Shawsheen's James Tildsley Finishes Fourth at National Wrestling Tournament

Senior caps stellar high school career with top-four finish at prestigious event in Virginia Beach

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:54pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold blues, golds, reds, and whites, capturing the dynamic movements and competitive spirit of a high school wrestling match.A cubist depiction of the intense action and competition at the High School Nationals wrestling tournament.Lowell Today

Shawsheen Tech senior James Tildsley, the all-time winningest wrestler in Massachusetts high school history, finished fourth in the 152-pound weight class at the 37th annual High School Nationals wrestling tournament in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Tildsley won six of his seven matches before falling in the third-place match.

Why it matters

Tildsley's impressive performance at the prestigious national tournament caps off one of the finest high school wrestling careers in the state's history, solidifying his legacy as one of the top wrestlers to come out of Massachusetts.

The details

Competing at 152 pounds, Tildsley won his first three matches before dropping a close 3-2 decision in the quarterfinals. He then rallied to win three more consolation matches, including a 15-1 victory, before falling 10-6 in the third-place match. Several other local wrestlers also found success at the national tournament, including Northfield Mount Hermon's Peter Rincan Jr., who placed sixth at 126 pounds.

  • The 37th annual High School Nationals tournament took place from March 27-29, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
  • Tildsley, a senior at Shawsheen Tech, competed in his final high school tournament on March 29, 2026.

The players

James Tildsley

A senior at Shawsheen Tech and the all-time winningest wrestler in Massachusetts high school history, Tildsley finished fourth in the 152-pound weight class at the 37th annual High School Nationals tournament.

Peter Rincan Jr.

A former standout wrestler at Billerica High School, Rincan now competes for Northfield Mount Hermon and placed sixth at 126 pounds at the national tournament.

Dante Giusti

A senior at Shawsheen Tech, Giusti won his first three matches at 120 pounds before falling in the quarterfinals.

Antoine Jackman

A junior at Greater Lowell Tech, Jackman reached the quarterfinals at 113 pounds.

Logan Holmes

A senior at Shawsheen Tech, Holmes picked up three wins at 170 pounds.

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What they’re saying

“Tildsley's performance at the national tournament is a testament to his hard work and dedication over the course of his high school career. He's cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in Massachusetts wrestling.”

— Barry Scanlon, Journalist

What’s next

Tildsley will now look to continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level, with several top programs likely interested in recruiting the accomplished senior.

The takeaway

Shawsheen Tech's James Tildsley capped off his storied high school wrestling career with a fourth-place finish at the prestigious High School Nationals tournament, solidifying his status as one of the greatest wrestlers to come out of Massachusetts.