Pair of Reading Grapplers Thrive at Bay State Games

Nick Makrys and Alec O'Brien didn't let their success on the mat end when their season with the Reading High School team ended. 

The duo of Rocket wrestlers competed in the Bay State Games, and were among the placing athletes in the scholastic division of the annual event. Makrys took home first place with an undefeated mark in the 132-pound weight class while O'Brien was fourth at 160 pounds.

Makrys snagged a first round bye before he earned two straight pins. The in the semifinal round he escaped with an 8-6 victory. The local went on to a 10-6 win to earn the 132-pound championship.

O'Brien won his first round match, 6-2, but fell to the losers bracket with a 10-5 setback. But O'Brien wrestled to five straight wins to snag fourth place in the tournament.

During the high school season, Makrys in particular found success as he was fifth in New England at 126 pounds. Following that result, the soon to be senior told Patch that working hard in offseason tournaments like the Bay State Games is critical to his varsity success.

"I just have to keep working hard in the offseason," said Makrys. "I can't ever stop."