Wrestling: 'Cats follow their leaders to Group 2 title

Changing of the guard?

It sure looked that way as High Point was busy celebrating its second Group 2 title in three years following a 38-28 victory over West Deptford at RWJBarnabas Health Arena on Sunday in Toms River.

Devon Liebl, PJ Soldano and Billy Talmadge.

There was sophomore Brian Soldano, one of the most talented wrestlers in New Jersey and a state title contender at 160 pounds, sharing a special moment with the team's trio of seniors -- Billy Talmadge, Devon Liebl and older brother PJ Soldano. It sure seemed as if those three were passing the torch. If so, Brian Soldano would make an excellent caretaker.

"Hopefully, we can keep this up for the next couple of years," he said. "I'm really proud of [the team]."

High Point (15-4), which cruised to a 51-15 victory over Caldwell in the semifinals, was the heavy favorite to return to Toms River and secure the championship after a disappointing 46-26 loss to South Plainfield in 2019. It has not been easy by any stretch, as coach John Gardner's team has experienced one big injury or illness after another.

But with a 14-point lead through 11 bouts, thanks largely to unexpected wins from freshman Ryan Mangano (106) and junior Nick Douma (132), and junior Alex Buchwald setting the stage with a victory at 160 pounds, Gardner turned to his sophomore ace to clinch it. Soldano delivered the title with a 42-second pin at 170.

"We came down to that point and we had planned on having Brian go out at 82, but when had a chance to win at 70, why not?" Gardner said. "I'll take that. I think a lot of people would take that. I'm happy he's with us. He works tremendously hard. Sometimes he makes it look easy. It's not that easy. He's dedicated to what he does. Very proud of him."

Gardner and his crack staff of assistants also formulated a winning plan by shuffling the lineup. With freshman Roman Citro (106) sidelined by an illness, they opted to weigh-in up with Talmadge at 145 and Brian Soldano at 170. There was an unexpected twist as the 'Cats were expecting to see South Plainfield, which lost 36-27 in the semifinals to West Deptford, in the title match.

"We had to mix up our lineup because we needed to match up ... we didn't know with who, either South Plainfield or West Deptford," Soldano said. "So we had to mix it up a little bit, which worked in our favor, so it was all good."

With the start of the individual postseason set to commence with the district tournament on Saturday, Solando is on to the next goal -- being a state champion.

"Me and my partner Billy Talmadge [a returning fifth-place finisher] have been going real hard in the room so hopefully we can make a good run at the end," Soldano said. "I think we can do it."

Steady as they go

High Point had to make many lineup adjustments this season, but Liebl, Talmadge and Soldano, along with junior Josh Gervey (132) and sophomore Clayton Utter (113), both returning state qualifiers, were wrestlers who could be counted on. All five went 2-0 on Sunday. PJ Soldano (182) also emerged as a leader in the upper weights.

"We've had some other kids on a bit of a roller coaster, but those guys have been steady as can be," Gardner said. "Super happy they're on our team. Very proud of what they've done and all they've given to the program."

But give props to Mangano and Douma, who entered with a combined record of 1-11 this season. Mangano scored a tide-turning 9-2 win over Jacob McDonald in the third bout, while Douma, who broke both wrists last season and his leg during football in the fall, was down, 7-1, before reversing and decking Justin Monzo-Hull to give High Point a 19-13 lead it would not relinquish.

"For those guys to be able to hang in and have the confidence to stick with it, and the will to get it done ... it was a great stage to do it," said Gardner, whose teams are 377-107-2 overall in 22 seasons. "Nick was feeling good and Ryan was super confident. Roman spent a lot of time with him, talking him through that match."

Title time

Hunterdon and Sussex counties went a combined 2-2 in the finals. Pope John fell, 51-15, to Camden Catholic in the Non-Public North B title match, while North Hunterdon claimed the Group 4 championship with a 34-22 win over Kingsway. Delaware Valley, in its first Group 1 final appearance, was waxed by Paulsboro, 50-9.

High Point celebrates its sixth state championship.

High Point, making its 28th appearance in the state championships, knows the road to a title is not an easy journey. The 'Cats are now 6-10 overall in the state finals after breaking through for their first in 2008. Four have come in Group 2 and the other two in Group 3, which for many years had to go through Phillipsburg. That's what makes each title even sweeter than the one before for Gardner, who begrudgingly joined the team photo afterward. For those who don't know, Gardner makes any success about his wrestlers, not about himself. While you see other coaches in the middle of team photos, he prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Gardner also faces the music with media members after tough losses and always makes himself accessible -- a stand-up guy all-around.

"We've seen both sides," said Gardner, now 13-6 overall (6-4 in finals) in Group matches. "[Longtime assistant] Mickey [Thomas] has seen a lot. I've certainly seen enough. To be able to come down here and win two matches -- that's a wonderful accomplishment for any team."

Gardner was also happy for his seniors for making good in their last chance at that coveted trophy.

"It was so ingrained into their minds," he said. "They wanted a shot to walk out of here as Group 2 champs and they were able to do that [on Sunday]."