Taunton Wrestling Charges Forward: A Grit-Fueled 2025 Season to Remember
In a sport that tests strength, strategy, and resilience, the Taunton High School Wrestling Team, led by Coach Adilson Galvao, carved out a season for the history books. With a deep roster of tenacious athletes, a relentless work ethic, and a unified drive for success, the Tigers wrestled their way to an impressive 15-5 record, a slew of tournament wins, and a legacy of growth and grit.
From the start, the season wasn’t without its obstacles—injuries, weight-class adjustments, and tough early losses—but the Tigers transformed those setbacks into fuel for a powerful mid-season turnaround. At the center of this success story was a roster anchored by dominant seniors and motivated underclassmen, each with a clear vision of what it meant to wear the Taunton singlet.
Dominance by Design: Spotlighting Key Contributors
Taunton’s 2025 wrestling season was driven by a group of fierce competitors who left their mark both on and off the mat.
Senior Elijah Prophete (@ 190 lbs) led the charge with a resume few can match. A returning state champion, his intense mindset and aggressive wrestling style set the tone for the entire team. His accolades this season include championships at Marshfield (2x), Hockomock (2x), Cape Cod, Ashland, and James Peckham. He finished as a Lowell finalist and capped off his high school career as a 2x Sectional and State Champion with a staggering 151 career wins.
Senior Michael Leskoski (@ 132 lbs) made history by becoming Taunton’s all-time wins leader with 158 total victories. The only five-year varsity starter on the team, Michael's persistence and leadership were unmatched. His season highlights include winning titles at Marshfield, Hockomock (2x), Cape Cod, and James Peckham, and earning podium finishes at Sectionals, Division 1 States (3rd), and All States (4th).
Senior Antonio Maldonado (@ 215 lbs) brought a positive, determined attitude that boosted the team’s morale. A strong practice partner for Elijah, he placed 4th at Sectionals and earned medals at James Peckham, Hockomock, Ashland, and Cape Cod tournaments.
Senior Thomas Hoye (@ 285 lbs) was the team’s cerebral technician. Known for his sharp mind and constant pursuit of improvement, his behind-the-scenes contributions helped elevate the team’s overall wrestling IQ.
Underclassmen Making Waves
Juniors played a massive role in the team's success and offered a promising glimpse into Taunton’s future.
Junior William Buffington (@ 175 lbs), known as the team’s class clown, struck a balance between humor and focus. When it came time to wrestle, he delivered big. He won Sectionals, Cape Cod, and Hockomock titles, and placed 6th in the state—an impressive leap in a deep weight class.
Junior Kingston DaCosta (@ 165 lbs) made an unselfish decision to drop weight for the good of the team, a move that paid off with a breakout season. His trophy shelf now includes first-place finishes at James Peckham, Ashland, Cape Cod, and Hockomock, along with placements at Sectionals (finalist), States (5th), and Lowell (8th). A first-time captain, he inspired both veterans and newcomers with his leadership.
Junior Joshua Millerick (@ 157 lbs) transformed from a fringe varsity wrestler to a critical part of the starting lineup and team leadership. His offseason work ethic showed through as he climbed the rankings to finish 6th in the state. He also medaled at Sectionals (3rd), Hockomock (3rd), Cape Cod (2nd), James Peckham (2nd), and Marshfield (5th).
Mid-Season Breakthrough
Taunton’s turning point came midseason at the James Peckham Tournament, where the Tigers secured their first full-strength lineup of the year. They battled past top programs to take first place, a clear sign that the team’s hard work and persistence were paying off.
“Getting first at the James Peckham Tournament was the spark we needed,” said Coach Galvao. “The first half of the season was riddled with injuries and weight-class issues. But when we finally had everyone ready, we saw just how good we could be.”
Perseverance Through Pressure
The Tigers faced early-season losses to powerhouses like Milford and Methuen, but those setbacks didn’t derail them. Instead, they bounced back with key wins over perennial top-tier teams like Tewksbury, Ashland, and Haverhill. The team showed immense mental toughness, never allowing a single loss to define their season.
“We focused on bouncing back, not looking back,” said Coach Galvao. “Our guys learned from every match and came back better.”
One defining moment was Michael Leskoski’s incredible redemption story—he was previously tech-falled by a top Division III opponent, only to come back and pin him at the All-State tournament.
A Senior Class to Remember
The 2025 senior class will be remembered not just for their records but for the culture they built.
“Their performance was phenomenal,” Coach Galvao said. “They came to practice every day, pushed the underclassmen, and led with a quiet confidence. Everyone on the team had one mission—to win in a way that left no doubt.”
This shared mindset created a tight-knit brotherhood that served as the foundation for Taunton’s accomplishments this season.
Building the Future
Looking ahead, Coach Galvao is confident in the program’s direction. Several standout juniors will return, joined by promising underclassmen like Cody Truelson, Jowell Quinones, John Tran, and Saylen Soares in the lighter weights. Jason Adelman, Anthony Vieira, and Kobe Montalvo are also poised for big seasons in the middle weights.
“The leadership and experience we have coming back are really exciting,” said Galvao. “We’re not starting from scratch. We’re building on something strong.”
Offseason Goals
This summer, the focus shifts to development. Coach Galvao wants to expand Taunton’s youth program, increase participation in offseason wrestling clubs, and better utilize the school’s strength and conditioning program.
“The more time on the mat, the better,” said Galvao. “We’re going to focus on building both technique and toughness year-round.”
By the Numbers
Despite a hiccup with full statistical access, the numbers tell a compelling story:
15-5 Team Record
779 Takedowns
187 Reversals
355 Escapes
440 Individual Wins
268 Pins
2315 Team Points
2025 MIAA Sportsmanship Wrestling Award Winners
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Taunton High Wrestling team didn’t just win matches—they set records, broke barriers, and laid the groundwork for a new era of Tiger wrestling. Through grit, leadership, and relentless effort, they reminded the wrestling community that Taunton is a program on the rise—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
“We made history this year,” said Coach Galvao. “But we’re just getting started.”
 led the charge with a resume few can match. A returning state champion, his intense mindset and aggressive wrestling style set the tone for the entire team. His accolades this season include championships at Marshfield (2x), Hockomock (2x), Cape Cod, Ashland, and James Peckham. He finished as a Lowell finalist and capped off his high school career as a 2x Sectional and State Champion with a staggering 151 career wins.
Senior Michael Leskoski (@ 132 lbs) made history by becoming Taunton’s all-time wins leader with 158 total victories. The only five-year varsity starter on the team, Michael's persistence and leadership were unmatched. His season highlights include winning titles at Marshfield, Hockomock (2x), Cape Cod, and James Peckham, and earning podium finishes at Sectionals, Division 1 States (3rd), and All States (4th).
Senior Antonio Maldonado (@ 215 lbs) brought a positive, determined attitude that boosted the team’s morale. A strong practice partner for Elijah, he placed 4th at Sectionals and earned medals at James Peckham, Hockomock, Ashland, and Cape Cod tournaments.
Senior Thomas Hoye (@ 285 lbs) was the team’s cerebral technician. Known for his sharp mind and constant pursuit of improvement, his behind-the-scenes contributions helped elevate the team’s overall wrestling IQ.
Underclassmen Making Waves
Juniors played a massive role in the team's success and offered a promising glimpse into Taunton’s future.
Junior William Buffington (@ 175 lbs), known as the team’s class clown, struck a balance between humor and focus. When it came time to wrestle, he delivered big. He won Sectionals, Cape Cod, and Hockomock titles, and placed 6th in the state—an impressive leap in a deep weight class.
Junior Kingston DaCosta (@ 165 lbs) made an unselfish decision to drop weight for the good of the team, a move that paid off with a breakout season. His trophy shelf now includes first-place finishes at James Peckham, Ashland, Cape Cod, and Hockomock, along with placements at Sectionals (finalist), States (5th), and Lowell (8th). A first-time captain, he inspired both veterans and newcomers with his leadership.
Junior Joshua Millerick (@ 157 lbs) transformed from a fringe varsity wrestler to a critical part of the starting lineup and team leadership. His offseason work ethic showed through as he climbed the rankings to finish 6th in the state. He also medaled at Sectionals (3rd), Hockomock (3rd), Cape Cod (2nd), James Peckham (2nd), and Marshfield (5th).
Mid-Season Breakthrough
Taunton’s turning point came midseason at the James Peckham Tournament, where the Tigers secured their first full-strength lineup of the year. They battled past top programs to take first place, a clear sign that the team’s hard work and persistence were paying off.
“Getting first at the James Peckham Tournament was the spark we needed,” said Coach Galvao. “The first half of the season was riddled with injuries and weight-class issues. But when we finally had everyone ready, we saw just how good we could be.”
Perseverance Through Pressure
The Tigers faced early-season losses to powerhouses like Milford and Methuen, but those setbacks didn’t derail them. Instead, they bounced back with key wins over perennial top-tier teams like Tewksbury, Ashland, and Haverhill. The team showed immense mental toughness, never allowing a single loss to define their season.
“We focused on bouncing back, not looking back,” said Coach Galvao. “Our guys learned from every match and came back better.”
One defining moment was Michael Leskoski’s incredible redemption story—he was previously tech-falled by a top Division III opponent, only to come back and pin him at the All-State tournament.
A Senior Class to Remember
The 2025 senior class will be remembered not just for their records but for the culture they built.
“Their performance was phenomenal,” Coach Galvao said. “They came to practice every day, pushed the underclassmen, and led with a quiet confidence. Everyone on the team had one mission—to win in a way that left no doubt.”
This shared mindset created a tight-knit brotherhood that served as the foundation for Taunton’s accomplishments this season.
Building the Future
Looking ahead, Coach Galvao is confident in the program’s direction. Several standout juniors will return, joined by promising underclassmen like Cody Truelson, Jowell Quinones, John Tran, and Saylen Soares in the lighter weights. Jason Adelman, Anthony Vieira, and Kobe Montalvo are also poised for big seasons in the middle weights.
“The leadership and experience we have coming back are really exciting,” said Galvao. “We’re not starting from scratch. We’re building on something strong.”
Offseason Goals
This summer, the focus shifts to development. Coach Galvao wants to expand Taunton’s youth program, increase participation in offseason wrestling clubs, and better utilize the school’s strength and conditioning program.
“The more time on the mat, the better,” said Galvao. “We’re going to focus on building both technique and toughness year-round.”
By the Numbers
Despite a hiccup with full statistical access, the numbers tell a compelling story:
15-5 Team Record
779 Takedowns
187 Reversals
355 Escapes
440 Individual Wins
268 Pins
2315 Team Points
2025 MIAA Sportsmanship Wrestling Award Winners
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Taunton High Wrestling team didn’t just win matches—they set records, broke barriers, and laid the groundwork for a new era of Tiger wrestling. Through grit, leadership, and relentless effort, they reminded the wrestling community that Taunton is a program on the rise—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
“We made history this year,” said Coach Galvao. “But we’re just getting started.”)
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