wrestlers wellesley — 8th grader Frank Mendes (red uniform) at Youth New England Wrestling Championships

The Wellesley Middle School Wrestlers (a.k.a., Junior Monks) finished up their post-season over the weekend, and their performances bode well for high school teams if they choose to participate at the next level.

8th grader Frank Mendes reached the quarterfinals in his weight class competing among nationally-ranked wrestlers at the Youth New England Wrestling Championships at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. Mendes had come in 3rd in the state tournament last month to qualify for the regionals in New Hampshire.

Other top performers include Jay Butler, an 8th grader who competed in the recent Big East tournament in Boston and came in 2nd in his weight class. Jonah Ginsberg, a 7th grader, placed 4th in the sectional tournament last month and advanced to the state tournament against mostly 8th graders.

All of the boys began wrestling in 6th grade.