Friday, February 28, 2014

Wrestling: Region 1 quarterfinals recap, tidbits

We're down to the Final Four here on the winners' side at Wallkill Valley Regional High School. And on the eve of one of toughest and most grueling days of the season, let's take a look at what went down in Friday's quarterfinal round.

1. How 'bout them High Point Wildcats? After entering the quarters with a tournament-high 10 wrestlers, coach John Gardner's 'Cats have a tourney-best six alive in the semifinals. Dom Gallo (120), Mike Derin (132), Jason Gaccione (145), Tommy Hooker (160), Kyle Stoll (195) and Christian Campbell (285) are still in the championship hunt.

Gallo got things rolling with another epic battle against Kittatinny's Nick Klinger, getting a five-pointer for a 7-2 victory in the third overtime. Gallo got in deep and lifted Klinger high off the mat before bringing him down to his back for two and three after Klinger got the escape to tie it at 2. Gallo (30-7), who earned a 5-2 win in their dual meet clash, avenged a loss in UTB on Saturday in the District 3 semifinals.

Derin, Gaccione and Stoll continued their march toward repeating as champions -- all with pins -- while Hooker continues his gutsy effort with a bad ankle, decking Mount Olive's Anel Kadiric after getting put to his back early on. Campbell, one of five No. 5 seeds to advance, also got a pin to win against North Warren's Will O'Connell.

2. District 1 was lagging for much of the quarterfinal round -- advancing just four wrestlers through seven weights. But the district picked up steam in the upper weights, with nine winners from 152 through 285 -- two each at 152, 170 and 220. Districts 2 and 4 also had 13 winners, but District 3 bested the field with 17 moving into the semifinals.

Phillipsburg's Brandon Paetzell (106), Max Elling (152) and Jake Kocsis (170) aided D1 with victories, along with Warren Hills' Max Nauta (132) and Andrew Pacheco (285). Belvidere's Kevin Merle (170) continued his quest by decking Sparta's Al Falco for the second time in their three meetings this season.

Paetzell (34-1), now 71-8 overall, is on another level at his weight class, scoring a 9-2 win over West Morris' Shane Metzler to reach the semifinals for a second straight season. The Stateliner is looking to join Rick Thompson (1970-71) as the only P'burg wrestlers to win titles in both their freshman and sophomore campaigns.

Nauta and Pacheco are bidding for return trips to the finals as well. Nauta (28-5) got his 90th career win in style with a spladle to deck Phillipsburg's Steve Friedman, while Pacheco (31-2) needed just 25 seconds to erase Wayne Valley's Austin Behrens.

3. In addition to High Point, Sussex County enjoyed a fine Friday evening as Kittatinny pushed five of eight wrestlers through, while Pope John's two No. 1 seeds -- Austin Sisco (113) and Noa Merritt (285) -- kept their title hopes alive. Hopatcong's Joe Aumann (106), Lenape Valley's D.J. Barrett (182), Newton's Gus Protogeropoulos (220) and Sparta's Walker Schmitzer (145) also won in the quarters.

Paving the way for coach John Gill's Cougars were the upper weights -- Kieran Gerrity (170), Dylan Wunder (182) and Garrett Armstrong (195). Austin Scrivani (132) and Nick Romyns (152) also moved into the semifinal round.

Romyns avenged his loss in last weekend's District 3 semifinals with a 4-3 win over High Point's Chris Auer -- setting up a Saturday morning showdown with Elling, the top seed. Both were runners-up last year.

Sisco (31-3) had to come off his back early on to score a 9-7 win over dangerous Jefferson freshman Mark Bohn, who hit a nice headlock for five in the first period. He was among two No. 1 seeds, along with Hooker, to fight off their backs early in their bouts.

Protogeropoulos (33-5) maintained his mastery over High Point's Bobby McDonnell with a 7-5 victory -- his third in their three meetings this season. The Newton wrestler needed a takedown with 11 seconds left in the bout to pull it off. That's where he won this one, converting two takedowns in the first period.

4. Usually a lot is made of the seeding process used at regions, but the brackets are certainly holding true through two rounds. All 1s and 2s are in the semifinals, along with 11 No. 3s and nine No. 4s. That leaves five No. 5s and three No. 6s to round out the semis. A total of eight weights have all top four seeds left in the brackets.

Roxbury's Dillon Artigliere (37-0) is among the top seeds still kicking along as he decked Hopatcong's Troy Bongiovanni in the 170-pound quarters. The win extended Artigliere's win streak to 81 dating to 2012 and he was among five Gaels to advance, along with Troy Stanich (106), Devon LaFranco (132), Jake Legotte (138) and Craig Roumes (145).

David McFadden, the top seed at 145, needed just 1:24 to pin Montville's Edward Marucci, as DePaul sent five of its nine quarterfinalists into the semifinals. Joining McFadden are William Kui (120), Matt Noble (126), Brandon Kui (138) and Nick DePalma (182). McFadden is bidding to become the school' second three-time champion, joining former state champion Steve DePetro (1980-82).

Back points


Mendham, which features top seed Sam Button at 182, advanced four to the semifinals -- going 4-for-4 in the quarters -- for what is believed to be the first time in school history. Eric Friedman (138), Aaron Flitcroft (195) and Tim Byrne (220) also won for the Minutemen.

Wayne Hills, which is looking for its first region champion, also had a perfect night as Mojahed Hamdeh (113) and Daniel Kilroy (160) moved on.

Region 1 Hall of Fame inductions will take place Saturday prior to the finals. The Class of 2014 is a good one with former DePaul star Gene Mills, along with Kittatinny's Matt Valenti and former Washington/Warren Hills coach John Goles. Carmine and Sam Rossi will also be inducted during the ceremony. The Class of 2015 also will be announced here on Open Mike after the semifinals.

Phillipsburg was voted the No. 1 team in the region on Friday. High Point and Kittatinny were next, followed by DePaul, Roxbury, Wayne Valley, Warren Hills, Morris Knolls, Jefferson and West Morris round out the top 10.

Phillipsburg has crowned the most champions -- 114 -- in this region since the tournament's inception in 1961. Washington/Warren Hills is next with 52, followed by Randolph with 42, High Point at 41 and Newton at 34. Kittatinny (32) needs one to match Roxbury for sixth place.

Wrestling: Region 1 quarterfinals (LIVE)

Where: Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Hardyston.

Friday schedule: Quarterfinals, 4 p.m. (Doors open at 2:40 p.m.)

Saturday schedule: (Doors open at 7 a.m.): Semifinals, 9 a.m., immediately followed by two rounds of wrestlebacks; third-place consolations approximately 30 minutes after wrestlebacks; championships following consolations.

The top three finishers at each weight class advance to the State Wrestling Championships held March 7-9 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Quarterfinalists by school

High Point 10; DePaul 9; Kittatinny 8; Wayne Valley 8; Phillipsburg 6; Roxbury 6; Warren Hills 6; West Morris 6; Lenape Valley 5; Morris Knolls 5; Sparta 5; Jefferson 4; Mendham 4; Montville 4; Mount Olive 3; Randolph 3; Hopatcong 2; Morris Hills 2; Newton 2; North Warren 2; Pequannock 2; Pope John 2; Wayne Hills 2; West Milford 2; Belvidere 1; Hackettstown 1; Lakeland 1; Pompton Lakes 1; Butler 0; Dover 0; Kinnelon 0; Morris Catholic 0; Vernon 0; Wallkill Valley 0.

(Note: Open Mike area wrestlers in bold):

Action is set to being at 4 p.m. Remember to refresh often for updates.

106 pounds

1-So. Brandon Paetzell (34-1), Phillipsburg, d. Fr. Shane Metzler (27-8), West Morris, 9-2.
4-Jr. Joe Aumann (29-6), Hopatcong, d. 5-Fr. Steve Pocze (28-9), Pequannock, 1-0 UTB.
3-So. Troy Stanich (30-6), Roxbury, d. 6-Sr. Brandon Davis (26-10), Wayne Valley, 7-3.
2-So. Garrett O'Shea (28-3), Morris Knolls, d. 7-Fr. Garrett Gerndt (24-4), Sparta, 6-0.

Notes: Paetzell with the first takedown, 2-0, with 35 seconds left in the first period. Aumann-Pocze scoreless after one period. Paetzell escapes, converts another single-leg attempt for a 5-0 lead with 50 seconds to go in the second period. The Stateliner, who is trying to become the second at his school -- along with Rick Thompson (1970-71) -- to win region titles as a freshman and sophomore, leads, 5-0, after two periods. An escape for Metzler and takedown for Paetzell in the third, 7-1, with 50 seconds to go. Escape for Metzler and a fourth takedown for Paetzell, 9-2, with 25 seconds remaining. Aumann-Pocze in OT, scoreless. Neither able to get out in the rideouts, going to UTB, with Aumann on top. He rides out Pocze to advance. O'Shea up, 6-0, in the third.

113 pounds

1-Sr. Austin Sisco (31-3), Pope John, d. 8-Fr. Mark Bohn (29-9), Jefferson, 9-7.
4-Jr. Dan Kee (31-4), Lakeland, d. 5-Fr. Matt Valli (25-8), Warren Hills, 10-4.
3-Jr. Kyle Flynn (27-6), Pompton Lakes, d. 6-Fr. Richard Reimers (24-10), Roxbury, 6-0.
2-Jr. Mojahed Hamdeh (27-3), Wayne Hills, p. Fr. Kade Loughney (20-16), West Morris, 2:13.

Notes: Bohn nails a headlock almost off the whistle and nearly decks Sisco, who gets an escape and takedown, but trails, 5-3. Sisco hits a dump for two and two near the second-period buzzer, he leads, 7-5, heading into the third. Bohn lets him up, 8-5, near the one-minute mark. Another stall warning on Bohn makes it 9-5. Valli was up 4-1 in the second, but was thrown to his back for four and trails, 5-4, heading into the third period. Valli cuts Kee loose, so it's 6-4. Valli nearly converts a takedown at the egde, but Kee muscles him over for two and two, leads, 10-4. Flynn leads, 3-0, with 56 seconds left in the third period.

120 pounds

1-Jr. A.J. Vindici (34-1), Randolph, d. 8-Fr. Nick Palumbo (19-10), Lenape Valley, 7-2.
5-Jr. Dom Gallo (30-7), High Point, d. 4-So. Nick Klinger (30-7), Kittatinny, 7-2 OT3.
3-Jr. William Kui (28-7), DePaul, d. 6-So. Joe Renne (31-7), Hackettstown, 7-2.
2-Sr. Bryan Damon (34-2), Jefferson, d. 7-Sr. John Schade (22-14), West Morris, 10-3.

Notes: Vindici gets three backs off a cradle near the second-period buzzer, leads, 7-0. Gallo-Klinger scoreless after one period. Gallo escapes, 1-0. Klinger down to start the third. He escapes, tied at 1, with 1:05 left. Klinger nearly took Gallo down twice, but no points. Great scramble! We're going to OT for the second straight meeting. Klinger won in UTB in the District 3 semis. Gallo in deep on a single, but Klinger counters at the edge and nearly puts Gallo to his back for two, but no points. We got to the rideouts! Great match! Gallo escapes, leads, 2-1, after one 30-second session. Klinger escapes, 2-2, but Gallo lifts and takes him down to his back to win it!

126 pounds

1-Jr. Matt Noble (34-2), DePaul, p. Jr. Eddie Medina (28-11), Newton, 2:58.
4-Jr. Dylan Luciano (27-8), West Morris, d. 5-Sr. Christian Silva (23-14), Kittatinny, 9-6.
6-Sr. Matt Vozzo (26-9), Randolph, d. 3-Sr. Matt Ritchie (28-7), North Warren, 4-1.
2-Sr. Tyler Hrycak (29-6), Wayne Valley, d. Jr. Michael Glasser (27-11), Montville, 8-3.

Notes: Noble impressive, physical. Uses a cradle for the FALL! Vozzo up, 2-1, in the third. Lots of confusion at the end of the second period, as Randolph coaches wanted a locked hands call, but neither referee Bob Melillo or assistant Gary Szucs saw it. Vozzo with a takedown at the edge with two seconds left to ice it.

132 pounds

1-Jr. Mike Derin (31-8), High Point, p. 8-Jr. Michael Nigro (24-8), Morris Knolls, 3:07.
4-So. Austin Scrivani (29-7), Kittatinny, d. 5-Jr. Cory Doebel (11-7), DePaul, 8-4.
3-Sr. Devon LaFranco (29-8), Roxbury, d. 6-Sr. Vincent Rigoglioso (23-11), Wayne Valley, 5-1.
2-Jr. Max Nauta (28-5), Warren Hills, p. 7-Jr. Steve Friedman (18-15), Phillipsburg, 1:09.

Notes: Derin, ever dangerous on the mat, puts Nigro on his back for the FALL! Nauta uses a spladle for the FALL! He's now 4-1 all-time vs. Friedman.

138 pounds

1-Jr. Eric Friedman (33-3), Mendham, d. 8-Jr. Corey Zinsmeister (24-9), Phillipsburg, 5-1.
4-Jr. Anthony Fano (35-3), Montville, d. 5-Jr. David Migliaccio (26-9), West Morris, 8-2.
3-Sr. Jake Legotte (25-11), Roxbury, d. 6-Jr. Ian Burke (28-3), Sparta, 5-4.
2-Fr. Brandon Kui (28-10), DePaul, d. 7-Jr. David Zeppetelli (26-10), West Milford, 5-0.

Notes: Great scramble as Zinsmeister was in deep on a single, but Friedman funked out of it. Friedman riding tough with the tight waist, up 2-1, in the second period. Friedman gets a takedown with 24 seconds left, 5-1, that ices it. Legotte up 5-4 in the third period, good one there.

145 pounds

1-Jr. David McFadden (36-1), DePaul, p. 8-So. Edward Marucci (29-10), Montville, 1:24.
5-So. Craig Roumes (21-9), Roxbury, d. 4-Sr. Dylan Kaine (26-7), West Milford, 10-4.
3-Jr. Walker Schmitzer (27-4), Sparta, d. 6-Sr. Tommy Vazzano (26-9), Mount Olive, 14-9.
2-Jr. Jason Gaccione (34-4), High Point, p. 7-Sr. Nick Kratochvil (20-13), Randolph, 3:03.

Notes: McFadden with the quick five-pointer. Makes quick work of his quarterfinal, as he looks to become DePaul's second three-time champion and first since Steve DePetro (1980-82). Schmitzer gets a takedown to go up 10-8 late second period, it's been a battle. He gets another takedown for a 12-8 lead heading into the third period. Gaccione up 6-2 after one period.

152 pounds

1-Jr. Max Elling (33-4), Phillipsburg, d. 8-So. Spencer Carey (30-8), DePaul, 11-5.
5-Sr. Nick Romyns (23-4), Kittatinny, d. 4-Sr. Chris Auer (22-14), High Point, 4-3.
6-Sr. Ronald Spera (30-4), Mount Olive, d. 3-Sr. Anthony Duncan (26-5), Wayne Valley, 3-1.
2-Jr. Luke Bohn (28-3), Jefferson, p. 7-So. Luke Drugac (24-7), Morris Knolls, 1:53.

Notes: Elling gets the first takedown, 2-0, with 35 seconds left in the first period. Elling has put Carey to his back twice -- leads, 7-0, in the second period. Romyns with the early takedown in his third meeting with Auer, who scored the upset win in the District 3 semifinals. Romyns up, 2-1, in the second period and on top. Auer out, it's 2-2, heading into the third period. Romyns gets a reversal to make it 4-2 before Auer escapes, 4-3. Spera gets a takedown with one second left on the clock to win it.

160 pounds

1-Sr. Tommy Hooker (23-11), High Point, p. 8-Sr. Anel Kadiric (19-9), Mount Olive, 4:13.
5-So. Daniel Kilroy (26-4), Wayne Hills, d. 4-Sr. Nick Carey (24-12), DePaul, 5-3.
3-Sr. Steve Acevedo (26-6), Morris Hills, d. Jr. Joe LaBell (23-10), Lenape Valley, 3-1.
2-So. Dean Drugac (31-2), Morris Knolls, md. 7-Sr. Ryan Ostir (18-12), Warren Hills, 9-0.

Notes: Kadiric puts Hooker to his back, but no points, and Hooker comes off for a reversal and gets two quick backs to lead, 7-3, after one period. Kadiric gets a takedown to make it 9-6 with 30 seconds left, he'd be best served to keep this match neutral. Hooker up by three heading into the third period and they're on their feet. Hooker gets a takedown and right into a cradle for the FALL!

170 pounds

1-Sr. Dillon Artigliere (37-0), Roxbury, p. 8-Sr. Troy Bongiovanni (23-14), Hopatcong, 1:31.
4-Jr. Kevin Merle (28-8), Belvidere, p. 5-So. Al Falco (21-10), Sparta, 3:02.
3-Sr. Kieran Gerrity (34-3), Kittatinny, p. 6-Sr. Zach D'Apolito (26-7), Wayne Valley, 5:35.
2-Sr. Jake Kocsis (35-2), Phillipsburg, p. Sr. Colby Brands (19-18), High Point, 1:30.

Notes: Artigliere with career win No. 151. He's looking to become the third Roxbury wrestler to win three region titles. Kocsis with the opening takedown, 2-0. Merle goes one up on Falco in their series this season after dropping the first of their meetings, 10-7, on Dec. 21. Merle followed up with pins in the last two encounters. All pins tonight at this weight class.

182 pounds

1-Sr. Sam Button (35-1), Mendham, tf. 8-Sr. Steve Cleaver (21-9), Warren Hills, 15-0, 5:20.
4-Sr. Dylan Wunder (28-9), Kittatinny, p. 5-Sr. Jose Delgado (22-7), Morris Hills, 1:46.
3-Jr. D.J. Barrett (29-5), Lenape Valley, md. 6-Sr. Tyler Zimmerman (27-11), Jefferson, 14-0.
2-Jr. Nick DePalma (32-5), DePaul, md. 7-Sr. Antonio Porraspita (25-13), High Point, 11-1.

Notes: Button with a double arm bar for back points, leads, 7-0, after one period. He works Cleaver for a technical fall win -- solid performance. DePalma with the takedown, 2-0, turns Porraspita with a nearside cradle near the buzzer -- 5-0. DePalma adds another takedown in the second and three backs with a tilt near the one-minute mark -- 9-0.

195 pounds

1-Sr. Kyle Stoll (33-5), High Point, p. 8-Jr. Luke Nappi (25-8), Morris Knolls, 2:40.
4-Jr. Aaron Flitcroft (24-8), Mendham, d. 5-Jr. Joe Maso (24-8), Phillipsburg, 5-1 SV.
3-Sr. Garrett Armstrong (31-7), Kittatinny, d. 6-Jr. Gavin Lally (25-7), Sparta, 4-0.
2-Sr. Anthony Landberg (30-2), Wayne Valley, d. 7-So. Sam Palumbo (19-13), Lenape Valley, 7-3.

Notes: Stoll gets the first takedown, 2-0. He moves a step closer to a second Region 1 finals appearance, winning this weight last year. Maso escapes to start the third period, 1-1, as was the case in their District 1 final on Saturday. Flitcroft takes Maso down to his back for two and two to win it.

220 pounds

1-Sr. Jesse Windt (34-1), West Morris, p. 8-So. Ralph Hall (19-12), Lenape Valley, 1:11.
4-Jr. Tim Byrne (22-3), Mendham, p. 5-Sr. Ryan Witner (22-11), Warren Hills, 5:25.
3-Jr. Gus Protogeropoulos (33-5), Newton, d. 6-Sr. Bobby McDonnell (23-16), High Point, 7-5.
2-Sr. Justin Walker (32-2), Wayne Valley, d. 7-So. Scott Lavelle (24-7), DePaul, 5-2.

Notes: Protogeropoulos gets behind at the edge for a takedown, 2-0, and stands McDonnell up right away, 2-1. Another takedown at the edge, 4-1. It's clear that Newton has a game plan to keep this neutral. McDonnell is tough on top. McDonnell on bottom to start the second, Protogeropoulos gives the escape, 4-3. McDonnell spins behind for a takedown with 1:22 left, he leads, 5-4. Protogeropoulos hit with a questionable stall call with eight seconds left. He trails, 5-4, after two periods and takes bottom to start the third. He's out to tie it at 5 with 1:45 to go. Protogeropoulos with the nice throw by as they go out of bounds -- no points. Protogeropoulos gets the takedown with 11 seconds left to win it. Good match.

285 pounds

1-Sr. Noa Merritt (26-0), Pope John, p. 8-Sr. Tom Smith (26-10), Kittatinny, 3:54.
5-Sr. Christian Campbell (13-12), High Point, p. 4-Jr. Will O'Connell (25-7), North Warren, 3:22.
6-Sr. Joe Fierro (23-9), Pequannock, d. 3-Sr. Ethan Fox (30-7), Montville, 2-1 UTB.
2-Jr. Andrew Pacheco (31-2), Warren Hills, p. 7-Sr. Austin Behrens (21-10), Wayne Valley, :25.

Notes: Campbell and O'Connell going at it early on. Campbell up, 6-1.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Wrestling: Ten quarterfinals to watch at Region 1

Here are ten quarterfinal matchups you don't want to miss on Friday at Walkill Valley Regional High School. And that's part of the beauty of only having two mats to focus on.

120 pounds

4-So. Nick Klinger (30-6), Kittatinny, vs. 5-Jr. Dom Gallo (29-7), High Point.
3-Jr. William Kui (27-7), DePaul, vs. 6-So. Joe Renne (31-6), Hackettstown.

Notes: Gallo really took it to Klinger in their first meeting this season -- a 5-2 victory on Jan. 24 -- before Klinger turned the tables with a 3-2 win in triple-overtime on Saturday in the District 3 semifinals. Gallo, who finished fourth here at 106 last year, was very close to getting out in that final period. This weight class is absolutely stacked, as the winner will likely get Randolph's A.J. Vindici in Saturday's semifinals. Renne, who has two losses to Klinger this season, faces a tough task against Kui, who has two wins over Klinger and finished third at 106 last season. The Kui-Renne winner likely gets Jefferson's Bryan Damon in the semis.

126 pounds

4-Jr. Dylan Luciano (26-8), West Morris, vs. 5-Sr. Christian Silva (23-13), Kittatinny.

Notes: Silva, who won his first District 3 title on Saturday, will try to make it two wins over Luciano after posting a 5-4 win when they met in a dual meet on Jan. 25. The fact that this a 5-4 matchup speaks to the depth of this weight class. Both were quarterfinalists and fifth/sixth finishers at 113 last year. The Cougars are looking for their first champ since Clarke Moynihan in 2012.

138 pounds

3-Sr. Jake Legotte (24-11), Roxbury, vs. 6-Jr. Ian Burke (28-2), Sparta.

Notes: Legotte was a runner-up at 132 last season, while Burke was one-and-done in two previous appearances in this tournament. Burke ended the Spartans' title drought at District 3, becoming the school's first champion since 2007. Now, he looks to become its first region winner since 2006. Roxbury has 33 champs in its fine history, the sixth-most in this region.

152 pounds

4-Sr. Chris Auer (22-13), High Point, vs. 5-Sr. Nick Romyns (22-4), Kittatinny.

Notes: Round III here, as Auer pulled off a stunning 3-2 win in triple-overtime on Saturday in the District 3 semifinals. Romyns, a runner-up at 145 last year who was denied in his bid for a third district title, scored an 8-2 win over Auer in their first meeting on Jan. 24. The gym should be electric as the fans of these two rival schools cheer on their wrestler. High Point's total of 41 champs is one shy of matching Randolph for third-most in this region.

160 pounds

4-Sr. Nick Carey (24-11), DePaul, vs. 5-So. Daniel Kilroy (25-4), Wayne Hills.

Notes: Fourth meeting this season between these rivals, with Carey holding a 2-1 lead in the series. Kilroy decked Carey on Jan. 4, but dropped decisions -- 6-4 in OT and 8-5 -- in the last two matchups, the latter in the District 4 finals. Both were quarterfinalists last season. DePaul's first region champion, Gene Mills (1974), will be inducted into the Region 1 Hall of Fame on Saturday. Wayne Hills has never had a champ.

170 pounds

4-Jr. Kevin Merle (27-8), Belvidere, vs. 5-So. Al Falco (21-9), Sparta.

Notes: Third installment here. Merle, a transfer from Stroudsburg (Pa.), was welcomed to New Jersey with a 10-7 loss to Falco in his first match on Dec. 21. Seven days later, Merle turned the tables by decking Falco in a dual meet. Falco qualified last year at 160 and exited in the opening round.

195 pounds

4-Jr. Aaron Flitcroft (23-8), Mendham, vs. 5-Jr. Joe Maso (24-7), Phillipsburg.

Notes: Rematch of the District 1 final, won by Flitcroft, 3-1. With the bout tied at 1 in the third period, Flitcroft bulled his way in for a double-leg takedown with 14 seconds left on the clock to secure the victory at The Pit. Maso, a two-time district runner-up, needed a takedown in sudden victory to beat Belvidere's Ryan Stephen in the opening round on Wednesday.

220 pounds

3-Jr. Gus Protogeropoulos (32-5), Newton, vs. 6-Sr. Bobby McDonnell (23-15), High Point.

Notes: Protogeropoulos is 2-0 in championship matchups vs. McDonnell this season -- 4-3 in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex final and 5-2 in the District 3 final. McDonnell was second at this weight class last season, while Protogeropoulos, a natural 195-pounder, exited in the opening round. He's bidding to become Newton's 35th champion.

285 pounds

4-Jr. Will O'Connell (25-6), North Warren, vs. 5-Sr. Christian Campbell (12-12), High Point.

Notes: Everyone is anticipating a final between the top two seeds -- Pope John's Noa Merritt and Warren Hills' Andrew Pacheco -- but Campbell is a bit of a wild card at this weight. After splitting time with fellow senior Gunny Wassong (a two-time district placewinner), Campbell reached his first District 3 final Saturday, where he was decked by Merritt. Earlier this season, Campbell lost 6-5 to Merritt in the UTB.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Wrestling: Region 1 preliminary round recap, tidbits

With one round of the Region 1 Tournament in the books, let's take a look at some of the highlights from Wednesday night's action:

1. District 3 advanced the most wrestlers with 17 of 28 winning to reach the quarterfinals. High Point paved the way by pushing seven of nine through the opening round, as Dom Gallo (126), Mike Derin (132), Chris Auer (152), Colby Brands (170), Antonio Porraspita (182), Bobby McDonnell (220) and Christian Campbell (285) won for the Wildcats, who have a tournament-best 10 wrestlers alive in the quarters.

Derin (30-8), who worked Montville's David Eng for a 10-2 major, was the only one of eight returning champions in action on opening night. Derin finished second in D3, his first finals loss in three appearances. Campbell, making his Region 1 debut, used a cradle to deck Phillipsburg freshman Robert Melise in 1:16. Must be something that coach John Gardner's team likes about this round, as the 'Cats went 6-for-7 in the prelims last year.

District 1 was next with 15 winners, followed by District 2 with 13 and District 4 with 11.

West Morris aided D1 by following up last year's tremendous opening round by going 5-for-6 -- including freshman Kade Loughney's upset of the night, as he knocked off No. 7 seed Trevor Morales of Newton, 6-4, at 113 pounds. Shane Metzler (106), John Schade (120), Dylan Luciano (126) and David Migliaccio (138) also won for coach Ken Rossi's Wolfpack.

2. Phillipsburg and Warren Hills helped carry the flag for District 1, combining to send five wrestlers into the quarterfinals. The Stateliners went 3-for-4, as Steve Friedman (132), Corey Zinsmeister (138) and Joe Maso (195) were victorious, while Steve Cleaver (182) and Ryan Witner (220) won for the Blue Streaks. Maso needed a takedown in sudden victory for a 5-3 win over Belvidere's Ryan Stephen, while Cleaver put Mount Olive's Anthony Colabella to his back twice in a 7-5 victory.

It was a rough night for Belvidere, which went 1-for-6, as junior Kevin Merle advanced by decking Warren Hills' Kurt Nemeth in 2:38 at 170 pounds. Merle was turned twice with legs, but caught Nemeth riding high both times.

3. Let's take a look at how the top eight seeds fared in the opening round. There were three No. 7s to fall, including Morales, along with one No. 6 and one No. 8. A No. 5, Dylan Sullivan of Morris Hills, bowed out by not making weight.

Warren Hills junior Austin Pidoto was one of the No. 7 seeds ousted -- 4-2 by Montville's Michael Glasser.

4. Sparta continues its tremendous postseason by going 3-for-4 in the opening round, as Walker Schmitzer (145), Al Falco (170) and Gavin Lally (195) reached the quarterfinals. District 3 champs Garrett Gerndt (106) and Ian Burke (138) had the night off. The Spartans are looking for their first Region 1 champion since Phil Takacs-Senske won the 189-pound title in 2006.

Schmitzer (26-4), the No. 3 seed, decked Newton freshman Jake DeLuca in 3:07, while Falco (21-9) pinned Morris Hills' Jamie Tehuitzil in 4:19. Lally (25-6) made it 3-for-3 in falls by flattening DePaul's Adam Schlereth in 1:19.

Crosstown rival Pope John, which hasn't had a champ since 2004, has two No. 1 seeds in Austin Sisco (113) and Noa Merritt (285). The Lions went 0-for-2 on Wednesday, as Ryan Luchs (106) and Anthony Azzartti (132) dropped decisions.

5. Kittatinny and Hopatcong were among the local teams that had a perfect opening round -- combining to go 6-0.

The Cougars sent Nick Klinger (120), Nick Romyns (152), Garrett Armstrong (195) and Tom Smith (285) on through to the next round, while Joe Aumann (106) and Troy Bongiovanni (170) won as the Chiefs' lone qualifiers.

Romyns, a runner-up at 145 last year, worked Pequannock's David Iodice for a technical fall win -- 19-3 in 4:47. Bongiovanni horsed over Butler's Jonathan Crefeld for a pin in 1:15.

Back points


There were only 16 pins through the first 11 weights before the tournament closed with seven in the final three classes at 195, 220 and 285.  Morris Knolls' Luke Nappi had the quickest pin -- 32 seconds against Kinnelon's David LoCascio at 195. Wayne Valley's Justin Walker was next with a 49-second fall over Morris Hills' Derrick Kritz at 220.

High Point boasts three of the eight returning champions in this year's field -- Derin, Jason Gaccione (145) and Kyle Stoll (195). The Sussex County school's total of 41 champs, trails only Phillipsburg (114), Washington/Warren Hills (52) and Randolph (42), which hasn't had a winner since 2008.

Phillipsburg's Brandon Paetzell (106) and Warren Hills' Max Nauta (132) are also on the list of 2013 champions. Paetzell is looking to become just the second Stateliner to win titles in his freshman and sophomore seasons -- joining Rick Thompson (who won two of his three titles in 1970-71).

Roxbury went 1-for-3 in the opening round, as Troy Stanich (106) joined District 2 champions Richard Reimers (113), Devon LaFranco (132), Jake Legotte (138), Craig Roumes (145) and Dillon Artigliere (170) in the quarterfinals. Artigliere (36-0), one of only two unbeaten wrestlers in the tournament and riding an 80-match win streak, is looking to become the Gaels' third three-time champion, along with Bill Henderson (1963-65) and Tom Sloand (1975-77).

Morris Hills' Jose Delgado was a late addition -- replacing Roxbury's Peter Sutton at 182 -- and made the most of his opportunity. Delgado, who finished fourth in District 2, decked Wayne Valley's Sebastian Hull in 5:20 to advance.

Wrestling: Region 1 preliminary round (LIVE)

Welcome to Wallkill Valley Regional High School in Hardyston Township (not Hamburg) where we kick off the Region 1 Tournament for the 32nd time here at Richard C. Mirshak Memorial Gymnasium.

There was a change at 182 pounds that forced the bracket to be re-seeded, as Morris Hills senior Jose Delgado, who was fourth in District 2, enters the field in place of Roxbury's Peter Sutton. Delgado assumes the No. 5 seed. See below for the updated first-round pairings.

In another change involving Morris Hills, senior Dylan Sullivan (missed weight), who was the No. 5 seed, is out at 126. Here are the new seeds: 1. Noble, 2. Hrycak, 3. Ritchie, 4. Luciano, 5. Silva, 6. Vozzo, 7. Pidoto, 8. Medina.

Action is set to begin at 5 p.m. So sit back and enjoy as we update you on all the results and major happenings during tonight's round. Remember to refresh often.

Click this handy link for coverage of the other region tournaments:

http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/onthemat/2014/02/26/njwwa-live-region-coverage/

Qualifiers by school

High Point 12; DePaul 10; Wayne Valley 10; Roxbury 9; Kittatinny 8; Morris Knolls 8; Warren Hills 8; Jefferson 7; Morris Hills 7; Phillipsburg 7; West Morris 7; Belvidere 6; Lenape Valley 6; Pequannock 6; Sparta 6; Montville 5; Mount Olive 5; Newton 5; Mendham 4; North Warren 4; Pompton Lakes 4; Pope John 4; Randolph 4; Wayne Hills 4; West Milford 3; Butler 2; Hopatcong 2; Kinnelon 2; Hackettstown 1; Lakeland 1; Morris Catholic 1; Dover 0; Vernon 0; Wallkill Valley 0.

106 pounds

Fr. Shane Metzler (27-7), West Morris, d. 8-Fr. Scott Smith (25-12), Kinnelon, 6-2.
4-Jr. Joe Aumann (28-6), Hopatcong, md. Fr. Chase Babus (16-20), High Point, 10-0.
3-So. Troy Stanich (29-6), Roxbury, p. Fr. Shane Murphy (22-10), Mount Olive, 2:49.
6-Sr. Brandon Davis (26-9), Wayne Valley, d. Fr. Ryan Luchs (17-7), Pope John, 5-2.

Notes: Aumann tilts Babus late for three backs and the major. Metzler dominates Smith to advance to Friday's quarterfinals. District 3 goes 0-2, while D2 goes 2-0.

113 pounds

8-Fr. Mark Bohn (29-8), Jefferson, p. Jr. Austin Perrault (16-15), Morris Knolls, 2:42.
4-Jr. Dan Kee (30-4), Lakeland, p. Sr. Gene Prisco (15-12), Morris Hills, 3:38.
3-Jr. Kyle Flynn (26-6), Pompton Lakes, md. Jr. James Smith (16-18), Belvidere, 12-2.
Fr. Kade Loughney (20-15), West Morris, d. 7-Jr. Trevor Morales (31-7), Newton, 6-4.

Notes: Flynn was in trouble at the buzzer, leading, 2-0, but on his back. No points for Smith. Smith made it 5-2 with a reversal in the third, but gave up the escape and was taken down by Flynn, who added three backs to pull away. Loughney with the early takedown and a 2-0 lead after one period. Morales gets the reversal to tie it, then gets two backs off a cradle to make it 4-2 after two periods. Loughney takes bottom and gets two and two off a peterson for 6-4 lead. Upset brewing here. The No. 7 seed falls. Morales was picked by a few, including myself to reach the finals.

120 pounds

8-Fr. Nick Palumbo (19-9), Lenape Valley, p. Jr. Gino Fluri (24-12), North Warren, 5:27.
5-Jr. Dom Gallo (29-7), High Point, d. So. Tanner Morgan (16-17), Roxbury, 7-0.
4-So. Nick Klinger (30-6), Kittatinny, md. So. Jared Inglett (16-13), Wayne Hills, 12-3.
7-Sr. John Schade (22-13), West Morris, d. Fr. Sal Puglisi (20-14), Pompton Lakes, 7-3.

Notes: Fluri up 5-4 heading into the third. He cuts Palumbo loose to tie it and Palumbo gets the go-ahead takedown with 1:10 to go. Palumbo locks up a tight nearside cradle for the FALL! Schade up 4-2 heading into the third period. Klinger cruising on the adjacent mat. Schade gets a takedown with one minute left to make it 7-2.

126 pounds

8-Jr. Eddie Medina (28-10), Newton, d. Sr. Matt Tripodi (28-9), Jefferson, 6-0.
6-Jr. Dylan Luciano (26-8), West Morris, p. Sr. Michael Rosalia (20-12), Butler, 2:27.
Jr. Michael Glasser (27-10), Montville, d. 7-Jr. Austin Pidoto (19-15), Warren Hills, 4-2.
2-Sr. Tyler Hrycak (28-6), Wayne Valley, bye.

Notes: Morris Hills' Dylan Sullivan did not make weight, so this class was re-seeded. As a result, Hrycak receives a first-round bye. After some debate between the Butler coaches and the officials regarding Rosalia's start on top -- an rarely seen move in which he reaches over the back of the opponent crossarm -- Luciano hips over and gets the fall.

132 pounds

1-Jr. Mike Derin (30-8), High Point, md. So. David Eng (15-16), Montville, 10-2.
8-Jr. Michael Nigro (24-7), Morris Knolls, d. So. Alex Zangrilli (14-6), Pequannock, 2-0.
6-Sr. Vincent Rigoglioso (23-10), Wayne Valley, d. Jr. Anthony Azzartti (17-13), Pope John, 4-1.
7-Jr. Steve Friedman (18-14), Phillipsburg, md. Jr. Mike Oros (17-17), West Morris, 10-2.

Notes: Derin leads 2-0 after one period. He's the only one among eight returning champions wrestling tonight after a loss in the District 3 finals. Friedman gets a takedown and two backs off a tilt for a 4-0 lead after one period. Friedman out to start the second, 5-0. Another takedown with 25 seconds left in the second period makes it 7-0.

138 pounds

8-Jr. Corey Zinsmeister (24-8), Phillipsburg, p. Sr. Niko Grello (24-14), Newton, 1:41.
5-Jr. David Migliaccio (26-8), West Morris, d. Jr. Ryan Cullen (17-15), High Point, 3-1.
4-Jr. Anthony Fano (34-3), Montville, d. Jr. Kyle Weis (19-16), Morris Knolls, 10-3.
2-Fr. Brandon Kui (27-10), DePaul, p. Fr. Chris Grecco (19-13), Pompton Lakes, 4:53.

Notes: Zinsmeister uses a cradle to deck Grello, who was making his return to regions after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. Grello was third in District 3 as a sophomore and second this season. Migliaccio gets the takedown with two seconds left on the clock in the first period. Cullen escaped in the second, but trails, 2-1, heading into the third period. That first takedown here always big. Migliaccio moving on.

145 pounds

8-So. Edward Marucci (29-9), Montville, p. Sr. John Rondi (20-13), Wayne Valley, 5:32.
4-Sr. Dylan Kaine (26-6), West Milford, d. Sr. John Norgard (15-12), North Warren, 8-6.
3-Jr. Walker Schmitzer (26-4), Sparta, p. Fr. Jake DeLuca (8-9), Newton, 3:07.
7-Sr. Nick Kratochvil (20-12), Randolph, d. Jr. Kenny Kane (19-11), Belvidere, 3-2.

Notes: Schmitzer one of six Sparta wrestlers to qualify. Spartans have not had a Region 1 champ since 2006 -- Phil Takacs-Senske at 189 pounds. Schmitzer up 2-0 after one period. Reversal in the second and puts DeLuca to his back for the FALL! Kane trails, 3-2, in the second.

152 pounds

8-So. Spencer Carey (30-7), DePaul, d. So. Tommy Miller (23-11), Roxbury, 7-2.
5-Sr. Nick Romyns (22-4), Kittatinny, tf. Jr. David Iodice (26-10), Pequannock, 19-3, 4:47.
4-Sr. Chris Auer (22-13), High Point, p. Jr. Rene Sousa (13-13), Belvidere, 5:27.
6-Sr. Ronald Spera (29-4), Mount Olive, d. Sr. Dominic LaBell (25-9), Lenape Valley, 5-1.

Notes: Auer with the opening takedown and later gets two backs at the buzzer, 4-0, after one period. County Seaters with six qualifiers -- their most since 2002. Romyns rolling on the adjacent mat, working toward a technical fall. Auer up, 8-1, after two periods. LaBell up, 1-0, in the second period. Tough match from the onset. Tied at 1 in the third, Spera gets a takedown and two backs with 30 seconds to go for a 5-1 lead.

160 pounds

8-Sr. Anel Kadiric (19-8), Mount Olive, p. Jr. David Harris (25-9), Belvidere, 3:55.
5-So. Daniel Kilroy (25-4), Wayne Hills, p. Sr. Frank Avallone (17-10), Jefferson, 1:38.
3-Sr. Steve Acevedo (25-6), Morris Hills, md. Jr. Nathan Sowers (12-10), Sparta, 12-2.
Jr. Joe LaBell (23-9), Lenape Valley, d. 6-So. Christian Dalcais (24-7), West Milford, 3-1.

Notes: Tough night so far for Belvidere, which is now 0-for-4 in this round. Kilroy makes quick work of Avallone with the first-period pin. Wayne Hills has never had a region champion.

170 pounds

8-Sr. Troy Bongiovanni (23-13), Hopatcong, p. Jr. Jonathan Crefeld (21-13), Butler, 1:15.
5-So. Al Falco (21-9), Sparta, p. Sr. Jamie Tehuitzil (12-9), Morris Hills, 4:19.
4-Jr. Kevin Merle (27-8), Belvidere, p. So. Kurt Nemeth (3-4), Warren Hills, 2:38.
Sr. Colby Brands (19-17), High Point, d. 7-Sr. Corey Flynn (19-10), Pompton Lakes, 16-3.

Notes: Bongiovanni muscles Crefeld to his back for the FALL! Falco up 4-1 after two periods. Escapes and gets a quick takedown, 7-1, before getting the FALL! Nemeth got the opening takedown, but got caught riding high with legs, reversed and put to his back -- Merle up 5-2 after one period. Same scenario in the second period, Merle reverses and gets the FALL!

182 pounds

8-Sr. Steve Cleaver (21-8), Warren Hills, d. Sr. Anthony Colabella (24-9), Mount Olive, 7-5.
5-Sr. Jose Delgado (22-6), Morris Hills, p. Sr. Sebastian Hull (18-13), Wayne Valley, 5:20.
6-Sr. Tyler Zimmerman (27-10), Jefferson, d. Jr. Payton Campbell (19-12), Morris Knolls, 5-1.
7-Sr. Antonio Porraspita (25-12), High Point, md. So. Patrick Daly (28-8), Pequannock, 8-0.

Notes: Colabella with a dump and two backs for an early 4-0 lead. Cleaver out with one second left in the first, 4-1. Cleaver puts Colabella to his back for three to tie it -- nearly decks him. Tied at 4 after two, Cleaver on bottom. Three more backs and Cleaver leads, 7-4. First winner for the Streaks in three attempts tonight. Delgado getting a reprieve here -- Roxbury's Peter Sutton withdrew from this weight -- after finishing fourth in District 2. Delgado is up, 2-0, after one period. Porraspita nursing a 2-0 lead late second period.

195 pounds

8-Jr. Luke Nappi (25-7), Morris Knolls, p. So. David LoCascio (29-9), Kinnelon, :32.
5-Jr. Joe Maso (24-7), Phillipsburg, d. Jr. Ryan Stephen (12-7), Belvidere, 5-3 SV.
3-Sr. Garrett Armstrong (30-7), Kittatinny, p. Sr. Andrew Clifford (9-6), Morris Hills, 1:23.
6-Jr. Gavin Lally (25-6), Sparta, p. So. Adam Schlereth (16-15), DePaul, 1:19.

Notes: We've had very few pins tonight -- 16 through 182 pounds -- but three quick ones here. Maso clinging to a 3-2 lead with 37 seconds left in the third period. He's on top. Stephen escapes with 17 seconds left to tie it and force OT. Maso gets the takedown on the edge with 26 seconds left to win it.

220 pounds

5-Sr. Ryan Witner (22-10), Warren Hills, d. Sr. Pat Vidal (22-8), Morris Catholic, 10-9.
4-Jr. Tim Byrne (21-3), Mendham, md. Sr. Robert Hajnos (27-9), Jefferson, 9-1.
6-Sr. Bobby McDonnell (23-15), High Point, p. Sr. Spencer Ochner (26-7), Pequannock, 5-2.
2-Sr. Justin Walker (31-2), Wayne Valley, p. Sr. Derrick Kritz (17-12), Morris Hills, :49.

Notes: McDonnell up 3-2 and Witner leads 6-4 in the third period. Tight ones. Witner with a reversal, cut Vidal loose, Vidal goes for a headlock, gives up the takedown, but gets one late.

285 pounds

8-Sr. Tom Smith (26-9), Kittatinny, d. Jr. David Vargas (19-6), Randolph, 4-1.
5-Sr. Christian Campbell (12-12), High Point, p. Fr. Robert Melise (5-6), Phillipsburg, 1:16.
4-Jr. Will O'Connell (25-6), North Warren, p. Sr. Chris Lohmann (9-7), Wayne Hills, 2:30.
7-Sr. Austin Behrens (21-9), Wayne Valley, d. Sr. John Reyes (12-15), Morris Hills, 8-4.

Notes: Campbell avoids the early roll attempt and secures the FALL with a cradle. P'burg goes 3-1 on the night.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Wrestling: Region 1 preview, predictions

Where: Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Hardyston.

Wednesday schedulePreliminaries, 5 p.m. (Doors open at 3 p.m.).

Friday schedule: Quarterfinals, 4 p.m. (Doors open at 2:40 p.m.)

Saturday schedule: (Doors open at 7 a.m.): Semifinals, 9 a.m., immediately followed by two rounds of wrestlebacks; third-place consolations approximately 30 minutes after wrestlebacks; championships following consolations.

The top three finishers at each weight class advance to the State Wrestling Championships held March 7-9 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Returning champions (8): Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg (106); Tyler Hrycak, Wayne Valley (126); Max Nauta, Warren Hills (132); Mike Derin, High Point (132); Jason Gaccione, High Point (145); David McFadden, DePaul (145); Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury (170); Kyle Stoll, High Point (195).

Qualifiers by school

High Point 12; DePaul 10; Wayne Valley 10; Roxbury 9; Kittatinny 8; Morris Knolls 8; Warren Hills 8; Jefferson 7; Morris Hills 7; Phillipsburg 7; West Morris 7; Belvidere 6; Lenape Valley 6; Pequannock 6; Sparta 6; Montville 5; Mount Olive 5; Newton 5; Mendham 4; North Warren 4; Pompton Lakes 4; Pope John 4; Randolph 4; Wayne Hills 4; West Milford 3; Butler 2; Hopatcong 2; Kinnelon 2; Hackettstown 1; Lakeland 1; Morris Catholic 1; Dover 0; Vernon 0; Wallkill Valley 0.

106 -- 1. Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg; 2. Garrett O'Shea, Morris Knolls; 3. Troy Stanich, Roxbury.

Notes: Paetzell earned a 4-3 decision over O'Shea en route to winning the title last year. Since December, the Stateliner has steamrolled the competition. Of his 33 wins, Paetzell has 15 pins, six technical falls and five majors. He's looking to join Rick Thompson (1970-71) as the only P'burg wrestlers to win region titles in their freshman and sophomore seasons. O'Shea, who lost his first wrestleback to finish 5/6, has a pair of wins over Stanich this season -- 4-1 and 3-1. Stanich has wins over Hopatcong's Joe Aumann and Pequannock's Steve Pocze. P'burg has produced the most champs in this region with 114.

113 -- 1. Matt Valli, Warren Hills; 2. Trevor Morales, Newton; 3. Austin Sisco, Pope John.

Notes: Valli has been rolling of late and is really solid on his feet. That wins matches at this time of the year. Sisco is a huge 113-pounder and won his first District 3 title on Saturday, beating Morales, 4-2, in the final. Valli did not meet either at Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex, but did beat Roxbury's Richard Reimers, 9-1, in the North 2, Group 3 sectional final. Reimers beat Morales, 7-2, om Jan. 18. Look for Morales to turn that around this time as both semifinals should be outstanding.

120 -- 1. A.J. Vindici, Randolph; 2. Bryan Damon, Jefferson; 3. William Kui, DePaul.

Notes: Vindici, looking to become Randolph's first champ since 2008, has been the one to beat here all season until Damon made the drop from 126. They finished 2-3 at 113 last year, with Damon losing to Warren Hills' Max Nauta in the final, and 3-5 in the state, as Vindici took the bronze in AC. The rest of a loaded field features Kui (third at 106 last year), High Point's Dom Gallo (fourth at 106) and talented sophomores Nick Klinger of Kittatinny and Joe Renne of Hackettstown. Gallo and Klinger have split this season.

126 -- 1. Matt Noble, DePaul; 2. Tyler Hrycak, Wayne Valley; 3. Matt Ritchie, North Warren

Notes: Noble, who finished third in Region 5 last year for Bridgewater-Raritan, has beaten Hrycak three times this season -- 3-1, 5-3 and 9-4 in the District 4 final. Hrycak has victories over Ritchie and Kittatinny's Christian Silva, the D3 champ. Tough draw for Silva with Hrycak in the same quarter, while Ritchie should get through to the semis to face Hrycak, last year's champ at 120. North Warren has only two region champs in its history -- Joe Casella in 2001 and Kevin Brown in 2009.

132 -- 1. Max Nauta, Warren Hills; 2. Mike Derin, High Point; 3. Devon LaFranco, Roxbury.

Notes: Stacked weight class with two returning champs in the top-seeded Derin -- last year's 132-pound winner -- and No. 2 Nauta -- the champ at 113. That would be a great final between awesomely talented mat wrestlers. LaFranco dropped a 6-2 decision to Nauta on Feb. 15 and owns a 5-2 win over Kittatinny's Austin Scrivani, the No. 4 seed here, who avenged a 13-6 loss to Derin with a 3-0 victory in the District 3 finals.

138 -- 1. Eric Friedman, Mendham; 2. Brandon Kui, DePaul; 3. Jake Legotte, Roxbury.

Notes: Friedman was impressive in winning the District 1 title and is the top seed here. Legotte, who lost to Friedman, 3-2 in UTB, earlier this season has a tough road in the bottom half. Kui, the No. 2 seed, has beaten Legotte, a runner-up at 132 last year, twice this season -- 5-2 and 9-1. Friedman beat Kui, 5-0, on Dec. 27. Sparta's Ian Burke and West Milford's David Zeppetelli, who pinned Kui in 5:59 in the D4 finals, also lurk in the bottom half.

145 -- 1. David McFadden, DePaul; 2. Jason Gaccione, High Point; 3. Craig Roumes, Roxbury.

Notes: McFadden, seeking a third straight title, has won at 113 and 126. He makes another major move up in weight class, where he should meet up with last year's 145-pound champ Gaccione. That final is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. McFadden (35-1) is the more technically sound wrestler, but Gaccione, a junior who got his 100th win in the District 3 finals, excels under the spotlight. The race for third place is somewhat open.

152 -- 1. Max Elling, Phillipsburg; 2. Luke Bohn, Jefferson; 3. Nick Romyns, Kittatinny.

Notes: Tough weight to handicap. Elling was the runner-up at 138 last year, while Romyns finished second at 145. Bohn (27-3), who won the District 3 title, finished third at 152 here in 2013. Also in the upper half with Elling and Romyns is High Point's Chris Auer, who stunned Romyns, 3-2 in triple-OT, in the D3 semifinals. Elling is the most dangerous wrestler in this field and is really hot of late. Wayne Valley's Anthony Duncan, the No. 3 seed, beat Auer 2-1 on Feb. 1.

160 -- 1. Dean Drugac, Morris Knolls; 2. Nick Carey, DePaul; 3. Tommy Hooker, High Point.

Notes: Drugac (30-2) has one loss to an NJSIAA opponent this season -- 11-4 to Hooker on Jan. 14. That win gave Hooker the top seed here, but that's before sustaining a fractured ankle. Give him credit, Hooker gave a gutsy effort in winning the District 3 title. But this tournament is a real grinder, so we'll see how he holds up. Carey is in the upper half with Hooker and that will be a very good semifinal, provided Carey gets past a likely quarterfinal meeting with No. 5 Daniel Kilroy of Wayne Hills.

170 -- 1. Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury; 2. Jake Kocsis, Phillipsburg; 3. Kieran Gerrity, Kittatinny.

Notes: Clearly the best wrestler in the tournament, Artigliere (36-0) seeks a third Region 1 title and is one of just two unbeaten wrestlers in the field. Only two Roxbury wrestlers -- Bill Henderson (1963-65) and Tom Sloand (1975-77) -- have won three region titles. Artigliere, last year's 160-pound state champ, who is 150-8 overall. also is riding an 80-match unbeaten streak dating to a 6-0 loss to Kittatinny's Clarke Moynihan in the 2012 state consolation semis. Kocsis, third at 160 last year, is a tough customer and is having an excellent season. He should meet up with Gerrity in the semifinals -- a rematch of the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex final won by Kocsis, 5-3.

182 -- 1. Sam Button, Mendham; 2. Nick DePalma, DePaul; 3. D.J. Barrett, Lenape Valley.

Notes: Button (34-1), last year's runner-up at 160, was outstanding in winning the District 1 title and has a 5-1 win over DePalma this season on Dec. 27. He's bidding to become Mendham's 10th region champion. DePalma, who was third at this weight last year, has a pair of wins over Kittatinny's Dylan Wunder, the No. 4 seed. Lenape Valley's D.J. Barrett, a 5/6 at 170 last year, is having a fine season and beat Wunder, 3-1, on Jan. 8.

195 -- 1. Kyle Stoll, High Point; 2. Anthony Landberg, Wayne Valley; 3. Garrett Armstrong, Kittatinny

Notes: Stoll owns wins over just about all the contenders here, including a 9-6 decision over Landberg on Feb. 1 -- a rematch of last year's region final won by Stoll, 3-2. Armstrong, who lost 5-3 to Stoll in the District 3 finals, is looking to erase the memory of a disappointing tournament a year ago, when he did not place at 220. Phillipsburg's Joe Maso, Mendham's Aaron Flitcroft and Sparta's Gavin Lally are also in the mix here.

220 -- 1. Jesse Windt, West Morris; 2. Gus Protogeropoulos, Newton; 3. Bobby McDonnell, High Point.

Notes: Windt (33-1), who is looking to become his school's first champ since Dillon Landi in 2006, has won 27 in a row since an 8-3 loss to Montgomery's Anthony Cassar on Jan. 4. He rolled to the District 1 title on Saturday. Protogeropoulos scored his second win over McDonnell this season -- 5-2 in the District 3 finals. McDonnell, the runner-up here last year who lost 3-0 to Windt on Feb. 7, will get a third meeting with the Newton wrestler provided he gets past Pequannock's Spencer Ochner in the opening round. Wayne Valley's Justin Walker pinned McDonnell on Feb. 1.

285 -- 1. Andrew Pacheco, Warren Hills; 2. Noa Merritt, Pope John; 3. Will O'Connell, North Warren

Notes: Pacheco, the returning runner-up here, is the No. 2 seed thanks to a 5-2 loss to Merritt in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex finals. Merritt (25-0), who was decked by Pacheco in the 2013 region semifinals, is looking to become Pope John's 18th champion and first since Brandon Perez won at 215 pounds in 2004. The race for the bronze is really up in the air. Interesting first-round matchup Wednesday between No. 5 seed Christian Campbell of High Point and Phillipsburg's Robert Melise, a freshman who captured hearts of the 'Liner faithful with his big pin the Group 4 final. 

Monday, February 24, 2014

Wrestling: Region 1 pairings, seeds

Wrestling begins at 5 p.m. on Wednesday with the preliminaries involving seconds and thirds from Districts 1 through 4. District champions receive first-round byes and will not compete until Friday.

Check my blog for a complete schedule and all information for the upcoming tournament here at Wallkill Valley Regional High School. Athletic director Daryl Jones and his staff do an outstanding job of hosting this great event.

The top three finishers at each weight class advance to the State Wrestling Championships held March 7-9 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Returning champions (8): Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg (106); Tyler Hrycak, Wayne Valley (126); Max Nauta, Warren Hills (132); Mike Derin, High Point (132); Jason Gaccione, High Point (145); David McFadden, DePaul (145); Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury (170); Kyle Stoll, High Point (195).

Qualifiers by school

High Point 12; DePaul 10; Wayne Valley 10; Roxbury 9; Kittatinny 8; Morris Knolls 8; Warren Hills 8; Jefferson 7; Morris Hills 7; Phillipsburg 7; West Morris 7; Belvidere 6; Lenape Valley 6; Pequannock 6; Sparta 6; Montville 5; Mount Olive 5; Newton 5; Mendham 4; North Warren 4; Pompton Lakes 4; Pope John 4; Randolph 4; Wayne Hills 4; West Milford 3; Butler 2; Hopatcong 2; Kinnelon 2; Hackettstown 1; Lakeland 1; Morris Catholic 1; Dover 0; Vernon 0; Wallkill Valley 0.

(Note: Open Mike area wrestlers in bold):

106 pounds

8-Fr. Scott Smith (25-11), Kinnelon, vs. 9-Fr. Shane Metzler (26-7), West Morris, winner to meet 1-So. Brandon Paetzell (33-1), Phillipsburg.

Fr. Chase Babus (16-19), High Point, vs. 4-Jr. Joe Aumann (27-6), Hopatcong, winner to meet 5-Fr. Steve Pocze (28-8), Pequannock.

3-So. Troy Stanich (28-6), Roxbury, vs, Fr. Shane Murphy (22-9), Mount Olive.

6-Sr. Brandon Davis (25-9), Wayne Valley, vs. 11-Fr. Ryan Luchs (17-6), Pope John.

7-Fr. Garrett Gerndt (24-3), Sparta, bye

2-So. Garrett O'Shea (27-3), Morris Knolls, bye

113 pounds

9-Jr. Austin Perrault (16-14), Morris Knolls, vs. 8-Fr. Mark Bohn (28-8), Jefferson, winner to meet 1-Sr. Austin Sisco (30-3), Pope John.

Sr. Gene Prisco (15-11), Morris Hills, vs. 4-Jr. Dan Kee (29-4), Lakeland, winner to meet 5-Fr. Matt Valli (25-7), Warren Hills.

3-Jr. Kyle Flynn (25-6), Pompton Lakes, vs. Jr. James Smith (16-17), Belvidere, winner to meet 6-Fr. Richard Reimers (24-9), Roxbury.

7-Jr. Trevor Morales (31-6), Newton, vs. 10-Fr. Kade Loughney (19-15), West Morris, winner to meet 2-Jr. Mojahed Hamdeh (26-3), Wayne Hills.

120 pounds

9-Jr. Gino Fluri (24-11), North Warren, vs. 8-Fr. Nick Palumbo (18-9), Lenape Valley, winner to meet 1-Jr. A.J. Vindici (33-1), Randolph.

5-Jr. Dom Gallo (28-7), High Point, vs. 12-So. Tanner Morgan (16-16), Roxbury.

So. Jared Inglett (16-12), Wayne Hills, vs. 4-So. Nick Klinger (29-6), Kittatinny.

3-Jr. William Kui (27-7), DePaul, bye.

6-So. Joe Renne (31-6), Hackettstown, bye.

7-Sr. John Schade (21-13), West Morris, vs. 10-Fr. Sal Puglisi (20-13), Pompton Lakes, winner to meet 2-Sr. Bryan Damon (33-2), Jefferson.

126 pounds

9-Jr. Eddie Medina (27-10), Newton, vs. 8-Jr. Austin Pidoto (19-14), Warren Hills, winner to meet 1-Jr. Matt Noble (33-2), DePaul.

12-Jr. Michael Glasser (26-10), Montville, vs. 5-Sr. Dylan Sullivan (24-6), Morris Hills, winner to meet 4-Sr. Matt Vozzo (25-9), Randolph.

6-Jr. Dylan Luciano (25-8), West Morris, vs. 11-Sr. Matt Tripodi (28-8), Jefferson, winner to meet 3-Sr. Matt Ritchie (28-6), North Warren.

Sr. Michael Rosalia (20-11), Butler, vs. 2-Sr. Tyler Hrycak (27-6), Wayne Valley, winner to meet 7-Sr. Christian Silva (23-13), Kittatinny.

132 pounds

1-Jr. Mike Derin (29-8), High Point, vs. So. David Eng (15-15), Montville.

9-So. Alex Zangrilli (14-5), Pequannock, vs. 8-Jr. Michael Nigro (23-7), Morris Knolls.

5-Jr. Cory Doebel (11-6), DePaul, bye.

4-So. Austin Scrivani (28-7), Kittatinny, bye.

6-Sr. Vincent Rigoglioso (22-10), Wayne Valley, vs. 11-Jr. Anthony Azzartti (17-12), Pope John, winner to meet 3-Sr. Devon LaFranco (28-8), Roxbury.

7-Jr. Steve Friedman (17-14), Phillipsburg, vs. 10-Jr. Mike Oros (17-16), West Morris, winner to meet 2-Jr. Max Nauta (27-5), Warren Hills.

138 pounds

9-Sr. Niko Grello (24-13), Newton, vs. 8-Jr. Corey Zinsmeister (23-8), Phillipsburg, winner to meet 1-Jr. Eric Friedman (32-3), Mendham.

5-Jr. David Migliaccio (25-8), West Morris, vs. 12-Jr. Ryan Cullen (17-14), High Point.

4-Jr. Anthony Fano (33-3), Montville, vs. Jr. Kyle Weis (19-15), Morris Knolls.

3-Sr. Jake Legotte (24-11), Roxbury, bye.

6-Jr. Ian Burke (28-2), Sparta, bye.

7-Jr. David Zeppetelli (26-9), West Milford, bye.

2-Fr. Brandon Kui (26-10), DePaul, vs. Fr. Chris Grecco (19-12), Pompton Lakes.

145 pounds

9-Sr. John Rondi (20-12), Wayne Valley, vs. 8-So. Edward Marucci (28-9), Montville, winner to meet 1-Jr. David McFadden (35-1), DePaul.

4-Sr. Dylan Kaine (25-6), West Milford, vs. Sr. John Norgard (15-11), North Warren, winner to meet 5-So. Craig Roumes (20-9), Roxbury.

3-Jr. Walker Schmitzer (25-4), Sparta, vs. Fr. Jake DeLuca (8-8), Newton, winner to meet 6-Sr. Tommy Vazzano (26-8), Mount Olive.

7-Sr. Nick Kratochvil (19-12), Randolph, vs. 10-Jr. Kenny Kane (19-10), Belvidere, winner to meet 2-Jr. Jason Gaccione (33-4), High Point.

152 pounds

9-So. Tommy Miller (23-10), Roxbury, vs. 8-So. Spencer Carey (29-7), DePaul, winner to meet 1-Jr. Max Elling (32-4), Phillipsburg.

5-Sr. Nick Romyns (21-4), Kittatinny, vs. 12-Jr. David Iodice (26-9), Pequannock.

4-Sr. Chris Auer (21-13), High Point, vs. Jr. Rene Sousa (13-12), Belvidere.

6-Sr. Ronald Spera (28-4), Mount Olive, vs. 11-Sr. Dominic LaBell (25-8), Lenape Valley, winner to meet 3-Sr. Anthony Duncan (26-4), Wayne Valley.

7-So. Luke Drugac (24-6), Morris Knolls, bye.

2-Jr. Luke Bohn (27-3), Jefferson, bye.

160 pounds

9-Jr. David Harris (25-8), Belvidere, vs. 8-Sr. Anel Kadiric (18-8), Mount Olive, winner to meet 1-Sr. Tommy Hooker (22-11), High Point.

5-So. Daniel Kilroy (24-4), Wayne Hills, vs. 12-Sr. Frank Avallone (17-9), Jefferson, winner to meet 4-Sr. Nick Carey (24-11), DePaul.

3-Sr. Steve Acevedo (24-6), Morris Hills, vs. Jr. Nathan Sowers (12-9), Sparta.

6-So. Christian Dalcais (24-6), West Milford, vs. 11-Jr. Joe LaBell (22-9), Lenape Valley.

7-Sr. Ryan Ostir (18-11), Warren Hills, bye.

2-So. Dean Drugac (30-2), Morris Knolls, bye.

170 pounds

9-Jr. Jonathan Crefeld (21-12), Butler, vs. 8-Sr. Troy Bongiovanni (22-13), Hopatcong, winner to meet 1-Sr. Dillon Artigliere (36-0), Roxbury.

5-So. Al Falco (20-9), Sparta, vs. 12-Sr. Jamie Tehuitzil (12-8), Morris Hills.

4-Jr. Kevin Merle (26-8), Belvidere, vs. So. Kurt Nemeth (3-3), Warren Hills.

3-Sr. Kieran Gerrity (33-3), Kittatinny, bye.

6-Sr. Zach D'Apolito (26-6), Wayne Valley, bye.

7-Sr. Corey Flynn (19-9), Pompton Lakes, vs. 10-Sr. Colby Brands (18-17), High Point, winner to meet 2-Sr. Jake Kocsis (34-2), Phillipsburg.

182 pounds

9-So. Patrick Daly (28-7), Pequannock, vs. 8-Sr. Anthony Colabella (24-8), Mount Olive, winner to meet 1-Sr. Sam Button (34-1), Mendham.

5-Sr. Tyler Zimmerman (26-10), Jefferson, vs. 12-Sr. Peter Sutton (14-12), Roxbury, winner to meet 4-Sr. Dylan Wunder (27-9), Kittatinny.

6-Sr. Antonio Porraspita (24-12), High Point, vs. 11-Sr. Sebastian Hull (18-12), Wayne Valley, winner to meet 3-Jr. D.J. Barrett (28-5), Lenape Valley.

7-Sr. Steve Cleaver (20-8), Warren Hills, vs. 10-Jr. Payton Campbell (19-11), Morris Knolls, winner to meet 2-Jr. Nick DePalma (31-5), DePaul.

195 pounds

9-So. David LoCascio (29-8), Kinnelon, vs. 8-Jr. Luke Nappi (24-7), Morris Knolls, winner to meet 1-Sr. Kyle Stoll (32-5), High Point.

5-Jr. Joe Maso (23-7), Phillipsburg, vs. 12-Jr. Ryan Stephen (12-6), Belvidere, winner to meet 4-Jr. Aaron Flitcroft (23-8), Mendham.

3-Sr. Garrett Armstrong (29-7), Kittatinny, vs. Sr. Andrew Clifford (9-5), Morris Hills.

6-Jr. Gavin Lally (24-6), Sparta, vs. 11-So. Adam Schlereth (16-14), DePaul.

7-So. Sam Palumbo (19-12), Lenape Valley, bye.

2-Sr. Anthony Landberg (29-2), Wayne Valley, bye.

220 pounds

1-Sr. Jesse Windt (33-1), West Morris, bye.

8-So. Ralph Hall (19-11), Lenape Valley, bye.

5-Sr. Ryan Witner (21-10), Warren Hills, vs. 12-Sr. Pat Vidal (22-7), Morris Catholic.

4-Jr. Tim Byrne (20-3), Mendham, vs. Sr. Robert Hajnos (27-8), Jefferson.

6-Sr. Bobby McDonnell (22-15), High Point, vs. 11-Sr. Spencer Ochner (26-6), Pequannock, winner to meet 3-Jr. Gus Protogeropoulos (32-5), Newton.

2-Sr. Justin Walker (30-2), Wayne Valley, vs. Sr. Derrick Kritz (17-11), Morris Hills, winner to meet 7-So Scott Lavelle (24-6), DePaul.

285 pounds

9-Jr. David Vargas (19-5), Randolph, vs. 8-Sr. Tom Smith (25-9), Kittatinny, winner to meet 1-Sr. Noa Merritt (25-0), Pope John.

5-Sr. Christian Campbell (11-12), High Point, vs. 12-Fr. Robert Melise (5-5), Phillipsburg.

4-Jr. Will O'Connell (24-6), North Warren, vs. Sr. Chris Lohmann (9-6), Wayne Hills.

3-Sr. Ethan Fox (30-6), Montville, bye.

6-Sr. Joe Fierro (22-9), Pequannock, bye.

7-Sr. Austin Behrens (20-9), Wayne Valley, vs. 10-Sr. John Reyes (12-14), Morris Hills, winner to meet 2-Jr. Andrew Pacheco (30-2), Warren Hills.

Wrestling: Region 1 schedule, information

Where: Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Hardyston.

When: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Competing teams: Belvidere, Butler, DePaul, Dover, Hackettstown, High Point, Hopatcong, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Kittatinny, Lakeland, Lenape Valley, Mendham, Montville, Morris Catholic, Morris Hills, Morris Knolls, Mount Olive, Newton, North Warren, Pequannock, Phillipsburg, Pompton Lakes, Pope John, Randolph, Roxbury, Sparta, Vernon, Wallkill Valley, Warren Hills, Wayne Hills, Wayne Valley, West Milford, West Morris.

Returning champions (8): Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg (106); Tyler Hrycak, Wayne Valley (126); Max Nauta, Warren Hills (132); Mike Derin, High Point (132); Jason Gaccione, High Point (145); David McFadden, DePaul (145); Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury (170); Kyle Stoll, High Point (195).

Wednesday schedule: Preliminaries, 5 p.m. (Doors open at 3 p.m.).

Friday schedule: Quarterfinals, 4 p.m. (Doors open at 2:40 p.m.).

Saturday schedule: (Doors open at 7 a.m.): Semifinals, 9 a.m., immediately followed by two rounds of wrestlebacks; third-place consolations approximately 30 minutes after wrestlebacks; championships following consolations.

Ticket prices: Wednesday and Friday, $5 general admission and $3 for students and senior citizens. Saturday, $5 general admission and $3 for students and senior citizens or an all-day session pass is $10 and $6. Tickets for consolations and finals only are $5 and $3.

Alternative schedule: If Wednesday is postponed, the tournament will start on Thursday. If Friday's session is postponed, three sessions will take place on Saturday at 12:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. If Saturday's schedule is wiped out, the same schedule will apply to Sunday.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Wrestling: Districts 1, 2, 3 and 17 by the numbers

We close the books on another great weekend of wrestling in the four districts that house teams in the Open Mike area.

Here's a look at some of the more noteworthy accomplishments:

170 -- Total of district champions for Washington/Warren Hills as juniors Max Nauta (132) and Andrew Pacheco (285) won their second titles on Saturday at The Pit, while Matt Valli (113) and Ryan Ostir (160) picked up their first titles to help the Blue Streaks capture their first team championship since 1990 -- ending Phillipsburg's three-year reign. It's the program's 12th overall as Washington won titles in 1947, '48, '49, '51, '52, '54, '56, '59, '60 and '66.

315 -- Phillipsburg's total of district champions as Brandon Paetzell (106) and Max Elling (152) won their second titles, while senior Jake Kocsis (170) claimed his first District 1 championship. The Stateliners, who competed with only half their due to disciplinary reasons and had their run of three straight years with five champs snapped, advanced all seven wrestlers entered to the Region 1 Tournament at Wallkill Valley. Steve Friedman (132) and Joe Maso (195) finished second, while Corey Zinsmeister (138) and  freshman Robert Melise (285) took thirds. P'burg has produced at least one champion every year but 1950 and '55 -- a current streak of 59 straight tournaments. Bill Lowe was the 'Liners' first winner in 1948.

18 -- North Hunterdon's total of District 17 champions since being shut out for the first time ever in 2008. Ryan Pomrinca (126) won his second title, while Mike Sicola (160) and Joe Guzzo (170) claimed their first championships on Saturday at the Hunterdon Central Field House. Runner-up Mike Ciavarro (152) recorded his 99th victory in the semifinals, a 9-4 win over Delaware Valley's Cory Lightner. Coach Tim Flynn's Lions finished third in the team race.

14 -- High Point rolled to its 14th District 3 team title behind three champs in Jason Gaccione (145), Tommy Hooker (160) and Kyle Stoll (195), as a total of 12 Wildcats advanced to Region 1 -- the most of any school in Districts 1-4. Gaccione, a three-time finalist, won his second title, while Stoll became just 11th wrestler in program history to win three. Both wrestlers claimed the gold in style with their 100th victories in the finals. And how about Hooker (ankle injury) basically winning on one leg? If that's not the definition of Outstanding Wrestler, I don't know what is. High Point has won seven of the last nine district team titles, snapping Kittatinny's two-year reign.

5 -- Hunterdon Central led all teams in District 17 with five champions -- Peter Nace (106), Dylan Nace (132), Collin Boylan (145), Gary Dinmore (152) and Nick Suk (195). Those titles helped the Red Devils repeat as team champions, the program's 34th overall. Dinmore became just the third at his school to win four titles, joining Tom Gibble (1978-81) and Kyle Brewer (2000-03), and is the 12th Hunterdon County wrestler to do it.

42 -- Delaware Valley's total number of champions since moving to District 17 in 2001. The Terriers, who have 98 overall, have crowned at least one winner in every tournament since seceding from District 1. Seniors Kody Eichlin (182), a two-timer, and Marek Tomanek (285) were this year's winners -- Nos. 15 and 16 under coach Andy Fitz in his seven seasons -- and helped Del Val to a second-place finish in the team standings. Tomanek (30-3) also became the all-time heavyweight wins leader at the school -- surpassing former state qualifier James Zdepski (29-2 in 1981).

103 -- Kittatinny's total number of district champions as Christian Silva (126), Austin Scrivani (132), Kieran Gerrity (170) and Dylan Wunder (182) pushed the Cougars over the century mark with a tournament-high four winners. Silva and Wunder won their first titles, while Scrivani won his second in as many opportunities, upsetting two-time champ Mike Derin of High Point, 3-0, to also earn Outstanding Wrestler honors. Gerrity became just the 10th wrestler in school history to win at least three titles with his third in a row.

9 -- Hopatcong's run of nine years with at least one district champion ended on Saturday, as Troy Bongiovanni finished second at 170 pounds in District 2. Joe Aumann took third at 106 pounds for the Chiefs, who had nine wrestlers in the field. Coach Eric Fajerman has coached 26 champs in his 14 seasons with the Chiefs, who missed only one other time (2004) during his tenure. The Sussex County school has 69 winners overall since 1973, when Vin Sibilia, Gary Kessel and Bob Valli won the first titles.

Also, Voorhees ran its streak of at least one champ in District 17 to nine years in a row, as Kyle DiNapoli (113) won his first championship, while Cody Ihling (120) claimed his second straight. That makes 11 champions under coach Eric Hall in his four seasons at the helm. The Vikings now have 109 overall in 39 seasons.

6 -- Lenape Valley will send six wrestlers to the Region 1 Tournament, as D.J. Barrett (182), Sam Palumbo (195) and Ralph Hall (220) won District 2 titles at Hopatcong -- making it 11 straight years for the Patriots with at least one champion. They'll be joined by runner-up Nick Palumbo (120), and third-place finishers Dominic LaBell (152) and Joe LaBell (160).

In addition, Sparta snapped a six-year drought without a champion in District 3, as Garrett Gerndt (106) and Ian Burke (138) won titles. They are the school's first winners since Phil Takacs-Senske and Brandon Dock won at 189 and 285, respectively, in 2007. It's another sign of the major progress that the program has made under coach Frank Battaglia and assistant Dan Trappe. From 2009-11, the Spartans won a total of one bout in districts and advanced no one past Friday night in 2010 and '11. This year, Sparta sent eight wrestlers into the semifinals after advancing a combined total of nine on Friday nights from 2009-13.

Belvidere is sending six wrestlers to Region 1 -- the most since seven qualified for the County Seaters in 2002. Kenny Kane (145), David Harris (160) and Kevin Merle (170) finished second, while James Smith (113), Rene Sousa (152) and Ryan Stephen (195) took thirds.

224 -- Newton's total number of district champions with the addition of Gus Protogeropoulos, who claimed the 220-pound title at District 3. He's the first champ for the Braves since 2012 -- Steven Churchill and Jake Connelly winning that year -- and is the 10th under coach Eric Bollette in his 13 seasons in charge.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Wrestling: Region 1 qualifiers by weight class

Here are the qualifiers from Districts 1-4 for the Region 1 Tournament that begins on Wednesday at Wallkill Valley Regional High School in Hardyston. Pairings and seeds will be determined on Monday.

Wednesday's preliminary rounds pitting district seconds and thirds begins at 5 p.m. The tournament resumes with the quarterfinals on Friday at 4 p.m. and concludes on Saturday with semifinals at 9 a.m., followed by two rounds of wrestlebacks. Third-place consolations are slated for 4 p.m. with the championships in all 14 weight classes to follow.

The top three finishers at each weight class advance to the State Wrestling Championships held March 7-9 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Qualifiers by school

High Point 12; DePaul 10; Wayne Valley 10; Roxbury 9; Kittatinny 8; Morris Knolls 8; Warren Hills 8; Jefferson 7; Morris Hills 7; Phillipsburg 7; West Morris 7; Belvidere 6; Lenape Valley 6; Pequannock 6; Sparta 6; Montville 5; Mount Olive 5; Newton 5; Mendham 4; North Warren 4; Pompton Lakes 4; Pope John 4; Randolph 4; Wayne Hills 4; West Milford 3; Butler 2; Hopatcong 2; Kinnelon 2; Hackettstown 1; Lakeland 1; Morris Catholic 1; Dover 0; Vernon 0; Wallkill Valley 0.

106 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Brandon Paetzell
Phillipsburg
33-1
So.
1
Shane Metzler
West Morris
26-7
Fr.
1
Shane Murphy
Mount Olive
22-9
Fr.
1
Garrett O'Shea
Morris Knolls
27-3
So.
2
Troy Stanich
Roxbury
28-6
So.
2
Joe Aumann
Hopatcong
27-6
Jr.
2
Garrett Gerndt
Sparta
24-3
So.
3
Ryan Luchs
Pope John
17-6
Fr.
3
Chase Babus
High Point
16-19
Fr.
3
Steve Pocze
Pequannock
28-8
Fr.
4
Brandon Davis
Wayne Valley
25-9
Sr.
4
Scott Smith
Kinnelon
25-11
Fr.
4
113 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Matt Valli
Warren Hills
25-7
Fr.
1
Kade Loughney
West Morris
19-15
Fr.
1
James Smith
Belvidere
16-17
Jr.
1
Richard Reimers
Roxbury
24-9
Fr.
2
Austin Perrault
Morris Knolls
16-14
Jr.
2
Gene Prisco
Morris Hills
15-11
Sr.
2
Austin Sisco
Pope John
30-3
Sr.
3
Trevor Morales
Newton
31-6
Jr.
3
Mark Bohn
Jefferson
28-8
Fr.
3
Mojahed Hamdeh
Wayne Hills
26-3
Jr.
4
Kyle Flynn
Pompton Lakes
25-6
Jr.
4
Dan Kee
Lakeland
29-4
Jr.
4
120 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Joe Renne
Hackettstown
31-6
So.
1
John Schade
West Morris
21-13
Sr.
1
Gino Fluri
North Warren
24-11
Jr.
1
A.J. Vindici
Randolph
33-1
Jr.
2
Nick Palumbo
Lenape Valley
18-9
Fr.
2
Tanner Morgan
Roxbury
16-16
So.
2
Bryan Damon
Jefferson
33-2
Sr.
3
Nick Klinger
Kittatinny
29-6
So.
3
Dom Gallo
High Point
28-7
Jr.
3
William Kui
DePaul
27-7
Jr.
4
Sal Puglisi
Pompton Lakes
20-13
Fr.
4
Jared Inglett
Wayne Hills
16-12
So.
4
126 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Matt Ritchie
North Warren
28-6
Sr.
1
Dylan Luciano
West Morris
25-8
Jr.
1
Austin Pidoto
Warren Hills
19-14
Jr.
1
Matt Vozzo
Randolph
25-9
Sr.
2
Dylan Sullivan
Morris Hills
24-6
Sr.
2
Michael Glasser
Montville
26-10
Jr.
2
Christian Silva
Kittatinny
23-13
Sr.
3
Eddie Medina
Newton
27-10
Jr.
3
Matt Tripodi
Jefferson
28-8
Sr.
3
Matt Noble
DePaul
33-2
Jr.
4
Tyler Hrycak
Wayne Valley
27-6
Sr.
4
Michael Rosalia
Butler
20-11
Sr.
4
132 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Max Nauta
Warren Hills
27-5
Jr.
1
Steve Friedman
Phillipsburg
17-14
Jr.
1
Mike Oros
West Morris
17-16
Jr.
1
Devon LaFranco
Roxbury
28-8
Sr.
2
Michael Nigro
Morris Knolls
23-7
Jr.
2
David Eng
Montville
15-15
So.
2
Austin Scrivani
Kittatinny
28-7
So.
3
Mike Derin
High Point
29-8
Jr.
3
Anthony Azzartti
Pope John
17-12
Jr.
3
Cory Doebel
DePaul
11-6
Jr.
4
Vincent Rigoglioso
Wayne Valley
22-10
Sr.
4
Alex Zangrilli
Pequannock
14-5
So.
4
138 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Eric Friedman
Mendham
32-3
Jr.
1
David Migliaccio
West Morris
25-8
Jr.
1
Corey Zinsmeister
Phillipsburg
23-8
Jr.
1
Jake Legotte
Roxbury
24-11
Sr.
2
Anthony Fano
Montville
33-3
Jr.
2
Kyle Weis
Morris Knolls
19-15
Jr.
2
Ian Burke
Sparta
28-2
Jr.
3
Niko Grello
Newton
24-13
Sr.
3
Ryan Cullen
High Point
17-14
Jr.
3
David Zeppetelli
West Milford
26-9
Jr.
4
Brandon Kui
DePaul
26-10
Fr.
4
Chris Grecco
Pompton Lakes
19-12
Fr.
4
145 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Tommy Vazzano
Mount Olive
26-8
Sr.
1
Kenny Kane
Belvidere
19-10
Jr.
1
John Norgard
North Warren
15-11
Sr.
1
Craig Roumes
Roxbury
20-9
So.
2
Nick Kratochvil
Randolph
19-12
Sr.
2
Edward Marucci
Montville
28-9
So.
2
Jason Gaccione
High Point
33-4
Jr.
3
Walker Schmitzer
Sparta
25-4
Jr.
3
Jake DeLuca
Newton
8-8
Fr.
3
David McFadden
DePaul
35-1
Jr.
4
Dylan Kaine
West Milford
25-6
Sr.
4
John Rondi
Wayne Valley
20-12
Sr.
4
152 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Max Elling
Phillipsburg
32-4
Jr.
1
Ronald Spera
Mount Olive
28-4
Sr.
1
Rene Sousa
Belvidere
13-12
Jr.
1
Luke Drugac
Morris Knolls
24-6
So.
2
Tommy Miller
Roxbury
23-10
So.
2
Dominic LaBell
Lenape Valley
25-8
Sr.
2
Luke Bohn
Jefferson
27-3
Jr.
3
Chris Auer
High Point
21-13
Sr.
3
Nick Romyns
Kittatinny
21-4
Sr.
3
Anthony Duncan
Wayne Valley
26-4
Sr.
4
Spencer Carey
DePaul
29-7
So.
4
David Iodice
Pequannock
26-9
Jr.
4
160 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Ryan Ostir
Warren Hills
18-11
Sr.
1
David Harris
Belvidere
25-8
Jr.
1
Anel Kadiric
Mount Olive
18-8
Sr.
1
Dean Drugac
Morris Knolls
30-2
So.
2
Steve Acevedo
Morris Hills
24-6
Sr.
2
Joe LaBell
Lenape Valley
22-9
Jr.
2
Tommy Hooker
High Point
22-11
Sr.
3
Nathan Sowers
Sparta
12-9
Jr.
3
Frank Avallone
Jefferson
17-9
Sr.
3
Nick Carey
DePaul
24-11
Sr.
4
Daniel Kilroy
Wayne Hills
24-4
So.
4
Christian Dalcais
West Milford
24-6
So.
4
170 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Jake Kocsis
Phillipsburg
34-2
Sr.
1
Kevin Merle
Belvidere
26-8
Jr.
1
Kurt Nemeth
Warren Hills
3-3
So.
1
Dillon Artigliere
Roxbury
36-0
Sr.
2
Troy Bongiovanni
Hopatcong
22-13
Sr.
2
Jamie Tehuitzil
Morris Hills
12-8
Sr.
2
Kieran Gerrity
Kittatinny
33-3
Sr.
3
Al Falco
Sparta
20-9
So.
3
Colby Brands
High Point
18-17
Sr.
3
Zach D'Apolito
Wayne Valley
26-6
Sr.
4
Corey Flynn
Pompton Lakes
19-9
Sr.
4
Jonathan Crefeld
Butler
21-12
Jr.
4
182 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Sam Button
Mendham
34-1
Sr.
1
Anthony Colabella
Mount Olive
24-8
Sr.
1
Steven Cleaver
Warren Hills
20-8
Sr.
1
D.J. Barrett
Lenape Valley
28-5
Jr.
2
Payton Campbell
Morris Knolls
19-11
Jr.
2
Peter Sutton
Roxbury
14-12
Sr.
2
Dylan Wunder
Kittatinny
27-9
Sr.
3
Tyler Zimmerman
Jefferson
26-10
Sr.
3
Antonio Porraspita
High Point
24-12
Sr.
3
Nick DePalma
DePaul
31-5
Jr.
4
Patrick Daly
Pequannock
28-7
So.
4
Sebastian Hull
Wayne Valley
18-12
Sr.
4
195 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Aaron Flitcroft
Mendham
23-8
Jr.
1
Joe Maso
Phillipsburg
23-7
Jr.
1
Ryan Stephen
Belvidere
12-6
Jr.
1
Sam Palumbo
Lenape Valley
19-12
So.
2
Luke Nappi
Morris Knolls
24-7
Jr.
2
Andrew Clifford
Morris Hills
9-5
Sr.
2
Kyle Stoll
High Point
32-5
Sr.
3
Garrett Armstrong
Kittatinny
29-7
Sr.
3
Gavin Lally
Sparta
24-6
Jr.
3
Anthony Landberg
Wayne Valley
29-2
Sr.
4
David LoCascio
Kinnelon
29-8
So.
4
Adam Schlereth
DePaul
16-14
So.
4
220 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Jesse Windt
West Morris
33-1
Sr.
1
Tim Byrne
Mendham
20-3
Jr.
1
Ryan Witner
Warren Hills
21-10
Sr.
1
Ralph Hall
Lenape Valley
19-11
So.
2
Pat Vidal
Morris Catholic
22-7
Sr.
2
Derrick Kritz
Morris Hills
17-11
Sr.
2
Gus Protogeropoulos
Newton
32-5
Jr.
3
Bobby McDonnell
High Point
22-15
Sr.
3
Robert Hajnos
Jefferson
27-8
Sr.
3
Scott Lavelle
DePaul
24-6
So.
4
Justin Walker
Wayne Valley
30-2
Sr.
4
Spencer Ochner
Pequannock
26-6
Sr.
4
285 pounds
School
Record
Year
District
Andrew Pacheco
Warren Hills
30-2
Jr.
1
Will O'Connell
North Warren
24-6
Jr.
1
Robert Melise
Phillipsburg
5-5
Fr.
1
Ethan Fox
Montville
30-6
Sr.
2
David Vargas
Randolph
19-5
Jr.
2
John Reyes
Morris Hills
12-14
Sr.
2
Noa Merritt
Pope John
25-0
Sr.
3
Christian Campbell
High Point
11-12
Sr.
3
Tom Smith
Kittatinny
25-9
Sr.
3
Joe Fierro
Pequannock
22-9
Sr.
4
Chris Lohmann
Wayne Hills
9-6
Sr.
4
Austin Behrens
Wayne Valley
20-9
Sr.
4