Welcoming several area schools to the Bow Holiday Classic, the Falcons wrestling team proved an inhospitable host.

Bow, which totaled 131 points, finished first among Division II squads and third overall behind D-I schools Londonderry, 197.5 points, and Winnacunnet, 136.

Doug Rosenberg, who wrestles in the 135-pound weight class, finished first for the Falcons, along with 130-pounder Matt Boyd and 125-pounder Ben Morrow.

Jim Paveglio and Evan Ward each placed fourth in the 189- pound and 275-pound weight classes, respectively.

“The guys who finished high, I kind of expected them to finish high, and they did,” said Bow coach Paul Cohen. “The other guys had their fortunes turned a little, but overall the fact we were able to compete as well as we did, I think, says a lot about this group.”

While Cohen is a rookie mentoring grapplers, his resume includes a Division V state football championship.

He was also an assistant on last year’s wrestling team.

Still, Cohen admitted both he and his squad face a learning curve that precludes any predictions of the Falcons’ championship chances.

Included on the 25-man roster are seven freshmen, though Cohen said a solid base of experienced athletes gives the program a blend of present ability to complement future expectations.

“I expect that they will never quit, that they’ll be constantly probing for weaknesses, and that they’ll be constantly attacking,” he said. “I want them to be able to not only wrestle for six minutes, but to be able to wrestle hard for six minutes.”

A week prior to hosting the holiday event, Bow traveled to Vermont for a 20-team tournament and finished eighth, an indication the team can consistently finish at or near the top at each meet, said Cohen.

The Falcons sport an early-season 3-0 record after dual-meet victories over Newport, St. Thomas Aquinas and White Mountains.

“(The record) speaks volumes about the dedication of this team, our commitment and our desire to excel on the mat,” said Cohen. “Regardless of whatever weight class, whether it counts (in the standings) or is an exhibition, my kids are going to come hard.”