The Londonderry High School wrestling team opened their 2025-26 campaign with a challenging slate of dual meets, with a new head coach and filling every weight class.
Former assistant coach Mark Williams took over as head coach this year, replacing longtime head coach Jason Cucolo, who took on a role as a college coach, and Williams had quite a bit of talent to sort out his varsity roster.
The Lancers wresting team began the winter season navigating a mix of in-state rivalry and cross-border competition that resulted in a 3-1 start.
Londonderry had a tough start when they kicked off the week, at home, taking on one of the toughest opponents in the state.
The Salem Blue Devils came to LHS on Wednesday night, Dec. 10, and handed the Lancers a disappointing 48-27 loss.
Despite the team defeat, Londonderry saw strong individual performances.
Anthony Cipolletta dominated at 106-pounds with a 17-1 technical fall to lead things off, while Cam Roussell wasted no time securing a pin in just 14 seconds at 120-pounds.
Gabriel Perez, Caleb Holden, and Brendan Egan also contributed vital wins via fall and a major decision, respectively.
The team traveled to Massachusetts two days later for the Westford Duals on Friday, Dec. 12, facing Northeast Metro Tech, Westford Academy, and Foxborough High School.
Londonderry found its footing with a commanding 66-18 victory over Northeast Metro Tech. The Lancers delivered an overwhelming performance, securing numerous quick pins across all weight classes, including wins from Roussell, Perez, Egan, and Cipolletta.
The momentum was tough to maintain against the host team, Westford Academy, which defeated the Lancers 51-27. Londonderry secured six weight classes, with Lennox DeLeon, Roussell, Jackson Butcher, Perez, Colin Egan, and Jayden Mahlatini earning points.
The busy week concluded with a competitive 48-29 loss to Foxborough.
Roussell (120 lbs), Perez (132 lbs), Colin Egan (144 lbs), Brendan Egan (165 lbs), and Mahlatini (285 lbs) all secured individual victories, with Perez notably winning by technical fall (15-0).
The Lancers squad showed flashes of strong potential throughout the intense schedule, and will look to build on these early results as the season progresses.