Merrimack 8th at wrestling meet

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Staff Photo by Grant Morris Despite a very bloody nose, Memorial High School's Steven Dwight pins Merrimack High School's Tyler Baulier in the last seven seconds of their match during the NHIAA Division 1 State High School Wrestling Championships at Nashua High School North on Saturday afternoon.

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Staff Photo by Grant Morris Nashua High School North's P.J. Nesbitt struggles to come out of a move put on him by Timberlane's Matt Morris during the NHIAA Division 1 State High School Wrestling Championships at Nashua High School North on Saturday afternoon.

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Staff Photo by Grant Morris Despite a very bloody nose, Memorial High School's Steven Dwight pins Merrimack High School's Tyler Baulier in the last seven seconds of their match during the NHIAA Division 1 State High School Wrestling Championships at Nashua High School North on Saturday afternoon.

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NASHUA – Merrimack came in as one of six contenders to finish second, but had to settle for eighth on Saturday at the NHIAA Division I wrestling championships at Nashua North.

Merrimack’s Tyler Baulier reached the finals at 215, but was pinned by Manchester Memorial’s Steven Dwight with just seven seconds left in the match.

Baulier, a junior and the No. 1 seed in his weight class, had beaten Dwight earlier in the season. He’ll get a chance for revenge at next week’s Meet of Champions.

“I got a little tired toward the end,’’ Baulier said. “We’re on break so I have a week to work on my conditioning and maybe we’ll see each other in the finals again.’’

There were other strong performances for the ’Hawks, including third-place finishes from Mike Trask at 125 and Spencer Damon at 189. Also qualifying for the Meet of Champions for Merrimack were Nick Theriault, who was fifth at 140 and Alex Cronin, who took fifth at 119.

Timberlane Regional was an overwhelming favorite going in to the Division I Wrestling Championship. But the Owls may have even topped themselves Saturday, winning seven of the 14 individual championships and placing in the top four in all 14 weight classes.

“I’m not sure if we’ve ever done that before,’’ said Timberlane coach Barry Chooljian, whose team has won 11 straight titles, 17 in 18 years.

“They have such a great system in place it’s going to be hard for anyone to catch up with them,’’ Merrimack coach Sean Cullinane said. “The traveling they do out of state just makes them stronger, but I think they have also lifted the level of wrestling in this state.’’