Wrestlers Win Mass. State Title Despite Legendary Coach’s Scandal

WORCESTER — Parents, students and supporters of the North Andover High School wrestling program arrived here last night to support the Scarlet Knights in their successful defense against Natick of the Division II State title amid a stunning child porn scandal.

The Scarlet Knights went through their warm-up routines on the mats inside Worcester Polytechnic Insitute’s Harrington Gym without the architect of their dynasty, David Castricone — the winningest coach in New England history with 681 victories, who was arraigned Tuesday on child pornography charges and freed on $1,500 cash bail.

“We are here for our kids,” said North Andover Principal Carla Scuzzarella. “We brought two buses of students that really wanted to support their team and we have tried to keep everything positive and upbeat for student athletes as well as the other students in the building.”

Interim coach Carl Cincotta was put in charge of the program after Castricone resigned Feb. 10. Authorities said Castricone, 60, was seen on video entering the girls’ locker room at North Andover High on Feb. 7. Police said they searched Castricone’s North Andover home Feb. 11 and found more than 100 photos of young girls in the attic.

“The assistant coach, who has been running the team, is doing a phenomenal job keeping the kids positive and focused on tonight,” said Scuzzarella. “This (tournament) is a big item for them, and they have just handled it really well.

“The school has been really positive, and the student body gave them a big send-off today.”

North Andover was pitted against Natick, and both squads brought a huge gallery of fans complete with banners and signs. North Andover parents and students focused on the wrestlers and not their disgraced patriarch.

“The kids are doing absolutely great, they have been unbelievable,” said parent John Scali. “They are a great bunch of kids who know how to get up off the mat, and that’s what wrestling is all about. That is what we are focusing on, and it’s been a tough week for them. It’s not about what happened, it’s about what is going to happen tonight. They have coach Cincotta, who is a great coach, and he’s been with the program a long time.”

Parent Denise Caseletto said, “The kids are awesome, they are wrestling for themselves today.”