Head Coach- Jerry Echevarria
Jerry Echevarria was a proven collegiate wrestler with success at the national and international level. A 3x Division II National Qualifier and 2x Division II All-American, including being named to the PSAC All-Conference team 3x. In college, he captured a Midwest Classic Championship, adding to his list of accomplishments.
Internationally, Echevarria won the Puerto Rican Junior World Team Trials and went on to compete at the Pan American Games, representing Puerto Rico against competition from across the Americas.
In high school, he was a New York State Journeyman Folk style Champion, NYS Greco Champion, New York State Freestyle Champion and recipient of the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler award. He has also gained coaching experience leading the Flickr Boyz and Savage Wrestling Academy dual meet teams.
Tommy Nichols is a standout wrestler from Bristol, Connecticut who competed for Bristol Eastern High School and established himself as the most accomplished wrestler in program history.
Nichols finished his high school career with over 145 wins, making him the all-time wins leader at Bristol Eastern. His success was built on consistency, toughness, and the ability to perform at a high level year after year.
He is a 2x Division II National Qualifier, with his final qualifying season coming this year. At the state level, Nichols is a two-time Class L State Champion (2018, 2019) and a three-time Class L placer, including a third-place finish in 2020. He also earned 2nd place at the Connecticut Open in 2020 and 3rd in 2019, solidifying his place among the top wrestlers in the state regardless of division.
Regionally, Nichols placed 6th at the New England Championships in 2020, proving his ability to compete against top talent across the region.
On the national stage, he competed at the Fargo Freestyle and Greco-Roman Nationals in both 2018 and 2019, finishing just one match away from All-American honors each time.
Head Coach-Thomas Nichols
Coach- Rodney Smith
Coach Rodney Smith is a two-time Olympian, 1992 Olympic bronze medalist, Army veteran, educator, and one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Massachusetts history.
A Springfield native and graduate of Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School, Smith became a two-time NCAA Division III All-American at Western New England University before joining the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. He earned national championships, served as captain of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman team, and received honors including Army Athlete of the Year and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Outstanding American Award.
Beyond his own achievements, Coach Smith has coached and mentored numerous national champions, Olympians, and medalists throughout his career. Today, he continues to impact the next generation as head wrestling coach at Hampden Charter School of Science, where he is dedicated to giving back to the community, mentoring young people, and helping develop future leaders through wrestling, discipline, and service.
Coach- JoJo Gonzalez
A proven competitor and elite-level athlete, he brings a résumé built on years of high-performance wrestling and relentless dedication to excellence. A 4-time national qualifier and national finalist, he has consistently competed against the best in the country, earning respect as a 3-time All-American and 3-time regional champion. He also placed 4th at the Midwest Classic, further proving his ability to perform under pressure against top-tier national competition. At the collegiate level, he etched his name into history, tying for the most wins in AIC program history, a testament to his consistency, discipline, and dominance on the mat.
Before the college stage, he established himself as one of the most decorated high school wrestlers in his region—becoming a two-time New England champion, two-time state champion, and two-time class champion, along with earning recognition as a Virginia Beach All-American. His excellence and impact on the sport were further honored with the prestigious Dave Schultz Award, recognizing not just performance, but character, leadership, and dedication to wrestling.
Transitioning beyond collegiate success, he has continued to evolve as a professional fighter, bringing world-class grit, experience, and intensity into every room he steps into. Just as important as his accomplishments on the mat is his commitment off it—actively mentoring and helping kids in the community, using wrestling as a tool to build discipline, confidence, and purpose.
Now bringing that same elite mindset and experience to Carnage School of Wrestling, he represents more than credentials—he represents a standard. Athletes who train under his guidance are not just learning techniques, they are learning what it takes to compete, to win, and to rise above the rest.
At Carnage, this is more than training—it’s where champions are built.
Assistant Coach- Ezekiel Cherival
Zek is a dedicated student-athlete at Hampden Charter School of Science in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Known for his discipline, leadership, and strong work ethic, he has earned recognition for both his athletic performance and his positive impact on others.
As a standout wrestler, Cherival has made history within his school’s program. He became the first-ever place winner in Hampden Charter history by placing 4th in Greco-Roman at the Northeast Regional Tournament, qualifying him for the prestigious Fargo Nationals. He is also a multiple-time state placer, consistently competing at a high level across Massachusetts. In addition, he was a member of the Massachusetts National Team, representing the state at a high level of competition and further showcasing his skill and commitment to the sport.
Beyond competition, Cherival is deeply involved in giving back to the wrestling community. Through his work with Grit Wrestling, he helps coach and mentor younger athletes, sharing his knowledge, supporting their development, and inspiring the next generation. His leadership off the mat reflects his character just as much as his achievements on it.
With a strong foundation of athletic success, leadership, and community involvement, Ezekiel Cherival continues to build a reputation as both a high-level competitor and a role model for others.
Strength Coach- Javier Hernandez
Javier Hernandez is the current owner of Built Bodies Strength and Conditioning, driven by a deep passion for fitness and performance. He brings years of experience ranging from everyday training and lifestyle fitness to competing at elite levels in the fitness industry.
Javier is also a certified dietitian and personal trainer. He has trained numerous collegiate and Olympic-level athletes, bringing high-performance coaching experience into the foundation of his system.
Parent Liaison- Chris Beaulieu
Christopher Beaulieu is a 1999 H.H.S. graduate and a 22-year veteran of the United States Air Force Security Forces, with service including Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Throughout his career, he has instructed civilian law enforcement and multiple military branches in defensive tactics, dignitary protection, and military combatives, and serves as a certified Use of Force Instructor focused on real-world application.
With a background as an MMA competitor and training across kickboxing, boxing, karate, catch wrestling, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he brings hands-on combat and coaching experience to both amateur and professional athletes. He continues to develop his expertise through strength and conditioning and modern sports science education.
Dedicated to developing the next generation, he stands firmly behind Carnage School of Wrestling and its core principles