What: 85th State Wrestling Championships.
Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday's schedule: Preliminaries, 2:30 p.m.; pre-quarterfinals, to follow.
Saturday's schedule: Wrestlebacks (first three rounds), 9 a.m.; quarterfinals, 12:30 p.m.; semifinals, plus fourth and fifth round of wrestlebacks, 6 p.m.
Sunday's schedule: Sixth round of wrestlebacks, 10 a.m.; consolation finals (third through eighth places), to follow; championships, 3 p.m.
Returning state champions (10, including 3 prior to 2017, '18 weights): So. Anthony Clark, Delbarton (113); Sr. Antonio Minnino, Gateway-Woodbury (120); Sr. Joe Manchio, Seneca (first-2016, eighth-2017, 120); Sr. Patrick Glory, Delbarton (second-2015-16, 126); Jr. Nick Raimo, Hanover Park (second-2016, 132); Sr. Quinn Kinner, Kingsway (fifth-2015, third-2016, 138); Sr. Jake Benner, Ocean Township (138); Sr. Gerard Angelo, Bergen Catholic (first-2015, third-2016, second-2017, 152); Sr. Shane Griffith, Bergen Catholic (first-2015, first-2016, second-2017, 160); Sr. Bill Janzer, Delsea (third-2016, 182).
Returning medal winners (39, previous finishes, 2018 weights): So. Nick Kayal, Bergen Catholic (third-2017, 106); So. Justin Bierdumpfel, Don Bosco Prep (seventh-2017, 106); Sr. Samuel Alverez, St. Joseph-Montvale (second-2017, 113); Sr. Dante Mininno, Gateway-Woodbury (seventh-2016, fourth-2017, 113); Jr. Hunter Gutierrez, Lacey (fifth-2017, 113); So. Eddie Ventresca, Pope John (sixth-2017, 113); So. Robert Howard, Bergen Catholic (second-2017, 120); Sr. Mitchell Polito, East Brunswick (third-2017, 120); Sr. Richie Koehler, Christian Brothers (sixth-2015, 120); Sr. Joe Heilmann, South Plainfield (fifth-2016, third-2017, 126); Sr. Michael Kelly, St. Peter's Prep (sixth-2016, eighth-2017, 126); Jr. Darby Diedrich, Howell (seventh-2017, 126); Sr. Colin Wickramaratna, Cherokee (seventh-2017, 126); Sr. Hunter Graf, Hunterdon Central (eighth-2016, 132); Jr. Lucas Revano, Camden Catholic (sixth-2016, fifth, 2017, 132); Sr. Kyle Slendorn, Howell (second-2017, 132); Sr. Carmen Ferrante, Bergen Catholic (eighth-2015, fifth-2016, third-2017, 132); Jr. Joe Aragona, Pope John (third-2016, second-2017, 138); Sr. Andrew Gapas, North Hunterdon (eighth-2017, 138); Jr. Cody Harrison, Phillipsburg (eighth-2017, 138); Jr. Ricky Cabanillas, DePaul (second-2017, 145); Jr. Robbie Garcia, Pope John (fourth-2017, 145); Sr. Brian Meyer, Phillipsburg (third-2017, 152); Jr. Nicholas O'Connell, Southern (eighth-2017, 152); Sr. Cole Corrigan, Toms River South (seventh-2016, 152); Sr. Joe Casey, Bound Brook (seventh-2015, seventh-2016, sixth-2017, 152); Jr. Robert Kanniard, Wall (fourth-2017, 160); Sr. Michael Petite, Piscataway (eighth-2016, fourth-2017, 160); Sr. Tim Fitzpatrick, Holy Spirit (seventh-2017, 160); Sr. Michael O'Malley, Hasbrouck Heights (fifth-2015, second-2016, third-2017, 170); Jr. Christopher Foca, Bergen Catholic (third-2017, 170); Jr. Josh McKenzie, Bergen Catholic (fifth-2016, 182); Sr. Cole Kreshpane, Delbarton (sixth-2017, 182); Jr. Santo Morina, Paulsboro (eighth-2017, 182); Sr. Garrett Beam, St. Joseph-Montvale (eighth-2016, 182); Sr. Sam Wustefeld, Scotch Plains-Fanwood (second-2017, 195); Sr. Sean Lenzsch, St. Augustine Prep (sixth-2017, 195); Sr. Tommy Maxwell, Delsea (eighth-2017, 195); Sr. Peter Acciardi, Don Bosco Prep (second-2017, 220).
Returning medal winners by region:
Region 1 (7, Bierdumpfel, Alverez, Ventresca, Aragona, Garcia, Beam, Acciardi)
Region 2 (9, Kayal, Howard, Ferrante, Cabanillas, Angelo, Griffith, Foca, O'Malley, McKenzie)
Region 3 (6, Clark, Glory, N. Raimo, Harrison, Meyer, Kreshpane)
Region 4 (4, Heilmann, Kelly, Gapas, Wustefeld)
Region 5 (4, Polito, Graf, Casey, Petite)
Region 6 (5, Koehler, Diedrich, Slendorn, Benner, Kanniard)
Region 7 (6, Gutierrez, Manchio, Wickramaratna, Revano, Corrigan, Morina)
Region 8 (8, D. Mininno, A. Minnino, Kinner, O'Connell, Fitzpatrick, Janzer, Maxwell, Lenzsch)
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Monday, February 26, 2018
Wrestling: Regions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 by the numbers
We're approaching the final leg of the high school season, but before we start focusing on the 85th State Championships in Atlantic City, let's take a look at some of the highlights from the five region tournaments that house teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area.
13 -- Newton junior Wyatt McCarthy is among the 13 region champions from the area -- winning his first title and receiving the Outstanding Wrestler Award with an impressive 15-7 major decision over Pope John state placewinner Robert Garcia at 145 pounds in Region 1 at West Milford. McCarthy (35-2) is the Braves' 38th champ overall and first since Josh Sibblies, who also earned OW honors in 2013. Hackettstown senior Alex Carida, who win his second title, shared the OW Award in Region 3 at West Orange.
7 -- Pope John led the way at Region 1, crowning four champions and advancing an area-best seven wrestlers to AC. Senior Jake Rotunda (132) won his second title in a row, while sophomore Kaya Sement (120) and senior Jake Brown (195) claimed their first titles. Junior JoJo Aragona (138), who ended the program's 11-year drought in 2016, is just the second in Lions history to win at least three and will look to join the legendary Mike Frick as the Sparta-based school's only four-time champs next season. Sophomore Eddie Ventresca (113), a champ in 2017, finished third, while junior Robert Garcia (145), a runner-up, and senior Reece Muldoon (182), who finished fourth, also qualified for states.
123 -- Speaking of champions, Phillipsburg now has 123 overall after juniors Travis Jones (120) and Cody Harrison (138) and senior Brian Meyer (152), who won his third title, were among six Stateliners to advance in Region 3. Meyer is just the fifth at the Warren County school to win consecutive titles since 2000 -- joining current coach Dave Post (2002-03), Jon Gregory (2005-06), Brandon Paetzell (2013-14) and Robert Melise (2016-17). Matt Lane won two non-consecutive titles in 2009 and '11, while Paetzell got his third in '16. And speaking of three-peats, Meyer is also just the sixth 'Liner to win three titles -- joining Rick Thompson (1970-71, '73), John Rutledge (1977, 79-80), John Barna (1980-82), Marc DeFrancesco (1994-96) and Paetzell (2013-14, '16).
16 -- Hackettstown senior Joe Andes, who dominated the field in winning the title at 285 pounds in Region 3 joined Carida in the winner's circle to give the Tigers their 15th and 16th champions. Carida (40-1) heads to Atlantic City for a third straight season with the goal of becoming the Warren County school's second state champion and first since two-time winner Doug Blake (1967-68). Andes (39-1), whose only loss this season is by injury default, made history in becoming the school's first heavyweight champ.
98 -- Hunterdon Central has had some tough luck in the championship round at Region 5, especially, the last two seasons, but freshman Brett Ungar (106) earned the first of what could be several titles for him in becoming the program's 98th champion overall. Jack Bauer (120), Hunter Graf (132), a champion in 2016, and Vincent Romaniello (145) all finished second, while Pasquale Vizzoni (138) and Colton Washleski (113) placed third and fourth, respectively, to give the Red Devils six state qualifiers.
36 -- Voorhees junior Lewis Fernandes (38-0), the area's lone unbeaten wrestler who won his first title in Region 4 title on Saturday at 285 pounds, is among four Vikings moving on to the state tournament, along with junior Aidan Taylor (fourth at 120), senior Scott Fernandes (second at 195) and junior Sam Huff (third at 220). Lewis picked up his 100th career victory -- the 12th in program history to reach the century mark, joining older brothers Michael and Scott in that club-- with a 10-0 major of Irvington's Carl Napoleon in the semifinals. Lewis, now 101-22 overall and the program's 36th champ, is the first heavyweight to win for the Hunterdon County school in 34 years and just the third overall -- joining Lee Getz (1982) and Thor Beveridge ('84).
70 -- North Hunterdon was denied for a third straight year in a bid for its 71st champion overall, but seniors Andrew Gapas (138), Tucker Kirchberger (152) and William Hughes (160) all finished third, while freshman Frank Diesso (113) finished fourth for the Lions to advance out of Region 4 at Union High School. Gapas (34-2), one of the area's best chances for a state medal this weekend after placing eighth as a junior, dropped a 9-7 decision in the semis to Aaron Coleman of JFK-Iselin -- snapping his 15-match win streak. Gapas' only other loss is to Aragona, who won by fall in their Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament title bout on Jan. 13.
46 -- For only the fourth time since 2005, High Point did not have a champion in Region 1, but the 'Cats are sending four to Atlantic City as junior Brandon LaRue (fourth at 113) and senior Shane Kobis (third at 138) will make their second trips to states, while sophomore Billy Talmadge (third at 132) and senior Trey Osborn (fourth at 152) will make their first appearances at states. Head coach John Gardner (1987-90) and assistant Billy Smith (2010-11) combined to win six regions titles at the Sussex County school, which has 46 champs in its proud history, including Kevin Lewis who won its last title in 2016 at 285 pounds.
3 -- Warren Hills and Delaware Valley are sending three wrestlers apiece to Atlantic City. Junior AJ DeRosa (126), a runner-up as a freshman, won his first title for the Terriers (No. 44 overall), while junior Shawne Ramsby (170) finished third and senior Eli Kalfaian (195) fourth in Region 5 at Hunterdon Central. For the Blue Streaks, senior Codey O'Rourke (126) finished fourth, while senior Jarod Ostir (182) and junior Nick Galka (220) were runners-up in Region 3.
19 -- Sussex County advanced a total of 19 wrestlers to Atlantic City, the most of the three local counties. Kittatinny senior Calvin Brook (152) and junior Zach Mafaro (182) were runners-up in Region 1, while Sparta sophomore Garrett Stewart (126) and seniors Robert Gennat (195) also advanced with top-four finishes at West Milford. Gennat (36-3), a runner-up, made Spartans history with a pin in his opening bout to become their all-time wins leader at 122-30 overall.
48 -- We have that many wrestlers from Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex moving on to this weekend's state tournament (up one from last year and plus-17 from pre-realignment in 2016), including an area-high seven from Pope John. In all, 18 (up two from last year) advanced out of Region 1, while Region 3 produced 12 (plus one from last year). Over in Region 5, Hunterdon Central and Delaware Valley combined for nine qualifiers (same as last year), while Region 4 had eight (up one) between North Hunterdon and Voorhees, leaving one wrestler (down three) to come out of Region 2 in Hopatcong senior Anthony Mastroeni, the school's all-time wins leader who finished third at 126.
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| Region 1 champions (Courtesy of Doreen McCarthy) |
7 -- Pope John led the way at Region 1, crowning four champions and advancing an area-best seven wrestlers to AC. Senior Jake Rotunda (132) won his second title in a row, while sophomore Kaya Sement (120) and senior Jake Brown (195) claimed their first titles. Junior JoJo Aragona (138), who ended the program's 11-year drought in 2016, is just the second in Lions history to win at least three and will look to join the legendary Mike Frick as the Sparta-based school's only four-time champs next season. Sophomore Eddie Ventresca (113), a champ in 2017, finished third, while junior Robert Garcia (145), a runner-up, and senior Reece Muldoon (182), who finished fourth, also qualified for states.
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| Brian Meyer atop the podium at R3. (Courtesy of Ray Patt) |
123 -- Speaking of champions, Phillipsburg now has 123 overall after juniors Travis Jones (120) and Cody Harrison (138) and senior Brian Meyer (152), who won his third title, were among six Stateliners to advance in Region 3. Meyer is just the fifth at the Warren County school to win consecutive titles since 2000 -- joining current coach Dave Post (2002-03), Jon Gregory (2005-06), Brandon Paetzell (2013-14) and Robert Melise (2016-17). Matt Lane won two non-consecutive titles in 2009 and '11, while Paetzell got his third in '16. And speaking of three-peats, Meyer is also just the sixth 'Liner to win three titles -- joining Rick Thompson (1970-71, '73), John Rutledge (1977, 79-80), John Barna (1980-82), Marc DeFrancesco (1994-96) and Paetzell (2013-14, '16).
16 -- Hackettstown senior Joe Andes, who dominated the field in winning the title at 285 pounds in Region 3 joined Carida in the winner's circle to give the Tigers their 15th and 16th champions. Carida (40-1) heads to Atlantic City for a third straight season with the goal of becoming the Warren County school's second state champion and first since two-time winner Doug Blake (1967-68). Andes (39-1), whose only loss this season is by injury default, made history in becoming the school's first heavyweight champ.
98 -- Hunterdon Central has had some tough luck in the championship round at Region 5, especially, the last two seasons, but freshman Brett Ungar (106) earned the first of what could be several titles for him in becoming the program's 98th champion overall. Jack Bauer (120), Hunter Graf (132), a champion in 2016, and Vincent Romaniello (145) all finished second, while Pasquale Vizzoni (138) and Colton Washleski (113) placed third and fourth, respectively, to give the Red Devils six state qualifiers.
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| Lewis Fernandes gets a trophy for his 100th win from Eric Hall. |
70 -- North Hunterdon was denied for a third straight year in a bid for its 71st champion overall, but seniors Andrew Gapas (138), Tucker Kirchberger (152) and William Hughes (160) all finished third, while freshman Frank Diesso (113) finished fourth for the Lions to advance out of Region 4 at Union High School. Gapas (34-2), one of the area's best chances for a state medal this weekend after placing eighth as a junior, dropped a 9-7 decision in the semis to Aaron Coleman of JFK-Iselin -- snapping his 15-match win streak. Gapas' only other loss is to Aragona, who won by fall in their Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament title bout on Jan. 13.
46 -- For only the fourth time since 2005, High Point did not have a champion in Region 1, but the 'Cats are sending four to Atlantic City as junior Brandon LaRue (fourth at 113) and senior Shane Kobis (third at 138) will make their second trips to states, while sophomore Billy Talmadge (third at 132) and senior Trey Osborn (fourth at 152) will make their first appearances at states. Head coach John Gardner (1987-90) and assistant Billy Smith (2010-11) combined to win six regions titles at the Sussex County school, which has 46 champs in its proud history, including Kevin Lewis who won its last title in 2016 at 285 pounds.
3 -- Warren Hills and Delaware Valley are sending three wrestlers apiece to Atlantic City. Junior AJ DeRosa (126), a runner-up as a freshman, won his first title for the Terriers (No. 44 overall), while junior Shawne Ramsby (170) finished third and senior Eli Kalfaian (195) fourth in Region 5 at Hunterdon Central. For the Blue Streaks, senior Codey O'Rourke (126) finished fourth, while senior Jarod Ostir (182) and junior Nick Galka (220) were runners-up in Region 3.
19 -- Sussex County advanced a total of 19 wrestlers to Atlantic City, the most of the three local counties. Kittatinny senior Calvin Brook (152) and junior Zach Mafaro (182) were runners-up in Region 1, while Sparta sophomore Garrett Stewart (126) and seniors Robert Gennat (195) also advanced with top-four finishes at West Milford. Gennat (36-3), a runner-up, made Spartans history with a pin in his opening bout to become their all-time wins leader at 122-30 overall.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Wrestling: Meyer 3-peat, Jones thriller big for 'Liners
WEST ORANGE -- Phillipsburg senior Brian Meyer seems to be involved in some aspect of program history with each passing win these days.
He was at it again on Saturday, becoming just the sixth Stateliner to capture three titles -- no one has won four -- with his 2-1 decision over Caldwell senior Gerald Jones at 152 pounds in the Region 3 Tournament at West Orange High School.
"It's a really cool feeling," Meyer said of joining Rick Thompson (1970-71, '73), John Rutledge (1977, 79-80), John Barna (1980-82), Marc DeFrancesco (1994-96) and Brandon Paetzell (2013-14, '16) in that exclusive club featuring some of the program's all-time greats.
"Obviously when you get to high school, the goal is to be a district, region and state champion. It's a great feeling to get [a third region title]. It shows the hard work is paying off."
Meyer was one of three champions for Phillipsburg, as junior Travis Jones (120) and Cody Harrison (138) won their first titles. The Stateliners, who produced five region finalists for just the third time since 1998, with 2016 also being the last for three winners, advanced six wrestlers to next weekend's state tournament in Atlantic City. Joining those three were runners-up Cullen Day (113) and Kyle Tino (132), along with third-place finisher Lance Wissing (170).
Hackettstown had two champions for just the second time in Alex Carida (145) and Joe Andes (285), while Warren Hills had two runners-up in Jarod Ostir (182) and Nick Galka (220). Belvidere junior Quinn Melofchik, second at 106, rounded out the local contingent in the championship round. Warren Hills senior Codey O'Rourke (126) also earned a trip to AC with a fourth-place finish.
Meyer (35-2), a four-time district champion and a third-place finisher in the state 145 last season, needed only a first-period takedown -- that came just before the buzzer -- to knock off Jones for a second straight Saturday. In the District 9 finals, Meyer got the decisive takedown with 32 seconds left in sudden-victory overtime for a 3-1 win over Caldwell's all-time wins leader.
"I would like to score more points, but it was hard to get to his legs," Meyer said of the rematch. "I think I opened him up more this time, but I couldn't finish."
Meyer, who is 127-34 in his career, needs just two victories to surpass Max Elling (128-37 from 2011-15) as Phillipsburg's all-time leader.
Jones' victory came with much more dramatics and flare as he got a reversal with six seconds left in the third period for a nail-biting 6-5 decision over Delbarton sophomore Alex Strashinsky in the opening title bout.
"You always want to get the first takedown, but if I don't, I know I can come back," Jones said. "I still got the win, but it was a little closer than I would have liked with 20 seconds left. I knew I could at least get one."
"It's better being the underdog, it's a lot more fun. When you're the top seed, there's something to prove, there's expectations. It's a different motivation."
Harrison, who finished third in his two previous region appearances, was a winner in his third attempt, as he had to hang on for a 6-5 win over Verona senior Frank Gabriele.
Leading, 5-1, after two periods, Harrison (32-3), an eighth-place finisher in last year's state tournament, was firmly in control until Gabriele escaped and converted a double-leg takedown with 1:44 left in the third to make it 5-4.
Harrison managed to escape 15 seconds later and was hit for stalling twice down the stretch as Gabriele pressed the action but couldn't come close to getting a decisive takedown. After the second stall call, Harrison, who seemed to run out of steam in the third period, took an injury timeout with 16 seconds to go.
Tino and Day ran into returning state champions in their finals matchups.
At 132, Hanover Park junior Nick Raimo put on a clinic with eight takedowns, including a five-pointer with a headlock, in a 21-6 technical fall win over Tino, making his first finals appearance.
Day dropped a 5-0 decision in his finals rematch with Delbarton sophomore Anthony Clark, who scored a 3-1 win in last year's title bout at 106 en route to capturing the state title a week later.
Championships
120 -- 1-Jr. Travis Jones (37-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-So. Alex Strashinsky (21-3, D10-1), Delbarton, 6-5.
126 -- 1-Sr. Patrick Glory (35-0, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 2-Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (33-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 17-2, 3:26.
132 -- 1-Jr. Nick Raimo (37-0, D11-1), Hanover Park, tf. 6-Jr. Kyle Tino (24-9, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 21-6, 4:09.
138 -- 1-Jr. Cody Harrison (32-3, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Frank Gabriele (36-3, D10-1), Verona, 6-5.
145 -- 3-Sr. Alex Carida (40-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, d. 1-Sr. Travis Tavoso (30-5, D10-1), Delbarton, 2-1.
152 -- 1-Sr. Brian Meyer (35-2, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Gerald Jones (33-3, D9-2), Caldwell, 2-1.
160 -- 2-So. Kieran Calvetti (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 1-Sr. Matthew Liberato (26-5, D11-1), Hanover Park, 5-4.
170 -- 1-Sr. Marco Gaita (33-2, D11-1), West Morris, d. 2-Jr. AJ Lonski (26-11, D10-1), Delbarton, 7-6.
182 -- 1-Sr. Cole Kreshpane (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Jarod Ostir (27-2, D12-1), Warren Hills, 7-3.
195 -- 2-So. Gage Armijo (35-2, D9-2), Mendham, d. 4-Sr. Anthony Siragusa (18-10, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-0.
220 -- 1-Sr. Trey Zgombic (19-6, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Jr. Nick Galka (24-4, D12-1), Warren Hills, 10-7.
285 -- 1-Sr. Joe Andes (39-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, p. 2-Jr. Ryan Knox (25-15, D12-1), Randolph, 1:54.
106 -- 1-Fr. Joey Olivieri (37-3, D11-1), Hanover Park, d. 2-Jr. Quinn Melofchik (36-3, D11-2), Belvidere, 3-1.
113 -- 1-So. Anthony Clark (31-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Cullen Day (29-10, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 5-0.
Outstanding Wrestler Awards -- Patrick Glory, Delbarton and Alex Carida, Hackettstown.
Coach of the Year Award -- Dave Post, Phillipsburg.
Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Mark Delia, Belleville.
He was at it again on Saturday, becoming just the sixth Stateliner to capture three titles -- no one has won four -- with his 2-1 decision over Caldwell senior Gerald Jones at 152 pounds in the Region 3 Tournament at West Orange High School.
"It's a really cool feeling," Meyer said of joining Rick Thompson (1970-71, '73), John Rutledge (1977, 79-80), John Barna (1980-82), Marc DeFrancesco (1994-96) and Brandon Paetzell (2013-14, '16) in that exclusive club featuring some of the program's all-time greats.
"Obviously when you get to high school, the goal is to be a district, region and state champion. It's a great feeling to get [a third region title]. It shows the hard work is paying off."
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| Travis Jones heads to AC as a Region 3 champion. |
Hackettstown had two champions for just the second time in Alex Carida (145) and Joe Andes (285), while Warren Hills had two runners-up in Jarod Ostir (182) and Nick Galka (220). Belvidere junior Quinn Melofchik, second at 106, rounded out the local contingent in the championship round. Warren Hills senior Codey O'Rourke (126) also earned a trip to AC with a fourth-place finish.
Meyer (35-2), a four-time district champion and a third-place finisher in the state 145 last season, needed only a first-period takedown -- that came just before the buzzer -- to knock off Jones for a second straight Saturday. In the District 9 finals, Meyer got the decisive takedown with 32 seconds left in sudden-victory overtime for a 3-1 win over Caldwell's all-time wins leader.
"I would like to score more points, but it was hard to get to his legs," Meyer said of the rematch. "I think I opened him up more this time, but I couldn't finish."
Meyer, who is 127-34 in his career, needs just two victories to surpass Max Elling (128-37 from 2011-15) as Phillipsburg's all-time leader.
"You always want to get the first takedown, but if I don't, I know I can come back," Jones said. "I still got the win, but it was a little closer than I would have liked with 20 seconds left. I knew I could at least get one."
Jones led, 2-0, with a reversal in the second period and got another with 1:11 left in the third as the two engaged in several wild scrambles. Strashinsky, also a tough mat wrestler, started on bottom in the third and got a reversal -- after Jones got a one-count with a tilt -- to knot it at 2. He escaped after Jones' second reversal to trail, 4-3, and funked his way to a go-ahead takedown with 31 seconds left in the bout. But his strategy to stay on the mat with Jones, one of the most dangerous mat wrestlers around, was a colossal mistake.
"I know I'm really good on the mat, not that I'm the best ever, but I also thought I was better [than Strashinsky] on the mat," said Jones, now 66-19 overall. "I knew I could beat him there. I think this is the best match I wrestled [in this tournament]. On Friday, I was pretty slow and not really myself, and then I got caught in a spladle [late in third period before going on to a 5-3 win in sudden victory against Mendham's Dom DiGena in the semis].
Harrison, who finished third in his two previous region appearances, was a winner in his third attempt, as he had to hang on for a 6-5 win over Verona senior Frank Gabriele.
Leading, 5-1, after two periods, Harrison (32-3), an eighth-place finisher in last year's state tournament, was firmly in control until Gabriele escaped and converted a double-leg takedown with 1:44 left in the third to make it 5-4.
Harrison managed to escape 15 seconds later and was hit for stalling twice down the stretch as Gabriele pressed the action but couldn't come close to getting a decisive takedown. After the second stall call, Harrison, who seemed to run out of steam in the third period, took an injury timeout with 16 seconds to go.
Tino and Day ran into returning state champions in their finals matchups.
At 132, Hanover Park junior Nick Raimo put on a clinic with eight takedowns, including a five-pointer with a headlock, in a 21-6 technical fall win over Tino, making his first finals appearance.
Day dropped a 5-0 decision in his finals rematch with Delbarton sophomore Anthony Clark, who scored a 3-1 win in last year's title bout at 106 en route to capturing the state title a week later.
Championships
120 -- 1-Jr. Travis Jones (37-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-So. Alex Strashinsky (21-3, D10-1), Delbarton, 6-5.
126 -- 1-Sr. Patrick Glory (35-0, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 2-Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (33-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 17-2, 3:26.
132 -- 1-Jr. Nick Raimo (37-0, D11-1), Hanover Park, tf. 6-Jr. Kyle Tino (24-9, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 21-6, 4:09.
138 -- 1-Jr. Cody Harrison (32-3, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Frank Gabriele (36-3, D10-1), Verona, 6-5.
145 -- 3-Sr. Alex Carida (40-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, d. 1-Sr. Travis Tavoso (30-5, D10-1), Delbarton, 2-1.
152 -- 1-Sr. Brian Meyer (35-2, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Gerald Jones (33-3, D9-2), Caldwell, 2-1.
160 -- 2-So. Kieran Calvetti (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 1-Sr. Matthew Liberato (26-5, D11-1), Hanover Park, 5-4.
170 -- 1-Sr. Marco Gaita (33-2, D11-1), West Morris, d. 2-Jr. AJ Lonski (26-11, D10-1), Delbarton, 7-6.
182 -- 1-Sr. Cole Kreshpane (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Jarod Ostir (27-2, D12-1), Warren Hills, 7-3.
195 -- 2-So. Gage Armijo (35-2, D9-2), Mendham, d. 4-Sr. Anthony Siragusa (18-10, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-0.
220 -- 1-Sr. Trey Zgombic (19-6, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Jr. Nick Galka (24-4, D12-1), Warren Hills, 10-7.
285 -- 1-Sr. Joe Andes (39-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, p. 2-Jr. Ryan Knox (25-15, D12-1), Randolph, 1:54.
106 -- 1-Fr. Joey Olivieri (37-3, D11-1), Hanover Park, d. 2-Jr. Quinn Melofchik (36-3, D11-2), Belvidere, 3-1.
113 -- 1-So. Anthony Clark (31-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Cullen Day (29-10, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 5-0.
Outstanding Wrestler Awards -- Patrick Glory, Delbarton and Alex Carida, Hackettstown.
Coach of the Year Award -- Dave Post, Phillipsburg.
Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Mark Delia, Belleville.
Wrestling: Carida, Andes roar for Tigers in Region 3
WEST ORANGE -- Hackettstown seniors Alex Carida and Joe Andes are boldly going where few Tigers have gone before in the wrestling world.
Case in point again on Saturday, as they became just the second duo in school history to win titles in the same tournament with their victories in Region 3 at West Orange High School. They also punched their tickets to the 85th State Championships that begin on Friday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
Carida continued his march toward a state championship with a 2-1 victory over Delbarton senior Travis Tavoso in the 145-pound final, while Andes became the first heavyweight at the Warren County school to win a region title by decking Randolph junior Ryan Knox in 1:54.
"This is a tough tournament and I'm glad to have won twice," said Carida (40-1), the 138-pound champion last season and only the third Hackettstown wrestler to capture consecutive titles, joining Doug Blake (1967-68) and Corey Kozimor (2009-10), the lone three-time winner.
"This is a big confidence booster and a stepping stone to [the state tournament] in AC."
Carida, who shared the Outstanding Wrestler honors with Delbarton state champ Patrick Glory (126), took a familiar path to his second championship -- knocking off Hanover Park senior Sean Conley, 8-3, in the semifinals in a rematch of their 138-pound final in 2017 en route to another rematch with Tavoso, who dropped an 8-3 decision to Carida in last year's semis.
Despite prior history, Carida was seeded -- due to number of appearances and furthest advancement in recent years -- behind both in the No. 3 spot, with Conley the No. 2 seed and Tavoso the top seed. Needless to say, that added a little fuel to Carida's championship fire. A third-period reversal proved to be the difference this time against Tavoso (30-5), a District 10 champion.
"It definitely did, I know what I'm capable of," said Carida, a two-time District 9 champion and the Tigers' all-time wins leader with a career mark of 136-27. "[Tavoso] is a tough wrestler, he definitely got better."
Andes (39-1) was virtually untested in his title run with three pins, including two in the first period. He put on quite the display in the finals, using a power half to finish off Knox. After the win, Andes was pleased to learn he's the Tigers' first big man to win a region title. The program has produced some fine heavies in the past, including district champions Maris Grinvalds, Warren Wilson, Jamie Becker, Matt Leitner and two-time winner Steve Giraldo.
"That's good, put it on my resume," Andes said with a smile. "The power half is my go to."
Andes, now 84-29 overall, credits the work he's done in the practice room with new partner and assistant coach Marcus Gurdineer, who also served as Andes' line coach in football.
"He really helped me work on my [takedowns], it's all because of him," said Andes, who has come a long way since a 14-16 sophomore campaign in his first introduction to the sport. "I knew if I kept working, I'd get better and better. It was hard work and dedication. I stuck with it."
Hackettstown has now won 11 of its 16 region titles since 2007. Kozimor and Cory Vernon are the only others to win in the same year -- at 103 and 145, respectively, in 2007.
Championships
120 -- 1-Jr. Travis Jones (37-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-So. Alex Strashinsky (21-3, D10-1), Delbarton, 6-5.
126 -- 1-Sr. Patrick Glory (35-0, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 2-Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (33-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 17-2, 3:26.
132 -- 1-Jr. Nick Raimo (37-0, D11-1), Hanover Park, tf. 6-Jr. Kyle Tino (24-9, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 21-6, 4:09.
138 -- 1-Jr. Cody Harrison (32-3, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Frank Gabriele (36-3, D10-1), Verona, 6-5.
145 -- 3-Sr. Alex Carida (40-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, d. 1-Sr. Travis Tavoso (30-5, D10-1), Delbarton, 2-1.
152 -- 1-Sr. Brian Meyer (35-2, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Gerald Jones (33-3, D9-2), Caldwell, 2-1.
160 -- 2-So. Kieran Calvetti (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 1-Sr. Matthew Liberato (26-5, D11-1), Hanover Park, 5-4.
170 -- 1-Sr. Marco Gaita (33-2, D11-1), West Morris, d. 2-Jr. AJ Lonski (26-11, D10-1), Delbarton, 7-6.
182 -- 1-Sr. Cole Kreshpane (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Jarod Ostir (27-2, D12-1), Warren Hills, 7-3.
195 -- 2-So. Gage Armijo (35-2, D9-2), Mendham, d. 4-Sr. Anthony Siragusa (18-10, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-0.
220 -- 1-Sr. Trey Zgombic (19-6, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Jr. Nick Galka (24-4, D12-1), Warren Hills, 10-7.
285 -- 1-Sr. Joe Andes (39-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, p. 2-Jr. Ryan Knox (25-15, D12-1), Randolph, 1:54.
106 -- 1-Fr. Joey Olivieri (37-3, D11-1), Hanover Park, d. 2-Jr. Quinn Melofchik (36-3, D11-2), Belvidere, 3-1.
113 -- 1-So. Anthony Clark (31-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Cullen Day (29-10, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 5-0.
Outstanding Wrestler Awards -- Patrick Glory, Delbarton and Alex Carida, Hackettstown.
Coach of the Year Award -- Dave Post, Phillipsburg.
Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Mark Delia, Belleville.
Case in point again on Saturday, as they became just the second duo in school history to win titles in the same tournament with their victories in Region 3 at West Orange High School. They also punched their tickets to the 85th State Championships that begin on Friday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
Carida continued his march toward a state championship with a 2-1 victory over Delbarton senior Travis Tavoso in the 145-pound final, while Andes became the first heavyweight at the Warren County school to win a region title by decking Randolph junior Ryan Knox in 1:54.
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| Alex Carida stands atop the podium for a second straight year. |
"This is a tough tournament and I'm glad to have won twice," said Carida (40-1), the 138-pound champion last season and only the third Hackettstown wrestler to capture consecutive titles, joining Doug Blake (1967-68) and Corey Kozimor (2009-10), the lone three-time winner.
"This is a big confidence booster and a stepping stone to [the state tournament] in AC."
Carida, who shared the Outstanding Wrestler honors with Delbarton state champ Patrick Glory (126), took a familiar path to his second championship -- knocking off Hanover Park senior Sean Conley, 8-3, in the semifinals in a rematch of their 138-pound final in 2017 en route to another rematch with Tavoso, who dropped an 8-3 decision to Carida in last year's semis.
Despite prior history, Carida was seeded -- due to number of appearances and furthest advancement in recent years -- behind both in the No. 3 spot, with Conley the No. 2 seed and Tavoso the top seed. Needless to say, that added a little fuel to Carida's championship fire. A third-period reversal proved to be the difference this time against Tavoso (30-5), a District 10 champion.
"It definitely did, I know what I'm capable of," said Carida, a two-time District 9 champion and the Tigers' all-time wins leader with a career mark of 136-27. "[Tavoso] is a tough wrestler, he definitely got better."
Andes (39-1) was virtually untested in his title run with three pins, including two in the first period. He put on quite the display in the finals, using a power half to finish off Knox. After the win, Andes was pleased to learn he's the Tigers' first big man to win a region title. The program has produced some fine heavies in the past, including district champions Maris Grinvalds, Warren Wilson, Jamie Becker, Matt Leitner and two-time winner Steve Giraldo.
"That's good, put it on my resume," Andes said with a smile. "The power half is my go to."
Andes, now 84-29 overall, credits the work he's done in the practice room with new partner and assistant coach Marcus Gurdineer, who also served as Andes' line coach in football.
"He really helped me work on my [takedowns], it's all because of him," said Andes, who has come a long way since a 14-16 sophomore campaign in his first introduction to the sport. "I knew if I kept working, I'd get better and better. It was hard work and dedication. I stuck with it."
Hackettstown has now won 11 of its 16 region titles since 2007. Kozimor and Cory Vernon are the only others to win in the same year -- at 103 and 145, respectively, in 2007.
Championships
120 -- 1-Jr. Travis Jones (37-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-So. Alex Strashinsky (21-3, D10-1), Delbarton, 6-5.
126 -- 1-Sr. Patrick Glory (35-0, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 2-Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (33-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 17-2, 3:26.
132 -- 1-Jr. Nick Raimo (37-0, D11-1), Hanover Park, tf. 6-Jr. Kyle Tino (24-9, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 21-6, 4:09.
138 -- 1-Jr. Cody Harrison (32-3, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Frank Gabriele (36-3, D10-1), Verona, 6-5.
145 -- 3-Sr. Alex Carida (40-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, d. 1-Sr. Travis Tavoso (30-5, D10-1), Delbarton, 2-1.
152 -- 1-Sr. Brian Meyer (35-2, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Gerald Jones (33-3, D9-2), Caldwell, 2-1.
160 -- 2-So. Kieran Calvetti (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 1-Sr. Matthew Liberato (26-5, D11-1), Hanover Park, 5-4.
170 -- 1-Sr. Marco Gaita (33-2, D11-1), West Morris, d. 2-Jr. AJ Lonski (26-11, D10-1), Delbarton, 7-6.
182 -- 1-Sr. Cole Kreshpane (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Jarod Ostir (27-2, D12-1), Warren Hills, 7-3.
195 -- 2-So. Gage Armijo (35-2, D9-2), Mendham, d. 4-Sr. Anthony Siragusa (18-10, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-0.
220 -- 1-Sr. Trey Zgombic (19-6, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Jr. Nick Galka (24-4, D12-1), Warren Hills, 10-7.
285 -- 1-Sr. Joe Andes (39-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, p. 2-Jr. Ryan Knox (25-15, D12-1), Randolph, 1:54.
106 -- 1-Fr. Joey Olivieri (37-3, D11-1), Hanover Park, d. 2-Jr. Quinn Melofchik (36-3, D11-2), Belvidere, 3-1.
113 -- 1-So. Anthony Clark (31-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Cullen Day (29-10, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 5-0.
Outstanding Wrestler Awards -- Patrick Glory, Delbarton and Alex Carida, Hackettstown.
Coach of the Year Award -- Dave Post, Phillipsburg.
Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Mark Delia, Belleville.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Wrestling: Region 3 championship results
The top four finishers in each weight class advance to the 85th State Wrestling Championships held March 2-4 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
State qualifiers by school
State qualifiers by school
Delbarton 5+4+3+0=12; Phillipsburg 3+2+1+0=6; Mendham 1+0+2+3=6; Caldwell 0+1+1+3=5 Hanover Park 2+2+1+0=5; West Morris 1+0+1+3=5; Warren Hills 0+2+0+1=3; Hackettstown 2+0+0+0=2; Livingston 0+0+1+1=2; North Bergen 0+0+1+1=2; Nutley 0+0+1+1=2; West Orange 0+0+1+1=2; Belvidere 0+1+0+0=1; Columbia 0+0+1+0=1; Randolph 0+1+0+0=1; Verona 0+1+0+0=1; Barringer 0+0+0+0=0; Becton 0+0+0+0=0; Belleville 0+0+0+0=0; Bloomfield 0+0+0+0=0; Chatham 0+0+0+0=0; Cliffside Park 0+0+0+0=0; East Orange 0+0+0+0=0; East Side 0+0+0+0=0; Glen Ridge 0+0+0+0=0; Kearny 0+0+0+0=0; Lyndhurst-North Arlington 0+0+0+0=0; Morris Catholic 0+0+0+0=0; Madison 0+0+0+0=0; Montclair 0+0+0+0=0; Morristown 0+0+0+0=0; Orange 0+0+0+0=0; Rutherford 0+0+0+0=0; Secaucus 0+0+0+0=0; Union City 0+0+0+0=0; Whippany Park 0+0+0+0=0; Wood-Ridge 0+0+0+0=0.
Qualifiers by district
District 9=19; District 10=19; District 11=11; District 12=7
Championships
120 -- 1-Jr. Travis Jones (37-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-So. Alex Strashinsky (21-3, D10-1), Delbarton, 6-5.
126 -- 1-Sr. Patrick Glory (35-0, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 2-Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (33-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 17-2, 3:26.
132 -- 1-Jr. Nick Raimo (37-0, D11-1), Hanover Park, tf. 6-Jr. Kyle Tino (24-9, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 21-6, 4:09.
138 -- 1-Jr. Cody Harrison (32-3, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Frank Gabriele (36-3, D10-1), Verona, 6-5.
145 -- 3-Sr. Alex Carida (40-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, d. 1-Sr. Travis Tavoso (30-5, D10-1), Delbarton, 2-1.
152 -- 1-Sr. Brian Meyer (35-2, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 2-Sr. Gerald Jones (33-3, D9-2), Caldwell, 2-1.
160 -- 2-So. Kieran Calvetti (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 1-Sr. Matthew Liberato (26-5, D11-1), Hanover Park, 5-4.
170 -- 1-Sr. Marco Gaita (33-2, D11-1), West Morris, d. 2-Jr. AJ Lonski (26-11, D10-1), Delbarton, 7-6.
182 -- 1-Sr. Cole Kreshpane (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Jarod Ostir (27-2, D12-1), Warren Hills, 7-3.
195 -- 2-So. Gage Armijo (35-2, D9-2), Mendham, d. 4-Sr. Anthony Siragusa (18-10, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-0.
220 -- 1-Sr. Trey Zgombic (19-6, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Jr. Nick Galka (24-4, D12-1), Warren Hills, 10-7.
285 -- 1-Sr. Joe Andes (39-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, p. 2-Jr. Ryan Knox (25-15, D12-1), Randolph, 1:54.
106 -- 1-Fr. Joey Olivieri (37-3, D11-1), Hanover Park, d. 2-Jr. Quinn Melofchik (36-3, D11-2), Belvidere, 3-1.
113 -- 1-So. Anthony Clark (31-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 2-Sr. Cullen Day (29-10, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 5-0.
Outstanding Wrestler Awards -- Patrick Glory, Delbarton and Alex Carida, Hackettstown.
Coach of the Year Award -- Dave Post, Phillipsburg.
Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Mark Delia, Belleville.
Third-place consolations
106 -- 3-Fr. Nicholas Nardone (30-5, D10-1), Delbarton, md. 6-So. Robert Bohr (27-10, D11-3), West Morris, 12-2.
113 -- 4-Sr. Michael Caso (31-9, D11-2), West Morris, d. 5-So. Tristan Navarino (28-14, D9-2), Mendham, 3-1.
120 -- 4-Jr. Dom DiGena (39-3, D9-2), Mendham, md. 6-So. Darren Jones (32-8, D9-3), Caldwell, 10-0.
126 -- 3-Sr. Anthony Petrillo (38-2, D12-1), Livingston, d. 4-Sr. Codey O'Rourke (26-8, D12-2), Warren Hills, 9-5.
132 -- 3-Fr. Justin Cantor (26-4, D12-1), North Bergen, p. 7-Jr. Peter Tringali (33-9, D9-2), Mendham, 2:46.
138 -- 5-So. Dante Stefanelli (13-6, D10-2), Delbarton, d. 3-So. Alex Jones (18-5, D9-2), Caldwell, 3-1.
145 -- 2-Sr. Sean Conley (31-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, d. 4-Jr. Alex Winant (34-8, D9-2), Mendham, 5-3.
152 -- 3-Jr. Vincent Andreano (27-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 4-Jr. Justin LeMay (30-6, D11-1), West Morris, 4-3.
160 -- 4-Sr. Frank DeMaio (35-4, D10-3), Nutley, d. 8-Jr. John DeVito (30-10, D11-2), West Morris, 7-6.
170 -- 4-Sr. Lance Wissing (38-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, p. 6-Sr. Frank Gabriele (32-6, D10-2), Nutley, :56.
182 -- 3-Sr. Sebastian Rawls (34-6, D10-2), West Orange, p. 4-Sr. Kenneth Newman (27-7, D12-2), Livingston, 1:05.
195 -- 3-Sr. Kyle Schaffer (31-5, D9-1), Caldwell, d. 1-Sr. Noah Tandy (28-9, D10-2), West Orange, 7-3.
220 -- 6-Sr. Giuseppe Canino (24-18, D9-2), Mendham, d. 5-Sr. Stephen Murphy (30-9, D9-1), Caldwell, 8-1.
285 -- 5-Sr. Galileo Hetherington (27-10, D10-2), Columbia, d. 6-Jr. Nicholas Huntt (18-11, D12-3), North Bergen, 5-2.
Fifth-place consolations
106 -- 4-So. Michael Rodriguez (25-8, D10-2), Becton, d. 5-Jr. Dominick Cofone (17-7, D10-3), Nutley, 8-5.
113 -- 3-So. Jake Bursese (28-8, D11-1), Hanover Park, p. 7-Sr. Mark DeAngelis (25-13, D9-3), Caldwell, 1:44.
120 -- 5-So. Charlie Treston (31-11, D12-2), Randolph, d. 3-So. Alex Leon (33-6, D12-1), Secaucus, 5-0.
126 -- 5-Sr. Yousef Salem (19-6, D12-3), North Bergen, d. 7-Sr. Alex Schlegel (28-11, D9-1), Mendham, 6-2.
132 -- Jr. Edgar Moreno (28-10, D10-3), West Orange, d. Jr. Devin Rocha (32-9, D10-2), Columbia, 7-2.
138 -- 4-Jr. Sean Savercool (22-4, D12-1), Whippany Park, d. 7-Sr. Scott Finnis (27-15, D12-2), Randolph, 4-0.
145 -- 6-Sr. Alex Vindici (20-3, D12-1), Randolph, d. So. Michael Charles (18-15, D10-2), West Orange, 15-11.
152 -- 5-Sr. John Gabriele (36-7, D10-2), Verona, p. 6-Jr. Janny Lopez Valle (22-9, D12-1), Randolph, 1:49.
160 -- 3-Jr. Colin Morgan (29-9, D10-2), West Orange, md. 7-So. Thomas Stigliano (31-10, D12-1), Whippany Park, 14-6.
170 -- Jr. Nick Zarra (21-16, D11-3), Hanover Park, d. Jr. Nick Riggio (30-12, D10-3), Verona, 5-4.
182 -- 8-Jr. Austin Roth (22-12, D9-1), Phillipsburg, p. 7-Sr. Kyle Winbush (26-13, D12-3), Randolph, 2:47.
195 -- 8-Sr. Shamyr Brodders (19-16, D9-3), Phillipsburg, d. 7-Jr. Derek Rooney (11-10, D12-2), Randolph, 10-5.
220 -- 4-Sr. Robert Rosen (24-7, D11-1), West Morris, forfeit, 3-Sr. Kenny Pena (24-13, D12-2), Cliffside Park.
285 -- 4-Jr. Duro Ajayi (21-15, D12-2), Warren Hills, d. 3-Sr. Jason Kopich (25-10, D10-1), Becton, 1-0.
Second wrestlebacks
106 -- 3-Fr. Nicholas Nardone (29-5, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 5-Jr. Dominick Cofone (17-6, D10-3), Nutley, 18-3, 3:29; 6-So. Robert Bohr (27-9, D11-3), West Morris, d. 4-So. Michael Rodriguez (24-8, D10-2), Becton, 3-1.
113 -- 5-So. Tristan Navarino (28-13, D9-2), Mendham, d. 3-So. Jake Bursese (27-8, D11-1), Hanover Park, 11-5; 4-Sr. Michael Caso (30-9, D11-2), West Morris, p. 7-Sr. Mark DeAngelis (25-12, D9-3), Caldwell, 2:54.
120 -- 6-So. Darren Jones (32-7, D9-3), Caldwell, p. 5-So. Charlie Treston (30-11, D12-2), Randolph, 2:34; 4-Jr. Dom DiGena (38-3, D9-2), Mendham, d. 3-So. Alex Leon (33-5, D12-1), Secaucus, 10-5.
126 -- 3-Sr. Anthony Petrillo (37-2, D12-1), Livingston, d. 5-Sr. Yousef Salem (18-6, D12-3), North Bergen, 3-2; 4-Sr. Codey O'Rourke (26-7, D12-2), Warren Hills, d. 7-Sr. Alex Schlegel (28-10, D9-1), Mendham, 7-0.
132 -- 7-Jr. Peter Tringali (33-8, D9-2), Mendham, md. Jr. Devin Rocha (32-8, D10-2), Columbia, 12-4; 3-Fr. Justin Cantor (25-4, D12-1), North Bergen, d. Jr. Edgar Moreno (27-10, D10-3), West Orange, 6-2.
138 -- 3-So. Alex Jones (18-4, D9-2), Caldwell, p. 4-Jr. Sean Savercool (21-4, D12-1), Whippany Park, 1:46; 5-So. Dante Stefanelli (12-6, D10-2), Delbarton, tf. 7-Sr. Scott Finnis (27-14, D12-2), Randolph, 15-0, 3:16.
145 -- 2-Sr. Sean Conley (30-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, d. So. Michael Charles (18-14, D10-2), West Orange, 9-4; 4-Jr. Alex Winant (34-7, D9-2), Mendham, md. 6-Sr. Alex Vindici (19-3, D12-1), Randolph, 14-3.
152 -- 3-Jr. Vincent Andreano (26-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 5-Sr. John Gabriele (35-7, D10-2), Verona, 10-3; 4-Jr. Justin LeMay (30-5, D11-1), West Morris, tf. 6-Jr. Janny Lopez Valle (22-8, D12-1), Randolph, 17-2, 4:08.
160 -- 8-Jr. John DeVito (30-9, D11-2), West Morris, d. 3-Jr. Colin Morgan (28-9, D10-2), West Orange, 11-9 SV; 4-Sr. Frank DeMaio (34-4, D10-3), Nutley, d. 7-So. Thomas Stigliano (31-9, D12-1), Whippany Park, 8-2.
170 -- 6-Sr. Frank Gabriele (32-5, D10-2), Nutley, d. Jr. Nick Zarra (20-16, D11-3), Hanover Park, 3-2; 4-Sr. Lance Wissing (37-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. Jr. Nick Riggio (30-11, D10-3), Verona, 3-2.
182 -- 3-Sr. Sebastian Rawls (33-6, D10-2), West Orange, d. 8-Jr. Austin Roth (21-12, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 3-1; 4-Sr. Kenneth Newman (27-6, D12-2), Livingston, md. 7-Sr. Kyle Winbush (26-12, D12-3), Randolph, 13-3.
195 -- 3-Sr. Kyle Schaffer (30-5, D9-1), Caldwell, md. 8-Sr. Shamyr Brodders (18-16, D9-3), Phillipsburg, 10-0; 1-Sr. Noah Tandy (28-8, D10-2), West Orange, p. 7-Jr. Derek Rooney (11-9, D12-2), Randolph, 3:54.
220 -- 5-Sr. Stephen Murphy (30-8, D9-1), Caldwell, p. 3-Sr. Kenny Pena (24-13, D12-2), Cliffside Park, 5:58; 6-Sr. Giuseppe Canino (23-18, D9-2), Mendham, d. 4-Sr. Robert Rosen (23-7, D11-1), West Morris, 3-1.
285 -- 5-Sr. Galileo Hetherington (26-10, D10-2), Columbia, d. 3-Sr. Jason Kopich (25-9, D10-1), Becton, 5-3; 6-Jr. Nicholas Huntt (18-10, D12-3), North Bergen, d. 4-Jr. Duro Ajayi (20-15, D12-2), Warren Hills, 3-1.
160 -- 8-Jr. John DeVito (30-9, D11-2), West Morris, d. 3-Jr. Colin Morgan (28-9, D10-2), West Orange, 11-9 SV; 4-Sr. Frank DeMaio (34-4, D10-3), Nutley, d. 7-So. Thomas Stigliano (31-9, D12-1), Whippany Park, 8-2.
170 -- 6-Sr. Frank Gabriele (32-5, D10-2), Nutley, d. Jr. Nick Zarra (20-16, D11-3), Hanover Park, 3-2; 4-Sr. Lance Wissing (37-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. Jr. Nick Riggio (30-11, D10-3), Verona, 3-2.
182 -- 3-Sr. Sebastian Rawls (33-6, D10-2), West Orange, d. 8-Jr. Austin Roth (21-12, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 3-1; 4-Sr. Kenneth Newman (27-6, D12-2), Livingston, md. 7-Sr. Kyle Winbush (26-12, D12-3), Randolph, 13-3.
195 -- 3-Sr. Kyle Schaffer (30-5, D9-1), Caldwell, md. 8-Sr. Shamyr Brodders (18-16, D9-3), Phillipsburg, 10-0; 1-Sr. Noah Tandy (28-8, D10-2), West Orange, p. 7-Jr. Derek Rooney (11-9, D12-2), Randolph, 3:54.
220 -- 5-Sr. Stephen Murphy (30-8, D9-1), Caldwell, p. 3-Sr. Kenny Pena (24-13, D12-2), Cliffside Park, 5:58; 6-Sr. Giuseppe Canino (23-18, D9-2), Mendham, d. 4-Sr. Robert Rosen (23-7, D11-1), West Morris, 3-1.
First wrestlebacks
106 -- 5-Jr. Dominick Cofone (17-5, D10-3), Nutley, d. 8-Fr. Logan Maczko (18-15, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 10-4; 6-So. Robert Bohr (26-9, D11-3), West Morris, forfeit, 7-Jr. Austin Hufnagel (24-6, D12-1), Cliffside Park.
113 -- 5-So. Tristan Navarino (27-13, D9-2), Mendham, md. 8-So. Michael Petrillo (18-19, D12-1), Livingston, 11-3; 7-Sr. Mark DeAngelis (25-11, D9-3), Caldwell, p. Fr. Jacob Baeza (31-7, D11-3), Kearny, 2:59.
120 -- 5-So. Charlie Treston (30-10, D12-2), Randolph, d. So. Conner Cortese (26-8, D12-3), Chatham, 8-4; 3-So. Alex Leon (33-4, D12-1), Secaucus, p. 7-Fr. Dom Merola (21-17, D11-1), Hanover Park, 1:29.
126 -- 5-Sr. Yousef Salem (18-5, D12-3), North Bergen, d. 8-Jr. Nicholas Fiorillo (18-9, D9-2), Glen Ridge, 2-1; 7-Sr. Alex Schlegel (28-9, D9-1), Mendham, d. 6-So. Eli Shepard (21-15, D11-2), West Morris, 2-0.
132 -- Jr. Devin Rocha (32-7, D10-2), Columbia, d. 8-Sr. John Cumming (16-14, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-1; 3-Fr. Justin Cantor (24-4, D12-1), North Bergen, d. 2-Sr. Sebastian Cornejo (33-6, D11-2), Morris Catholic, 11-5.
138 -- 4-Jr. Sean Savercool (21-3, D12-1), Whippany Park, md. 8-So. David Guerra (25-6, D11-2), Belleville, 13-5; 7-Sr. Scott Finnis (27-13, D12-2), Randolph, d. 6-Sr. Michael Rubin (17-16, D11-1), Hanover Park, 4-2 SV.
145 -- So. Michael Charles (18-13, D10-2), West Orange, d. 5-Jr. Jayson Zinsmeister (19-14, D9-3), Phillipsburg, 6-2; 6-Sr. Alex Vindici (19-2, D12-1), Randolph, p. Jr. Blake McGowan (18-10, D10-3), Columbia, 1:45.
152 -- 5-Sr. John Gabriele (35-6, D10-2), Verona, d. 8-Jr. Nicholas Graessle (22-14, D12-3), Whippany Park, 7-2; 6-Jr. Janny Lopez Valle (22-7, D12-1), Randolph, p. Fr. Aidan Watson (23-9, D11-2), Morristown, :45.
160 -- 8-Jr. John DeVito (29-9, D11-2), West Morris, md. 5-Sr. Josh Ramos (21-10, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 13-2; 7-So. Thomas Stigliano (31-8, D12-1), Whippany Park, p. 6-Jr. Victor Jorge (35-6, D9-2), Lyndhurst-North Arlington, 5:51.
170 -- Jr. Nick Zarra (20-15, D11-3), Hanover Park, d. 5-Sr. Joseph Marchesano (29-3, D9-2), Glen Ridge, 9-7 SV; Jr. Nick Riggio (30-10, D10-3), Verona, p. 3-Sr. Robinson Reyes (32-5, D12-1), Secaucus, 1:48.
182 -- 8-Jr. Austin Roth (21-11, D9-1), Phillipsburg, md. 5-Sr. Billy Fauerbach (28-13, D10-3), Verona, 9-0.
7-Sr. Kyle Winbush (26-11, D12-3), Randolph, forfeit, 6-Jr. Luke Stefanelli (25-8, D11-1), West Morris.
195 -- 8-Sr. Shamyr Brodders (18-15, D9-3), Phillipsburg, d. 5-Sr. Devonne Swan (12-5, D11-1), East Orange, 5-3 SV; 7-Jr. Derek Rooney (11-8, D12-2), Randolph, d. 6-Sr. Ryan Valese (24-6, D12-1), Livingston, 10-3.
220 -- 5-Sr. Stephen Murphy (29-8, D9-1), Caldwell, d. Sr. Joseph Dalessio (21-8, D10-2), Nutley, 2-1 TB2.
6-Sr. Giuseppe Canino (22-18, D9-2), Mendham, d. Sr. Jordan Delvalle (20-13, D10-3), West Orange, 3-2 TB2.
6-Jr. Nicholas Huntt (17-10, D12-3), North Bergen, p. 7-Sr. Paul Fadeski (12-24, D11-1), Kearny, 3:01.
Wrestling: Region 3 semifinal results
Finalists by school
Delbarton 9; Phillipsburg 5; Hanover Park 4; Hackettstown 2; Warren Hills 2; Belvidere 1; Caldwell 1; Mendham 1; West Morris 1; Verona 1; Randolph 1; Barringer 0; Becton 0; Belleville 0; Bloomfield 0; Chatham 0; Cliffside Park 0; Columbia 0; East Orange 0; East Side 0; Glen Ridge 0; Kearny 0; Livingston 0; Lyndhurst-North Arlington 0; Morris Catholic 0; Madison 0; Montclair 0; Morristown 0; North Bergen 0; Nutley 0; Orange 0; Rutherford 0; Secaucus 0; Union City 0; West Orange 0; Whippany Park 0; Wood-Ridge 0.
District breakdown
District 10=10; District 9=9; District 11=6; District 12=3
106 pounds
1-Fr. Joey Olivieri (36-3, D11-1), Hanover Park, forfeit, 4-So. Michael Rodriguez (24-7, D10-2), Becton.
2-Jr. Quinn Melofchik (36-2, D11-2), Belvidere, d. 3-Fr. Nicholas Nardone (28-5, D10-1), Delbarton, 3-2.
113 pounds
1-So. Anthony Clark (30-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 4-Sr. Michael Caso (29-9, D11-2), West Morris, 5-1.
2-Sr. Cullen Day (29-9, D9-1), Phillipsburg, md. 3-So. Jake Bursese (27-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 10-0.
120 pounds
1-Jr. Travis Jones (36-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 4-Jr. Dom DiGena (37-3, D9-2), Mendham, 5-3 SV.
2-So. Alex Strashinsky (21-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 6-So. Darren Jones (31-7, D9-3), Caldwell, 2-1.
126 pounds
1-Sr. Patrick Glory (34-0, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 4-Sr. Codey O'Rourke (25-7, D12-2), Warren Hills, 15-0, 3:32.
2-Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (33-6, D11-1), Hanover Park, p. 3-Sr. Anthony Petrillo (36-2, D12-1), Livingston, 4:22.
132 pounds
1-Jr. Nick Raimo (36-0, D11-1), Hanover Park, tf. Jr. Edgar Moreno (27-9, D10-3), West Orange, 20-5, 3:08.
6-Jr. Kyle Tino (24-8, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 7-Jr. Peter Tringali (32-8, D9-2), Mendham, 5-3.
138 pounds
1-Jr. Cody Harrison (31-3, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 5-So. Dante Stefanelli (11-6, D10-2), Delbarton, 7-2.
2-Sr. Frank Gabriele (36-2, D10-1), Verona, p. 3-So. Alex Jones (17-4, D9-2), Caldwell, 2:15.
145 pounds
1-Sr. Travis Tavoso (30-4, D10-1), Delbarton, md. 4-Jr. Alex Winant (33-7, D9-2), Mendham, 11-2.
3-Sr. Alex Carida (39-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, d. 2-Sr. Sean Conley (29-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 8-3.
152 pounds
1-Sr. Brian Meyer (34-2, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 4-Jr. Justin LeMay (29-5, D11-1), West Morris, 3-1.
2-Sr. Gerald Jones (33-2, D9-2), Caldwell, d. 3-Jr. Vincent Andreano (25-8, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-1.
160 pounds
1-Sr. Matthew Liberato (26-4, D11-1), Hanover Park, p. 4-Sr. Frank DeMaio (33-4, D10-3), Nutley, 1:50.
2-So. Kieran Calvetti (26-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 3-Jr. Colin Morgan (28-8, D10-2), West Orange, 5-4 TB2.
170 pounds
1-Sr. Marco Gaita (32-2, D11-1), West Morris, d. 4-Sr. Lance Wissing (36-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 3-1.
2-Jr. AJ Lonski (26-10, D10-1), Delbarton, p. 6-Sr. Frank Gabriele (31-5, D10-2), Nutley, 1:09.
182 pounds
1-Sr. Cole Kreshpane (26-8, D10-1), Delbarton, p. 4-Sr. Kenneth Newman (26-6, D12-2), Livingston, 5:17.
2-Sr. Jarod Ostir (27-1, D12-1), Warren Hills, d. 3-Sr. Sebastian Rawls (32-6, D10-2), West Orange, 3-1.
195 pounds
4-Sr. Anthony Siragusa (18-9, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 1-Sr. Noah Tandy (27-8, D10-2), West Orange, 2-1.
2-So. Gage Armijo (34-2, D9-2), Mendham, p. 3-Sr. Kyle Schaffer (29-5, D9-1), Caldwell, 6:19 SV.
220 pounds
1-Sr. Trey Zgombic (18-6, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 4-Sr. Robert Rosen (23-6, D11-1), West Morris, 3-1.
2-Jr. Nick Galka (24-3, D12-1), Warren Hills, p. 3-Sr. Kenny Pena (24-12, D12-2), Cliffside Park, 5:23.
285 pounds
1-Sr. Joe Andes (38-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, p. 4-Jr. Duro Ajayi (20-14, D12-2), Warren Hills, 1:46.
2-Jr. Ryan Knox (25-14, D12-1), Randolph, d. 3-Sr. Jason Kopich (25-8, D10-1), Becton, 6-4 TB2.
Delbarton 9; Phillipsburg 5; Hanover Park 4; Hackettstown 2; Warren Hills 2; Belvidere 1; Caldwell 1; Mendham 1; West Morris 1; Verona 1; Randolph 1; Barringer 0; Becton 0; Belleville 0; Bloomfield 0; Chatham 0; Cliffside Park 0; Columbia 0; East Orange 0; East Side 0; Glen Ridge 0; Kearny 0; Livingston 0; Lyndhurst-North Arlington 0; Morris Catholic 0; Madison 0; Montclair 0; Morristown 0; North Bergen 0; Nutley 0; Orange 0; Rutherford 0; Secaucus 0; Union City 0; West Orange 0; Whippany Park 0; Wood-Ridge 0.
District breakdown
District 10=10; District 9=9; District 11=6; District 12=3
106 pounds
1-Fr. Joey Olivieri (36-3, D11-1), Hanover Park, forfeit, 4-So. Michael Rodriguez (24-7, D10-2), Becton.
2-Jr. Quinn Melofchik (36-2, D11-2), Belvidere, d. 3-Fr. Nicholas Nardone (28-5, D10-1), Delbarton, 3-2.
113 pounds
1-So. Anthony Clark (30-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 4-Sr. Michael Caso (29-9, D11-2), West Morris, 5-1.
2-Sr. Cullen Day (29-9, D9-1), Phillipsburg, md. 3-So. Jake Bursese (27-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 10-0.
120 pounds
1-Jr. Travis Jones (36-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 4-Jr. Dom DiGena (37-3, D9-2), Mendham, 5-3 SV.
2-So. Alex Strashinsky (21-2, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 6-So. Darren Jones (31-7, D9-3), Caldwell, 2-1.
126 pounds
1-Sr. Patrick Glory (34-0, D10-1), Delbarton, tf. 4-Sr. Codey O'Rourke (25-7, D12-2), Warren Hills, 15-0, 3:32.
2-Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (33-6, D11-1), Hanover Park, p. 3-Sr. Anthony Petrillo (36-2, D12-1), Livingston, 4:22.
132 pounds
1-Jr. Nick Raimo (36-0, D11-1), Hanover Park, tf. Jr. Edgar Moreno (27-9, D10-3), West Orange, 20-5, 3:08.
6-Jr. Kyle Tino (24-8, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 7-Jr. Peter Tringali (32-8, D9-2), Mendham, 5-3.
138 pounds
1-Jr. Cody Harrison (31-3, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 5-So. Dante Stefanelli (11-6, D10-2), Delbarton, 7-2.
2-Sr. Frank Gabriele (36-2, D10-1), Verona, p. 3-So. Alex Jones (17-4, D9-2), Caldwell, 2:15.
145 pounds
1-Sr. Travis Tavoso (30-4, D10-1), Delbarton, md. 4-Jr. Alex Winant (33-7, D9-2), Mendham, 11-2.
3-Sr. Alex Carida (39-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, d. 2-Sr. Sean Conley (29-7, D11-1), Hanover Park, 8-3.
152 pounds
1-Sr. Brian Meyer (34-2, D9-1), Phillipsburg, d. 4-Jr. Justin LeMay (29-5, D11-1), West Morris, 3-1.
2-Sr. Gerald Jones (33-2, D9-2), Caldwell, d. 3-Jr. Vincent Andreano (25-8, D10-1), Delbarton, 5-1.
160 pounds
1-Sr. Matthew Liberato (26-4, D11-1), Hanover Park, p. 4-Sr. Frank DeMaio (33-4, D10-3), Nutley, 1:50.
2-So. Kieran Calvetti (26-8, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 3-Jr. Colin Morgan (28-8, D10-2), West Orange, 5-4 TB2.
170 pounds
1-Sr. Marco Gaita (32-2, D11-1), West Morris, d. 4-Sr. Lance Wissing (36-4, D9-1), Phillipsburg, 3-1.
2-Jr. AJ Lonski (26-10, D10-1), Delbarton, p. 6-Sr. Frank Gabriele (31-5, D10-2), Nutley, 1:09.
182 pounds
1-Sr. Cole Kreshpane (26-8, D10-1), Delbarton, p. 4-Sr. Kenneth Newman (26-6, D12-2), Livingston, 5:17.
2-Sr. Jarod Ostir (27-1, D12-1), Warren Hills, d. 3-Sr. Sebastian Rawls (32-6, D10-2), West Orange, 3-1.
195 pounds
4-Sr. Anthony Siragusa (18-9, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 1-Sr. Noah Tandy (27-8, D10-2), West Orange, 2-1.
2-So. Gage Armijo (34-2, D9-2), Mendham, p. 3-Sr. Kyle Schaffer (29-5, D9-1), Caldwell, 6:19 SV.
220 pounds
1-Sr. Trey Zgombic (18-6, D10-1), Delbarton, d. 4-Sr. Robert Rosen (23-6, D11-1), West Morris, 3-1.
2-Jr. Nick Galka (24-3, D12-1), Warren Hills, p. 3-Sr. Kenny Pena (24-12, D12-2), Cliffside Park, 5:23.
285 pounds
1-Sr. Joe Andes (38-1, D9-1), Hackettstown, p. 4-Jr. Duro Ajayi (20-14, D12-2), Warren Hills, 1:46.
2-Jr. Ryan Knox (25-14, D12-1), Randolph, d. 3-Sr. Jason Kopich (25-8, D10-1), Becton, 6-4 TB2.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Day-ja vu for 'Liners senior, Streaks 4-for-4 in R3
WEST ORANGE -- Phillipsburg senior Cullen Day knows he's been in this spot before. But this time, he's hoping for a different outcome.
Day dominated the action on his feet, racking up three takedowns in a workmanlike 11-4 decision over Caldwell senior Mark DeAngelis in their quarterfinal matchup at 113 pounds in the Region 3 Tournament on Friday night at West Orange High School.
Phillipsburg, which had 11 in the quarterfinals, advanced six to Saturday's semifinal round, including returning champion Brian Meyer, that begins at 9 a.m. Third-place and fifth-place consolations are slated for 1:30 p.m., with the championship finals to follow at approximately 3:30. In all, 13 wrestlers from the Open Mike area are still seeking region titles.
Day (28-9), the No. 2 seed and a runner-up at 106 last season, is in familiar territory in the semifinals where he will square off against Hanover Park sophomore Jake Bursese (27-6), the No. 3 seed, in Saturday's semifinals. The winner punches his ticket for the upcoming state tournament in Atlantic City while the other will have to navigate through the wrestlebacks to earn the required top-four finish.
"It's kind of the same as last year -- [facing] Bursese in the semis and probably Clark in the finals," said Day, who beat Bursese twice last season, including a fall in the Region 3 semis, before dropping a 3-1 decision to Clark, the eventual state champion. "I like the setup. This is a good start."
Day, a two-time District 9 champion, gave up a takedown in the first period and trailed, 3-2, before getting an escape and a second takedown with 22 seconds left and never relinquished the lead. He had DeAngelis in deep trouble in the third period, using a turk and a half-nelson for three back points to seal it.
"I stepped way too heavy on my left foot and he capitalized," Day said of giving up the takedown. "It happens. I got right out and didn't lose my composure. If you lose your composure, you lose the match."
After falling two wins shy of a state medal a year ago, Day knows this is his last shot as a senior and is confident moving forward.
"It's definitely fueling me. I set high goals for myself and when I don't accomplish them, I analyze everything," he said. "Hopefully this year I can turn it around and get on the podium in Atlantic City."
In addition to Meyer, who advanced by decking Whippany Park's Nicholas Graessle in 1:59, juniors Travis Jones (120), Kyle Tino (132) and Cody Harrison (138), and senior Lance Wissing (170) advanced for the Stateliners.
P'burg has five still going in the wrestlebacks with Logan Maczko (106), Jayson Zinsmeister (145), Josh Ramos (160), Austin Roth (182) and Shamyr Brodders (195).
Warren Hills senior Codey O'Rourke has quietly had a nice season, but he won't be sneaking up on anyone from here on out. The dangerous mat wrestler with the wicked cradle had to stay busy on his feet in a 7-4 win over North Bergen's Yousef Salem in the 126-pound quarterfinals. O'Rourke was joined in the semis by teammates Jarod Ostir (182), Nick Galka (220) and Duro Ajayi (285).
O'Rourke (25-6), who has the unenviable task of facing unbeaten Delbarton state champ Patrick Glory (33-0) in the semifinals, decked Salem with a cradle in 2:44 during their previous meeting in the District 12 semifinals.
"I knew [Salem] was either going to pick top or neutral, not bottom [like the first meeting]," said O'Rourke, whose stepfather, Corey Miller, was a two-time region champion and state runner-up in 1990 for the Blue Streaks. "He took three or four shots and got in deep on every one [in the district match]. I just kept my elbows in tight and let him come to me. I just tried to slow it down [in the third period] because I knew I had the lead. It's regions and the end of the year, so you don't want to risk anything."
I'm just going to wrestle the best I can tomorrow and do what I can do," O'Rourke said. It's my last year. You can't hold back."
Ostir (26-1), a runner-up at 170 last season and considered one of the area's best shots at region gold, had no trouble advancing as he turned Randolph senior Kyle Winbush twice -- with a front-head and crossarm and then with legs in -- before posting the fall in 1:23.
Galka (23-3) also advanced with a dominating performance, racking up three takedowns in a 7-2 victory over West Orange senior Jordan Delvalle.
Ajayi (20-13), a first-year wrestler who has captured fans' attention this postseason, rolled to a 10-3 win over Columbia senior Galileo Hetherington. Ajayi led, 3-2, late in the bout before putting Hetherington to his back for five points with 36 seconds left in the third period to break it open.
Belvidere junior Quinn Melofchik (35-2) also feels good about his prospects in the 106-pound bracket as he advanced by decking Cliffiside Park junior Austin Hufnagel in 5:32. The win moved Melofchik one step closer to a much anticipated rematch with Hanover Park freshman Joey Olivieri, who prevailed 3-2 in the ultimate tiebreaker last weekend in their District 11 finals matchup.
"I feel good, strong," said Melfochik, who recently became just the seventh at his school to record 100 career wins. "I should have a tough match tomorrow [vs. Delbarton freshman Nicholas Nardone (28-4)]. I'm looking forward to it. I just have to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm confident. I don't think there's any added pressure [this season as one of the favorites]. I wrestled [one of the best] in the state in the district finals and I was right there with him."
Melofchik, who is bidding to become the County Seaters' 20th champion and first since J.B. Lawson (220) and Ryan Appleby (285) won Region 1 titles in 2013, nearly had a pin earlier in the quarters, turning Hufnagel with a bar and sinking in a half deep, but he was unable to hold him down. Later, Melofchik got another chance and finished the job.
"If I get someone there, I have to keep him there," Melofchik said. "I was happy I was able to turn him again and get the fall."
Hackettstown's 1-2 senior punch of Alex Carida (145) and Joe Andes (285) moved into the semifinals without incident. Carida, one of eight returning champions in the field, scored a 14-9 decision over Randolph's Alex Vindici, while Andes pinned Bloomfield's Xavier Gulley in 3:29 in their District 9 finals rematch, where Andes needed just 22 seconds to record the fall.
Wissing (36-3), who is looming in the bracket as a No. 4 seed, handed Glen Ridge senior Joseph Marchesano (29-2) his second loss in seven days with a 12-5 decision in the quarters. It was a rematch of last weekend's District 9 final, where Wissing won by pin in 1:26.
The seeds pretty much held true as the top four advanced in 10 weight classes. All 1s and 13 2s pushed through, while all but three No. 3 seeds moved on in the winners' bracket. There was a 7 to reach the semis as Mendham's Peter Tringali scored a 4-2 decision over Morris Catholic's Sebastian Cornejo, a fourth-place finisher last season.
Hanover Park's Domenic DiFrancescantio (126) and Caldwell's Gerald Jones (152) both notched milestone wins. DiFrancescantio got his 100th career victory by pinned Mendham senior Alex Schlegel in 3:53, while Jones decked Morristown freshman Aidan Watson in 59 seconds to become the Chiefs' all-time wins leader with 123.
Day dominated the action on his feet, racking up three takedowns in a workmanlike 11-4 decision over Caldwell senior Mark DeAngelis in their quarterfinal matchup at 113 pounds in the Region 3 Tournament on Friday night at West Orange High School.
Phillipsburg, which had 11 in the quarterfinals, advanced six to Saturday's semifinal round, including returning champion Brian Meyer, that begins at 9 a.m. Third-place and fifth-place consolations are slated for 1:30 p.m., with the championship finals to follow at approximately 3:30. In all, 13 wrestlers from the Open Mike area are still seeking region titles.
Day (28-9), the No. 2 seed and a runner-up at 106 last season, is in familiar territory in the semifinals where he will square off against Hanover Park sophomore Jake Bursese (27-6), the No. 3 seed, in Saturday's semifinals. The winner punches his ticket for the upcoming state tournament in Atlantic City while the other will have to navigate through the wrestlebacks to earn the required top-four finish.
"It's kind of the same as last year -- [facing] Bursese in the semis and probably Clark in the finals," said Day, who beat Bursese twice last season, including a fall in the Region 3 semis, before dropping a 3-1 decision to Clark, the eventual state champion. "I like the setup. This is a good start."
Day, a two-time District 9 champion, gave up a takedown in the first period and trailed, 3-2, before getting an escape and a second takedown with 22 seconds left and never relinquished the lead. He had DeAngelis in deep trouble in the third period, using a turk and a half-nelson for three back points to seal it.
"I stepped way too heavy on my left foot and he capitalized," Day said of giving up the takedown. "It happens. I got right out and didn't lose my composure. If you lose your composure, you lose the match."
After falling two wins shy of a state medal a year ago, Day knows this is his last shot as a senior and is confident moving forward.
"It's definitely fueling me. I set high goals for myself and when I don't accomplish them, I analyze everything," he said. "Hopefully this year I can turn it around and get on the podium in Atlantic City."
In addition to Meyer, who advanced by decking Whippany Park's Nicholas Graessle in 1:59, juniors Travis Jones (120), Kyle Tino (132) and Cody Harrison (138), and senior Lance Wissing (170) advanced for the Stateliners.
P'burg has five still going in the wrestlebacks with Logan Maczko (106), Jayson Zinsmeister (145), Josh Ramos (160), Austin Roth (182) and Shamyr Brodders (195).
Streaks storm into semis
O'Rourke (25-6), who has the unenviable task of facing unbeaten Delbarton state champ Patrick Glory (33-0) in the semifinals, decked Salem with a cradle in 2:44 during their previous meeting in the District 12 semifinals.
"I knew [Salem] was either going to pick top or neutral, not bottom [like the first meeting]," said O'Rourke, whose stepfather, Corey Miller, was a two-time region champion and state runner-up in 1990 for the Blue Streaks. "He took three or four shots and got in deep on every one [in the district match]. I just kept my elbows in tight and let him come to me. I just tried to slow it down [in the third period] because I knew I had the lead. It's regions and the end of the year, so you don't want to risk anything."
I'm just going to wrestle the best I can tomorrow and do what I can do," O'Rourke said. It's my last year. You can't hold back."
Ostir (26-1), a runner-up at 170 last season and considered one of the area's best shots at region gold, had no trouble advancing as he turned Randolph senior Kyle Winbush twice -- with a front-head and crossarm and then with legs in -- before posting the fall in 1:23.
Galka (23-3) also advanced with a dominating performance, racking up three takedowns in a 7-2 victory over West Orange senior Jordan Delvalle.
Ajayi (20-13), a first-year wrestler who has captured fans' attention this postseason, rolled to a 10-3 win over Columbia senior Galileo Hetherington. Ajayi led, 3-2, late in the bout before putting Hetherington to his back for five points with 36 seconds left in the third period to break it open.
Quinn-tessential win
"I feel good, strong," said Melfochik, who recently became just the seventh at his school to record 100 career wins. "I should have a tough match tomorrow [vs. Delbarton freshman Nicholas Nardone (28-4)]. I'm looking forward to it. I just have to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm confident. I don't think there's any added pressure [this season as one of the favorites]. I wrestled [one of the best] in the state in the district finals and I was right there with him."
Melofchik, who is bidding to become the County Seaters' 20th champion and first since J.B. Lawson (220) and Ryan Appleby (285) won Region 1 titles in 2013, nearly had a pin earlier in the quarters, turning Hufnagel with a bar and sinking in a half deep, but he was unable to hold him down. Later, Melofchik got another chance and finished the job.
"If I get someone there, I have to keep him there," Melofchik said. "I was happy I was able to turn him again and get the fall."
Back points
Hackettstown's 1-2 senior punch of Alex Carida (145) and Joe Andes (285) moved into the semifinals without incident. Carida, one of eight returning champions in the field, scored a 14-9 decision over Randolph's Alex Vindici, while Andes pinned Bloomfield's Xavier Gulley in 3:29 in their District 9 finals rematch, where Andes needed just 22 seconds to record the fall.
Wissing (36-3), who is looming in the bracket as a No. 4 seed, handed Glen Ridge senior Joseph Marchesano (29-2) his second loss in seven days with a 12-5 decision in the quarters. It was a rematch of last weekend's District 9 final, where Wissing won by pin in 1:26.
The seeds pretty much held true as the top four advanced in 10 weight classes. All 1s and 13 2s pushed through, while all but three No. 3 seeds moved on in the winners' bracket. There was a 7 to reach the semis as Mendham's Peter Tringali scored a 4-2 decision over Morris Catholic's Sebastian Cornejo, a fourth-place finisher last season.
Hanover Park's Domenic DiFrancescantio (126) and Caldwell's Gerald Jones (152) both notched milestone wins. DiFrancescantio got his 100th career victory by pinned Mendham senior Alex Schlegel in 3:53, while Jones decked Morristown freshman Aidan Watson in 59 seconds to become the Chiefs' all-time wins leader with 123.
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