Wrestling: No 'nonsense' Changaris wins 2nd title

ATLANTIC CITY -- Turns out that High Point sophomore Elle Changaris wasn't just another flash in the pan a year ago. She's now an established force on the statewide wrestling scene and the scary part for future opponents is that her best may still be to come.

Changaris took care of business in dominant fashion with a 12-3 major decision over Hunterdon Central senior Emma Peake in their 120-pound final to claim her second straight title in the New Jersey Girls State Championships on Saturday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Changaris is 75-2 overall in her two seasons

"It feels great. I'm really excited, I think I definitely improved from my last finals match," said Changaris, who decked Howell's Kylie Gudewitz, a three-time finalist and 2024 champion in a wildly entertaining finals clash at 114 pounds in '25. "My breath works way better, my stamina. I'm really proud I actually did moves this time instead of flopping around on the mat hoping something works. It's a mix of freestyle, by accident. A bunch of random nonsense."

"When I'm on bottom, I tend to just wide base and figure out what I'm going to do from there. What I have, what my options are. I see them. I use them and hope for the best."

Changaris (38-1) and junior teammate Ella Poalillo made it 2-for-2 in the finals for High Point as they claimed the program's 18th and 19th titles (five and six for the girls). Lenape Valley-Hopatcong junior Angelina Qualitieri (100 pounds) and Newton senior Eva Barry (145) won their first titles. Qualitieri was named the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler as the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area captured 15 girls state medals on the weekend. 

Changaris had her hands full early against Peake, a two-time state medalist and fifth as a junior at this weight class. Peake (21-2) scored the opening takedown before Changaris scored a reversal and two back points for a 4-3 lead after one period. After an escape in the second, Changaris logged her second takedown and a four-point nearfall to pull away in the third. 

"The only thing I knew was that she wrestles freestyle and upper body," said Changaris, who pinned her first three opponents in a total time of 3:08, including a 52-second fall over Egg Harbor's Cami Bird in the semifinals. "I like that so it was kind of fun to muscle it out like a Greco-Roman match a little bit. I had a great time. She's strong, I give her that. She's tough. I'm glad that I had a good match this weekend."

Giving up that early takedown to Peake seemed to light a fire under Changaris, who dominated the rest of the bout. What was she thinking after falling in a 3-0 hole?

"Stuff happens," Changaris said. "It was like, 'Oh, OK. This is what I'm working with, I got to step it up a notch."

Changaris and Poalillo are a combined 175-5

How dominant have Changaris and Poalillo been during their careers? 

Changaris, who is unbeaten against New Jersey competition in two seasons and suffered the only two losses on her ledger in back-to-back Beast of the East finals has only gone a full six minutes in three of her 77 career bouts, including a 9-2 decision over Morris Hills-Morris Knolls' Emelly Diaz Santos in this season's region finals. She's logged 58 pins, eight technical falls and two major decisions. Poalillo has reeled off 79 consecutive wins and as many pins, while compiling a career mark of 100-3. They've combined for six region and two district titles.

"There's a natural ability and a high level of self confidence," Gardner said of why his dynamic duo has been so successful. "But that doesn't happen by mistake. They dedicate a lot to being successful. It's not just the couple months of the season. It's a year-round journey with those two. You take a look at what they've been able to do ... it's pretty amazing."

Changaris is also looking forward to seeing what heights her team can reach the next two seasons after capturing the county's first sectional title in the tournament's inception this season. She's also a role model and leader for the next and current Wildcats.

"I love seeing the little girls look up to the high school girls, because there's a bunch on our team now and they're all doing so great," she said. "I love to help them. I love seeing them grow from last year. They're winning more matches and having more fun and I'm really excited to see how much we progress with the whole high school and elementary team."

Championships

165 -- Sr. Olivia Georges (24-1), DePaul, md. Sr. Liliana Alicea (36-3), Central Regional, 17-6.
185 -- Sr. Jade Hahn (15-0), Central Regional, p. So. Aryana Osorio (25-4), St. Mary-Rutherford, 1:30.
235 -- Sr. Saharia Quamina (39-0), Bloomfield, p. Sr. Giavonna Farrell-Byers (45-3), Howell, 2:36.   
100 -- Jr. Angelina Qualitieri (42-1), Lenape Valley-Hopatcong, d. Jr. Gabriela Giacone (30-10), Watchung Hills, 7-0. 
107 -- Jr. Gabriella Conte (32-1), Hanover Park, md. So. Adrianna DiGregorio (34-7), Williamstown, 14-2.
114 -- Jr. Jocelyn Danbe (40-1), River Dell, d. Sr. Kylie Gudewitz (47-5), Howell, 4-2.
120 -- So. Elle Changaris (38-1), High Point, md. Sr. Emma Peake (21-2), Hunterdon Central, 12-3.
126 -- So. Lucia Ranieri (44-1), Roselle Park, d. Sr. Reagan Roxas (37-5), Kingsway, 7-0.
132 -- So. Sheyna Cruz (31-2), Paulsboro, p. Jr, Lamiah Berry (27-5), Absegami, 5:08.
138 -- Sr. Valeria Ramirez (36-3), Elizabeth, p. Sr. Mariana Puzycki (38-8), Bayonne, 1:31.
145 -- Sr. Eva Barry (29-1), Newton-Kittatinny, p. Sr. Shea Aretz (41-2), Buena-Vineland, 1:37.
152 -- Jr. Ella Poalillo (36-0), High Point, p. Sr. Fatina Lozier (36-4), Pennsauken, 2:33.
Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Angelina Qualitieri, Lenape Valley-Hopatcong.

Wrestling: Swan song? Poalillo in HP's 3xers club

ATLANTIC CITY  -- High Point star Ella Poalillo always wanted to be among the greats at High Point from the time she stepped on a mat as a freshman. If this was the end to the high school portion of her stellar career, mission accomplished. 

Poalillo is the 19th HP wrestler to log 100 wins

Poalillo capped her junior campaign with a third consecutive state title by pinning Pennsauken senior Fatina Lozier in 2:33 at 152 pounds in the final bout of the New Jersey Girls Championships on Saturday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

"I don't think I'm going to wrestle next year in high school," said Poalillo, who won her 100th career bout in the finals, turning Lozier with a first-period armbar and then a headlock to earn the fall. "I'm just going to focus on freestyle and getting better going into college and wrestling in college opens. It feels really nice to be here, but I'm looking forward to bigger things. Coming out here and dominating is cool, but I think this is probably it."

Poalillo (36-0) was one of four wrestlers from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area as teammate Elle and sophomore sensation Chanagris made it 2-for-2 for High Point in the finals by capturing her second title, while Newton senior Eva Barry and Lenape Valley-Hopatcong junior Angelina Qualitieri each won their first. In all, 15 area girls brought home state medals.

Changaris (3rd from BR) and Poalillo (3rd from TL)

Poalillo, a three-time region champion, extended her win streak to 79 in a row following a second loss to Barry during a freshman campaign that saw Poalillo reel off eight straight victories en route to that first state title. Barry (two pins) and Boonton's Julia Fongaro (2-0) are the only blemishes on Poalillo's 103-match slate. Both are state champions, as Barry won her first on Saturday after two straight finals losses. 

"All these girls work really hard, so I don't want to say that I outgrew them," said Poalillo, who is Sussex County's first three-timer on the girls' side. "But I think moving on from this and looking toward my future in freestyle and making world teams and the NCAAs, and going to college, is more important than making a bigger name for myself at High Point."

Who could blame her? 

In 10 career bouts in AC, Poalillo logged seven pins (four this year in a total time of 6:28), two technical falls and a 3-1 win over Barry in the 2024 finals -- the only bout that went six minutes. Poalillo also joins Nick Francavilla (2009-11) and Brian Soldano (2020-22) as the only three-time state champs for the Wildcats. But it seems she won't pursue her goal of being the first High point four-timer and only the second female to four-peat in New Jersey (Kira Pipkins of Bloomfield).

"It's really cool to be up there with them," Poalillo said. "I worked really hard for this so I feel when it all comes together like the last two years it's really exciting. But I'm moving toward different things."

Poalillo has already made a name on the international scene as a World Team Trials U17 champion and she represented the United States in the Pan-American Games and at the World Championships.

Poalillo went 71-0 over the past two seasons

High Point legend and head coach John Gardner, who was the second male state champion for the Wildcats (189 pounds in 1990), was proud to see the program add two more names to the list. He has now coached wrestlers to 17 of the program's 19 state titles, including six on the girls' side.

"It's funny, that was a long time ago that I won, but having the opportunities that I've had, first with the boys and now with the girls, to be around some really special men and women, it's awesome," Gardner said. "High Point has always been really important to me and the young kids just keep proving that so it's a pleasure to be a part of it."

"Coach Gardner is amazing," Poalillo said. "He's the most supportive person and he helps me more on a deeper level and understanding myself and life as wrestler. He's super technical and has a lot of insight. He's there for me every step of the way. I love all my coaches."

Perhaps fittingly, Barry and Poalillo were the last two bouts among the 12 contested on Saturday. The two clashed six times during the 2023-24 season, with Poalillo winning four, including region and state finals victories.

"I'm really happy for her, she worked so hard and she finally got it," Poalillo said. "She dominated."

Championships

165 -- Sr. Olivia Georges (24-1), DePaul, md. Sr. Liliana Alicea (36-3), Central Regional, 17-6.
185 -- Sr. Jade Hahn (15-0), Central Regional, p. So. Aryana Osorio (25-4), St. Mary-Rutherford, 1:30.
235 -- Sr. Saharia Quamina (39-0), Bloomfield, p. Sr. Giavonna Farrell-Byers (45-3), Howell, 2:36.   
100 -- Jr. Angelina Qualitieri (42-1), Lenape Valley-Hopatcong, d. Jr. Gabriela Giacone (30-10), Watchung Hills, 7-0. 
107 -- Jr. Gabriella Conte (32-1), Hanover Park, md. So. Adrianna DiGregorio (34-7), Williamstown, 14-2.
114 -- Jr. Jocelyn Danbe (40-1), River Dell, d. Sr. Kylie Gudewitz (47-5), Howell, 4-2.
120 -- So. Elle Changaris (38-1), High Point, md. Sr. Emma Peake (21-2), Hunterdon Central, 12-3.
126 -- So. Lucia Ranieri (44-1), Roselle Park, d. Sr. Reagan Roxas (37-5), Kingsway, 7-0.
132 -- So. Sheyna Cruz (31-2), Paulsboro, p. Jr, Lamiah Berry (27-5), Absegami, 5:08.
138 -- Sr. Valeria Ramirez (36-3), Elizabeth, p. Sr. Mariana Puzycki (38-8), Bayonne, 1:31.
145 -- Sr. Eva Barry (29-1), Newton-Kittatinny, p. Sr. Shea Aretz (41-2), Buena-Vineland, 1:37.
152 -- Jr. Ella Poalillo (36-0), High Point, p. Sr. Fatina Lozier (36-4), Pennsauken, 2:33.
Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Angelina Qualitieri, Lenape Valley-Hopatcong.

Wrestling: Barry joins Braves' elite as champion (83!)

ATLANTIC CITY -- Newton senior Eva Barry was only too happy to end the title drought for one of New Jersey's most stories programs and ease the burden carried by one of its legendary wrestlers in the process. 

Barry made it look rather easy in doing so, pinning one-time champion Shea Aretz of Buena-Vineland in 1:07 at 145 pounds to end of the state's longest title droughts and become Newton's 83rd champion on Saturday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Barry stands atop the podium in AC

"I feel great. It's such a blessing, I love this sport," said Barry, a runner-up in 2025 and '24. "Every match was so great. Happy to be here."

Barry (29-1) was one of four winners for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area as High Point aces Elle Changaris (120) and Ella Poalillo (152) won their second and third titles, respectively, while Lenape Valley-Hopatcong's Angelina Qualitieri (100) won her first state gold. In all, 15 area girls captured medals in AC, including Hunterdon Central senior Emma Peake, who capped a fine career with a second-place finish at 120.

For 40-plus years, assistant coach and two-time state champion Andy Iliff was the answer to a trivia question as the Braves' last winner, capturing titles No. 81 and 82, with his victories at Princeton University's Jadwin Gym in 1986 and '87.

Iliff one of the sport's good guys and whose daughter, Ashley, wrestled for Newton and is now the head girls coach at Vernon, is only more than happy to have company in the title department. Though he still remains the last champ for the boys at his alma mater. 

"That was my one goal as a coach is that I could be a long, lost memory and no one would ever say that [I'm the last] again," said Iliff, a West Point graduate and longtime assistant for Newton's girls and boys teams. "I told her, 'I don't have to hear it anymore. You are now the one [the media] can refer to and that's fine with me.'"

"He is a legend. I can't ask for a better coach," Barry said. "Happy to have him by my side for support."

Barry (29-1) seemingly won her state gold while hardly breaking a sweat. After an early takedown, Barry used a half-nelson and arm bar combo to secure the first-period pin and set off a joyous victory celebration. 

"Losing in the state finals two years in a row and having to deal with those [losses] was good motivation," said Barry, who handed Poalillo two of her three career losses, both pins, in the nationally-ranked junior's freshman season. "[Aretz is] a great opponent, very tough. But I had my game plan and I was ready. I know if I wrestle my best, not scared, not nervous, I can beat anyone."

"It was good. She's a hard-working kid," head coach Eric Bollette. "She was close two times [previously] so it was good to get this one. It's good for the program."

Barry punctuated her milestone win by launching Iliff to the mat with a lateral drop before getting tossed to her back by one from Bollette.

Barry (second from left back row) with all the girls state champs

"We practiced that a few times," Barry said with a laugh. "I wanted to throw Iliff, because he's bigger and it's a challenge."

So how did winning a title compare to coaching a wrestler to one?

"It's just as good. It felt really good," Iliff said. "She wanted this so bad. She works so hard. There's nobody who works harder than her. When you work that hard, you always believe that hard work pays off. Other wrestlers are working hard, too, and you don't always get the result you want. The way she wrestled [in the final] was exactly what's she's capable of."

Barry was dominant throughout the regular and postseason campaigns, but she had some tense moments in a 5-3 semifinal win over Point Pleasant Boro senior Charlize Schlam. Barry, who trailed for most of that bout, knew she had to change things up for the finale of a stellar high school career. 

"In my semis, I held back," Barry said. "That's the big adjustment I made for the finals. The game plan was to go out there and get the first takedown. When you score the first points it's great."

"She got taken down early and was behind [on the scoreboard] most of that match," Bollette said. "In years past, she's struggled sometimes when she's fallen behind and to keep her composure there the way she did was awesome. She just never panicked, kept battling."

"I think the [previous] state finals, she tightened up," Iliff said. "Today, she just let it go and let it fly. In the semis, she tightened up and we told her to be herself. Just be who you are, and she did, so it was awesome. I'm so proud of her." 

It was the culmination of a tremendous weekend for Newton-Kittatinny's wrestling program, which had two other placewinners -- junior Stella Ramos (two-time fourth at 152) and senior Abby Paglia (eighth at 235) -- among its five qualifiers. Additionally, former boys state placewinner Nathan Fitt earned NCAA Division III All-American honors for the Coast Guard at 149 pounds.

Newton also celebrated its 100th season and saw Bollette pick up his 300th coaching victory this winter.

"I love Newton. It's my home forever," said Barry, a two-time region and one-time district champ, three-time HWS champ and the first four-time NJAC champion who holds the Braves' girls program record for wins at 119-15 overall. "We're a family. It's a great experience to be here with [all of my teammates]."

Championships

165 -- Sr. Olivia Georges (24-1), DePaul, md. Sr. Liliana Alicea (36-3), Central Regional, 17-6.
185 -- Sr. Jade Hahn (15-0), Central Regional, p. So. Aryana Osorio (25-4), St. Mary-Rutherford, 1:30.
235 -- Sr. Saharia Quamina (39-0), Bloomfield, p. Sr. Giavonna Farrell-Byers (45-3), Howell, 2:36.   
100 -- Jr. Angelina Qualitieri (42-1), Lenape Valley-Hopatcong, d. Jr. Gabriela Giacone (30-10), Watchung Hills, 7-0. 
107 -- Jr. Gabriella Conte (32-1), Hanover Park, md. So. Adrianna DiGregorio (34-7), Williamstown, 14-2.
114 -- Jr. Jocelyn Danbe (40-1), River Dell, d. Sr. Kylie Gudewitz (47-5), Howell, 4-2.
120 -- So. Elle Changaris (38-1), High Point, md. Sr. Emma Peake (21-2), Hunterdon Central, 12-3.
126 -- So. Lucia Ranieri (44-1), Roselle Park, d. Sr. Reagan Roxas (37-5), Kingsway, 7-0.
132 -- So. Sheyna Cruz (31-2), Paulsboro, p. Jr, Lamiah Berry (27-5), Absegami, 5:08.
138 -- Sr. Valeria Ramirez (36-3), Elizabeth, p. Sr. Mariana Puzycki (38-8), Bayonne, 1:31.
145 -- Sr. Eva Barry (29-1), Newton-Kittatinny, p. Sr. Shea Aretz (41-2), Buena-Vineland, 1:37.
152 -- Jr. Ella Poalillo (36-0), High Point, p. Sr. Fatina Lozier (36-4), Pennsauken, 2:33.
Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Angelina Qualitieri, Lenape Valley-Hopatcong.

Wrestling: State Tournament information, stats, picks

What: 93rd New Jersey State Wrestling Championships.

Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Thursday's schedule: Girls pre-quarterfinals (eight mats), 10 a.m.; boys preliminaries (8 mats), approximately, 11:45 a.m.; girls quarterfinals (eight mats), approximately, 2:45 p.m.; boys pre-quarterfinals (eight mats), approximately, 3:30 p.m.; girls wrestlebacks one (eight mats), approximately 5:30 p.m.; boys wrestlebacks one (eight mats), approximately, 6:10 p.m.   

Boardwalk Hall has hosted 32 state tourneys since 1992

Friday's schedule: Boys wrestlebacks two (eight mats), 9 a.m.; girls wrestlebacks two (eight mats), approximately 10:45 a.m.; boys quarterfinals (mats 3, 4, 5 and 6) and wrestlebacks three (mats 1, 2, 7 and 8), approximately 11:30 a.m.; girls semifinals (two mats) and girls wrestlebacks three (four mats), 3:45 p.m.; award presentations (John Vogeding Media Award, Vinnie Russo Golden Whistle Award, Richard Mirshak Award, Harry E. Lake Award, No. 1 team, Coaches of the Year), 5:40 p.m.; boys semifinals (two mats) and boys wrestlebacks four (four mats), 6 p.m.; girls consolation semifinals, 8 p.m.; boys wrestlebacks five, approximately, 8:40 p.m.  

Saturday's schedule: Boys consolation semifinals (six mats), 9 a.m.; boys consolation finals (third through eighth places) and girls consolation finals, approximately, 9:45 a.m.; girls championships, 1 p.m.; boys championships, 3:30 p.m. 

Returning state champions (5, 2025 weights): So. JoJo Burke, St. Joseph-Montvale (first-2025, 106); Jr. Cameron Sontz, Delbarton (first-2025, first-2024, 113); Jr. Paul Kenny, Christian Brothers Academy (first-2025, third-2024, 120); Sr. Sammy Spaulding, Camden Catholic (first-2025, fourth-2024, 132); Sr. Jayden James, Delbarton (first-2025, second-2024, third-2023, 150).  

Previous state champions (2, 2025 weights): Jr. Ryan DeGeorge, Delbarton (second-2025, first-2024, 132); Jr. Sonny Amato, Rumson-Fair Haven (third-2025, first-2024, 144).

Returning medal winners (55, previous finishes, 2024 weights): Jr. Killian Coluccio, Lacey Township (second-2025, third-2024 for Christian Brothers Academy, 106); Jr. Santino DiMatteo, Christian Brothers Academy (fourth-2025 for Brick Memorial, 106); Jr. Peter Terranova, Delbarton (fifth-2025, 106); So. Cade Collins, Southern (seventh-2025, 106); So. Matthew Mulligan, Bergen Catholic (eighth-2025, 106); Sr. Charles Esposito, St. Joseph-Montvale (second-2025, fifth-2024, 113); Sr. Carmine Sipper, Caldwell (third-2025, 113); Sr. Anthony Mason, Southern (fourth-2025, second-2024, 113); Sr. Michael Daly, Cranford (fifth-2025, 113); Sr. Augie Szamreta, Warren Hills (eighth-2025, 113); Sr. Johnathon McGinty, St. Joseph-Montvale (second-2025, second-2024, fifth-2023, 120); So. Tommy Marchetti, Delbarton (third-2025, 120); Jr. Richard DeLorenzo, Toms River East (fourth-2025, 120); Sr. Joseph Rizzuto, DePaul (sixth-2025, 120); Sr. Nathan Braun, Bergen Catholic (second-2025, fourth-2024, second-2023, 126); Sr. Anthony DiAndrea, Watchung Hills (third-2025, fifth-2024, seventh-2023, 126); Sr. Colton Hagerty, Washington Township (fourth-2025, seventh-2024, 126); Sr. Joaquin Duque, Rumson-Fair Haven (fifth-2025, 126); Sr. Salvatore Borrometi, St. Peter's Prep (sixth-2025, third-2023, 126); Sr. Giovanni Schinina, St. Peter's Prep (fourth-2025, seventh-2023, 132); Sr. Robert Duffy, Christian Brothers Academy (fifth-2025, 132); Sr. Dalton Weber, Pope John (eighth-2025, third-2024, 132); Sr. Chase Hansen, Lower Cape May (fourth-2025, third-2024, seventh-2023, 138); So. Gideon Gonzalez, Bergen Catholic (seventh-2025, 138); Sr. Armani McCann, Jackson Township (eighth-2025, 138); Sr. Anthony Depaul, Delsea (fourth-2025 for St. Augustine Prep, fifth-2024 for St. Augustine Prep, 144); So. Nicholas Schwartz, Delbarton (sixth-2025, 144); Sr. Seach Hibler, Paramus Catholic (eighth-2025, second-2024 for Leonia-Palisades Park, 144); Jr. Jackson Weller, Delran (third-2025, 150); Sr. Michael Craft, Camden Catholic (fourth-2025, 150); Sr. Joseph Ruiz, St. Peter's Prep (sixth-2025, 150); Sr. Rhett Washleski, Immaculata (seventh-2025, 150); Sr. Sowzrawca Tsay, Bergen Catholic (eighth-2025, 150); Sr. Kage Jones, Camden Catholic (third-2025, second-2024, 157); Sr. Sean Love, Piscataway (fifth-2025, 157); Sr. Morgan Schwarz, St. Joseph-Metuchen (sixth-2025, 157); Jr. Ryan Gavrish, St. John Vianney (seventh-2025, 157); Sr. Trevor Jones, Delbarton (eighth-2025, 157); Sr. Santino Rodriguez, Don Bosco Prep (third-2025, sixth-2023, 165); Jr. Jake Clayton, Point Pleasant Boro (fourth-2025, eighth-2024, 165); Sr. Tyler Whitford, St. Joseph-Metuchen (fifth-2025, 165); Jr. Brock Oizerowitz, Christian Brothers Academy (third-2025, eighth-2024, 175); Sr. Jaden Simpson, Camden Catholic (fourth-2025, 175); Sr. Anthony Verdi, St. Peter's Prep (sixth-2025, seventh-2024, 175); Jr. Tanner Hodgins, Howell (third-2025, sixth-2024, 190); Sr. Carl Betz, Delbarton (fourth-2025, 190); Sr. Alexander Reyes, Holmdel (fifth-2025, seventh-2024, 190); Sr. Nevin Mattessich, Don Bosco Prep (seventh-2025, fifth-2024, 190); Sr. Dante DeLuca, Don Bosco Prep (second-2025, fifth-2024, 215); Sr. Salvatore Marchese, Delsea (third-2025, 215); Sr. Nicolas Gonzalez, Mount Olive (fourth-2025, 215); Sr. Tyler Palumbo, Christian Brothers Academy (sixth-2025, 215); Sr. Rocco Salerno, Seton Hall Prep (eighth-2025, seventh-2024, 215); Sr. Cristian Alvarez, St. Joseph-Montvale (second-2025, 285); Sr. Mateo Vinciguerra, Woodstown (third-2025, 285); Sr. Thomas Borgia, West Morris (seventh-2025, 285).

Previous medal winners (7, 2025 weights): Sr. Jordan Segal, Shawnee (fourth-2023, DNQ); Jr. Brody Neill, West Morris (seventh-2024, 120); Sr. Matthew Gould, St. John Vianney (eighth-2024, eighth-2023, 120); Sr. Mikey Bautista, St. Joseph-Montvale (fourth-2024, 126); Sr. Laudan Henry, St. Peter's Prep (sixth-2024, 144); Sr. Joey Canova, Bergen Catholic (seventh-2023, 157); Jr. Gabe Logan, Delbarton (fourth-2024, DNQ).

Returning medal winners by region

R1 (8, Esposito, Burke, Bautista, McGinty, Rodriguez, Mattessich, DeLuca, Alvarez)

R2 (6, Mulligan, G. Gonzalez, Hibler, Tsay, Canova, N. Gonzalez)
R3 (14, Sontz, Sipper, Marchetti, Szamreta, Terranova, Rizzuto, Neill, DeGeorge, Schwartz, Jones, James, Logan, Betz, Borgia)

R4 (8, Daly, Weber, DiAndrea, Borrometi, Schinina, Henry, Ruiz, Verdi)
R5 (8, Gould, Duque, Amato, Love, Schwarz, Gavrish, Whitford, Reyes)

R6 (9, DiMatteo, Kenny, Duffy, McCann, Clayton, Oizerowitz, Hodgins, Palumbo, Salerno)
R7 (10, Coluccio, Spaulding, DeLorenzo, Hagerty, Segal, Weller, Craft, Washleski, Jones, Simpson)

R8 (6, Collins, Mason, Hansen, Depaul, Marchese, Vinciguerra)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area qualifiers (32)

North Hunterdon (7) -- Cayden Wadle (106), Owen Fol (113), Reid Buzby (126), Aidan Yarussi (132), Kieran Raley (138), Owen Dandeo (215), Anthony DeSimone (285)

Delaware Valley (6) -- Vincent Rainey (106), Julian Bednar (132), Tye Falkenstein (138), Michael Hasson (144), Sebastian Dobak (150), Olivier Paul (175)

Phillipsburg (5) -- Anthony Pettinelli (120), Massimo Gonzalez (138), Owen Garriques (150), Gavin Geleta (175), Ben Ellis (285)

Pope John (5) -- Weber (126), Braydan Lombreglia (157), Lukas Katsigiannis (165), Cole Dunham (175), Nicholas Mignone (215)

Hackettstown (4) -- Steven Vidal (106), Joseph Rowinski (120), Giovanni Gutierrez (126), Bryan Dougherty (150)

Warren Hills (2) -- Augie Szamreta (126), Davey Rhinehart (132)

High Point (1) -- Gavin Mericle (285)

Hunterdon Central (1) -- James Fearon (126)

Vernon (1) -- True DiGiuseppe (190)

Open Mike championship picks

106 -- Thomas Blewett, Middletown North
113 -- Killian Coluccio, Lacey Township
120 -- Cameron Sontz, Delbarton
126 -- Paul Kenny, Christian Brothers Academy
132 -- Anthony DiAndrea, Watchung Hills
138 -- Chase Hansen, Lower Cape May
144 -- Robert Duffy, Christian Brothers Academy
150 -- Sonny Amato, Rumson-Fair Haven
157 -- Kage Jones, Camden Catholic
165 -- Jayden James, Delbarton
175 -- Santino Rodriguez, Don Bosco Prep
190 -- Carl Betz, Delbarton
215 -- Tanner Hodgins, Howell
285 -- Cristian Alvarez, St. Joseph-Montvale

Wrestling: Region recap for HWS by the numbers

We're on the final leg of the high school wrestling season, but before we turn our focus to the 93rd State Championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City (Thursday-Saturday), let's take a look at some of the highlights from the five region tournaments that house teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area.

North advanced a HWS-best 7 to AC (NH Facebook)

But before we do, a little PSA about the locale for Region 1. Full disclosure, I did not attend this year's festivities as in previous seasons at West Milford High School, which has hosted since 2018. But it's high time that Phillipsburg gets to host a region, simply because you can get four mats down in that massive facility in addition to providing plenty of room for wrestlers to warm up. It's really a crying shame that one of the state's most impressive venues is not being used at this level.

Due to northing numbers, Mount Olive, as a power school, would host Region 1 instead of Region 2, which in turn would shift to Phillipsburg. This is no slight to West Milford, but while always a gracious host, the Passaic County school just isn't big enough and the tournament dragged on, especially on Friday evening. Local coaches were grumbling that in today's wrestling world, you need to have four mats.

It's time. The state needs to bring a region to Phillipsburg. And, if so, one mat for championship finals!

Now, a recap of Regions 1 through 5 (also check out our district rundown):  

Boardwalk Hall awaits for 32 area wrestlers

32 -- We have that many wrestlers from the HWS area moving on to this week's state tournament (down six from 2023 and '25 and two from '24). In all, 12 advanced out of Region 4 at Union, including an area-best seven from North Hunterdon and five from Pope John. Delaware Valley (Region 5) got six through to AC, while Phillipsburg (Region 1) produced five qualifiers. Hackettstown pushed four on to Boardwalk Hall out of Region 3. Those five schools account for 27 of the 32 wrestlers moving on. Here are the total number of area qualifiers since realignment in 2017 -- 47 in '17, 48 in '18, 50 in '19, 37 in '20, 49 in '22, 46 in '23, 40 in '24, 38 in '25 and 32 in '26. As a side note, there have been 13 state medal winners who finished fourth in the regions (not including 2021) and five were from the HWS area -- North Hunterdon's Andrew Gapas (eighth at 132) in 2017, High Point's Brandon LaRue (sixth at 113), Pope John's Reece Mulduun (seventh at 182) in '18, Sparta's Spencer Stewart (eighth at 120) in '19 and Pope's Jake Holly (eighth at 106) in '24. There were none in 2022 and '23, two in '24 and one in '25 (Sowzrawca Tsay of Bergen Catholic eighth at 150).

135 -- Phillipsburg leads the way among HWS area schools in region champions as junior Owen Garriques became No. 135 in the storied program's history with his fine run at 150 pounds in Region 1, while senior Gavin Geleta (30-4 at 175) was a runner-up. Garriques (34-3), a runner-up as a freshman and third last season, picked up his 90th career win in the process with an 11-5 decision over Dumont's Joseph Petriello, a fourth-place finisher in 2025, in their title bout. Garriques one-upped his famous father, John, a three-time state medalist and currently the head coach at Centenary University, who was a two-time region runner-up (1996, '97) and third-place finisher ('95) for the Stateliners. Owen's uncle, Todd, was a region champion (1992) and two-time state placewinner (third at 145 pounds in '91 and fifth-sixth at 152 in '92) for Hackettstown under coach Rick Thompson, one of only six wrestlers and the first to win three region titles (1970, '71 and '73) for P'burg. Also punching tickets to AC were junior Anthony Pettinelli (23-12 at 120), third this season and a runner-up in 2025, along with and seniors and first-time qualifiers Massimo Gonzalez (30-4 at 138) and Ben Ellis (28-9 at 285). Ellis' father, Steven, was a region champion and state quarterfinalist at heavyweight in 1974 for the 'Liners.

Logan and Cayden Wadle (Jamie Wadle/Facebook)

81 -- North Hunterdon led the way for Hunterdon County for a second straight season as junior Cayden Wadle (32-3 at 106), who should be firmly in the state medal hunt next weekend, added a sixth region title to his family by winning his first and program's 81st in Region 4 on Saturday. Wadle's older brother, Logan, who claimed the school's 13th state championship in 2023, won two region golds, while their father, Rudy, is among just five North wrestlers to claim at least three as he won consecutively in Region 5 from 1991-93. Also advancing were sophomore Owen Fol (31-3 at 113) and senior Reid Buzby (28-9 at 126), both runners-up, along with juniors Aidan Yarussi (32-3 at 132), Kieran Raley (30-8 at 138) and senior Owen Dandeo (23-12 at 215), all third-place finishers. Junior Anthony DeSimone (24-14 at 285) placed fourth. Fol lost a heartbreaker in the finals as he was thrown to his back at the buzzer in a 4-1 loss to Johnson's Matty Ortega. Yarussi, also a medal contender, picked up his 100th career win with an 11-4 decision over Somerville's Aidyn Herrera in their third-place bout. He's the 15th and first to hit the century mark for the Lions since Logan Wadle (109-17 from 2019-23).

46 -- Delaware Valley had a strong consolation round in Region 5 at Franklin, as the Terriers moved six onto AC, including senior Michael Hasson (39-3 at 144), a runner-up and the Terriers' lone finalist. The Group 1 champions had one third-place finisher in junior Vincent Rainey (26-12 at 106) and a quartet of fourth-placers in seniors Julian Bednar (24-9 at 132), Tye Falkenstein (28-12 at 138), along with two-time state qualifiers Sebastian Dobak (33-5 at 150) and Olivier Paul (35-6 at 175). In all, Hunterdon County led the area with 14 qualifiers as Hunterdon Central freshman phenom James Fearon (31-10 at 126) finished third in Region 5. The Red Devils were denied a champion for only the 13th time in program history and have gone back-to-back seasons without a gold for the first time since 2001-02. Voorhees senior Christian Bollette (33-7 at 144) saw his career end with a sixth-place finish in Region 4. Bollette ranks fifth on the school's career wins list at 119-39, one shy of Eric Hall (120-19 from 1992-96), a former head coach and state runner-up for the Vikes and their only four-time region champion.  

Rowinski makes school history at R3 (Hackettstown wrestling Facebook)

11 -- In all, Warren County sent one shy of a dozen to AC. Hackettstown, which had no finalists and has gone without a champion since 2018 -- Alex Carida and Joe Andes became Nos. 15 and 16 for the Tigers -- logged four qualifiers, including junior Joseph Rowinski (41-4 at 120), who picked up his 100th career win in Friday's quarterfinals and finished third, along with junior Giovanni Gutierrez (37-10 at 126), who is sitting on 95 career victories. Rowinski matched his head coach, Tyler Kozimor (102-40 from 2009-13), for ninth place on the school's career wins list. Finishing fourth were juniors Steven Vidal (36-9 at 106) and Bryan Dougherty (34-9 at 150). Warren Hills seniors Augie Szamreta (35-7 at 126) and Davey Rhinehart (32-8 at 132) also moved on to Boardwalk Hall by finishing second and fourth, respectively. Szamreta, a three-time finalist and the Blue Streaks' all-time wins leader at 127-35 overall, was seeking his second title and first since 2024 after a runner-up finish in '25 en route to an eighth-place state medal at 120 pounds. Rhinehart, the school's career pins leader with 84, makes his second trip to AC. Hills' total number of region champs remained at 61 after being shut out for the sixth time in the last 11 seasons. North Warren senior Conor Hallowich (33-10 at 126 pounds), who was a region finalist as a sophomore, finished sixth in Region 1. Hallowich (106-53) is one of just three Patriots to reach the century mark for wins, along with Kevin Brown (124-33 from 2006-10) and Matt Ritchie (103-36 from 2010-14).

Weber (far left) on the podium in AC in 2025

7 -- Pope John carried the flag for Sussex County as the Lions moved five out of Region 4, including first-time champion and senior Cole Dunham (26-6 at 175), who scored a 6-5 win the second tiebreaker over St. Peter's Prep ace Anthony Verdi, a two-time state placewinner. Also moving on for Pope John are seniors Dalton Weber (29-6 at 126), a four-time state qualifier and two-time medalist, along with juniors Braydan Lombreglia (12-4 at 150), Lukas Katsigiannis (31-3 at 157) and senior Nick Mignone (14-6 at 215). Weber, who finished third, was denied in his bid to become just the fifth at his school to capture at least three region titles after winning in 2023 and '25. In all, Sussex, which led the area a year ago with 15 qualifiers, advanced only seven to AC as High Point senior Gavin Mericle (30-2 at 285) finished third and Vernon senior True DiGiuseppe (33-2), who is coached by former High Point star Billy Talmadge, took second in Region 1. DiGiuseppe, whose promising junior season was cut short by injury, is a feel-good story as he became the Vikings' first region semifinalist since 2012 (David Tlatelpa at 220 in 2012) and their first finalist since 2007 (Brian Hoyt at 112 pounds). DiGiuseppe, who was bidding to become Vernon's fifth region winner and first since Don Quimby (1996) heads to AC with a career mark of 98-18. Jan Michaels (1977 and '79) and Joe Stoll (1984) are the only other Vikes to win region golds.

33 -- Also of note, Kittatinny did not produce a state qualifier for the first time since 1992, snapping a string of 33 straight region tournaments, as junior Michael Witowski was the Cougars' highest finisher (sixth at 175). Sparta senior Ryan Hrenenko (39-4), a runner-up in 2025, saw his fine career end with a sixth-place finish at 144 pounds in Region 1. Hrenenko, who ranks second on the school's all-time wins list at130-28 overall, was looking to become the Spartans' 21st champ and first since Phil Takacs-Senske (189 pounds in 2006). Newton did not advance a wrestler for only the third time since 2005. High Point leads the county with 52 champions overall, followed by Pope John (42), Newton (41), Kittatinny (34), Sparta (20), Lenape Valley (12), Wallkill Valley (10) and Vernon (4).

Wrestling: Region (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) schedules, stats

Schedules and other information for the regions involving Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area schools. All tournaments will be held on Friday and Saturday.

NH's season record for champs is 4 (1985 and 2022)

The top four at each weight class advance to the 93rd State Wrestling Championships slated for March 12-14 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

There are 99 HWS area wrestlers still competing throughout five regions this weekend. Overall, here are the area qualifiers by season since realignment (which now changes every year) was introduced in 2017 -- 118 in '17 and '18; 125 in '19; 113 in '20 (no district tournaments in '21 due to the pandemic); 122 in '22, 107 in '23 and '24; 99 in '25. The nine-year average is 112.

Here is the breakdown among our area schools:

Delaware Valley (13); North Hunterdon (12); Pope John (11); Phillipsburg (10); Hackettstown and High Point (7); Sparta and Warren Hills (6); Newton (5); Hunterdon Central, Kittatinny and Voorhees (4); Belvidere (3); Hopatcong-Lenape Valley, North Warren and Wallkill Valley (2); Vernon (1).

Pope John senior Dalton Weber (Region 4 at Union) will look to make HWS area history this weekend in bidding for his third title. Weber (26-5 at 126), who won at 132 pounds last season and finished second in 2024 in Region 3 at West Orange after winning his first as a freshman competing in Region 1 at West Milford in '23, aims to become just the fourth Lion to capture at least three region championships. 

Former state champions Mike Frick (1969-72) and JoJo Aragona (2016-19), now as assistant coach, are the only Lions to win four region titles for the Sparta-based school. Weber, who is 121-23 overall, aims to join Eddie Ventresca (2017, '19 and '20), also a state champ, and two-time state runner-up Carson Walsh (2022-24) as three-time winners. Weber also is five wins shy of matching former Pope John state champ Robbie Garcia (126-23 from 2015-19) for fifth place on the school's all-time wins list.

Only 43 wrestlers from Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area schools have won three or more titles (just eight have won four) since the regional tournaments formed in 1961.

The only other active area wrestler to have won a region title is Warren Hills senior and all-time wins leader Augie Szamreta (33-6 at 126), a three-time finalist who looks to become the first Blue Streak to win at least two titles since Max Nauta and Andrew Pacheco earned their second championships in 2015. Nauta is the last Hills wrestler to appear in four region finals.

Sparta senior Ryan Hrenenko (38-2 at 144), a runner-up in Region 1 last season, looks to become his school's first champ in 20 years (Phil Takacs-Senske at 189 pounds in 2006).

Note: Tickets must be purchased online in advance of the event.

Region 1

At West Milford High School

Area schools: High Point, Kittatinny, Newton, North Warren, Phillipsburg, Sparta, Vernon, Wallkill Valley.

Rest of the field: Butler, Cresskill, Demarest, Don Bosco Prep, Dumont, Emerson-Park Ridge, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Indian Hills, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lakeland, Manchester Regional, Mahwah, New Milford, Northern Highlands, Old Tappan, Pascack Hills, Pascack Valley, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, Ramapo, Ramsey, Ridgewood, River Dell, St. Joseph-Montvale, Tenafly, Waldwick-Midland Park, Wayne Hills, West Milford, Westwood.

West Milford will host R1 for the eighth year since 2018

Returning champions (8): Sr. Charles Esposito (113), St. Joseph-Montvale (113 in 2025, 106 in '24); So. JoJo Burke (120), St. Joseph-Montvale (106 in '25); Sr. Mikey Bautista (126), St. Joseph-Montvale (126 in '25, 120 in '24); Sr. Johnathon McGinty (132), St. Joseph-Montvale (120 in '25, 106 in '23); Jr. Brian Little (138), St. Joseph-Montvale (132 in '25 for Don Bosco Prep); Sr. Nevin Mattessich (190), Don Bosco Prep (190 in '25, 190 in '24); Sr. Dante DeLuca (215), Don Bosco Prep (215 in '25, 215 in '24); Sr. Cristian Alvarez (285), St. Joseph-Montvale (285 in '25).

Previous champions (2): Sr. Joseph Paretti (165), St. Joseph-Montvale (165 in '24); Sr. Santino Rodriguez (175), Don Bosco Prep (120 in '23).

Friday schedule: Preliminaries (three mats), 5 p.m.; quarterfinals to follow.

Saturday schedule: Semifinals and wrestlebacks (three mats), 9 a.m.; third-place and fifth-place consolations plus championship finals (three mats) to follow.

Ticket prices: $13 adults/seniors, $11 students (Friday and Saturday). Online prices are the same for each day and sold separately (no all-sessions options).

Region 2

At Mount Olive High School

Area schools: Hopatcong-Lenape Valley.

Rest of the field: Bergen Catholic, Bergenfield, Bogota-Ridgefield Park, Boonton, Cedar Grove, Clifton, College Achieve Paterson, Dover, Dwight Morrow, Elmwood Park, Fair Lawn, Fort Lee, Garfield, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Leonia-Palisades Park, Lodi-Saddle Brook, Montville, Morris Hills, Morris Knolls, Mountain Lakes, Mount Olive, Paramus, Paramus Catholic, Parsippany, Parsippany Hills, Passaic, Passaic Tech, Passaic Valley, Paterson Eastside, Paterson Kennedy, Pioneer Academy, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Teaneck, Wayne Valley, West Essex.

Returning champions (5): So. Matthew Mulligan (126), Bergen Catholic (106 in 2025); So. Gideon Gonzalez (138), Bergen Catholic (138 in '25); Sr. Nicholas Pallitto (138), Paramus Catholic (132 in '25, 132 in '24); Sr. Seach Hibler (144), Paramus Catholic (144 in '25); Sr. A.J. DiGiovanni (175), Bergen Catholic (165 in '25).

 

Previous champion: Sr. Joey Canova (157), Bergen Catholic (138 in '23).

Friday schedule: Preliminaries (four mats), 5 p.m.; quarterfinals to follow (four mats).

Saturday schedule: Semifinals and wrestlebacks (four mats), 10 a.m.; third-place and fifth-place consolations, plus championship finals (three mats) to follow at the conclusion of wrestlebacks.

Ticket prices: $13 adults/seniors, $11 students (Friday and Saturday). Online prices are the same for each day and sold separately (no all-sessions options).

Region 3

At West Orange High School

Area schools: Belvidere, Hackettstown, Warren Hills.

Rest of the field: Barringer, Becton-Wood-Ridge, Belleville, Bloomfield, Caldwell, Cliffside Park, Delbarton, DePaul, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Hanover Park, Hoboken, Kearny, Livingston, Lyndhurst-North Arlington, Madison, Mendham, Montclair, Morristown, Newark Academy-Morris Catholic, Newark Collegiate, North Bergen, North Star Academy, Nutley, Orange, Randolph, Ridge, Rutherford, St. Benedict's Prep, St. Mary-Rutherford, Secaucus, Union City, Verona, West Morris, West Orange, Whippany Park.

Returning champions (8): Jr. Cameron Sontz (120), Delbarton (113 in 2025, 106 in '24); Jr. Peter Terranova (132), Delbarton (106 in '25); So. Tommy Marchetti (126), Delbarton (120 in '25); Sr. Joseph Rizzuto (132), DePaul (120 in '25); Sr. Trevor Jones (157), Delbarton (157 in '25); Sr. Jayden James (165), Delbarton (150 in '25, 138 in '24, 113 in '23); Sr. Ryan Engle (175), Ridge (157 in '25); Sr. Tommy Borgia (285), West Morris (285 in '25, 215 in '24).

Szamreta bids to become Hills' 62nd champion

Previous champions (3): Sr. Augie Szamreta (126), Warren Hills (106 in '24); Jr. Ryan DeGeorge (144), Delbarton (126 in '24); Sr. Carl Betz (190), Delbarton (157 in '24).

Friday schedule: Preliminaries (three mats), 4:30 p.m.; quarterfinals to follow (three mats).

Saturday schedule: Semifinals and wrestlebacks (three mats), 10 a.m.; third-place and fifth-place consolations, plus championship finals (three mats), approximately 2 p.m.

Ticket prices: $13 adults/seniors, $11 students (Friday and Saturday). Online prices are the same for each day and sold separately (no all-sessions options).

Region 4

At Union High School

Area schools: North Hunterdon, Pope John, Voorhees.

Rest of the field: Abraham Clark, Bayonne, Bernards, Bound Brook, Brearley-Dayton, Bridgewater-Raritan, Carteret, Colonia, Columbia, Cranford, Elizabeth, Governor Livingston, Hillside, Irvington, JFK-Iselin, Johnson, J.P. Stevens, Linden, Middlesex-Dunellen, Millburn, Newark East Side, New Providence, North Plainfield, Pingry, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle Park, St. Peter's Prep, St. Thomas Aquinas, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Somerville, South Plainfield, Summit-Chatham, Union, Watchung Hills, Westfield.

Returning champions (7): Sr. Daniel Berardi (106), Westfield (106 in 2025); Sr. Dalton Weber (126), Pope John (132 in '25, 113 in '23); Sr. Anthony DiAndrea (132), Watchung Hills (126 in 2025, 113 in '24); Sr. Salvatore Borrometi (132), St. Peter's Prep (126 in '25); Jr. Jack Abramson (138), Pingry (120 in '25); Sr. Giovanni Schinina (138), St. Peter's Prep (132 in '25, 132 in '24); Sr. Anthony Borrometi (150), St. Peter's Prep (120 in '25).

Weber is a 2x state placewinner (8th in '25 and 3rd in '24)

Previous champions (2): Sr. Michael Daly (120), Cranford (106 in '24); Sr. Anthony Verdi (175), St. Peter's Prep (175 in '24).

Friday schedule: Preliminaries (four mats), 5 p.m.; quarterfinals to follow (four mats).

Saturday schedule: Semifinals and wrestlebacks (four mats), 9 a.m.; third-place and fifth-place consolations, plus championship finals (three mats), 2 p.m.

Ticket prices: $13 adults/seniors, $11 students (Friday and Saturday). Online prices are the same for each day and sold separately (no all-sessions options). $15 at door (cash only).

Region 5

At Franklin High School

Area schools: Delaware Valley, Hunterdon Central, South Hunterdon.

Rest of the field: Central Jersey College Charter, East Brunswick, Edison, Franklin, Highland Park, Hillsborough, Holmdel, Hopewell Valley, Keansburg, Keyport-Hudson, Manville, Marlboro, Matawan, Metuchen, Middletown North, Middletown South, Montgomery, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Princeton, Raritan, Red Bank Regional, Rumson-Fair Haven, Rutgers Prep, St. John Vianney, St. Joseph-Metuchen, Sayreville, South Brunswick, South River, Spotswood, West Windsor North, West Windsor South, Woodbridge.

Returning champions (7): Jr. Thomas Blewett (106), Middletown North (106 in 2025); Sr. Eamon Fry (120), Rumson-Fair Haven (113 in '25); Sr. Matthew Gould (126), St. John Vianney (120 in '25); Jr. Sonny Amato (150), Rumson-Fair Haven (144 in '25, 144 in '24); Sr. John Saraiva (175), St. John Vianney (175 in '25); Sr. Tyler Whitford (175), St. Joseph-Metuchen (165 in '25); Sr. Alexander Reyes (190), Holmdel (190 in '25, 190 in '24).

Friday schedule: Preliminaries (four mats), 4 p.m.; quarterfinals to follow (four mats).

Saturday schedule: Semifinals and wrestlebacks (four mats), 10 a.m.; third-place and fifth-place consolations (four mats), approximately 12:15 p.m.; championship finals, 2 p.m.

Ticket prices: $13 adults/seniors, $11 students (Friday and Saturday). Online prices are the same for each day and sold separately (no all-sessions options).

Wrestling: District recap for HWS by the numbers

Let's review what happened in the nine districts that house teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area. There are 98 local wrestlers still competing, down one from last season.

P'burg advanced a Warren County-best 9 from D3 (photo/Ray Patt)

Overall, here are the area qualifiers by season since realignment (which now changes every year) was introduced in 2017 -- 118 in '17 and '18; 125 in '19; 113 in '20 (no district tournaments in '21 due to the pandemic); 122 in '22, 107 in '23 and '24; 99 in '25. The nine-year average is 112.

The top three at each weight class advanced to the region tournaments on Friday and Saturday. Region 1 is at West Milford, Region 2 at Mount Olive, Region 3 at West Orange, Region 4 at Union and Region 5 at Franklin are those involving HWS wrestlers.

Here's the team-by team breakdown of qualifiers:

Delaware Valley (13); North Hunterdon (12); Pope John (11); Phillipsburg (9); Hackettstown and High Point (7); Sparta and Warren Hills (6); Newton (5); Hunterdon Central, Kittatinny and Voorhees (4); Belvidere (3), Hopatcong-Lenape Valley, North Warren and Wallkill Valley (2); Vernon (1).

We had four schools win team championships: Phillipsburg (D3), North Hunterdon (D14), Pope John (D15), Delaware Valley (D20).

Here's a closer look by the numbers:

North had 6+ champs for the 5th time since 2017 (NH Facebook)

21 -- North Hunterdon, which has gone just one season without a district winner (2008), added six for the second straight year as senior Reid Buzby (26-8 at 126 pounds) became just the 21st Lion to win at least three titles, while juniors Cayden Wadle (29-3 at 106), Aidan Yarussi (29-2 at 132) repeated as champs and were joined by first-time winners Owen Fol (29-2 at 113), a sophomore, and Kieran Raley (27-7 at 138) and Matthew Esposito (23-9 at 144), also juniors. Buzby (93) and Yarussi (97) are also eyeing 100 career wins. North, which has produced 246 champs in its 69-season history, advanced 12 wrestlers to Region 4. Wadle earned the eighth championship for his family as older brother, Logan (2020, '22 and '23), and their father, Rudy (1991-93), all won three for the Lions. Raley's brother, Brendan, was a two-time district champion (2022 and '23). 

33 -- In all, 33 wrestlers from Hunterdon County schools will compete at the region level. Hunterdon Central produced four finalists in District 19, including two champs in freshman James Fearon (28-9 at 126) and junior Joshua Buck (27-10 at 144), while Voorhees did not have a winner for the first time since 2020, as senior Christian Bollette (31-5 at 144) was denied in his bid to become the Vikings' first three-time winner since Sam Huff (2017-19) and 14th overall to win at least three, when he was upended by Esposito, 11-2, in their finals matchup. South Hunterdon, which is in just its second varsity season since the program was resurrected by former Delaware Valley district champ Leigh Hall, went 2-6 in District 19 as the Eagles, who went 10-13 in the dual season, entered six wrestlers. Junior Milo Dopp (18-10 at 165) was one of two to win a preliminary bout. 

Gavin and Luke Geleta have combined for 244 wins and 6 district golds

396 -- Phillipsburg blitzed the field in District 3, as the host crowned five champions, including senior Gavin Geleta (28-4 at 175) and junior Owen Garriques (31-3 at 150) who are the 44th and 45th wrestlers to win at least three titles for the Stateliners. Garriques, whose father, John, won three district golds (one at Hackettstown in 1994 and two for P'burg in '96 and '97), will look to become only the 10th to win four for the 'Liners next season. Geleta also became the 31st at his school to join the century club for victories with his win in the quarters -- joining his brother, Luke, now a freshman at Binghamton University, who also is a three-time district champion and ranks second on the P'burg wins list (142-28 from 2021-25). Gavin stands at 102-38 heading into Region 1 at West Milford. Sophomore Zack Swingle (24-8 at 106) and seniors Massimo Gonzalez (27-4 at 138) and Ben Ellis (26-7 at 285) all won their second titles. Ellis' father, Stephen, won back-to-back titles at heavyweight in 1973 and '74, for the 'Liners. P'burg, which advanced nine to R1, saw its streak of producing at least seven winners snapped at seven straight tournaments and now has 396 winners overall in its illustrious 78-season history.

Szamreta seeks his 2nd region title (Hackettstown Facebook)

125 -- Warren Hills moved six through the field in District 12 at Randolph, including senior star Augie Szamreta (33-6 at 126), who became the 21st overall, including the former Washington High (14th for Hills), to win at least three district titles for the Blue Streaks, while eclipsing the school mark for career wins in doing so at 125-34 overall -- surpassing four-time champion Dave Richmond (124-17 from 2002-06). Szamreta, who was third in the district as a freshman in 2023 and finished eighth in last season's state tournament at 113 pounds, was joined in the winner's circle by senior Davey Rhinehart (30-6 at 132), who won his second title and holds the program's career mark for pins with 82, along with being tied for fourth on the school's wins list at 119-29 overall. Rhinehart's uncle, Rick, was a three-time champ (1967, '68 and '70) uncle, Rob, won a district gold at 158 pounds in 1976. Davey's grandfather, John, a state runner-up, won his only title at 178 pounds that season in 1969, and father, David, was a third-place finisher in then District 1 at 171 pounds in 1998.

28 -- Delaware Valley advanced a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area-best in moving all 13 of their entries in District 20 through to Region 5, while also outpointing Middletown North (249 1/2 to 231 1/2) for the team championship at Matawan. The Terriers produced four champions -- senior Tye Falkenstein (26-10 at 138), sophomore Hunter Taffera (25-8 at 157) and juniors Marcus Gary (29-5 at 165) and Matthew Sencher (24-8 at 190), all first-time winners. Seniors Michael Hasson (36-2 at 144), Sebastian Dobak (30-3 at 150), both thirds, and Olivier Paul (32-4 at 175), a runner-up, were denied in their repeat bids. Group 1 champion Del Val, which logged its first unbeaten season with a program-record 24 wins, has produced at least one winner in 28 straight tournaments since missing in 1997. Andy Fitz, who has coached 61 of the school's 143 champs, won a district title for the Terriers at 160 pounds in 1990.

8 -- Pope John extended its streak with at least five champions to eight straight tournaments by matching a program-record seven in easily winning the District 15 team title at Watchung Hills. Senior Dalton Weber, a two-time state medal winner, became only the seventh at his school to win four titles -- joining Mike Frick (1969-72), Hugh Albora (1972-75), Brian Unkert (1987-90), Jake Rotunda (2015-18), Eddie Ventresca (2017-20) and former teammate Carson Walsh (2022-25). Juniors Braydan Lombreglia (9-3 at 157) and Lukas Katsigiannis (29-2 at 165), along with senior Cole Dunham (23-6 at 175) each picked up their seconds championships, while sophomore Jacob Campbell (20-5 at 113), junior Daniel Arroyo (19-7 at 150) and senior Nick Mignone (12-5 at 215) each picked up their first. Lombreglia's father, Dan, won a district title at 171 pounds in 1998 for the Lions.

Hackettstown finished 2nd in the D12 team race

7 -- Hackettstown snapped its two-year title drought as juniors Steven Vidal (34-7 at 106) and Joseph Rowinski (38-3 at 120) captured their first titles as the Tigers (69 champs overall) sent seven to Region 3 at West Orange. Rowinski, a three-time finalist, sits at 99-24 overall as he looks to become only the 12th at his school to reach the century mark and first since all-time leader Alex Carida (142-28) capped his stellar career in 2018. Junior Giovanni Gutierrez (33-9 at 126) was a runners-up for a third consecutive year, while juniors Diego Penaloza (27-10 at 132), Adrian Pinto (30-9 at 138) and Bryan Dougherty (31-7 at 150) also reached the District 12 finals at Randolph. In all, 27 wrestlers from Warren County moved on to the region level. First-year Hackettstown coach Tyler Kozimor was a two-time champ (2010-11), while assistant coach Joe Renne also won two golds (2014 and '16) for the Tigers. Kozimor, whose brother, Corey, is the program's only four-time champion (2007-10), was also named the District 12 Coach of the Year.

3 -- Sparta sent three to the championship round at District 2 and came away with three gold medals for the third straight season as senior Ryan Hrenenko (38-2 at 144) became only the third in the program's 65-season history to win at least three titles -- joining four-timer Todd Sheaffer (1978-81) and Mark Preston (1972, '74, '75). Ryan, who is 129-26 overall, also moved past Robbie Gennat (126-32 from 2014-18) for second place on the school's all-time wins list at 129-26. Hrenenko's brother, Logan, won a district title in 2024. The Spartans have logged 26 district winners since 2014 after being shut out from 2008-13 and in '22, including freshmen Kellen Shearer (30-10 at 106) and Finn McGurrin (24-14 at 120). 

Newton's Eric Bollette is the D2 Coach of the Year

38 -- Number of wrestlers from Sussex County who advanced to the region level, as High Point ran its streak with at least one winner to 22 straight tournaments since missing in 2003 behind three first-time winners in sophomore Thomas Jaust (22-11 at 106), junior Carter Drouin (23-8 at 120) and senior Gavin Mericle (27-1 at 285). Newton snapped its two-year drought as freshman Jake McNamara (26-10 at 132) and senior Sean Brown (28-8 at 285) won their first titles. Amazingly, Kittatinny's run of champs ended for the first time since missing in 1993, as the Cougars sent just four wrestlers to Region 1, including junior Michael Witowski (24-14 at 175), who was their lone finalist. Wallkill Valley produced its first champ in 16 years as third-seeded junior Scottie Weiss (26-5 at 165), who earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award after knocking off the top two seeds, became the Rangers' first winner since Ryan Callahan won at 171 pounds to kick off his state title run in 2010. Vernon ace True DiGiuseppe (30-1 at 195) took his first loss in the District 2 finals as he was bidding to become the Vikings' first winner since David Tlatelpa and Jon Gemeinhardt took home golds in 2012. DiGiuseppe (95-17) is looking to join Brian Hoyt (114-31 from 2003-07) in the school's century club for victories.