Open Mike

Friday, March 26, 2021

Wrestling: North, HC on COVID pauses; WH back

There's news both good and bad on the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area wrestling fronts.

North scored a 54-18 win over Del Val on Thursday.

North Hunterdon (5-0), ranked as the No. 1 public school by the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association, was shut down on Friday due to COVID-19 protocols. Tonight's scheduled match against Bound Brook has been canceled and North athletic director John Mattes is hoping his program can resume in a time frame of 10 days.

"We're on a pause for 10 days, and then we'll reevaluate from there," said Mattes, who is receiving guidance from the Hunterdon County Board of Health. "We're relying on them. What we want is to be safe and to get everyone back as quick as we can."

If the shutdown lasts just the 10 days, the rest of North's dual meet season seems in doubt. With the individual tournament scheduled for April 17, it makes little sense for qualifying wrestlers to compete in duals leading up to that date. Several area coaches have suggested off the record that they would be inclined to rest those who have a chance to compete in the postseason rather than risk potential season-ending exposure.

North opened the week with a big 32-23 win over Phillipsburg on Tuesday in a rematch of last season's North 2, Group 4 final. The Lions have won three straight over the Stateliners for the first time in program history and have won 28 straight duals dating to last season's historic 23-0 campaign.

Hunterdon Central (3-0), which has not competed since a 64-10 win over St. Joseph-Metuchen last Saturday, had three scheduled matches canceled this week and seven total through April 3, when the Red Devils were slated to face Phillipsburg.

Warren Hills, which has yet to compete after serving a 14-day COVID-19 shutdown to begin the season, is able to resume wrestling activities on Monday. The Blue Streaks had scheduled matches against Hunterdon Central and North Hunterdon next week, but those are obviously canceled as well. Athletic director Mike Jones is scrambling to adjust his program's schedule. Hills will travel to Delaware Valley on Thursday.

High Point (0-1), which had also stayed idle for 14 days due to COVID-19 protocols, got its season underway on Thursday night in a 36-30 loss to Kittatinny. It was the 600th career win for longtime Cougars coach John Gill, who is just the fifth in state history to reach that mark.

North Warren and Sparta also lost season openers on Thursday after serving COVID-19 shutdowns, while Pope John also started its season this week. Voorhees opened last Saturday after a delayed start.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Wrestling: New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 10 polls

Delbarton and North Hunterdon were voted as the No. 1 non-public and public schools, respectively, in the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association’s initial statewide Top 10 polls.

The NJWWA, which has traditionally conducted a single Top 20 poll for non-public and public schools combined, opted to conduct separate Top 10 polls during the 2021 season, which the coronavirus pandemic has truncated.

North Hunterdon and Phillipsburg, which debut as the NJWWA's Nos. 1 and 2 public schools, respectively, squared off on Tuesday night in one of the season's biggest duals.

The Lions (4-0) won eight bouts, including a match-swinging pin by senior James Holder over P'burg junior Nate Zastowny in a battle of state qualifiers at 170 pounds, on the way to a 32-23 victory.

It was North's 27th dual-meet win in a row dating to last season and the first time in series history that the program beat P'burg in three straight meetings. The Lions, who are 11-56-1 all-time vs. the Stateliners, won twice last season, including a 37-12 victory in the North 2, Group 4 final. Coach Chris Hrunka's team went on to capture the Group 4 state championship and cap the school's first unbeaten season at 23-0. Tuesday's win had some significance because the NJSIAA is not conducting a team tournament this season due to the pandemic.

"We didn't place a huge emphasis on it," Hrunka said on Tuesday. "We told the kids to be calm and confident about their abilities. They know what they have to do. The first match last year [a 30-24 win at P'burg] kind of popped the bubble and the second match blew it up. We didn't need to get them overhyped. This was a good win."

North Hunterdon, which has been without the services of senior Frank DiEsso (126), a three-time state qualifier, after he sustained a preseason injury, was coming off a 36-32 victory over up-and-coming Christian Brothers Academy on Saturday.

Phillipsburg (3-1), which took a 20-6 lead through seven bouts and didn't relinquish the lead until the 12th, when North state medalist Liam Akers pinned at 285, opened the season with wins over Livingston, Ridge and Bound Brook.

In all, four teams represent the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area in the polls as High Point checks in at No. 7 in the publics and Pope John at No. 9 on the non-public side.

Coach John Gardner's Wildcats, who have yet to compete due to COVID-19, will open their season at archrival Kittatinny on Thursday. The 'Cats are led by returning state champion Brian Soldano (182), who is 79-5 in his career, and state placewinner Josh Gervey (138), along with state qualifier Clayton Utter (113).

Delbarton ended last season as New Jersey’s No. 1 overall team following its 45-12 Non-Public A North semifinal win over Bergen Catholic -- which ended the previous six years as the NJWWA’s top-ranked team -- and a 54-7 state final victory over St. Augustine Prep.

The Green Wave returns six state placewinners including reigning state champion P.J. Casale (220), Andrew Troczynski (second at 145), Tyler Vazquez (third at 106), Nico Nardone (third at 126), Simon Ruiz (third at 132) and Colin Calvetti (fifth at 152).

Delbarton opened the season with wins over Mount Olive, West Morris Central, Mendham and Montville.

Bergen Catholic and St. Joseph-Montvale, which debut at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in the NJWWA's initial non-public poll, will wrestle Delbarton later this season.

Results of the Top 10 polls, based on votes from the NJWWA's 14 members, will appear weekly during the season in newspapers and on websites of participating media outlets.

Top 10 Public Schools

Ranking	School	Record
1	North Hunterdon	(4-0)
2	Phillipsburg	(3-1)
3	Kingsway	(4-0)
4	Brick Memorial	(4-0)
5	Southern	(5-0)
6	Howell	(4-0)
7	High Point	(0-0)
T8	Mount Olive	(3-1)
	South Plainfield	(3-0)
10	Rumson-Fair Haven	(2-1)

Others receiving votes: Paulsboro, Watchung Hills

Top 10 Non-Public Schools

Ranking	School	Record
1	Delbarton	(4-0)
2	Bergen Catholic	(1-0)
3	St. Joseph-Montvale	(2-0)
4	Camden Catholic	(3-0)
5	St. Augustine	(0-0)
6	Paramus Catholic	(0-0)
7	Christian Brothers	(2-2)
8	St. Peter's Prep	(2-0)
9	Pope John	(0-0)
10	St. John Vianney	(1-1)

Others receiving votes: Don Bosco Prep, Seton Hall

Listed in alphabetical order: Donald J. Brower (gardenstatehswrestling.com); Frank D’Esposito (theshoreconference.com); Steven Falk (Asbury Park Press and APP.com); Sean Farrell (The Record and NorthJersey.com); Jane Havsy (Daily Record and DailyRecord.com); “Screwy” Louie Lazzari (New Jersey wrestling historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times and phillyburbs.com); Ron Mazzola (NJWWA president and Region V ranking chairman); Tom McGurk (Courier Post and courierpostonline.com); Andy Mendlowitz (Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com); Andrew Tredinnick (New Jersey Herald and njherald.com); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com); Michael Weilamann (Open Mike and mikeopen.blogspot.com), Brad Wilson (The Express Times and lehighvalleylive.com).

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Wrestling: North goes big in win over P'burg

Those North Hunterdon upper weights sure know how to deliver the clutch.

Senior James Holder's stunning pin at 170 pounds was the catalyst for a comeback as the North won four of five up top and six of the final seven bouts to rally for a 32-23 win over Phillipsburg on Tuesday in a key Skyland Conference Raritan Division showdown on Senior Night in the Lions Den.

North has won 27 straight duals since 2020.

North Hunterdon (4-0, 3-0 division) extended its dual-match win streak to 27 dating to last season with a third consecutive victory over P'burg for the first time in series history. Coach Chris Hrunka's team was also shorthanded as senior state qualifier Frank DiEsso (126) remained out of the lineup after sustaining a preseason injury.

"This was a good win," said Hrunka, whose team was coming off a tight 36-32 win over up-and-coming Christian Brothers Academy on Saturday after blowout victories against Hillsborough and Montgomery earlier last week. "It was good to have a tough match with CBA. I think that was an advantage for us [coming into P'burg]."

Phillipsburg (3-1, 1-1) took a commanding 20-6 lead through seven bouts on the strength of sophomore Hunter Cleaver's 10-6 win over Billy Cole at 152 and junior Matt D'Onofrio's pin at 160.

But after surrendering a quick takedown, Holder reversed fellow state qualifier Nate Zastowny to his back for the fall in 43 seconds. As was the case in last season's sectional final, that matchup proved critical to the final outcome. Holder, who is heading to Kutztown in the fall, started North on its way to the North 2, Group 4 title with an 8-6 decision in the opening bout to avenge a 10-8 loss to Zastowny, a 2020 Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion, in the regular-season dual meet.

"It wasn't necessarily unexpected," Hrunka said of the six points. "Before the match, James told us he wanted to go for the pin. We told him to just wrestle his match and don't worry if he gives up an early takedown."

Sophomore Alex Uryniak followed with a 9-4 win over promising freshman Caleb Rivera at 182 and senior Andrew Franklin pulled out a 7-6 win over David Pierson at 220 behind two third-period takedowns. Pierson led, 4-3, after two, but he seemed to run out of steam about four minutes in to the bout. Senior Gage Horvath also had his hands full in between as the state qualifier held on for a 6-3 decision over Brendan Raley at 195. Raley and Franklin were backups last season and obviously benefitted from being in a practice room filled with talent up top.

"We try to breed big men up here," Hrunka mused. "We have a really dedicated group of guys training with them [assistant coach Shawn Flesche, recent graduate Ian Gaburo, as well as former P'burg state finalist Steve Kempinski on the youth level]. Franklin was a kid just stuck behind everybody. He beat some state qualifiers last season [including Warren Hills' Tyler McCatharn]. He's been good. He just couldn't beat Gaburo last season."

Junior Liam Akers, a state medal winner at heavyweight last season, decked Jordan Kiley in 2:32 to give North its first lead, 24-23, with two bouts to go. In the last three meetings, P'burg has won just three of the 15 bouts contested from 170-285.

North sophomore Logan Wadle (106) and junior Ben Makaritis (113) finished things off with major decisions. Senior Connor McGeary, another reserve for the Lions last season, scored a 7-3 win over Sean Stasiulaitis at 132, while senior Connor Quinn posted a 5-2 decision over Jason Tino in another key bout at 138.

P'burg, which still owns a 56-11-1 edge overall in the series since 1961, will look to bounce back against Montgomery at home on Thursday before closing the week at Cranford on Saturday. Coach Dave Post's team fell short in the takedown battle, 26-23, and was minus-3 in bonus points after receiving early majors from James Day (120) and Joey Innamorato (126) to open the match.

North, which also posted back-to-back wins over P'burg at home for the first time, will next host Delaware Valley on Thursday before a road date with Bound Brook on Saturday.

NORTH HUNTERDON 32, PHILLIPSBURG 23

120 -- Jr. James Day (4-0), P, md. Jr. Nick DeLorenzo (2-2), 14-6.
126 -- Jr. Joey Innamorato (4-0), P, md. Sr. Hunter Iannozzi (1-3), 13-4.
132 -- Sr. Connor McGeary (3-1), NH, d. Jr. Sean Stasiulaitis (2-2), 7-3.
138 -- Sr. Connor Quinn (1-1), NH, d. Sr. Jason Tino (3-1), 5-2.
145 -- Sr. Logan Maczko (3-1), P, d. So. Daniel Delusant (2-2), 3-0.
152 -- So. Hunter Cleaver (4-0), P, d. Sr. William Cole (2-2), 10-6.
160 -- Jr. Matt D'Onofrio (3-1), P, p. Jr. Tucker Lewis (1-1), 3:44.
170 -- Sr. James Holder (3-0), NH, p. Jr. Nate Zastowny (1-3), :43.
182 -- So. Alex Uryniak (3-0), NH, d. Fr. Caleb Rivera (3-1), 9-4.
195 -- Sr. Gage Horvath (4-0), P, d. So. Brendan Raley (3-1), 4-3.
220 -- Sr. Andrew Franklin (3-1), NH, d. Jr. David Pierson (3-1), 7-6.
285 -- Jr. Liam Akers (4-0), NH, p. Sr. Jordan Kiley (2-2), 2:32.
106 -- So. Logan Wadle (4-0), NH, md. Jr. Miguel Lopez (2-2), 12-1.
113 -- Jr. Ben Makaritis (3-1), NH, md. Fr. Dawson McWilliams (1-3), 16-7.
Records -- Phillipsburg 3-1, 1-1; North Hunterdon 4-0, 3-0.
Official -- Russ Scorese.

Wrestling: Phillipsburg at North Hunterdon preview

What: Phillipsburg Stateliners at North Hunterdon Lions.

Where: Lions Den at North Hunterdon Regional High School, Clinton Township.

When: Tonight, 6 p.m.

Live feed: https://youtube.com/channel/UCpk_CAUW-iLzdWkPpcTT9vg

Conference: Skyland Raritan Division.

Records: Phillipsburg 3-0, 1-0; North Hunterdon 3-0, 2-0.

Area rankings: (Open Mike): Phillipsburg No. 1; North Hunterdon No. 2.

Coaches: Dave Post (165-26, 11th season, 13-2 vs. NH); Chris Hrunka (62-8, fourth season, 2-4 vs. P'burg).

Series history: Phillipsburg owns a 56-10-1 edge dating to 1961, including a 7-4 mark in postseason meetings. North ended a 17-match skid in the series with a 30-24 victory on the road last season and followed that up with a dominating 37-12 win in the North 2, Group 4 sectional final en route to the Group 4 state title and the program's first unbeaten season. P'burg's last win in the series was a 28-19 victory in the North 2, Group 4 final on Feb. 8, 2019. The Lions' other wins came in the Group 3 finals (1982, '84 and '93), and regular-season dual meets in 1961, '62, '65, '75 and 2007.

Note: Phillipsburg wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.

106 -- Jr. Miguel Lopez (2-1) vs. So. Logan Wadle (3-0).

113 -- Fr. Dawson McWilliams (1-2) vs. Jr. Ben Makaritis (2-1).

120 -- Jr. James Day (3-0) vs. Jr. Nick DeLorenzo (2-1).

126 -- Jr. Joey Innamorato (3-0) vs. Sr. Hunter Iannozzi (1-2) or Sr. Frank DiEsso (0-0).

132 -- Jr. Sean Stasiulaitis (2-1) vs. Sr. Connor Quinn (0-1) or Sr. Connor McGeary (2-1).

138 -- Sr. Jason Tino (3-0) vs. Sr. Josh Parson (2-0).

145 -- Sr. Logan Maczko (2-1) vs. So. Daniel Delusant (2-1).

152 -- So. Hunter Cleaver (3-0) vs. Sr. William Cole (2-1) or So. Luke Fischer (0-1).

160 -- Jr. Matt D'Onofrio (2-1) vs. Sr. Ethan Akers (0-2) or Jr. Tucker Lewis (1-0).

170 -- Jr. Nate Zastowny (1-2) vs. Sr. James Holder (2-0).

182 -- Fr. Caleb Rivera (3-0) vs. So. Alex Uryniak (2-0).

195 -- Sr. Gage Horvath (3-0) vs. So. Brendan Raley (3-0).

220 -- Jr. David Pierson (3-0) vs. Sr. Andrew Franklin (3-0).

285 -- Sr. Jordan Kiley (2-1) vs. Jr. Liam Akers (3-0).

Breakdown: The 68th meeting is one of the most anticipated duals in our area this season. North Hunterdon comes in riding a 26-match winning streak dating to last season when the Lions capped the program's first unbeaten season (23-0) with a win over Kingsway in the Group 4 final. Phillipsburg, which rarely loses sectional title matches, will be out to avenge an even rarer double loss in this series.

North celebrates its sectional title win in 2020.

Much like last season, the upper weights should go a long way in deciding this one. However, the 'Liners appear to have the edge there this time around. The sectional final meeting started at 170, where Holder got things rolling with an 8-6 win over Zastowny -- sparking a match-opening run of six in a row that gave North a commanding 22-0 lead. That could once again be a swing bout up top and one the hosts may need to pull off a third straight win in the series. I give P'burg the edge at 120, 138 (Tino vs. McGeary), 145, 152, 160, 195 and 220. North is favored at 106, 113, 132 (Quinn vs. Stasiulaitis), 182 and 285. That leaves 126 (Innamorato vs. DiEsso) and 170 as the tossups. DiEsso has not stepped on the mat this season, but he has weighed in as he rehabs from a minor preseason injury. I'd be shocked if he's not back for this one, and to be honest, Innamorato is a tough assignment out of the gate. P'burg should have the edge in a 7-7 split, with a few more opportunities for bonus points. This is a tough one to handicap so early into the season and no Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament to go by. North would like to get McGeary away from Tino, who lost to Quinn, 5-2, last season, to try to win 132 and 138. I keep coming back to the upper weights and P'burg, which is a tad better on paper and a little more balanced at this point in the season, making up ground there that it didn't a year ago. In any case this should be another classic.

Prediction: Phillipsburg, 31-22.

Monday, March 22, 2021

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

1. Phillipsburg (3-0) -- Stateliners, who enter the week seven wins shy of 1,000 as a program, started strong with victories over Livingston (46-21 on Tuesday), Ridge (67-9 on Thursday) and Bound Brook (69-7 on Saturday). Juniors James Day (120), Joey Innamorato (126) and David Pierson (220) are off to 3-0 starts. Coach Dave Post's team has been waiting over a year for a crack at North Hunterdon, which won both meetings last season, including a 37-12 victory in the North 2, Group 4 title matchup. Tuesday's rematch should be a good one. The 'Liners look like favorites on paper and we are expecting a good one in the Lions Den. Check back here for the match preview with lineups and a full breakdown on Monday evening.

Up next: at North Hunterdon on Tuesday; Montgomery at home on Thursday; at Cranford on Saturday.

2. North Hunterdon (3-0) -- Lions, who opened with lopsided wins over Hillsborough (67-9 on Tuesday) and Montgomery (68-9 on Thursday), rallied for a 36-32 victory over Christian Brothers Academy on Saturday. The upper weights came through once again for coach Chris Hrunka's team, which has won 26 in a row dating to last season, as James Holder (170), Brendan Raley (195), Andrew Franklin (220) and Liam Akers (285) all won by pins, while Alex Uryniak (182) received a forfeit. Logan Wadle (106) also had a pin, as CBA won eight of the 13 contested bouts. Hrunka hopes to have senior state qualifier Frank DiEsso (120-126), who has been out of the lineup due to a preseason injury, back in the lineup soon.

Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Tuesday; at Delaware Valley on Thursday; at Bound Brook on Saturday.

Brian Soldano is 79-5 in two seasons.

3. High Point (0-0) -- Wildcats are also late getting underway due to COVID-19 and will open up against upset-minded Kittatinny when that annual rivalry renews on Thursday. Coach John Gardner's team, which has won the last two meetings with the Cougars, including a 48-24 win to start the 2019-20 season, features returning state champion Brian Soldano (182), along with fellow junior Clayton Utter (113) and senior state medalist Josh Gervey (138).

Up next: at Kittatinny on Thursday; Hunterdon Central at home on Saturday.

4. Hunterdon Central (3-0) -- Red Devils, with a lot of good young talent in their lineup, cruised to wins over Bound Brook (73-3 on Tuesday), Hillsborough (63-9 on Friday) and St. Joseph-Metuchen (64-10 on Saturday). State medalist Colton Washleski (3-0 at 160) raised his career wins total to 107, while fellow senior Norman Cella (3-0 at 170-182), who was an eighth-place finisher in the 2020 state tournament, stands at 88. Maybe we see a Cella vs. Soldano matchup this week in Wantage.

Up next: Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Thursday; at High Point on Saturday.

5. Warren Hills (0-0) -- Blue Streaks, who were shut down the past two weeks due to COVID-19, will get their season underway at home against Somerville on Thursday. Coach Dave Sbriscia's team, which would have been sectional and Group 3 title favorites and is likely to have just one senior starter, will be led by juniors and returning state qualifiers Stephen Malia (160) and Tyler McCatharn (285).

Up next: Somerville at home on Thursday; Hillsborough at home on Saturday.

6. Pope John (0-0) -- Lions also were among the teams delayed by COVID-19 and will open their season at home against Mendham on Tuesday.

Up next: Mendham at home on Tuesday; Delbarton at home on Thursday; at West Morris on Saturday.

7. Kittatinny (3-0) -- Cougars opened with wins over Belvidere (53-27 on Wednesday), Morris Hills (56-18 on Friday) and Morris Knolls (51-19 on Saturday) to give coach John Gill 598 career victories entering the week. Junior Shane Nelson (3-0 at 120), a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finalist last season, is one to watch, along with senior Jackson Crawn (3-0 at 285), who anchors a solid group of upper weights. Junior Ty Eldred (220-285) returns to the lineup this week.

Up next: at Hackettstown on Tuesday; High Point at home on Thursday; at Boonton on Friday.

8. Delaware Valley (3-0) -- Terriers are also nearing a milestone coming off wins over Manville (51-15 on Tuesday), Somerville (48-16 on Wednesday) and Bridgewater-Raritan (42-26 on Saturday). That put the program at 797 wins entering the week. Anderson Olcott (3-0 at 182) is among a nice freshman class that has coach Andy Fitz excited for the future. Senior Tyler Lagun (3-0 at 170) is also off to a fast start.

Up next: at Voorhees on Tuesday; North Hunterdon at home on Thursday; at Franklin on Saturday.

DV 42, Bridgewater 26

Win #797

Anderson Olcott and Ben Brown changed the number!

Next dual is at Voorhees on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/JcJiEqHlou
— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) March 20, 2021

9. Hackettstown (3-0) -- Tigers, who opened with a 73-6 win over Vernon/Wallkill Valley on Tuesday, followed that up with a 35-31 victory over Newton on Friday. Talented freshman Nicolas Balella, whose uncle, Jim, was a former standout for the Warren County school, scored a key 11-3 major decision over former region placewinner Danny Cleary at 126 pounds. Bruno Dougherty (220) and Matthew Bremner (285) added pins. Coach Frank Rodgers' team closed the week with a 46-27 win over Verona on Saturday.

Up next: Kittatinny at home on Tuesday; Morris Knolls at home on Thursday.

(Photo courtesy of Leslie Lopez)

10. Newton (1-2) -- Braves rebounded from losses to Jefferson (44-27 on Tuesday) and Hackettstown (35-31 on Friday) with a 55-22 waxing of West Morris on Saturday. Seniors Nathan Fitt (3-0 at 132) moved closer to the century mark with 87 career wins and JoJo Lotruglio (3-0 at 138) scored a nice 12-1 win over 2020 state qualifier Malachi Shepard on Saturday. Eric Bollette also recorded his 251st win to surpass legendary coach Henry Boresch (250-44-8 in 38 seasons from 1926-64) as the program's all-time leader.

Up next: Hopatcong at home on Tuesday; Roxbury at home on Thursday; at Sparta on Saturday.

Wrestling: Gill eyes another milestone (600 wins)

Without question, this is the most unique high school wrestling season in New Jersey history. Then there's legendary Kittatinny coach John Gill, who has remained a constant figure matside for just over four decades, and is poised to become only the fifth coach in state history to reach 600 victories.

Gill, now in his 41st season as the Cougars' head coach and 43rd overall, took over the fledgling Sussex County program, started by former Phillipsburg wrestler Carl Bateman when the school opened in 1975, just six seasons into its existence. That proved to be one of the greatest hires in New Jersey history as Bateman tabbed Gill to be his assistant coach right out of college in 1978.

Kittatinny celebrates its last section title in 2019.

Many milestones later, Gill, whose traditional attire consists of a light blue dress shirt, ties? (seems like only one design), and gray slacks, stands at 598-194-5, and his teams have won 22 sectional and eight state championships (Group 1 and 2).

Only four coaches -- Stan Woods of Emerson-Park Ridge (783 from 1967-present), Paul Morina of Paulsboro (723 from 1985-present), Dennis Smith of Delran (605 from 1976-2013) and Ralph Ross Sr. of Highland (601 from 1964-2000) -- have more victories than Gill on New Jersey's all-time list.

With Hackettstown slated for Tuesday, followed by High Point on Thursday and Boonton on Friday, this sets up to be another big week in a storied coaching career.

Gill got No. 500 against Jefferson in 2014.

"We'll get 599 on Tuesday, hopefully, and 600 either Thursday or Friday," said Gill, who rarely speaks of his coaching accomplishments, and usually only when pointed out by reporters.

High Point would love nothing more than to open its season by denying No. 600. The Wildcats enter as a prohibitive favorite, but they have been idle for two weeks due to COVID-19. Gill is hoping the lack of mat time will benefit his young team (five freshmen and three sophomore starters) in what is always an emotional match for both schools.

"If there was a perfect [scenario], I would love to beat them," Gill said. "We're hoping to give High Point [a battle]. We'll have four matches under our belt. They'll probably have their best lineup, and it should be a great match. My kids are excited about it. We know it's their opener."

Kittatinny (3-0, 0-0 NJAC division) would be best served not to overlook a Hackettstown team that also features plenty of young talent, and posted a somewhat-surprising 35-31 win over Newton on Friday. Longtime coach Frank Rodgers, one of the nicest guys in the sport, is calling it a career at season's end after 30 seasons (24 over two stints as head coach). That's 73 seasons of experience and a combined 858 wins between him and Gill, the deans among Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex coaches.

No doubt Gill's wife, Diane, has another banner ready to go.

"He's wonderful. Win or lose, he's always humble," a surprised Gill said when told that Rodgers was retiring after this season. "He always does the right thing and isn't out to cheat anybody."

Gill could hit 600 at the expense of a former wrestler, so to speak, as Dave Hughen, a region runner-up for the Cougars, serves as Boonton's athletic director. The list of former students in the coaching ranks is long, with Gill also scheduled to face Eric Bollette (Newton) on March 30, Tyler Branham (Hanover Park) on April 2 and Kellen Bradley (North Warren) on April 6. Gill recently knocked off Brian Bollette's Morris Hills team, 56-18, on Friday. Dave Sylvester and Bryant Wanamaker serve as assistants on that staff.

"I had what you call a senior moment. I have Dave Sylvester's nephew, Andrew Sylvester, on the JV team," Gill said, "and he's wrestling [against Morris Hills] and I'm calling him, Dave. After the match, you could hear [one of Andrew's parents] yell, 'Hey, Gill, wrong [Sylvester].'"

Gill is proud of each of the coaches he's produced over the years and maintains strong friendships with many of them, and even helping some with home repairs and projects as a noted handyman.

'It's fun to read about some of the teams," Gill said. "Dave and Bryant Wanamaker [are assistants] with Brian [Bollette] at Morris Hills. They're fun to watch. Kellen is doing all the right things at North Warren. Tyler has a two-time state champ [Joey Olivieri] on that team. Brian is a [Region 2] president and Eric is our treasurer [in Region 1]."

With Rodgers, along with longtime Lenape Valley football coach Don Smolyn, another Sussex County institution, both stepping down this year, Gill said thoughts of his retirement one day seem to creep nearer. He admits to nearly resigning after an 11-10 season in 2014-15, but he "got a second wind."

"I don't want COVID to end my career," Gill said of the shortened season. "Next year might be it."

Truthfully, I thought Gill was done five years ago and he keeps going. I won't be the least surprised if he's knocking on the door for 800 wins down the road. One thing is certain, we will never see his kind in the coaching ranks from a longevity standpoint again in these parts.