16U men's freestyle update through 2 rounds

Team Mass brings 2 to Tuesday on the top side

By AJ Traub

Preston Burroughs racked up takedowns in his Monday match

Nearly 12 hours passed from when the first matches were underway at the Fargodome before Preston Burroughs took to the mat.

It didn’t bother him.

The 165-pounder completed the technical fall in two minutes flat, joining Johnny Woodall (106 pounds) as the two 16U men to reach the second day of the tournament still top side.

“Going up to the match, I was trying to stay as ready as possible, get as much fresh air as I could.

“As for mentally, I’m going to this tournament thinking I can place, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”

Woodall earned a tech fall in 1:29, then battled to a 10-3 decision in the round of 64.

Johnny Woodall was unflappable on the mat in his two wins

As with the earlier session, not all matches that were planned for Monday were able to fit into the allotted time, and thus all the Team Mass 16U grapplers fighting on the back side will need to be ready for the start of tomorrow’s time window.

Everett Bluman (94 pounds), Ezekiel Cherival (157), Luke Calder (165), Milo Davis (165), and Bryant Mason (175) await their consi round of 64 matches.

“Though for young kids, we competed well,” said coach Matt Dehney. “Tournament can be never racking, but we weren’t fazed by bright lights.”

For Burroughs, it’s his second time going. His brother, here for the third time, also reached the second day (Myles is 2-1 at 150 pounds), and their father Nate has been in their corners. Even as the tournament took up more than half the hours in a day.

Preston Burroughs won his bout with his father in his corner

Dehney said the brothers are talented, with a bright future ahead, and that Nate has been an “unbelievable” addition to the coaching staff that the team is lucky to have.

Last year the family competed for Rhode Island, but this year with the Northfield Mt. Hermon connection, they’re bringing their firepower to the Bay State.

“It’s always good to watch both your kids win, Nate said, “But it’s been great to watch this Massachusetts team because I know they’ve got more guys here this year and it’s translated to more wins.

“I always love to see my guys win.”