss on matches like this,” Moda said. “He really buckled down and took care of business.”
Also contributing third-place finishes were Anna Felicio (106), Jackson Deleidi (120), Cesar Cruz (165), and Michael Maraio (150). Evan Johnson (175) and Landon Rodriguez also helped the cause with a fourth-place finish at 132 pounds.
Moda said the season has been dedicated to Freddy Espinal, who died suddenly last year. The team presented the trophy to Epinal’s father, Rafael “Freddy” Espinal Duran, at a fundraiser for the Freddy Espinal Scholarship.
“The team made a commitment from day one to win the conference dual-meet and tournament championships,” Moda said. “In addition, the medalists all came together and decided to give their medals to his dad. It was a pretty emotional moment for sure. I am blown away by the character and compassion of the young men and women in this team. They are a pretty special group and I will never forget this season.”
Saugus-Peabody’s next meet is a big one, the Division 1 North Sectional meet on Feb. 13 at St. John’s Prep.
“Now that we have completed our goal, we can breathe a little before we head into the D1 North sectionals, the toughest section in any division in Massachusetts,” Moda said.
