By Ryan O’connor

MERRIMACK – Traveling without their highly touted freshmen, who were competing at their own event in Concord, Salem invaded the Merrimack Hall of Fame Tournament and finished fourth among 16 squads.

Despite bringing just eight grapplers to the event on Saturday, Jan. 17, the Blue Devils often looked dominant against some of the best competition from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont.

Senior standout Trevor Dearden won the 125-pound weight class, pinning Exeter’s Chris Scott in the final.

Likewise, Alex Pittera won the 135-pound weight class via pin over Bow stud Doug Rosenberg.

In the 160-pound weight class, Corbin Decker lost a close decision to Alvirne’s Evan Carter in the finale.

And 285-pounder Ryan Stanton placed fourth, losing 4-3 to Merrimack’s Bill Lester.

Assistant coach Todd Oljey said he was pleased with efforts from 145-pounder Rich Cronin and 140-pounder David Welch as well, though both fell short of placing.

“We definitely have our moments, our ups and our downs, but what’s important is we’ve gotten our act together at the right time, because we recognize the postseason is approaching,” said Oljey.

Those not present in Merrimack, those who impressed at the Concord Freshman Invitational included Devon Dearden and Tyler Dietrich, who each won; Brett Pittera and Cameron Yergow, who placed second; Micah Dion, who took third; and Jason Herrick, who finished fourth.

“The majority of those freshmen aren’t first-year wrestlers. They came from the (Salem) Boys and Girls Club, so they know their way around the mat,” said Oljey.