By Marc Thaler
Staff Writer

The object at this tournament, like any other, was to survive and advance. But that task was a tall order for all entrants who convened at Concord High School on Saturday, Feb. 26, for wrestling’s 2005 Meet of Champions.

Although Central’s Will Antil (lower left) gained the advantage with this grip on his first-round opponent in the 189-pound division at the Meet of Champions, the momentum soon turned. Antil battled, but found himself pinned with 29 seconds remaining in the first period at Concord High School on Saturday, Feb. 26. (Marc Thaler Photo)

Considering every wrestler in his respective weight class was among New Hampshire’s best, every match presented an overwhelming test. The contest also served as a chance to travel to North Andover, Mass., on Saturday, March 5, for the New England meet.

The caliber of talent meant one of two scenarios was likely to unfold for every athlete – either the opportunity for glory would vanish in a matter of seconds, or a serious gut check lasting up to six minutes would be needed to grab gold.

Competing inside the confines of his high school gym, Concord sophomore Tyler Saltsman took the top spot at 125 pounds, winning his finals match, 7-4.

With the victory, Saltsman took his second straight M of C title; he earned the 119-pound title as a freshman.

“I was an underdog last year and I came out on top. Now I’m more comfortable,” Saltsman said after winning his firstround match by technical fall, 18-3. “I work as hard as I can until I can’t go anymore. I just visualize winning. The harder I work, the closer I bring myself to winning the big tournaments.”

Anthony Schettino, a senior at John Stark of Weare and three-time M of C participant, nearly took the 135-pound division last year, finishing second.

Ten pounds heavier and grappling at 145 last weekend, Schettino had to do more than just battle his championshipcaliber counterparts. This General had to push any thoughts of pain from his brain.

“I hyperextended my right elbow in a match against Bow,” said Schettino, who won his first-round match, 7-4, before dropping a 5-3 decision in the semifinals. “When I walked off the mat after the (Bow) match, the adrenaline went away. My mom touched my elbow and I just fell over.”

True champions can cope with discomfort, no matter how extreme, Schettino said.

“As soon as you head to the mat, that adrenaline rush is insane,” he added. “You don’t feel any pain.” Manchester West junior Lance Mailloux agreed.

“It’s unbelievable,” Mailloux said of the sudden surge of strength. “You’re shaky. Then you’re ready to explode and give it everything you’ve got.”

Grappling in the 215-pound weight class, this Blue Knight blanked his first-round opponent, 6-0.

“They say wrestling is 90 percent mental,” said Mailloux, a two-time M of C participant, before his victory. “You have to be focused. I like to envision what I have to do (to win).”

Mailloux’s next match was against the defending 215- pound champ, Plymouth’s Dan Pasquarella, who won by way of pin with 40 seconds remaining in the third period of the semifinals.

The 152-pound class was just as intense.

“Every match is a dogfight,” said Trinity of Manchester senior Steve Gaughan, a three-time M of C talent. “You’re either really pumped or really nervous (for your match). But once you shake hands, there’s just one objective. It’s to beat the other guy. You’ve gotta use that nervous and intense energy to do that.”

The Pioneer’s plan of attack worked in the first round against Goffstown High School’s team leader, Peter Raymond. Gaughan prevailed with a 7-2 decision, but was pinned 52 seconds into the third period of his 152-pound semifinal.

Other Neighborhood News notables included 130-pound champion D.J. Meagher of Bow; 145-pound winner Simeon Everett of Manchester Memorial; Concord’s Brian Drew at 152; Mike Meagher of Bow at 160; and 275-pound champ Todd Calley.

Concord’s Harry Paul was a finalist at 140, and Goffstown’s Chris Pastrana was a finalist at 275.