Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren preview capsules

Belvidere County Seaters

Coach: Dan McIntyre (27-16, third season).

2012-13 record: 13-6, 4-1 Skyland Conference Valley Division (second).

Returning starters (5): Jr. James Smith (4-21) 106; Sr. Kenny Morgan (11-16) 126; Jr. Matt Hambacher (3-12) 132; Jr. Kenny Kane (15-11) 152; Jr. David Harris (8-18, D4) 160.

Key losses: Jesse Thorsen (31-4, D1, R4) 145; Evan Bray (28-7, D1, R4) 182; Mike Farrell (14-9, D4) 195; J.B. Lawson (31-6, D1, R1) 220; Ryan Appleby (32-6, D2, R1) 285.

Key returnees: Jr. Javan Viola (6-10) 120; Jr. Ture Leahey 132; So. Robert Panetta (4-8) 138; Jr. Brett Hoffmaster 145; Jr. Rene Sousa 152; Sr. Ben Pershpalaj 160; Jr. Ryan Stephen (2-6) 182; Sr. Mark Wolfe 195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Gio Campana 113; Jr. Jarrod Kiefer 120; Fr. Nick Appleby 126; Fr. Jonathan Dow 132; Fr. Joey Sean 138; Fr. Alex Nelson 145; Jr. Kevin Merle (transfer from Stroudsburg, Pa.) 170; Jr. Ashton Robinson (transfer from Hackettstown) 170; Jr. Stephen Merle (7-9, transfer from Stroudsburg, Pa.) 182; Jr. Aidan Nelson 220; Jr. Bryan Snyder 285; So. Anthony Turker 285.

Outlook: County Seaters took a big hit with the graduations of their fine upper weights and Thorsen. Some familiar Belvidere last names among the newcomers with Appleby and Dow, who are expected to see significant action. The Merles come over from Stroudsburg, Pa., where they saw some varsity action in rugged District 11. With no real stars, and only one returning starter (Kane) with a winning record last season, coach McIntyre's squad will be in full rebuilding mode this winter.

Delaware Valley Terriers
                                                                                                          
Coach: Andy Fitz (101-36, seventh season).

2012-13 record: 13-8, 3-3 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-fourth).

Returning starters (7): So. Vito Intili (11-18) 106-113; Sr. Michael Adam (12-10, D4) 126; Sr. Nour Mays (4-17) 170; Sr. Luke Zehnbauer (21-11, D4) 170-182; Sr. Kody Eichlin (26-6, D1, R4) 182; Sr. Brian Baehr (23-13, D2) 220; Sr. Marek Tomanek (14-5, D3, R4) 285.

Key losses: Mike Pongracz (35-2, D1, R1, S5) 126; Matt Gilmore (17-10, D3) 132; Sr. Holden Baker (15-12, moved to Michigan) 145; Alex Niemann (16-9, D4) 152.

Key returnees: So. Jake Moore (0-5) 106; So. Kyle Refalvy (4-9) 106; Sr. Tyler Smith (5-0) 120-126; Jr. Ryan Erwin (12-11) 132; Sr. Alex Nugent 138; Sr. Austin McLaughlin (2-5) 138; Sr. Codey Leh 145; Sr. Matt Nugent 145; Jr. Cory Lightner (5-5) 152; So. Kyle Schlittler (4-6) 160; Sr. Andrew Bloom (6-11) 220-285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Matt Kolonia 113; Fr. Zach Smith 120; Fr. Rhys Zigich 120-126.

Outlook: Terriers lost their big star to graduation -- all-time wins leader Mike Pongracz -- but there is a solid nucleus to build around this season, including Eichlin and Tomanek, who were each a win shy of making a trip to Atlantic City, along with Zehnbauer. Eichlin's status, at least early on, is somewhat up in the air after he sustaining a badly broken forearm during September workouts. Kolonia is an impact freshman at 113, and Fitz is high on classmates Smith and Zigich. The coach also likes his team's balance and senior leadership. With the school's last sectional title coming in 2006, this squad has to rate as the preseason favorite in Central Jersey, Group 2.

Hackettstown Tigers

Coach: Frank Rodgers (174-169-4, 11th season of second stint, 18th overall).

2012-13 record: 7-20, 2-5 NJAC Freedom Division (sixth).

Returning starters (7): Sr. Tony Figueroy (12-17) 113-120; So. Joe Renne (25-12, D4) 120-126; Sr. Matt Nicotra (4-13, D4) 126-132; Sr. Khilian Bernard (4-10) 145-152; So. Anthony Carida (7-9) 145-152; Jr. Ian Ballantyne 152-160; Jr. Teddy Gurnowski (8-12) 195-220.

Key losses: Brandon Rothman (31-10, D3) 132; Tyler Kozimor (29-8, D2) 145.

Key returnees: So. Brandon Baker 126-132; Sr. Igor Bykov 132-138; So. Eldin Ribic 152-160; Jr. Scott Anderson 182; Jr. Noah Aussems 195-220.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Steven Nicotra 106; Fr. Anthony Gonzalez 138; Fr. Kyle Connelly 160-170; So. John Jensen 285.

Outlook: Tigers have fallen on hard times in recent years and this season figures to be a continuation of the rebuilding process. Renne was a bright spot last season with 25 wins and a fourth-place finish in District 1. The only other returning wrestler with double-digit wins was Figueroy, who could be a force at the same weight class. The upper weights are a huge question mark and will need to improve quickly in order for the Warren County school to improve on or match last season's wins total in a very competitive division.

Hunterdon Central Red Devils

Coach: Steve Gibble (329-113, 23rd season).

2012-13 record: 18-2, 5-0 Skyland Conference Delaware Division (first).

Returning starters (6): Jr. Kyler Rodriguez (11-12, D2) 120; Sr. Dylan Nace (28-12, D2, R3) 132; Sr. Collin Boylan (30-9, D2, R3) 145; Sr. Gary Dinmore (36-1, D1, R1, S2) 152; Jr. Joe Scerbo (13-6) 170; Jr. Nestor Crespo (20-8, D4) 182.

Key losses: Tim Higginson (30-8, D1, R2) 145; Dylan Cote (23-11, D3) 152; Tyler Cote (33-7, D2, R3) 160; David Fenton (31-7, D2, R2) 170; Paul Rallis (19-13, D2) 182; Gabe Barba (13-9, D3) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Hunter Orr 126; Jr. Nick Taylor (8-4) 138; Sr. Matt Suydam 160; Jr. Leo Acquino (5-9) 220; Sr. Dan Hausman (4-7) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Peter Nace 106; Fr. Bryce Hall 106; Fr. Chris Taylor 113; Jr. Sean Dalgauer 160; Jr. Nick Suk 195; Sr. Arturo Hernandez 195.

Outlook: Perhaps no team in the conference and tri-county area was hit harder by graduation. The Red Devils lost six quality starters, including three state qualifiers. Yet, with strong numbers, the cupboard is far from bare. Dinmore is a two-time state runner-up and five wins shy of becoming the 17th Central wrestler to amass 100 for a career. His only loss as a junior was to South Plainfield's Anthony Ashnault in the 138-pound state final. Dylan Nace and Boylan are also solid, and Nace's brother, Peter, is a blue-chip freshman at 106. Expect the Devils to once again challenge for division and sectional titles.

North Hunterdon Lions

Coach: Tim Flynn (58-25, fifth season).

2012-13 record: 15-4, 4-2 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-second).

Returning starters (9): Jr. Paul Robinson (22-11, D1) 106; Jr. Ryan Pomrinca (37-5, D1, R3) 126; Sr. Eric Martin (6-12) 132; So. Derek Ciavarro (18-15, D2) 132-138; So. Brian Smolinsky (17-12, D4) 138-145; Sr. Mike Ciavarro (32-7, D1, R4) 152; Jr. Michael Sicola (14-12, D3) 152-160; Sr. Joe Guzzo (18-13) 170-182; Sr. Anthony Bugyi (8-18) 285.

Key losses: Matt Moncourtois (19-16, D3) 126; Brandon Loftus (15-14) 170; Liam Korbul (31-7, D1, R4) 182; Dan Pepe (25-10, D1) 195; Brad Straight (6-12, D4) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Luke Approvato 113; Sr. Jim Hughes 145; Sr. Connor Rhinehart 145; Sr. Spencer Parker-Klimple 170; So. Tyler Gapas 182; Sr. Kyle Stevens 195-220; Sr. Brandon Leonidas 220.

Promising newcomers: Jr. Mike Bednar 120; So. Thomas Attansaio 120; So. Wyatt Vrancken 170; Sr. Quentin Klein 182.

Outlook: Lions, who are coming off another solid campaign, return nine starters, including former state placewinner Pomrinca, and figure to be among the top teams in the area again this winter. An extremely balanced squad last season, this group should be pretty solid from 106 through 170. Upper weights, a strength the last few seasons, will be a big question mark, and making matters more difficult is a likely season-ending injury for heavyweight Bugyi. North is extremely well-coached, so expect this team to get better as the season goes on as it eyes a run in a tough North 2, Group 4 section down the line.

North Warren Patriots

Coach: Matt Parzero (35-28, fourth season).

2012-13 record: 12-11, 5-2 NJAC Freedom Division (third).

Returning starters (8): Jr. Gino Fluri (18-16) 120-126; Sr. Matt Ritchie (31-9, D2, R3) 126-132; Sr. Nico Fluri (7-25) 138; Sr. Jack Norgard (11-14) 145; So. Anthony Duardo (8-15) 152; Sr. Johnny Hayes (17-11, D3) 160; So. Joseph Frumolt (12-11) 182; Sr. Greg Galante (16-15) 182-195; Jr. Colin Mayer (8-16) 220; Jr. Will O'Connell (19-14) 285.

Key loss: Mason Ryzoff (25-11, D4) 138.

Key returnees: Jr. Jack Butrymowicz (7-8) 171; So. Alex Leotardis 182-195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Shannon Grogan 120-126; Sr. Sawyer Garriques 132; So. Bryan Benson 160; Jr. Sean Drylie 285.

Outlook: Patriots made a strong showing in their first season as members of the NJAC, finishing behind Kittatinny and Jefferson atop the Freedom Division. Despite returning eight starters, the Warren County school will start behind the 8-ball with no wrestlers at 106 and 113. In fact, 12 of the 28 wrestlers on the roster are over 182 pounds, so a lack of depth in the lighter weights is a concern. In addition, two likely starters -- Zach Jones and Joe Frumolt -- transferred to Blair Academy and Pope John, respectively. Spotting teams 12 points will make it tough to approach last season's wins total, but the squad features one of the area's top wrestlers in Ritchie, who needs 26 wins to become the second Patriots wrestler to amass 100 for a career.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

Coach: Dave Post (42-13, fourth season).

2012-13 record: 13-4, 6-0 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (first).

Returning starters (9): So. Brandon Paetzell (37-7, D1, R1, S5) 106; Jr. Steve Friedman (19-15, D4) 132; Jr. Corey Zinsmeister (15-9) 138; Jr. Jimmy Schuitema (33-5, D1, R1) 145-152; Jr. Max Elling (26-15, D1, R2) 152-160; Sr. Broderick Bupivi (24-14, D1, R4) 160-170; Sr. Jake Kocsis (30-12, D2, R3) 170-182; Jr. Joe Maso (11-9, D2) 195; Jr. Tim Hinkle (15-15) 220.

Key losses: Zach Fisher (29-10, D2, R4) 113; Anthony Johnson (15-10, D1, R3) 132; Andrew Kaluzny (22-13, D4) 145; Kyle Kinney (11-10, D4) 220; Jarrett Williams (26-8, D3) 285.

Key returnees: So. Tyler Agans 113; So. DJ Wissing 120; Sr. Tylor Petchonka (9-12, D3) 126; Jr. Donald Agans (2-5) 132-138; Sr. Garrett Wolfinger (2-1) 145; Jr. Yann Ondele (1-9) 182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Drew Horun 195-220; Fr. Robert Melise 195-220.

Outlook: Stateliners are coming off a season in which they failed to win a sectional title for just the second time in tournament history -- a 30-29 loss to Hunterdon Central in the North 2, Group 4 final. But as usual, the Warren County school will reload for another championship run after winning the Group 4 title two seasons ago. Post is very excited about this group and about having about 50 kids in the practice room, giving the 'Liners rare depth these days. Paetzell is a state title contender at 106 after placing fifth as a rookie, and Petchonka did a nice job of filling in for Zinsmeister, who sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in late January. Schuitema also experienced a shoulder injury that hampered him much of last season and those two will be held out of the opening tournament at Reno. Keep an eye on Wissing at 120. This lineup, if healthy, will be solid all the way through.

Voorhees Vikings

Coach: Eric Hall (67-14, fourth season).

2012-13 record: 23-5, 4-2 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-second).

Returning starters (9): So. Kyle DiNapoli (26-12, D3) 113; Sr. Cody Ihling (24-14, D1) 120; Jr. Jack Blunk (7-11) 126; Sr. Thomas Bieshke (22-13, D2) 132; Sr. Mike Muscatello (16-13) 138; Sr. Christian Okulicz (25-12, D3) 145; Sr. William Gonsiewski (11-16) 152; Sr. Jordan Juliano (19-14) 170; Jr. Alex Fischetti (28-10, D1) 285.

Key losses: Tyler Yarnell (24-11, D4) 126; Jadaen Bernstein (42-1, D1, R1, S2) 170; Nick Ruggiero (30-10, D2) 182; Kyle Levy (25-10, D4) 195; Emilio Guevara (15-18) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Harley Sacks 106; So. Garrett Birchenough 126; Sr. Dale Hull 138; So. Devan Thomas (4-6) 152; Jr. Thomas Riley (7-7) 160; Sr. Conner Heft 160; Jr. Cody Kubinak (6-2) 182; So. Derek Howerth 195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Liam Cutri-French 106; Fr. Colton Riley 106; Fr. Michael Fernandes 145; Sr. Merritt Francis 195; Sr. Jendry Seijas 220.

Outlook: Vikings have enjoyed quite a bit of success during Hall's tenure, including a North 2, Group 2 sectional championship -- the program's 15th title -- last season before a heartbreaking 26-22 loss to Long Branch in the Group 2 semifinals ended the Hunterdon County school's season. With nine starters back, including District 17 champions Ihling and Fischetti, this team could make another run at the sectional crown, provided the rest of the upper weights can improve as the season wears on. Always a goal is to go unbeaten against the other three Hunterdon County schools, something the Vikes haven't done since 1996.

Warren Hills Blue Streaks

Coach: Jarrett Hosbach (109-82, ninth season).

2012-13 record: 18-8, 3-3 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-fourth).

Returning starters (9): Jr. John Fluck (15-12) 120; Jr. Austin Pidoto (20-14, D3) 126; Jr. Max Nauta (32-6, D1, R1) 132-138; Sr. Tai Adetula (14-12) 132-138; Sr. Justin Pidoto (5-9) 145-152; Sr. Ryan Ostir (16-18, D4) 170; Sr. Steve Cleaver (20-15, D3) 182; Sr. Ryan Witner (17-18, D2) 220; Jr. Andrew Pacheco (32-8, D1, R2) 285.

Key losses: Joe Kratochvil (33-8, D1, R2) 132; Kevin Bundschuh (18-11, D3) 145; Sr. Evan Butka (21-15, D3, injured) 160; Tyler Bridygham (15-14) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Christian Wanamaker (injured) 106; So. Carsen Johnson (3-0) 126-132; So. Anthony Roessner (1-7) 145; So. Shane Deemer (1-2) 152-160; So. Kurt Nemeth (1-3) 152; Jr. Will Turner (3-2) 195; Jr. Brendan Stewart (2-1) 160.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Ryan Mosher 106; Fr. Zach Nauta 126-132; Fr. Matt Valli 113; Jr. Tyler Annunziata (4-6, transfer from Old Tappan) 145-152; Fr. Ryan Beckler 145-152; Fr. Brody Oberly 152-160.

Outlook: This is the season that the Blue Streaks have been pointing toward with nine returning starters, including state qualifiers Max Nauta and Pacheco. Nauta won a very tough Region 1 class, while Pacheco figures to contend for a state title this season. The loss of Butka, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury, certainly looms large as he really came on last season. In addition, 106 may be a question mark if Zach Nauta can't make the weight. Valli is a blue-chipper at 113 and the rest of the lighter weights are in good shape. Justin Pidoto, a District 1 medal winner as a freshman, has been in and out of the lineup since and the Streaks need him to stay healthy. This group has the talent to make a run at the North 2, Group 3 and Group 3 titles.

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