2011-12 Hunterdon-Warren wrestling preview

Belvidere County Seaters

Coach: Dan McIntyre (first season).

2010-11 record: 9-12, 3-2 Skyland Conference Valley Division.

Key returnees: So. Kenny Morgan (2-6) 113, Jr. Zafer Deyer 113, Jr. Aaron Castner (14-9, D4) 120, Jr. Jesse Thorsen (24-11, D2) 120-126, Sr. Dylan Thorsen (36-3, D1, R3) 126-132, So. Tyler Dombrosky (2-7) 126-132, Sr. Kelsey Craig 138-145, Jr. Dave Brewer 132-138, Sr, Nathan Dow (33-7, D2, R4) 152-160, Jr. Evan Bray (19-12, D3) 170-182, Jr. J.B. Lawson (20-10) 195-285.

Key loss: Kyle VanWingerden (19-11, D4).

Promising newcomers: Fr. Matt Hambacher 106, Fr. Ture Leahey 106, Fr. Colt Williams 113, So. Nick Falzarano 120, Fr. Brett Hoffmaster 120-126, Fr. Luke Ciraky 126, Fr. Brendon Leon-Rossi 126, Fr. Kenny Kane 132-138, Jr. Keith Mason 132-138, Jr. Dylan Zelus 138-145, Fr. Rene Sousa 145, Fr. Ryan Stephen 145-152, Jr. Jake Friedmann 145-152, Jr. Tyler Toth 152-160, Jr. Darien Edwards 152-160, Sr. Vinny Pisano 152-160, Sr. Alex McKibben 160-170, Sr. Anthony Pelosi 160-170, Jr. Ryan Appleby 195-285, Fr. John Falzarano 195-220, So. Steven Foster-Morse 195-220.

Outlook: County Seaters enjoyed a resurgence under former coach Tom Noto, who resurrected an all but dead program. Now, Belvidere has numbers and the talent to be a successful team. McIntyre, formerly an outstanding coach at Pleasant Valley
(Pa.), comes out of retirement and inherits a good group poised to make some noise this season. Dylan Thorsen is one of the top wrestlers in Region 1 and is closing in on the school record for victories. At 94-11 overall, Thorsen is 28 shy of matching Tyler Smith's mark of 122. Younger brother, Jesse, along with Dow, Bray and Lawson are all proven winners. If the new kids can hold their own, it could be an exciting season in Warren County.

Delaware Valley Terriers

Coach: Andy Fitz (74-24, fifth season).

2010-11 record: 19-3, 6-0 Skyland Conference Raritan Division champion.

Key returnees: So. Michael Adam (5-2) 113, Jr. Matt Gilmore (22-7, D4) 120, Jr. Mike Pongracz (38-4, D1, R1, S8) 126, So. Austin McLaughlin (3-4) 132, So. Holden Baker (4-4) 132, Sr. Derek Zehnbauer (31-7, D2, R3) 138, Sr. Will Kimball (2-2) 145, Jr. Alex Niemann (9-10) 152, So. Kody Eichlin (18-17, D4) 160, So. Luke Zehnbauer (10-8, D4) 170, Sr. Will Van Doren (29-8, D2, R3) 182, Sr. Don Glorioso 195, Sr. Forrest Wooden 285.

Key losses: Cody Barbiche (39-2, D1, R1, S4), Kevin Guenther (25-9, D4), Mike Rogers (22-15, D3), Nick Maddalena (21-6, D4).

Promising newcomers: Jr. Chris Marra 106, Sr. Tino Intili 138, So. Codey Leh 145, So. Brian Baehr 220.

Outlook: Terriers lost four very solid wrestlers to graduation, but there's plenty in the cupboard to make a strong run at a sectional championship and possibly a Group 2 title. Pongracz is a returning state medalist and boasts 75 career wins. Derek Zehnbauer and Van Doren are also returning state qualifiers. The biggest question, as has been the case for some time now, is the Hunterdon County school's upper weights (195, 220 and 285). If those wrestlers can minimize bonus points it will be a big key. Fitz says Wooden is much improved and that would be a plus. Del Val is also inexperienced in a few of the lighter classes.

Hackettstown Tigers

Coach: Frank Rodgers (162-134-4, ninth season of second stint, 16th overall).

2010-11 record: 16-5, 4-1 NJAC Freedom Division.

Key returnees: So. Tony Figueroy (11-19) 106, Jr. Tyler Kozimor (20-7, D1) 126, Jr. Brandon Rothman (19-14, D3) 132, Sr. Chris Bohm 152, Sr. Jake Deleasa 170.

Key losses: Ryan Nicotra (33-5, D2, R1), Rob Napolitano (22-8), Jordan Perrine (14-15), Matt Malejko (17-13), Jason Rothman (21-5, D4), Robert McGeorge (12-17), Kyle Kathenes (24-9, D3), Fred Jennings (24-9, D4), Steve Giraldo (28-8, D1).

Promising newcomers: So. Matt Nicotra 113 (transfer from Easton, Pa.), So. Khilian Bernard 120, Jr. Ben Wylie 120-126, Jr. Remi Safarpour 160, Joe Clarke 195, Sr. Ismail Saleh 285.

Outlook: Tigers start a major rebuilding effort after a strong seven-year run in which they reached double-digit win totals in each season. That would be an ambitious goal for this season, but the Tigers do have some quality wrestlers to rally behind in Kozimor and Rothman. Other than that, there are lots of question marks for this team entering the season.

Hunterdon Central Red Devils

Coach: Steve Gibble (296-104, 21st season).

2010-11 record: 16-4, 5-1 Skyland Conference Delaware Division.

Key returnees: So. Dylan Nace (30-7, D2, R4) 113, Jr. Tim Higginson (10-5) 120, So. Gary Dinmore (31-3, D1, R1) 126, Jr. Dylan Cote (12-13, D4) 138, Jr. Tyler Cote (18-8, D2) 145, Jr. David Fenton (17-15, D3) 152, Sr. Ryan Larkin 160, Sr. Tom Scerbo (19-10, D4) 160, Sr. Hunter Greer 195.

Key losses: Jr. Grady Orr (17-15, D3 did not come out), Matt Boylan (21-16, D3), Chris Carey (30-7, D1, R3), Jake Maffucci (27-4, D1, R4), Derek Knoop (17-14, D4).

Promising newcomers: Fr. Kyler Rodriguez 106, Fr. Hunter Orr 106, So. Colin Boylan 132, Fr. Joe Scerbo 132, Jr. Kevin Martinez 152, Jr. Paul Rallis 170, So. Arturo Hernandez 170, Fr. Nestor Crespo 182, Fr. Leo Aquino 182, Sr. Anthony Ikotidem 220, Jr. Gabe Barba 220, Sr. Jason Auricchio 285, Sr. Jimmy Lynch 285.

Outlook: Red Devils lost five district placewinners from a year ago, but six others return including Dinmore, a district and region champ as a freshman. Nace also had a fine rookie season and those two will help anchor a young group of lower weights. The middle weights should be fine, but the real question mark is the big boys. How the upper weights fare could go a long way into whether or not Central enjoys a successful dual season. Coach Gibble also is closing in on 300 wins.

North Hunterdon Lions

Coach: Tim Flynn (26-16, third season).

2010-11 record: 16-6, 4-2 Skyland Conference Delaware Division.

Key returnees: Jr. Matt Moncourtois (28-10, D3) 106, So. Eric Martin (3-5) 113-120, Sr. Matt Wilson 126-132, So. Mike Ciavarro (11-12, D3) 132-138, Sr. Matt Doscher (12-14, D3) 138-145, Jr. Brandon Loftus, Sr. Beau Vrancken (33-6, D2, R1) 152-160, Jr. Liam Korbul (20-16, D3) 170-182, Sr. Joe Ragsdale (11-15, D2) 170, Jr. Dan Pepe (4-6) 182-195.

Key losses: Josh Giordano (13-19), Pat Boyle (23-11, D4), Chris Cancelliere (35-6, D1, R2), Andrew Reed (13-16), Kyle Nerger (29-9, D1, R3), Jack Delia (38-1, D1, R1, S2).

Promising newcomers: Fr. Paul Robinson 106, Fr. Ryan Pomrinca 113, Fr. Mike Sicola 120-126, So. Joe Guzzo 160-170, Sr. Konnor Meckler 152-160, Sr. Sean Obidike 195-220, Jr. Brad Straight 220.

Outlook: The defending District 17 champion Lions are always well coached, so they usually have a strong chance to meet or exceed expectations. The loss of seven starters to graduation, including state qualifiers Cancelliere, Nerger and Delia, hurts. Delia, at two-time state finalist and now at Lehigh, was one of the most accomplished wrestlers in program history and leaves a big void at 285. Vrancken is as tough as they come and should be a contender for a state medal this season. With five other region qualifiers returning, expect this group to be successful. If the younger guys can step up, another 15- to 16-win season could very well be within reach.

North Warren Patriots

Coach: Matt Parzero (8-9, second season).

2010-11 record: 8-9, 3-2 Skyland Conference Valley Division.

Key returnees: So. Devon Lyons (4-8) 106, So. Matty Ritchie (22-9, D1) 113, So. Jack Norgard (3-6) 126, So. Johnny Hayes (10-13) 132, Jr. Mason Ryzoff (19-12, D3) 138, Sr. Vinny Orlandi (8-13) 145, Jr. Michael Clothier 145, Sr. Jordan Palanca 152, Sr. Mike Staufenberger (19-11, D2) 160, Sr. Dillon Torppey (11-13) 170, Sr. Dan Hauck (13-11) 182, Jr. Tim Chayka (9-13) 195, Sr. Kenny Hroback (4-7) 220, Jr. Chris Longyhore (15-13, D2) 285.

Key losses: Nick Barzano (13-3), Mike Lascari (12-10).

Promising newcomers: Fr. Zach Jones 106, Fr. Geno Fluri 106, So. Nico Fluri 120.

Outlook: Patriots return all but two from last year's team that qualified for the sectional playoffs, so expectations for a better than .500 dual season are certainly realistic. Ritchie won a district title as a freshman before a disappointing region tournament, so he should be hungry for better postseason results. Ryzoff, Staufenberger and Longyhore are all region qualifiers. If the guys who hovered around .500 or below last season take a step up, this group could enjoy a lot of team success. Time will tell. This is the school's final season in the Skyland before moving to the NJAC for 2012-13.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

Coach: Dave Post (13-6, second season).

2010-11 record: 13-6, 5-0 Skyland Conference Delaware Division champion.

Key returnees: Jr. Zach Fisher (18-15) 113, Jr. Andrew Kaluzny (21-17, D3) 120, Jr. Anthony Johnson (6-0) 132, Sr. Justin Lane (15-16) 138, Sr. Tyler Rehl (14-15, D3) 145, So. Jake Kocsis (1-1) 145, Sr. V.J. Delmonico (25-15, D3) 152, Sr. Joe Moyer (18-18, D1) 160, Sr. Devin Grade (5-8) 170, Sr. Shaun Maloy (4-4) 182, Sr. Larry Giammarco (7-10, D2) 182, Sr. Derek Pierson (11-11, D3) 195, Sr. Brandon Hull (34-9, D1, R2, S8) 220, Sr. Anthony Pare (17-11, D2) 285.

Key losses: Matt Lane (33-8, D1, R1), Rylan Watson (27-12, D1, R4), Dan Brockerhoff (28-11, D1, R2).

Promising newcomers: Fr. Steve Friedman 106, Fr. Max Elling 126, Fr. Jim Schuitema 132-138.

Outlook: Stateliners are in the minority as a beneficiary to the new weight classes. With plenty of strength in the upper weights and balance throughout the lineup, Phillipsburg is primed for another run at the Group 4 championship after losing to Jackson in Toms River last season. Hull is the lone star on this team, which will be a much better dual squad than tournament team. Moyer was a surprise district champion a year ago. Keep an eye on Johnson, who was unbeaten in six varsity matches.

Voorhees Vikings

Coach: Eric Hall (22-5, second season).

2010-11 record: 22-5, 4-1 Skyland Conference Raritan Division.

Key returnees: So. Cody Ihling (1-1) 106, So. Thomas Bieshke 113, Jr. Tyler Yarnell (19-13, D4) 120, Sr. Tim Zehnbauer (4-5) 120, Sr. Walter Gonsiewski (20-9) 126, So. Christian Okulicz (21-11) 132, Sr. Ronnie Honickel (36-3, D1, R1) 145, Sr. Steven Baker (23-10, D3) 152, So. Jordan Juliano 160, Jr. Jadaen Bernstein (39-1, D1, R1, S2) 170, Jr. Nick Ruggiero 182, Sr. Chet Stivers (9-14) 195-220.

Key losses: Mike Busch (3-3), Chris Davis (30-8, D1, R4), Zach Bohn (31-7, D1, R4), Brian Guevara (27-7, D2).

Promising newcomers: So. Dale Hull 138, So. Mike Muscatello 138, So. Will Gonsiewski 138, Jr. Kyle Levy 195, Jr. Emilio Guevara 195, Sr. Max Lamport 220.

Outlook: Vikings are on the upswing under Hall, whose father, Bob, started the program back in 1975. The young and enthusiastic coach has breathed new life into one of the state's most storied programs. After establishing a school record for dual wins last season, Voorhees is anxious to improve on that total. The team put in a lot of work in the offseason, so expectations are once again very high. Bernstein is a returning state finalist and a great success story after finishing 15-14 as a freshman. Honickel, a state qualifier, also seeks a medal in AC this season.

Warren Hills Blue Streaks

Coach: Jarrett Hosbach (77-68, seventh season).

2010-11 record: 12-14, 2-4 Skyland Conference Raritan Division.

Key returnees: So. Taiwo Adetula (14-18) 113, So. Justin Pidoto (26-14, D3) 120-126, Sr. Chris Greenwald (19-16, D4) 120-126, Sr. Keith Wanamaker (22-13) 132, Jr. Joe Kratochvil (15-16, D4) 132, Jr. Kevin Bundschuh (19-17, D4) 138-145, So. Nate Detrick (2-4) 145, Sr. Brandon Cruse 152, Jr. Xavier Adetula 152, So. Ryan Ostir (11-18) 152-160, So. Evan Butka (6-9) 160-170, Sr. Ryker Kern (4-9) 182, Sr. Dan Smith (27-12, D3), Sr. Billy Segreaves 285, Jr. Tyler Bridygham 285.

Key losses: Billy Butka (26-11, D2), Alonzo Widenor (15-14).

Promising newcomers: Fr. Max Nauta 106, Fr. Austin Pidoto 106, Fr. Christian Wanamaker 106, Fr. John Fluck 113, So. Steve Cleaver 170, So. Ryan Witner 195, Fr. Andrew Pacheco 285.

Outlook: Lots of excitement in Washington surrounding this team as the Blue Streaks look poised to make a major leap this season. Solid core with Pidoto, Greenwald, Wanamaker, Bundschuh and Smith. Cruse returns after missing all of last season with an injury after showing flashes as a sophomore. Nauta and Pacheco are two good-looking freshmen from a very deep and talented feeder program. This team has a world of potential and needs to make it all come together.