Small in Numbers; Big in Heart

Every Monday Swampscott Patch features a "whiz kid (or kids)."

They are children and teens who are out there making a difference. Do you have someone to nominate? E-mail us at terry.date@Patch.com

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Whiz Kids for Feb. 21

Name: The Black and Blues wrestling team.

Schools: Marblehead and Swampscott High Schools.

Why the Black and Blues? Dedication.

Before the season started the coach of the combined Swampscott and Marblehead wrestling team said he hoped his wrestlers would dedicate themselves to the sport.

Few sports require as much of an athlete both physically and mentally as wrestling. From grueling workouts to cutting weight, wrestlers must be dedicated to be competitive on the mat, said Coach Mike Stamison.

The regular season and Div. 3 state tournament have ended, and the coach knows he had a special group of wrestlers.

“Small in numbers, but great character, sportsmanship and heart,” he said.

They dedicated themselves to the sport and each other.

Even though they lacked the numbers to win dual meets they stayed enthusiastic, hopeful and respectful. And wound up successful.

Wrestler Sean Taylor, who just competed in the Div. 3 state tournament, always shook hands after every match, regardless of the outcome.

“He always has a smile and an 'atta boy' for the opponent, and his coach,” Stamison said. “That's uniform across the team.”

In the end, the Black and Blues qualified four wrestlers for the Div. 3 tournament, an impressive accomplishment given their small numbers. 

Wrestler Jake Powell took third place at the tournament, held over the weekend, and will compete in the all states this coming weekend.

For their good attitude, their dedication and success the Black and Blues are Whiz Kids.