Judo-trained Round steps up for Knights Pedro’s Judo Center 19 New Salem St. Wakefield, MA 01880 781-245-0644 pedrosjudo@verizon.net

North Andover, MA - Lawrence Eagle Tribune, January 22, 2007 As a JV wrestler for powerful North Andover for three years, there were times when senior Chris Round would get discouraged. But not once did he consider quitting the team. "I always wanted to stick it out," said Round. "I'd always think that if I quit, I'd look back and wonder how I could have done." Round's perseverance has paid off in a big way for both him and the Scarlet Knights. Finally in the starting lineup, Round has accumulated a more than solid 23-11 record at 171 pounds. "He's become a guy we rely on quite a lot, which wasn't quite the case in the beginning of the season," said North Andover coach Dave Castricone. In fact, Round kept North Andover in striking distance against Greater Lawrence over the weekend with a pin to tie the score with one weight remaining. With little varsity experience, Round was unsure how he would fare this season, but he got a boost at the season-opening Sons of Italy Tournament in Wilmington. "In my first match, my head wasn't in it, and I choked against a kid from Westford," said Round. "Coach Castricone told me to have some pride in what I was doing and then I had a pin in every match. Going for third (place), I wrestled the same kid who beat me in the first round and I pinned him in the first period. "That really gave me a lot of confidence and I also felt pretty good after (the) Lowell (Holiday Tournament). Everybody has told me about how tough it is and I went 4-2." It actually shouldn't be too surprising that Round has been successful. He's been competing with Jimmy Pedro's judo club for six years and has accomplished a lot, including placing twice in state tournaments and finishing fifth at the Junior Olympics. "The two sports go well together," said Round. "They're similar in that you do a lot of the same things, like the throws. Sometimes if I'm having trouble (in wrestling), my knowledge of throws will pull me through." Round is hoping to keep improving in judo, and even believes he's an "Olympic hopeful," but his focus right now is on wrestling, and enjoying his time in the spotlight. "I love both sports and it's a tossup as to which I like more," he said. "They both took me from being a nerdy, geeky kid to someone with some strength and confidence. My focus right now is on wrestling. I love it and I want to make it to All-States." Eagle Tribune Newspaper, Dave Dyer, Published: January 22, 2007 Chris Round