ATHOL — The Athol wrestling team has rebounded well after a close loss to Franklin Tech earlier in the season. 

The Bears fell to the Eagles, 40-38, in a match that was always going to go a long way to deciding the Suburban League North winner, as the two split the league title a season ago. 

Athol responded with a big win over Mahar the following week and on Wednesday, the Bears added another tally in the win column following a 64-16 Suburban League North triumph over Granby at Mallet Gymnasium. 

“We have a really tough group of guys this year,” Athol coach Fred Marks said. “It was a tough loss against Franklin but our guys have rallied and come back stronger. Our guys are hungry. We have a really young roster but we have some seniors at the top who are killing it. We’re doing well and I’m very proud of these guys.” 

The Bears are one of the few teams in the area that can fill out each weight class, a major advantage in dual meets. 

“It’s been huge having a big lineup,” Marks said. “There’s a couple weight classes where we only have one guy filling the spot so those kids have to show up every day at practice. I appreciate all these guys and the work they’ve put in.” 

Adam Rodriguez picked up the first win of the night following a pin at 120 before Evan Ke (138), Jayden Garcia Davis (150) and Alex Casarim (157) also went on to win their matches via pin. Brady O’Connell (144) and Sawyer Lefsyk (190) added wins via technical fall to help the hosts run away with a victory. 

With the postseason right around the corner, Marks said his team is hitting its stride and he is hopeful for a big tournament season.

“I think we have a lot of potential to make it far in the postseason,” Marks said. 

Franklin Tech 49, Mahar 27 — Victories from Carsten Couture (120), Maxon Brunette (126), Mia Marigliano (132), Camden Bonnett (150), Benjamin Baker (157), Travis Eastman (175), Collin Eddy (190), Jackson Morey (215) and Seamus Collins (185) lifted the Eagles past the Senators in Turners Wednesday. 

Abduli Gilmore (106), Asher Williams (113), Elias Roberts (138), Joshua Mazza (144) and Eujeyn Smith (165) secured victories for Mahar. 

Preps

The second Mt. Institute ski race of the season took place on Wednesday at Berkshire East. Northfield Mount Hermon took first in the boys and girls race while Deerfield Academy placed second in the girls race and third in the boys race. 

In the girls race, Big Green’s Rowan Skinner was the winner (44.02 seconds), followed by Hoggers Eliann Umana Kimura (44.10), Ellie Pinkham (44.43), Wylie Benedetti (45.20) and Kathryn Werner (46.98). 

In the boys race, NMH had the top five finishers led by Ryan Choi (41.77), Cody Vassar (42.09), Cavan Finnerty (43 .36), Zach Wells (43.57) and Ying Kay Leung (43.95). 

Tuesday results

Wrestling

South Hadley 50, Frontier 27 — Zach Brown (132), Massimo DiBari (144), Konnor James (157), Johnathan Olvera (175) and Kaden James (215) picked up the wins for the Redhawks, who fell to the Tigers at Goodnow Gymnasium Tuesday.