BHS Wrestlers Shine in Post-season Tournaments
Apr 01, 2025 08:19AM ● By Chuck Tashjian
Bellingham High wrestlers who competed in post-season meets are, front row from left, Ryan Cochrane, Joel Puri, Tyler Campbell and Ella Costa; back row from left, Cody Phillips, head coach Tom Forbes, Anthony Golini, and assistant coach Kevin Kivior. Missing from photo are Jack Davidson and Lucas Lahousse.
BHS Wrestlers Shine in Post-season Tournaments
By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer
Bellingham High’s co-op wrestling team, which finished 8-8-1 in dual meets, experienced some well-deserved success in post-season tournaments.
Seven boys placed at the Division 2 Central Sectional, which was held at Bellingham High, enabling them to advance to the state tourney. Three of those who placed attend Blackstone Valley Tech, which is a co-op partner with Bellingham’s program. The trio includes sophomore Anthony Golini of Mendon who finished first in the 106-pound weight class; senior Joel Puri of Milford placed second at 113 pounds; and senior Cody Phillips of Milford took second in the 165-pound class.
The other four boys who placed all attend BHS. They include junior Tyler Campbell who finished fourth in the 120-pound class; senior Jack Davidson who was fourth in the 190-pound category; senior Ryan Cochrane who was fifth in the 138-pound class; and sophomore Lucas Lahousse who took sixth in the 144-pound group.
At the Division 2 State Tournament at Salem High, Campbell finished fourth and Puri claimed fifth. Both advanced to the All-State Meet at Methuen where they competed hard but were unable to move on to the New England Tournament.
Ella Costa of BVT, who lives in Milford, also represented Bellingham at the State Meet but did not place.
BHS finished fifth overall at the sectional.
“I can’t say enough about our team,’’ said Tom Forbes who’s been the Blackhawks’ coach for 20 years. “Our wrestlers earned honors in seven of the 14 weight classes at the sectional. We’ve been a co-op team (Medway also is part of the group) for eight years, and we have a good formula for success.
“Anthony was a sectional champ, and he’s been a pleasure to coach. He’s likeable, works hard and is eager to learn. He’s got two more years with us. The other six boys who placed are also terrific competitors who strive to keep improving. Four of the seven kids all had 20-win seasons.’’
Forbes was pleased with the efforts of Campbell and Puri who advanced to the All-State Meet. “They know how to grind it out,’’ he said. “Their work at the State and All-State Meets is a testament to their ability and their desire to improve. Joel’s second win at the State Meet was the 100th of his career.’’
Forbes also had high praise for Costa. “Ella battled hard and did well,’’ he said. “She wrestled at the varsity level for us and is a fierce competitor.’’
