Wrestling: New weights, realignment, HWS tidbits

Since we last convened in early March at Atlantic City, hopefully everyone has been staying inside and safe during this coronavirus pandemic. Considering our month-long quarantine, it's hard to believe we actually had a conclusion to the high school wrestling season.

The 87th State Championships were contested just in time.

With professional sports on hold and the increasing likelihood that New Jersey schools will be shut down for the rest of this school year, spring sports may not even get underway. It's also quite likely as things stand now that high school sports in the fall will at the very least be delayed somewhat. Let's hope we have a wrestling season come December, as all summer activities are in serious doubt, including the annual Pin Cancer match.

We are not going to open our schools back up until we are convinced by scientists and medical professionals that doing so would be safe for students and staff – and their families.

I will not rush this. I cannot.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 21, 2020

Needless to say that this shutdown has presented a challenge for coaches and athletes as they try to implement some sort of offseason regiment. Phillipsburg coach Dave Post, a mathematics teacher at the Warren County school, has been taking part in video conferencing sessions, including meetings with state officials in his role as secretary for the New Jersey Wrestling Coaches Association. Post hopes some of his program's traditional offseason dates, including the Lycoming Camp, will still take place. That team camp experience is even more important now given that wrestlers and coaches can not be together in person.

"Lycoming Camp and 1,000 Islands Duals are the two biggest events for us," said Post, who said his program's high school schedule for 2020-21, which includes a return trip to the season-opening Dvorak Tournament in Illinois, is nearly complete. The Stateliners will enter next season sitting on 990 wins.

Realignment update

It's that time again where realignment of districts and regions is upon us and many around the state are eager to see the configurations for the next two seasons. There were no official announcements following Monday's meeting, but it seems that coaches have been gathering information and authoring proposals behind the scenes.

One proposal factoring in power points (75 percent) and returning top 12 finishes in AC (25 percent) has leaked out, but don't expect anything definitive for at least a few months. The major hangups this time center around geography and Non-Public strength in the north. Scattering of those Non-Public powers throughout the state is a strong possibility. I have heard the second realignments for 2018-19 and 2019-20, which made even less sense than the first set the previous two seasons, strictly from a geographic standpoint, was not a big hit with several NJSIAA officials and even less so with South Jersey coaches.

Up north, the dominance of Bergen Catholic (Region 2), Delbarton (Region 3), St. Joseph-Montvale and Pope John (Region 1), along with Don Bosco Prep (Region 1), St. Peter's Prep and Seton Hall (Region 4), and where to house those top-ranked programs has been a major issue. In South Jersey, the travel is a bigger deal to some with fewer parochial powers outside of Camden Catholic and St. Augustine.

Interestingly, the medal count in Atlantic City in four of the previous seasons before the second realignment was more evenly distributed than the last two tournaments as these numbers show:

Region	2020	2019	2018	2017	Total
1	18	20	16	10	64
2	18	21	19	20	78
3	13	16	14	14	57
4	6	10	9	15	40
5	15	13	14	17	59
6	12	5	14	8	39
7	18	21	12	10	61
8	12	6	14	18	50

Region	2016	2015	2014	2013	Total
1	17	16	13	12	58
2	21	24	16	16	77
3	11	12	14	18	55
4	14	12	13	12	51
5	17	12	17	15	61
6	12	20	18	15	65
7	8	7	11	13	39
8	12	9	10	11	42

Also, the numbers are pretty close across the previous eight seasons in six regions, with the numbers basically flipping in Regions 6 and 7 during the realignments. Stay tuned for more on this issue.

New weights a done deal?

It seems as if all discussions regarding the reduction of weight classes is at hand. Reportedly, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) recently reviewed and voted to adopt one of several proposals with 13 weights, down one, from the 14 classes we've had since the 2011-12 season. Since New Jersey usually follows NFHS guidelines, it would seem a change is on the way for the Garden State. The NFHS is expected to make an announcement, along with a few other rules changes, in the coming week.

Current weight classes: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285.

One proposed version: 107, 114, 121, 128, 134, 140, 146, 152, 160, 172, 189, 215 and 285.

If the one above is adopted, the only big news here is the elimination of the 182-pound class, which is a good thing as there were far too many upper weights. Three weights -- 152, 160 and 285 -- remain the same with minor tweaks to the other 10 classes. One fair argument to be made is that 107 (109 when the two-pound allowance kicks in) hurts the little guy in the sport, say one who weighs around 100. Perhaps 105 would be a better number? Going back to 13 weights also eliminates the need for criteria to break ties for dual meets. I'm sure (not really) we will all miss seeing a match decided on most first points scored.

Back points

Here are some discussions and changes for next season resulting from recent meetings of state officials and Region presidents.

Rutgers will be the new host for next season's Group championships after stints in Trenton and Toms River. It's just a matter of ironing out some details as the RAC was originally set to host just the state championship matches and not the semifinals. But since the arena can get six mats down that should no longer an issue. As we first reported back in March, there were discussions of possibly tweaking the sectional schedules to double up on Monday and have the finals on Wednesday, with the Group semifinals on Friday at the higher seeds.

Elimination of the Wednesday round for all eight regions, mostly from a travel standpoint, along with the addition two seasons ago of a girls tournament on that Sunday. This one has yet to be voted on, but from what I've been told it has a slim chance of passing. A Friday and Saturday schedule would eliminate the one benefit to winning a district title -- since criteria for region seeding places more of an emphasis on past advancement -- in getting a night off from competition as seconds and thirds compete in that traditional Wednesday round. Coaches will be sent surveys to vote on the potential elimination of Wednesday's round at regions and Group 5 for next season.

Greg Tufaro with the John Vogeding Media Award in March.

Loyal Open Mike readers know how much I despise wrestling first-, third- and fifth-place matches simultaneously on three mats at regions, which most have been doing since realignment began four seasons ago. Now, by a 7-1 vote, all eight regions will do so starting in 2021. It's bad enough that Region 1 at West Milford doesn't even take the time to properly recognize the placewinners center mat at each weight class -- Wallkill Valley always did a nice job of this -- as the wrestlers ascend a podium that's tucked away in a back corner of the gym. Not a good look to say the least.

The need for allowing teams to split their squad will apparently have to wait another year as it was inexplicably left of the agenda at a recent rules committee meeting. It would give schools the option to send their top wrestlers to events like the Beast of the East and the rest to another tournament. That's a win-win as plenty of public schools lose kids out of the youth program simply because they don't attend those big events. Most coaches don't want to risk losing inexperienced wrestlers for the sake of a placating few studs. That's not the way to build a program.

Last season's Patriot Duals at North Warren were a big success with North Hunterdon (Group 4 champion), High Point (Group 2 champion) and West Essex (Group 3 runner-up) all in attendance. North Warren coach Kellen Bradley said he is looking to add Group 5 champion Southern to the mix. Locally, Warren Hills has opted out of next season's event as the Blue Streaks ran into match limit issues in 2019-20. Coach Dave Sbriscia also said his team already wrestles Skyland Conference foe North Hunterdon in a dual meet, while Warren Hills and High Point have discussed potential dates for a match that would also involve a girls dual.

Newton coach Eric Bollette recently submitted a request to the NJSIAA for a one-year waiver regarding the one tournament per week rule. The Braves are slated to compete in the John Goles Invitational (Dec. 28) and their own Boresch Duals (Jan. 2), but since Christmas falls on a Friday in 2020, these events will be held in the same week. North Hunterdon also is among the roughly 30 schools facing this same prospect. Let's hope the state does the right thing here so both don't have to pull out of the John Goles.

Long overdue is the recognition of this year's John Vogeding Award recipient for excellence in media. Greg Tufaro, an all-around good guy and founding member of the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20, was honored during Thursday's session in Atlantic City. Tufaro has earned the respect of many in the wrestling community for his hard work and dedication to the sport. You can check out his work at mycentraljersey.com.

Wrestling: What's on tap for HWS in 2020-21?

There were plenty of great storylines in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area this season, including North Hunterdon's first unbeaten season and High Point sophomore Brian Soldano capturing the 160-pound state title in Atlantic City.

But it's never too early to look ahead to 2020-21. Here are a few things to keep an eye on and some important dates for next season.

North Hunterdon back on top?

The Lions enjoyed a season for the ages -- going 23-0 while capturing the North 2, Group 4 sectional title and the program's first state championship since 2002 with a second win over 2019 champion Kingsway in the Group 4 final. One of the big keys this season was the lineup staying in tact and avoiding major injuries.

Coach Chris Hrunka will welcome back nine starters next season, including state qualifiers Frank DiEsso (32-8 at 120), Connor Quinn (30-9 at 132), James Holder (30-12 at 170) -- who will all be seniors -- and Liam Akers (38-6 at 285), a seventh-place finisher in AC. Alex Uryniak (29-7 at 182-195), a Region 5 qualifier, and Kyle Schultz (7-3 at 195-220), a starter two seasons ago who was a backup this season, will once again give North a formidable set of upper weights. Logan Wadle (30-6), a District 20 and HWS Tournament champion, will help anchor the lower weights.

Phillipsburg, which lost twice to North in a season for the first time, including a 37-12 setback in the sectional final, should definitely have something to say about North making another postseason run as the Stateliners will return 11 starters, including James Day (32-10 at 113), Nate Zastowny (35-9 at 160) and Gage Horvath (27-14 at 220), who were all state qualifiers. Logan Maczko (24-10 at 120), a Region 4 champion in 2019, and Joey Innamorato (29-8 at 126), a two-time district champion, are also back next season.

Coach Dave Post will also be receiving some help from the youth program with incoming freshmen Gavin Hawk (106) and Caleb Rivera (150), both New Jersey Grade School League champions, along with placewinners Patrick Day (fifth at 118) and Liam Packer (second at 130).

We may not get a rematch in the sectional tournament next season. The early word has Phillipsburg shifting to North 1 when the sections are redrawn and released shortly before the 2020-21 season.

High Point, Warren Hills eye titles

After three straight Group 2 finals appearances and winning championships in 2018 and '20, High Point, despite the loss of three key seniors -- Devon Liebl (40-7 at 126), two-time state placewinner Billy Talmadge (42-5 at 138) and PJ Soldano (24-13 at 182) -- could be even better next season.

High Point celebrates its sixth state championship.

Coach John Gardner's program simply reloads, and with 11 starters coming back, including Clayton Utter (32-7 at 113), a two-time state qualifier and Josh Gervey (37-9 at 132), a sixth-place finisher in AC, as well as Brian Soldano, this team should once again be the Group 2 frontrunner. Don't forget the 'Cats lost talented freshman Shane Woolf (6-5 at 138-145) for the season with a knee injury

"We had a core group of kids on the team this year that really had to do large things for the team to be successful," Gardner said. "The guys who have an opportunity to get back, they're going back to work shortly and hopefully be even better next year."

High Point (15-4) should also be better in the upper weights as Alex Buchwald (11-4 at 160-170) will help anchor that group, along with Sean Van Wingerden (16-13 at 195) and Justin Klass (16-17 at 220). Keep an eye on incoming freshmen and NJGSWL placewinners Carson Citro (third at 80 pounds), Ty Woods (third at 112) and Eli Nosal (runner-up at 118).

Warren Hills (20-7) set a program record for wins, but came up short in a bid to win the school's first sectional title since 2007, with a 34-31 loss to eventual Group 3 runner-up West Essex in the North 2, Group 3 final.

The Blue Streaks look like the section favorites next season as they were another young team with just four, but reliable starting seniors -- Greg Slivka (30-11 at 113), Logan Nauta (30-10 at 132), Geir Nemeth (25-13 at 138) and Nick Hildebrant (24-11 at 170).

Shawn Redfield (24-17 at 106-113), Jared Lee (27-12 at 120-126), Stephen Malia (33-9 at 152), Owen Frizzell (31-9 at 160), Jarett Pantuso (9-3 at 182) and Tyler McCatharn (37-6 at 220-285) will be some of the key returnees for coach Dave Sbriscia, who will also welcome Josh Lee into the fold, a talented incoming freshman who placed third at 95 pounds in the NJGSWL tournament.

Hunterdon Central, which had a pair of state placewinners in Colton Washleski (sixth at 145) and Norman Cella (eighth at 160), should also be improved next season.

Washleski (42-7), who stands at 104-29 overall, needs 40 wins to surpass Hunter Graf (143-29 from 2014-18) as the school's all-time leader and may have an outside shot at the county record of 155 set by North Hunterdon's Ryan Pomrinca, an NCAA Division I qualifier for Lehigh at 141 pounds, along with former P'burg ace Brandon Paetzell (No. 7 seed at 125).

Realignment on tap

Both the Northwest Jersey Athletic and Skyland conferences are in the process of reshaping division alignments for 2020-21 and 2021-22. Unfortunately, the NJAC Freedom Division will contain only four schools for wrestling -- High Point, Jefferson, Kittatinny and Newton -- meaning that three wins gets you a title. Ridiculous to say the least and it's not sitting well with those coaches. High Point already has trouble getting public schools on the schedule and this certainly won't help.

In other NJAC changes, Hackettstown moves from the Freedom Division to the Colonial, while Sparta shifts from the American to the National Division. The league slate for the four divisions housing Sussex County teams is below.

Needless to say there's already been plenty of discussion and rumors being floated regarding the realignment for districts and regions, as well as sectionals and Groups. According to a source, the district and region realignments could look more in line with the old formats prior to 2017, while Rutgers is in the mix to replace Toms River North as host site for the Group championships.

One scenario has two sectional rounds being contested on Monday with the finals on Wednesday and the Group semifinals at the higher seeds on Friday. Let's hope the elimination of Group 5 is a real possibility as well.

Here is the state medal count for the four years since realignment (you'll note that it's still not exactly balanced):

Region	2020	2019	2018	2017	Total
1	18	20	16	10	64
2	18	21	19	20	78
3	13	16	14	14	57
4	6	10	9	15	40
5	15	13	14	17	59
6	12	5	14	8	39
7	18	21	12	10	61
8	12	6	14	18	50

Dates to remember

Opening Day -- Dec. 17.

Boresch Duals at Newton on Jan. 2 -- North Hunterdon, the Group 4 champion and ranked No. 3 in the New Jersey Writers Top 20, will look to repeat after knocking off No. 13 Paulsboro, the Group 1 champ and two-time Boresch Duals champion, and Group 4 runner-up Kingsway. This premiere dual event in the state featured four teams ranked in the New Jersey Writers Top 20. South Plainfield, the Central Jersey, Group 2 sectional champion, and Caldwell, the North 2, Group 2 champion, as well as No. 11 Toms River North, are also returning next season.

High Point at Kittatinny on Jan. 6 -- The Freedom Division title could very well be decided at the turn of 2021, when these archrivals meet in Hampton. High Point will once again rate as a heavy favorite coming off a 48-24 win this season in Wantage as the 'Cats hold a 29-14-1 edge in the series dating to 1976. The Cougars are set to return 12 starters, including a pair of state qualifiers in Brycen Mafaro (30-8 at 182) and Jackson Crawn (35-4 at 220). Bryce Coesfeld, an NJGSWL champion at 118 pounds, runner-up Reece Smith (112) and Jacob Savage (fourth at 130) will be incoming freshmen who could make an immediate impact.

HWS Tournament on Jan. 9 -- Phillipsburg will once again host the 12th edition. You can't beat the venue, but please take some time and not speed through it. How about holding up the weight classes for the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship-consolation finals so we can at least attempt to showcase this event? And proper introductions with the wrestlers' credentials and not speeding through those to where it's held up halfway through because the public address announcer lost his place on the sheet. Athletic directors need to step aside and let the capable folks at P'burg run the show.

NJAC schedules -- Freedom: Jan. 6 -- Kittatinny at High Point; Jan. 13 -- Jefferson at Newton; Jan. 20 -- Newton at Kittatinny; Jan. 26 -- High Point at Jefferson; Feb. 3 -- Newton at High Point; Kittatinny at Jefferson. Colonial: Jan. 6 -- Lenape Valley at North Warren; Vernon-Wallkill Valley at Hackettstown; Jan. 13 -- Vernon-Wallkill Valley at Lenape Valley; Hopatcong at Hackettstown; Jan. 20 -- Hackettstown at North Warren; Hopatcong at Vernon-Wallkill Valley; Jan. 26 -- Lenape Valley at Hopatcong; North Warren at Vernon-Wallkill Valley; Feb. 3 -- Hackettstown at Lenape Valley; North Warren at Hopatcong. American: Dec. 22 -- Delbarton at Pope John; Montville at Mendham; Jan. 6 -- Mendham at Pope John; West Morris at Mount Olive; Jan. 13 -- Delbarton at West Morris; Pope John at Montville; Mount Olive at Mendham; Jan. 20 -- Delbarton at Montville; Pope John at Mount Olive; Jan. 22 -- Mount Olive at Delbarton; Pope John at West Morris; Jan. 26 -- West Morris at Mendham; Montville at Mount Olive; Feb. 3 -- Mendham at Delbarton; West Morris at Montville. National: Dec. 22 -- Roxbury at Morris Knolls; Sparta at Morris Hills; Parsippany Hills at Morristown; Jan. 6 -- Sparta at Roxbury; Morristown at Morris Knolls; Morris Hills at Randolph; Jan. 13 -- Roxbury at Morris Hills; Morris Knolls at Parsippany Hills; Randolph at Morristown; Jan. 20 -- Roxbury at Parsippany Hills; Morris Knolls at Randolph; Morristown at Sparta; Jan. 22 -- Randolph at Roxbury; Morris Knolls at Morris Hills; Parsippany Hills at Sparta; Jan. 26 -- Sparta at Morris Knolls; Parsippany Hills at Randolph; Morris Hills at Morristown; Feb. 3 -- Morristown at Roxbury; Randolph at Sparta; Morris Hills at Parsippany Hills.

Sectional tournaments -- Feb. 8, 10 and 12.

Group championships -- Sunday, Feb. 14.

District Tournaments -- Saturday, Feb. 20.

Region Tournaments -- Feb. 24, 26 and 27.

88th State Championships -- March 4, 5 and 6 at Boardwalk Arena in Atlantic City.

Wrestling: Easton Lions Club Classic cancelled

The 40th annual Easton Lions Club All-Star Wrestling Classic, which was set to be held on Thursday at Easton Area High School's 25th Street Gymnasium, has been cancelled due to concerns over potential coronavirus outbreaks. According to Lions Club official Mike Moore, Easton Superintendent of Schools David Piperato has cancelled all outside events at district sites, .

The match, which had been held continuously since 1981, pits seniors from New Jersey against their counterparts from Pennsylvania's rugged District 11.

Pennsylvania owns a 23-16 edge in the overall series dating to 1981, including a 37-12 victory in 2019. New Jersey last prevailed, 32-17, to snap a five-match skid in '18.

Tentative high school matchups (New Jersey listed first):

113 -- Greg Slivka (30-11, 80-60, D2, R5), Warren Hills, vs. Gunnar Wagner (26-14, 36-25, D5), Northampton.

North Hunterdon had 3 wrestlers on the NJ squad.

120 -- Seven Rich (20-12, 66-58, D2), Voorhees, vs. Andrew Smith (22-5, 106-39, D1, R1, S5), Nazareth.

126 -- Gage Crater (32-8, 106-40, D1), Delaware Valley, vs. Luis Vargas (40-7, 115-37, D3, R3), Freedom.

132 -- Logan Nauta (30-10, 82-47, D2, R5), Warren Hills, vs. Patrick Noonan (34-6, 131-27, D2, R1, S2), Stroudsburg.

138 -- Drew Doscher (20-14, 59-38, D2, R6), North Hunterdon, vs. Steven Storm (40-5, 134-21, D3, R3, S7), Pocono Mountain East.

145 -- Evan Klimas (29-7, 89-50, D1, R5), North Hunterdon, vs. Jason Rezac (38-8, 88-31, D3, R4), Liberty.

152 -- Anthony Romaniello (39-6, 103-45, D1, R3), Hunterdon Central, vs. Colby Judd (25-11, 25-13, D5, R5), Northampton.

160 -- Elijah Lugo (37-6, 117-32, D2, R3), Wayne Valley, vs. Anthony Micci (36-12, 115-48, D2, R3), Wilson.

170 -- Nick Hildebrant (24-11, 67-51, D2, R5), Warren Hills, vs. Kevin Hennessy (35-10, 95-32, D4, R5), Liberty.

182 -- Nate Fossett (33-5, 86-28, D1, R2), North Hunterdon, vs. Caden Wright (36-9, 119-31, D3, R3, S8), Emmaus.

195 -- Jacob Wicks (30-12, 54-28, D1, R3), Phillipsburg, vs. Isaac Kassis (31-6, 71-33, D3, R4), Dieruff.

220 -- Michael Nakano (35-7, 90-32, D3, R4), Toms River North, vs. Kolby Flank (43-2, 142-32, D1, R1, S2), Wilson.

285 -- Cody Cruts (28-12, 54-53, D1, R2), Phillipsburg, vs. Karam Chakif (29-3, 55-21, D1, R1), Dieruff.

Medal count: Stewart legacy; Akers, Gervey eye '21

To say that Sparta wrestling will miss senior twin brothers -- Cooper and Garrett Stewart -- may be the understatement of the 2019-20 season. But their lasting mark on the program, along with their younger brother, Stewart, a junior, will be felt for years to come.

Cooper Stewart erased the disappointment of falling in the Blood Round last season -- a 5-0 loss to Belvidere ace Quinn Melofchik -- with his fifth-place finish at 113 pounds in the 87th New Jersey Wrestling State Championships on Saturday at Boardwalk Hall.

"[My] work ethic went through the roof," said Stewart, who joined his brothers by winning his first district title, while finishing 40-5 this season and 124-22 overall to rank third on the Spartans' all-time wins list. "I trained hard in the [practice] room with my brothers just trying to get to that next level. I think I accomplished a little more."

In all, we had 10 wrestlers from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area take home medals, including 160-pound state champion Brian Soldano of High Point. Pope John's Shane Percelay (120) and Kaya Sement (145), both two-time placewinners, were the next highest finishers with thirds, while teammate Eddie Ventresca, a state champion in 2019, earned his fourth medal (fifth at 126).

High Point's Josh Gervey (sixth at 132) and Billy Talmadge (eighth at 138) round out the Sussex County contingent, while Hunterdon Central's Colton Washleski (sixth at 145) and Norman Cella (eighth at 160) and North Hunterdon's Liam Akers (seventh at 285) were the only placewinners from Hunterdon County. Warren County, which did not have a wrestler reach the quarterfinals, did not earn a medal for the first time since 1961.

Sticking with it

Let's just say that High Point junior Josh Gervey didn't exactly have what you'd call a memorable youth career. Admittedly, it wasn't pretty. But he should get major kudos for hanging in there and carving a name for himself the past three seasons.

Josh Gervey (second from left) on the podium at 132.

"I never thought I [could place in states]," Gervey said on Saturday. "All through middle school and my elementary career, I wasn't any good. They didn't even want to [send] me out. I was terrible.

"I'd have family come out from Long Island to watch and I'd get pinned and lose. It was upsetting. It's a tough sport. My parents would tell me to keep staying with it, and then I started realizing that if I put in some hard work, I could win some matches. It feels good to win."

Gervey was the unlikeliest of heroes two seasons ago when High Point made its run to the Group 2 title against Raritan. After Devin Flannery went down with an elbow injury Gervey was thrust into the varsity lineup, where he went 8-9, including a wild 9-7 decision -- thanks to a four-pointer on a headlock in the third period -- over Mike Lonnay at 120 pounds. That win sparked the 'Cats to a 30-25 victory over the Rockets.

"It was definitely a big turning point when I got that opportunity to hit the varsity lineup because [Devin] Flannery had gotten injured," Gervey said. "I was getting some varsity time, but more or less just jumping in here and there. Then, I got a real shot to prove what I could do. [Group] finals is really a place to do it. I went out there and tried to do the best I can, and it ended up awesome."

"For Josh to come in and place sixth at 132, it's a credit to him, 'Cats coach John Gardner said.

Gervey (37-9), a two-time Region 1 and state qualifier, will enter his senior season at 73-29, and he will be a key figure in a lineup that could be even better next season despite the loss of three seniors, including Talmadge, who is heading to Lock Haven, and Devon Liebl, who went 101-26 the last three seasons after a 7-1 campaign as a freshman and finished a win shy of a state medal at 126.

"Every year, I look forward to next year because I realize I have a whole summer to work hard and get better," said Gervey, who went 1-2 in his first state tournament appearance last season. "I'm always excited to see what I can do next year. Next year, I think I can do really well. One last shot."

Gardner is also eager to see how his team stacks up in 2020-21.

"We had a core group of kids on the team this year that really had to do large things for the team to be successful," Gardner said. "I think we saw [in Atlantic City] what those kids were capable of -- to get on the medal stand and to get to [the Blood Round]. Obviously, those who lost, they're disappointed. The guys who have an opportunity to get back, they're going back to work shortly and hopefully be even better next year."

Mat legacy

The Stewarts continued an individual resurgence of Sparta's wrestling program, which was in danger of folding prior to coach Frank Battaglia taking the reins in 2011-12, in fine fashion.

The trio combined to win six district championships and earn two state medals, with Spencer Stewart finishing eighth at 120 in 2019. All three won Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament titles -- Cooper and Spencer joined Garrett, a two-time finalist who won in 2019, by winning this season as the first set of brothers to capture titles in the same year.

"That district title is what I think put me in a great position in the state tournament to get where I am now," said Cooper, who knocked off eventual state runner-up Kelly Dunnigan of Don Bosco Prep, 3-2, in the District 4 finals before losing decisions of 5-0 and 7-3 when they met in the Region 1 finals and state semifinals. "It just proves that all of those wins you have during the season do pay off eventually in the long run."

Garrett Stewart (42-4), a three-time district champion and two-time Region 1 third-place finisher who will continue his academic and wrestling careers at Davidson College in North Carolina, is Sparta's all-time wins leader at 147-27. Spencer (42-3), who lost a heartbreaking 3-2 decision to Jefferson's Austin Jack on a late reversal in the Blood Round at 132, will have a shot to surpass his brother next season, when he will enter at 115-19 overall. As for Cooper, whose college choices include George Mason and American University, he said that this may be it for his wrestling career.

"It's going to be cool because our names are going to be up there for a long time," said Cooper, who beat Toms River North's Ryan Rosenthal twice -- 4-3 in the quarters and 5-2 in the fifth-place bout in AC. "I was glad to do it for the coaches. The coaching staff is great, I love all of them. The whole team is like a family to me so it's great to be the one to set that legacy for them.

"[Spencer] came up short this year, but I feel like he needed it so it will make him focus a little more and get ready for next year, and hopefully be on the top [of the podium]."

Green Akers no more

North Hunterdon sophomore Liam Akers even surprised himself with a seventh-place finish at 285 pounds. The Lions enjoyed tremendous team success this season -- going unbeaten for the first time in program history at 23-0, while capturing Group 4 and District 20 team championships, as well as winning the Boresch Duals at Newton and Patriot Duals at North Warren. But even Akers would not have believed he'd be the only member to earn a state medal.

Liam Akers (far left) is 44-15 overall. (Photo/Chris Hrunka)

"To be honest, not really," Akers said. "Last year, I was a backup. If you told me a year ago or two years ago that I'm going to be here and place as a sophomore, I wouldn't believe you. What we did as a team was amazing. I wouldn't trade that for anything, but right after team states, I had to get my mind right for the postseason. It really helped me lot."

Akers (38-6), who won his first Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament title in January, was 6-9 as a freshman in a limited role. How did he make that big leap this season?

"My coaches, awesome drill partners and just having the mindset that I'm going to accomplish my goals one day," said Akers, who scored a 2-0 win over Barnegat's Griffin Jackstadt with an early third-period reversal in the seventh-place bout. "It feels great. My goal next year is to see if I can place higher. That's what I hope I can do. If I train the same way I did last year, I think I can do it."

With 20 seniors in the 32-man heavyweight bracket, including six of the other seven medal winners, as St. Joseph-Montvale freshman Jim Mullen won the title, Akers should be one of the 285-pounders to beat in 2021.

"It's great that I [was] a state medalist this year," Akers said. "I'm happy with my accomplishment and I just can't wait until next year to see where I'm going to be on the podium."

Wrestling: Soldano on par with 'Cats all-time greats

Even before his state championship run, Brian Soldano was already being compared to the elites in High Point history. With the 160-pound title in hand, the big question moving forward will be if the sophomore sits atop that list when his already accomplished career is complete.

"Hopefully, I can be one of them. I just have to wrestle two more times for it," Soldano said after an impressive 9-0 major of Delbarton's Dante Stefanelli in the 87th New Jersey State Wrestling Championships on Saturday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Brian Soldano en route to his semifinals win.

Only three-time champion Nick Francavilla (2009-11) and two-timer Ethan Orr (2010-11), who was the last to win before Soldano, have won multiple state titles. Soldano, a two-time district and region champ, has the chance to join Francavilla, who now runs Iron Horse in Sparta, as the only 'Cats to win four championships in both tournaments, as well as three state titles. At 79-5 overall in two seasons, Soldano, the 11th state champ in program history and its 13th finalist, is on pace to eclipse Francavilla's team wins record of 156. Pope John's JoJo Aragona (158) has the Sussex County record.

Francavilla has said that Soldano is more talented at this point in their careers, while assistant coach and former Rutgers standout Billy Smith, who started High Point's incredible run of four state titles in 2011, said there is no doubt about it. Those four champs in 2011 -- Francavilla, Smith, Orr and Drew Wagenhoffer -- combined for 561 wins, along with 13 district, 11 region and seven state titles, as well as 10 state medals overall.

"He's better than all of us [who won in 2011]. It's not even close," Smith said following the championship finals on Saturday.

That is extremely high praise for a wrestler who still has two seasons to go. At High Point, those compliments aren't given without good cause. The 'Cats like to play it close to the vest regarding these matters, but Soldano had those closest around him, and most of us on press row, in awe of his talents this past weekend and over these past two seasons.

"Brian never for a minute showed he was nervous," said Smith, a three-time district and two-time region champ under head coach John Gardner. "He envisioned it, talked about it. He's a tough kid and has a great future ahead of him. Most importantly, he has great parents [Pete and Cheryl], great community people, and he's home grown, which a lot of these teams can't say."

No High Point wrestler has accomplished more than Gardner when you factor in his coaching career as well. He became the school's second state champion in winning the 189-pound title and was New Jersey's all-time winningest  wrestler with a mark of 131-8-1 when he graduated in 1990, while he and Francavilla are the only four-time region champs. As the head coach of his alma mater, Gardner's teams are 377-107-2 overall and have captured 16 of the program's 28 sectional titles and all six of its state championships, including the Group 2 title this season.

Brian Soldano atop the podium at 160 pounds.

Gardner has been just as impressed as his former wrestlers. So who better to ask where Soldano, who has never won a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title only because he didn't enter the last two tournaments, ranks among the best of the 'Cats?

"He's definitely [one of those] guys. This is what he does for fun," said Gardner, who also coached 2005 state champion Dave Zabriskie, the first three-time NCAA All-American at heavyweight for Iowa State and the only High Point wrestler to win a Division I title (2010). "He's been surrounded by a great group and that's helped him, but he's got a lot of potential. For as good as he is now, he can still be better."

Using a move he calls "scissor-me-timbers," Soldano turned Stefanelli for two back points and got a one-count with it as well to break the title bout open in the second period.

"That's probably a move he started up [wrestling] with his brother [PJ, a senior and a Region 1 participant at 182 pounds]," said Gardner, who has coached every High Point state champ, besides himself, obviously, other than its first -- Fred Swanson (1971). "It's not a place you want to be. Kids are almost too afraid to do things. Brian doesn't wrestle like that."

With a punishing style on top, Soldano went 5-0 in AC, with two pins, one technical fall and one major to go with a 4-1 semifinal win over Manalapan senior Matt Benedetti, who was only the fourth wrestler to go the full six minutes against Soldano in 39 bouts this season. His only loss was 11-8 to Lower Dauphin senior Clayton Ulrey, a two-time PIAA Class AAA runner-up and a Virginia Tech recruit, in the Sam Cali Tournament finals on Jan. 4. Soldano recorded 29 pins (57 career), including seven in 11 postseason bouts.

Soldano, who recognized that he needed to be a more complete wrestler by improving in the neutral position, hit the freestyle scene hard and placed in the Cadet Nationals at Fargo, N.D., last summer. It won't be long before he gets right back to work.

"I'll probably take a week off just to heal my wounds and bruises," said Soldano, who will take a 27-match win streak into next season. "After three weeks or so, I have NHSCA nationals and then I'll be rolling into freestyle. I always want to keep active."

Wrestling: Soldano makes title statement in AC

ATLANTIC CITY -- As far as impressive first state finals appearances go, High Point sophomore Brian Soldano has to rank right up there with some of the best.

Soldano left no doubt as to who was the best at 160 pounds and took what many felt was his rightful place atop the podium with a blistering 9-0 major of Delbarton senior Dante Stefanelli in their title bout in the 87th New Jersey State Championships on Saturday afternoon at Boardwalk Arena.

Brian Soldano is the second HP sophomore to win a title. 

"I've trained all year for this," said Soldano, who is the 11th state champion in High Point history and first since Nick Francavilla, Drew Wagenhoffer, Ethan Orr and current assistant coach Billy Smith all won titles here in 2011. "The last few weeks, I wrote in my headgear [on pieces of tape] where I'm going to be. I'm going to be a state champ. Every single day, I saw that and I always repeated it to myself. This year was my year. That's what I came here for."

In what was a tough tournament as far as medals go for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area, Sussex led the way with seven of the 10 placewinners -- including 'Cats junior Josh Gervey (sixth at 132) and senior Billy Talmadge (eighth at 138), who earned his second medal. Pope John junior Shane Percelay (120) and senior Kaya Sement were the next highest finishers after Soldano with third-place medals.

"Brian has so much potential and he works really hard to get better at what he does," said coach John Gardner, who has coached all nine of the 'Cats state champs since becoming the second in program history with his title run at 189 pounds in 1990. "He makes a lot of it look easy, but he's got a lot of ability. When you have kids with a lot of ability who work as hard as he does usually good things are going to happen. I think tonight is just the beginning of that. He has a unique style, no question, but he's confident in his abilities and he's not afraid to let things fly."

Smith, who sat in the corner with Gardner, was happy to see Soldano end the 'Cats title drought.

"I think I was more nervous for this one," said Smith, who led off that incredible championship run by he and his teammates that had this arena buzzing nine years ago. "I can control it when I'm on the mat. He's always confident, always poised and calm. He was ready for this match."

Seizing control

Soldano (38-1), a two-time district and region champion who finished one win shy of a medal here as a freshman, took it right to Stefanelli, fourth at this weight last season, from the opening whistle. He kept pressing the action and converted the first of three takedowns with 46 seconds left in the first period. In the second period, Soldano escaped and got another takedown where he went to work on top -- turning Stefanelli for two back points and a commanding 7-0 lead by using a move that has a rather unusual name.

Brian Soldano (back 2nd from left) with all the champs. 

"We call it "scissors me timbers," Soldano said of his move on top where he pulls the opponent back into him to get a turn and near-fall points. "Once you get him to his back, you kind of squeeze into their hips."

Stefanelli (36-9) took neutral -- his only option at that point in the bout -- to start the third period and even that didn't go well as Soldano got his third takedown off a deep double-leg attack just 10 seconds into the period to get back on top. He rode out Stefanelli the rest of the way.

"My goal was to get a takedown and be able to ride him for the whole match," said Soldano, who got in real deep on the takedown attempts and one other that he didn't convert early on. "I think I was able to do that.

"He was reaching real heavy and I was watching him warm up, too, he was real heavy on his feet so every time he'd reach, I'd see an opening and I just went for it."

Eyes on the prize

Soldano watched the clock tick off the final seconds, and when it was over, he raised his arms briefly to acknowledge the many High Point fans in attendance. That's about as big as it gets as far as showing any kind of emotion for the mild-mannered and classy young man.

"My dad always told me to act like you've been there. It's a business trip," Soldano said. "Don't be a showboater. Don't get cocky over anything. Anybody can win any given day."

Soldano, who will enter his junior season with a career mark of 79-5, said his freestyle training in the offseason -- he was a placewinner at the Cadet National Championships in Fargo, N.D. -- made him a more complete wrestler. Soldano went 11-0 this postseason with seven pins, one technical fall and one major decision, as well as a victory by injury default, while going all six minutes just twice, including a 4-1 win over Manalapan senior Matt Bendetti in the state semifinals.

"Last year, I would have never imagined to [take shots] in the finals," he said. "Now, I'm shooting left and right so it's helped me a lot in my neutral [position]. It's made me tougher."

The goal for Soldano now is to join Francavilla, the school's all-time wins leader with 156, as the program's only three-time champions. Gardner, who has reached legendary status for the 'Cats as a wrestler and an accomplished coach, said this could be just a taste of what is to come.

"He had a great performance out there," Gardner said. "First time [in the finals] was very special -- something he will remember. He's got a lot of potential. For as good as he is, he can still be better. We're kind of scratching the surface."

CHAMPIONSHIPS 

182: John Poznanski (Colonia) p.  Luke Rada (Colts Neck), 3:31.

195: Martin Cosgrove (Camden Catholic) d. David Szuba (Brick Memorial), 9-7.

220: P.J. Casale (Delbarton) d. Kyle Jacob (Paramus), 4-2.

285: Jim Mullen (St. Joe Montvale) d. JT Cornelius (Southern Regional), 7-3.

106: Evan Mougalian (Kinnelon) d. Anthony Santaniello (Brick Memorial), 3-1.

113: Tyler Klinsky (Middletown North) d. Kelly Dunnigan (Don Bosco), 6-3.

120: Dean Peterson (St. John Vianney) d.   Vincent Santaniello (Brick Memorial), 1-0.

126: Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic) d. McKenzie Bell (Kingsway), 12-7.

132: Joey Olivieri (Hanover Park) d. Dylan Cedeno (Bergen Catholic), 1-0.

138: Anthony Clark (Delbarton) d. William Grater (Bergen Catholic), 4-0.

145: Andrew Clark (Collingswood) d. Andrew Troczynski (Delbarton), 8-5. 

152: Nick Boggiano (Toms River North) d.  Aaron Ayzerov (Paramus), 7-3.

160: Brian Soldano (High Point) md. Dante Stefanelli (Delbarton), 9-0.

170: Connor O`Neill (DePaul) d. Shane Reitsma (Howell), 3-1.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- John Poznanski, Colonia.

THIRD-PLACE MATCHES

106: Tyler Vazquez (Delbarton) d. Evan Tallmadge (Brick Twp.), 5-2.

113: Joseph Cangro (Bergen Catholic) d. Ty Whalen (Clearview), 3-2.

120: Shane Percelay (Pope John XXIII) d. Ethan Fernandez (Westwood), 5-4.

126: Nicholas Nardone (Delbarton) md. Alex Almeyda (St. Joe Montvale), 14-3.

132: Simon Ruiz (Delbarton) d. Anthony White (South Plainfield), 2-1, UTB.

138: Eddie Hummel (Southern Regional) d. Ryan Zimmerman (Long Branch), 4-2.

145: Kaya Sement (Pope John XXIII) d. Michael Dellagatta (St. Joe Montvale), 4-1.

152: Brandon Mooney (Camden Catholic) p. Dylan Weaver (Lyndhurst/North Arlington), 0:34.

160: Robert Woodcock (Southern Regional) d. Matt Benedetti (Manalapan), 6-4.

170: Jacob Vega (Carteret) d. Noah Fox (Montville), 6-2.

182: Blake Clayton (St. John Vianney) d. Joe Colon (Brick Memorial), 5-1.

195: Mike Misita (St. Augustine Prep) d. Luke Chakonis (Delbarton), 4-0.

220: Zane Coles (Pitman) d. Robert Damerjian (Moorestown), 1-0.

285: Marcus Estevez (Franklin) p. Bardhyl Gashi (West Essex), 3:43.

FIFTH-PLACE MATCHES

106: Jack Zaleski (Middletown South) md. Luke Stanich (Roxbury), 10-2.

113: Cooper Stewart (Sparta) d. Ryan Rosenthal (Toms River North), 5-2.

120: Nick Kayal (Bergen Catholic) by forfeit over Nick Babin (Emerson/Park Ridge).

126: Eddie Ventresca (Pope John XXIII) md. Nico Messina (Freehold Boro), 15-2.

132: Justin Bierdumpfel (St. Joe Montvale) d. Josh Gervey (High Point), 6-3.

138: Jacob Perez-Eli (Paulsboro) d. Michael Cetta (St. Joe Montvale), 3-1, SV.

145: Gabe Onorato (Paulsboro) p. Colton Washleski (Hunterdon Central), 5:03.

152: Colin Calvetti (Delbarton) by forfeit over Alex Strashinsky (Bergen Catholic).

160: Shay Addison (Rumson-Fair Haven) p. Blake Bahna (Watchung Hills), 5:13.

170: Jack Kelly (Rumson-Fair Haven) p. Luke Benedict (Haddonfield), 1:34.

182: Benjamin Liss (Fair Lawn) by forfeit over Jacob Whitworth (Wall).

195: Kyle Epperly (Jackson Memorial) d. Michael Massa (Seton Hall), 7-0.

220: Gage Armijo (West Morris Mendham) d. Michael Toranzo (St. Joe Montvale), 12-11.

285: Hector Lebron (Dwight Morrow) d. Justin Wright (Howell), 6-5.

SEVENTH-PLACE MATCHES

106: Aiden Wallace (Bergen Catholic) d. Jared Brunner (Eastern), 8-2.

113: Garrett Totten (Northern Burlington) d. Brady Conlin (Williamstown), 7-6.

120: Joey Lamparelli (Allentown) d. Fred Luchs (Middletown North), 3-1.

126: Luke Hoerle (Westfield) d. Andre Ruiz (Bogota/Ridgefield Park), 6-4.

132: Jack Nies (Ocean Twp.) d. Austin Jack (Jefferson Twp.), 3-0.

138: Al De Santis (Shore Regional) d. Billy Talmadge (High Point), 3-2.

145: Dakota Morris (Kingsway) d. Max Brignola (Rumson-Fair Haven), 7-4.

152: Stefano Sgambellone (St. Joe Montvale) p. Jared Schoppe (Delsea), 4:31.

160: Nate Camiscioli (Bergen Catholic) d. Norman Cella (Hunterdon Central), 3-0.

170: Marcus Petite (Piscataway) d. Colin Loughney (West Morris Central), 4-2.

182: Jason Sherlock (Point Pleasant Beach) p. Kevin Pandorf (Kingsway), 2:20.

195: Thomas Renna (South Plainfield) p. Patrick O`Dwyer (Long Branch), 2:44.

220: Joshua Darisme (Rahway) d. Cody Thurston (West Deptford), 3-2.

285: Liam Akers (North Hunterdon) d. Griffin Jackstadt (Barnegat), 2-0.