Marblehead Wrestler Headed to New England Wrestling Tournament

Co-captains Sean Taylor and Jake Powell, who have been wrestling together since 4th grade, both placed at the 2013 MIAA All-State Championship last weekend.  Taylor, a Marblehead senior, placed 7th in the heavyweight class and will wrestle next weekend in the New England high school wrestling championship.

Powell, a Swampscott senior, placed 8th in the 126-pound weight class in the two-day tournament that featured more than 200 of the Commonwealth’s best high school wrestlers.

Taylor and Powell became for first two wrestlers from the Black & Blue team to place at the All-State tournament and Taylor became the first ever to move on to the New England tournament. The All-State tournament marked the end to a furious seven days of wrestling in which wrestlersfrom around the state had to wrestle – because of the blizzard of 2013 – in their respective sectional tournaments the weekend of March 16. The place finishers then had to wrestle in their respective division tournaments on March 19 and 20, and then again on March 22 and 23.

To date, it’s been the most successful year in the history of the Swampscott-Marblehead wrestling program.

"I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished this year," said 4th year head coach Mike Stamison. "From an individual standpoint and a team standpoint, it was certainly a great season. We had six dual meet wins, which doubled my career total. We didn't forfeit a weight class in the the last meet of the season. Siix of 10 boys placed at sectionals, with three of those wrestling at States, and two at All-states and now, one moving on to New England. I'm honored to be their coach."

Powell finished his high school wrestling career with a 112-30 record. In addition to placing 8th at All-State, he was a one-time Mass. Division 3 Sectional runner up; a two-time Mass. Division 3 Sectional champion; a three-time Mass. Division 3 State place-winner, the 2013 Mass. Division 3 State runner up, and the first-ever wrestler in the history of the Black and Blue wresting program to earn more than 100 wins.  Powell was also named the 2013 Northeastern Conference wrestler of the year.

“It’s been a long, difficult but rewarding four years and I'm going to miss this,” Powell said.

"And we're going to miss him." said Coach Stamison. "Jake has been a great captain the past two seasons and contributor during all four years, while managing to stay healthy and improve as his career went on. I hope he does continue to wrestle in college, and I'll certainly be happy to see him when he comes back to help with our practices while on break. He's going to do great things, both on and off the mat."  
Powell plans to wrestle in college but he has not yet committed to a college.

Submitted by Black and Blue Wrestling