In a dramatic finish at the MIAA Division 3 Wrestling State Championships, Dedham High School captured the 2026 state title on Saturday, edging out Gloucester High School by the slimmest margin possible — 101 points to 100.5.

The Marauder victory was not decided in a single match but was built on depth, resilience, and belief throughout the lineup. In a sport where every takedown and bonus point matters, Dedham proved that half a point is everything.

At the center of the championship run is head coach Finbar Heaslip, a former Dedham state champion himself. Heaslip once stood on the mat as a wrestler chasing titles — now he stands in the corner guiding the next generation to one.

His journey from athlete to head coach adds deeper meaning to this championship. Heaslip helped rebuild the program, emphasizing accountability, discipline, and year-round commitment. This title is not just a win — it’s part of his growing legacy, both as a former champion and now as the coach who brought Dedham back to the top after long rebuilding years.

Senior captain Danny O’Brien (190 lbs.) has been a cornerstone of that culture shift. After 4 years of grinding through rebuilding seasons, the championship meant more than just a medal.

“It’s been a dream of mine to win this,” O’Brien said. “We’ve come from a lot of rebuilding years. We’ve focused on accountability and pushing each other every day, and it finally paid off.”

O’Brien’s leadership embodied what Dedham wrestling has become — a program built on effort, responsibility, and trust in one another.

For junior Josiah Robinson, the victory was emotional, not just for himself but especially for the seniors who stayed committed to the vision.

“It was a really happy moment,” Robinson said. “Especially for the seniors who have been waiting and training for this moment for four years.”

That perspective shows how this championship was shared across classes. The underclassmen competed for today but also for the seniors who helped lay the foundation.

Dedham’s title was secured by contributions across the lineup:

• Anthony Sateriale (113 lbs.) delivered a clutch third-period pin in the finals, earning crucial bonus points.

• Manuel Garcia (138 lbs.) battled to a runner-up finish, adding key team points.

• Ryan Talon-Kelly (132 lbs.) placed third in a deep weight class.

• Strong performances throughout the bracket ensured Dedham stayed within striking distance until the final match.

Every wrestler who stepped on the mat played a role in building the 101-point total that ultimately separated Dedham from Gloucester by just half a point.

Winning by 0.5 points shows how small moments define big outcomes. For Dedham, it was years of rebuilding, belief, and accountability coming together at exactly the right time.

For Coach Heaslip, it strengthens a legacy that now includes success as both a competitor and a program-changing leader.

For seniors like Danny O’Brien, it fulfills a dream built through hard work.

For juniors like Josiah Robinson and the rest of the underclassmen, it sets a new standard.

Dedham wrestling is no longer rebuilding.