Ronald Oliver, 13, of Wareham, won third place in his weight division at the Hanover South Shore Sectionals Tournament for the Massachusetts Youth Wrestling Association on Sunday, Feb. 16.

This qualifies Oliver to contend at the Massachusetts Youth Wrestling State Championship Tournament in Northboro on March 2.

“It’s an engaging sport,” Oliver said. “I like combat.”

In his first year wrestling, Oliver has taken home two first place trophies at local wrestling tournaments. He enrolled in November with coach Mark Stasiowski of CHAOS Wrestling Club in Carver.

“The coach is really nice. He’s a good leader,” Oliver said.

Oliver says he is excited about participating in the upcoming state championships.

“I hope I win. I definitely have no idea what it’s going to be like,” Oliver said. “It’s a learning experience.”

Oliver said he tried wrestling this year because he wants to join the Carver/Wareham team next year, a team also coached by Stasiowski.

Stasiowski’s son, Justin, placed sixth in his weight class, making him an alternate for the State Championships.

Oliver hopes that other kids from Wareham and Carver will also join the team.

“You’re always nervous at the beginning, but in the end, I’m always happy and glad I did it--and hungry,” Oliver said.