Paternostro services to be held later this week

Funeral arrangements for longtime Pope John football coach Vic Paternostro were announced on Tuesday.

Calling hours are 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday at Our Lady of the Lake R.C. Church in Sparta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at the same location.

Paternostro, 67, died on Monday at Morristown Medical Center. The veteran coach spent 43 seasons on the sidelines at the Sparta school and retired this past spring as New Jersey's all-time wins leader with an overall mark of 373-67-5. His teams won 19 Sussex County Interscholastic League titles and 18 NJSIAA Non-Public championships -- a remarkable run all at one school.

Paternostro battled a heart condition, diabetes and chronic hip problems for a number of years. The burly coach had to leave a game at halftime to go to the hospital in 2009, the contest in which he recorded win No. 362 to pass Warren Wolf on the state's all-time wins list. Pope John beat Mendham, 34-8, that day.

The Lions went 10-1 in 2010 -- his final season at the helm. His retirement last spring was broiled in controversy as Paternostro claimed he was being "forced out," after the school hired an assistant coach without his approval. That coach, Brian Carlson, took over the program in 2011.

I have some fond memories of Paternostro, whose teams I covered from 1997 to 2000 when I worked at the New Jersey Herald in Newton. Paternostro was always accommodating to me and made my job a lot easier. Of course, we had some differences of opinion, mostly during All-Area time, but he always listened and generally accepted my reasons for and against his players' selections. He was an intimidating figure to be certain, but I always found him very approachable and enjoyed our numerous conversations before and after games -- even the losses.

My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time. Sussex County lost a great one on Monday. God speed, Vic.

Warren Hills latest to shut down with skin issues

Warren Hills' wrestling team is the third squad from Hunterdon and Warren counties to shut down operations after an outbreak of skin issues was discovered on Monday.

Blue Streaks coach Jarrett Hosbach confirmed that his team is done for the rest of the week.

"The doctor said to sit them down for a week, and if there aren't any new cases in the next few days, we're good to go," Hosbach said.

The Streaks (13-4), who qualified as the No. 2 seed for the upcoming North 2, Group 3 playoffs, were scheduled to host Delaware Valley on Wednesday, North Hunterdon on Friday and a Saturday quad that included Bound Brook, Montgomery and Ridge.

Friday's match against North Hunterdon was to be "Alumni Night" for the Washington school, which is celebrating 75 years of wrestling in this its 76th season. Many former state champs and placewinners were expected to be on hand for a special evening of remembrance and recognition for a school that's produced 46 individual state champions -- second only to Newton's state record of 82.

Delaware Valley and North Hunterdon were both shut down recently for one week each with skin problems that arose after the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 14. It is still unclear where any of the three teams came in contact with the infection.

Hosbach said that Warren Hills has been very diligent in checking its wrestlers in light of the recent outbreaks at other area schools.

"We've checked every single kid, every day, for the last month," Hosbach said. "In the last few days it popped up on more than a few."

Delaware Valley coach Andy Fitz can certainly relate to what Warren Hills is dealing with these days.


"I have great sympathy for what Warren Hills is going through," said Fitz, whose team returned to action with wins over Somerville and Ridge on Monday. "I feel for their program. I'm very disappointed that a very good local rivalry match is not going to happen."

NJSIAA sectional wrestling pairings (official)

Here are the official parings for the NJSIAA Sectional Wrestling Tournaments to be held the week of Feb. 6. All first-round matches will be contested at the higher seed on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Winners advance to the semifinals at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The sectional finals will be contested at the highest remaining seed's gym on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

Open Mike area teams are in bold below.


NORTH 1

Group 4

5-Ridgewood (8-8, 26.50) at  4-Clifton (10-2, 26.83), winner to meet 1-West Orange (10-3, 31.23).

6-Hackensack (9-5, 25.79) at 3-North Bergen (13-2, 29.07), winner to meet 2-Morris Knolls (12-1, 29.77).

Group 3

5-Passaic Valley (11-5, 27.94) at 4-Roxbury (8-7, 28.13), winner to meet 1-Paramus (12-3, 30.92).

6-Bergenfield (11-2, 27.54) at 3-Wayne Valley (9-4, 28.08), winner to meet 2-Northern Highlands (14-4, 28.44).

Group 2

5-Ramsey (6-5, 25.36) at 4-Jefferson (10-4, 26.21), winner to meet 1-High Point (13-5, 29.59).

6-Lenape Valley (7-8, 24.93) at 3-River Dell (16-1, 26.35), winner to meet 2-West Essex (7-6, 27.54).

Group 1

5-Pompton Lakes (12-4, 25.13) at 4-North  Warren (11-4, 25.57), winner to meet 1-Emerson-Park Ridge (14-2, 29.56).

6-Hawthorne (11-4, 24.47) at 3-Pequannock (15-2, 28.06), winner to meet 2-Kittatinny (12-3, 28.07).

NORTH 2

Group 4
5-Hunterdon Central (8-5, 32.62) at 4-North Hunterdon (12-4, 34.36), winner to meet 1-Phillipsburg (9-3, 38.50).

6-Westfield (15-2, 27.82) at 3-Franklin (8-5, 33.91), winner to meet 2-Watchung Hills (13-2, 34.93).

Group 3

5-Somerville (10-7, 29.06) at 4-Nutley (15-2, 29.88), winner to meet 1-South Plainfield (24-2, 33.91).

6-West Morris (7-9, 28.00) at 3-JFK-Iselin (9-4, 31.15), winner to meet 2-Warren Hills (13-4, 32.08).

Group 2

5-Governor Livingston (13-2, 26.87) at 4-Parsippany (9-5, 27.29), winner to meet 1-Voorhees (17-2, 31.47).

6-Becton-Wallington (10-4, 26.29) at 3-Parsippany Hills (10-4, 27.21), winner to meet 2-Brearley-Dayton (6-4, 27.60).

Group 1

5-Cedar Grove (10-6, 24.56) at 4-Rutherford (10-4, 25.00), winner to meet 1-Hanover Park (8-4, 28.92).

6-Whippany Park (9-6, 24.33) at 3-Belvidere (9-7, 26.06), winner to meet 2-Caldwell (6-7, 26.55).

CENTRAL JERSEY

Group 4

5-South Brunswick (10-5, 30.73) at 4-Old Bridge (7-0, 29.86), winner to meet 1-Jackson Memorial (18-0, 33.72).

6-East Brunswick (4-5, 28.33) at 3-Howell (17-3, 31.21), winner to meet 2-Brick Memorial (14-3, 35.13).

Group 3

5-Nottingham (14-2, 26.85) at 4-Jackson Liberty (13-5, 27.17), winner to meet 1-Ocean Township (17-1, 30.81).

6-Steinert (9-3, 25.75) at 3-Hopewell Valley (10-5, 27.87), winner to meet 2-Brick Township (16-4, 29.55).

Group 2

5-Matawan (12-3, 25.53) at 4-Point Pleasant Boro (13-4, 26.24), winner to meet 1-Delaware Valley (6-3, 33.13).

6-Lawrence (5-7, 24.75) at 3-Long Branch (8-6, 27.93), winner to meet 2-Raritan (18-5, 30.78).

Group 1

5-Point Pleasant Beach (11-6, 23.24) at 4-Bordentown (12-6, 25.18), winner to meet 1-Bound Brook (13-2, 29.36).

6-South River (8-8, 23.56) at 3-Roselle Park (12-5, 25.94), winner to meet 2-New Egypt (11-3, 26.62).

SOUTH JERSEY

Group 4

5-Toms River East (5-15, 27.00) at 4-Absegami (8-13, 27.06), winner to meet 1-Southern (7-2, 37.00).

6-Cherokee (12-7, 26.00) at 3-Egg Harbor (16-5, 28.19), winner to meet 2-Clearview (11-4, 27.27).

Group 3

5-Seneca (11-4, 27.40) at 4-Lacey Township (13-4, 27.65), winner to meet 1-Toms River South (12-4, 31.67).

6-Shawnee (13-4, 27.18) at 3-Hammonton (18-5, 28.05), winner to meet 2-Timber Creek (15-2, 29.92).

Group 2

5-Lower Cape May (12-8, 26.20) at 4-Clayton-Glassboro (18-1, 26.42), winner to meet 1-Delsea (16-1, 29.75).

6-Barnegat (10-7, 26.06) at 3-West Deptford (18-0, 27.89), winner to meet 2-Buena (11-5, 28.13).

Group 1

5-Haddon Heights (17-4, 26.48) at 4-Haddon Township (15-6, 26.67) winner to meet 1-Paulsboro (15-2, 28.18).

6-Woodstown (11-4, 26.33) at 3-Haddonfield (13-7, 26.67), winner to meet 2-Pennsville (11-5, 27.33).

NON-PUBLIC A

North Jersey

5-Don Bosco Prep (8-7, 31.27) at 4-St. Joseph-Montvale (9-2, 30.36), winner to meet 1-St. Peters Prep (12-2, 38.00).

6-Seton Hall Prep (7-7, 28.69) at 3-Delbarton (14-3, 32.73), winner to meet 2-Bergen Catholic (12-5, 34.00).

South Jersey

5-Notre Dame (7-9, 23.00) at 4-St. John Vianney (9-10, 24.89), winner to meet 1-Christian Brothers Academy (13-4, 29.29).

6-Paul VI-Haddonfield (8-11, 21.11) at 3-Red Bank Catholic (9-6, 24.40), winner to meet 2-St. Augustine (16-8, 28.79).

NON-PUBLIC B

North Jersey

5-Hudson Catholic (2-12, 17.71) at 4-Newark Academy (1-13, 19.07), winner to meet 1-DePaul (3-7, 25.20).

3-Pingry (3-7, 22.38) at 2-St. Mary's-Rutherford (17-6, 23.39).

South Jersey

5-Bishop Eustace (2-13, 19.87) at 4-Holy Cross (4-10, 19.36), winner to meet 1-Bishop Ahr (8-5, 31.00).

6-Gloucester Catholic (3-14, 17.00) at 3-Holy Spirit (10-13, 21.39), winner to meet 2-Camden Catholic (17-4, 30.35).

Region 1 wrestling rankings (as of Jan. 29)

106 pounds

1. Sr. Jan Rosenberg, Morris Knolls

2. So. Tyler Hyrcak, Wayne Valley

3. Fr. Peter Lipari, Lenape Valley

4. Fr. Max Nauta, Warren Hills
5. Fr. A.J. Vindici, Randolph

Others to watch: Sr. John Torppey, High Point; So. Bryan Damon, Jefferson; So. Devon LaFranco, Roxbury; Fr. Steven Friedman, Phillipsburg; Jr. Joey Spaziani, Hopatcong; Fr. William Kui, DePaul; So. Austin Sisco, Pope John; Fr. Dylan Luciano, West Morris; Fr. Michael Glasser, Montville.

Notes: Rosenberg won the Morris County title, beating Hanover Park’s Anthony Cefolo, 9-4, in a dominating effort. Hyrcak won a second Passaic County title on Saturday – decking Kui in 22 seconds. Nauta (21-2) jumps in at No. 4. He has an 8-5 loss to Lipari in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex finals and wins over Friedman (twice), Spaziani, Sisco and Luciano. Damon finished fifth at the MCT, beating LaFranco, 1-0. Torppey (14-9), a District 3 champion, has spent most of his time at 113 and really hasn’t established himself here, so he’s out for now.

113 pounds

1. Fr. David McFadden, DePaul

2. So. Nick Lizza, Montville
3. Sr. James Elphick, Kittatinny

4. Jr. Zach Fisher, Phillipsburg

5. So. Tai Adetula, Warren Hills

Others to watch: So. Matt Ritchie, North Warren; Jr. Cory Fleming, West Morris; Jr. Vince Pallone, Mendham; Fr. Ian Burke, Sparta; Jr. Collin Grimm, High Point; Jr. Stephen Caserta, Roxbury; Sr. Dylan Crupi, Randolph; So. Matt Tripodi, Jefferson.

Notes: West Milford native McFadden rolled to the PCT title with three pins. Lizza has spent the past two weeks at 126, finishing fourth in the MCT at that weight. But we’ll hold him here for now – he’s 10-1 at 113 -- with the districts coming up in a few weeks. Elphick (7-0) jumps into the rankings at No. 3 and is one to watch. The transfer from Pen Argyl (Pa.), who finished fourth in the District 11 Class AA tournament last year at 119, has been dominant thus far. He majored High Point’s John Torppey on Thursday and decked Timber Creek’s Joey DiMartino on Saturday. Fleming placed third at the MCT, beating Pallone for the second time this season to take the bronze.

120 pounds

1. Sr. Chaz Coppa, Pequannock

2. Sr. Joe Cruz, Hopatcong

3. Fr. Mike Derin, High Point

4. Fr. Glenn Haines, Lenape Valley

5. Jr. Andrew Kaluzny, Phillipsburg

Others to watch: Sr. Chris Greenwald, Warren Hills; Sr. Corey Forlenza, Montville; So. Lou Carusillo, DePaul; So. Ronald Spera. Mount Olive; So. Kevin Hernandez, Roxbury; Jr. Dave Popek, Kittatinny; So. Matt Vozzo, Randolph.

Notes: Coppa finished second at the MCT, falling for the first time this season, 7-1, to Delbarton state placewinner Max Rogers in the finals. Cruz notched his 100^th career win with a technical fall over Wallkill Valley’s Steve Siek on Tuesday. Derin beat Popek, 11-4, on Thursday. Forlenza finished third in the MCT, beating Spera, 8-5, along the way.

126 pounds

1. Jr. Sam Tareky, Wayne Valley

2. Jr. Matt Benvenuto, Lenape Valley

3. Sr. Kevin Gocklin, Vernon

4. Jr. Joe Kratochvil, Warren Hills

5. Fr. Max Elling, Phillipsburg

Others to watch: Jr. Jesse Thorsen, Belvidere; Jr. Connor McHugh, High Point; Fr. Eric Friedman, Mendham; So. Johnny Hayes, North Warren; So. Jake Legotte, Roxbury; Jr. Jake Struble, Wayne Hills; Sr. Matthew Messina, Mount Olive.

Notes: Tareky won the PCT title as Wayne Valley claimed the team title. Benvenuto (20-4) had another solid week – picking up a pin and two technical falls. For the season, he has 12 pins, three TFs and two major decisions among his wins. Gocklin, who has been in and out of the lineup lately, was majored by Ridgewood’s Brandon Giovanetti, a District 6 champ and Region 2 placewinner, on Saturday. Thorsen beat Hayes, 12-8, on Friday. McHugh missed Thursday’s big match against Kittatinny and is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. Friedman (17-7) has been on a nice roll of late, winning 11 of his last 12, while falling to Madison’s tough Patsy Davis in the MCT. Friedman finished fifth and Legotte sixth.

132 pounds

1. Sr. Dylan Thorsen, Belvidere

2. Sr. Steven Churchill, Newton

3. Sr. R.J. DeGeorge, Pequannock

4. Fr. Jason Gaccione, High Point
5. Sr. James Rivera, Mount Olive

Others to watch: Jr. Brandon Carcuffe, West Morris; Jr. Tyler Kozimor, Hackettstown; Sr. Johnny Walker, Mendham; Fr. Jim Schuitema, Phillipsburg; Sr. KC Wanamaker, Warren Hills; Fr. Tom Murphy, Kittatinny.

Notes: DeGeorge won the Morris County title, beating Delbarton’s Danny Reed, 3-2, in the title match. Churchill, now 5-0 since his return, is closing in on 100 wins at 97-19 overall. Gaccione won a wild, 2-1 decision in triple-overtime, against Murphy on Thursday. Kozimor has been going either 138 or 145 of late and will likely go one or the other in the postseason. Wanamaker scored a nice win over Region 5 champ Gary Dinmore of Hunterdon Central on Wednesday. Kozimor bumped up to 145 against Warren Hills on Friday. Dinmore beat Schuitema on Saturday. Wanamaker is close here, so is Schuitema. Rivera moves into the top five by virtue of a 3-1 win over Carcuffe in the third-place bout at the MCT, avenging an earlier loss to Carcuffe, who beat Wanamaker, 2-1, in the John Goles back in December.

138 pounds

1. Sr. Jason Snider, High Point
2. So. Nick Romyns, Kittatinny

3. Jr. Nick Matthews, West Morris

4. Sr. Steven McKowen, Morris Knolls

5. Sr. Ray Timpani, Randolph

Others to watch: Sr. Ryan Higgins, Jefferson; Jr. A.J. Bongiovanni, Hopatcong; Jr. Mason Ryzoff, North Warren; So. Jonathan Patane, Roxbury; Jr. Joe Hocking, Wallkill Valley; Sr. Tyler Walker, Vernon; Jr. Brandon Rothman, Hackettstown; Jr. Kevin Bundschuh, Warren Hills; So. Niko Grello, Newton; Jr. Anthony Johnson, Phillipsburg.

Notes: Snider, a Region 1 qualifier last season, jumps right in at No. 1 after beating Romyns, 5-1, in his season debut on Thursday. He was pinned by Brearley-Dayton’s Nick Lospinoso on Saturday. Matthews finished second in the MCT, beating McKowen, 7-6, in the semifinals. Four days earlier, McKowen beat Matthews, 3-1. That result and a better finish in the MCT moves McKowen ahead of Timpani, despite a 4-2 loss to the Ram earlier this season. Bundschuh avenged an earlier loss to Rothman with a 4-2 decision in triple-overtime on Friday. Romyns hung tough before giving up a five-pointer late in an 8-2 loss to Timber Creek state placewinner Brandon Keller on Saturday.

145 pounds

1. Sr. Tim Garripoli, Roxbury

2. Sr. Tyler VanDyke, Pequannock
3. Sr. Jon Arbelaez, Morris Knolls

4. Sr. Joe Emering, Pope John

5. Sr. Dylan Offerding, Mount Olive

Others to watch: Sr. Rick Levens, Randolph; Sr. Jacob Aloia, Mendham; Fr. Luke Bohn, Jefferson; Sr. Devin Sullivan, Morris Hills; Jr. Greg Wallace, West Morris; Jr. Ryan Ward, Vernon; Sr. Chris Olivo, Lenape Valley; Sr. Sean Mullin, Butler; Sr. Andrew Gundlah, Pompton Lakes; Sr. Ryan Schaible, Dover; So. Jake Kocsis, Phillipsburg.

Notes: Garripoli won the Morris County title, 4-0, over VanDyke. Arbelaez lost to VanDyke, 5-3, in sudden victory in the MCT, after beating Offerding, 3-2. VanDyke, who was ranked earlier this season, jumps back in at No. 2. Offerding beat Aloia, 5-3, for fifth in the MCT. Offerding, who dropped from 152, earns his way in with wins over previously-ranked Aloia and Levens (4-0) and an 8-4 victory over Bohn this past weekend. VanDyke beat Offerding, 4-3, when both were at 152 earlier this season.

152 pounds

1. So. Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury

2. Sr. Clarke Moynihan, Kittatinny

3. Jr. Parker Meytrott, Montville

4. Sr. V.J. Delmonico, Phillipsburg

5. Jr. Patrick VanDuyne, West Milford

Others to watch: Sr. Johnny Berry, Lakeland; So. Sam Button, Mendham; Sr. Brett Secor, Pompton Lakes; Jr. Sean Rodgers, Randolph.

Notes: Artigliere cruised in winning the MCT title, 11-0 over Morristown’s Desmond Towns in the finals. Moynihan dropped to 147 last week, but the weight was actually 149 for Thursday’s dual against High Point. He likely goes 152 for districts, so he stays here for now. Meytrott scored a nice 3-1 win over Pope John’s Joe Emering, ranked at 145. They both wrestled at 160 for that one. Meytrott was at 160 for the MCT, falling 7-2 to Pequannock star Keith Lemengello in the finals. I’m thinking Meytrott is going 160 for the postseason as this class is the tougher route to AC. Button lost, 4-3, to Towns – his second loss to Towns this season -- and finished third in the MCT. VanDuyne, who was at 152 earlier this season, won the Passaic County title at 160.

160 pounds

1. Sr. Keith Lemengello, Pequannock
2. Sr. Kevin Button, Mendham

3. So. Kieran Gerrity, Kittatinny

4. Sr. Nathan Dow, Belvidere

5. Sr. Michael Staufenberger, North Warren

Others to watch: Fr. Nick DePalma, DePaul; Sr. Andrew LaBell, Lenape Valley; Sr. Joe Moyer, Phillipsburg; Sr. D.J. Wagner, Morris Hills; Sr. John Malazinsky, Morris Knolls.

Notes: New No. 1 here after Lemengello dropped for the Morris County Tournament and won the championship, beating Montville’s Parker Meytrott, 7-2. Button lost, 1-0, to Lemengello, and beat Malazinsky, 8-6, in the MCT. Gerrity lost, 3-0, to Timber Creek state qualifier Dom Ruggierrio on Saturday. DePalma lost, 7-1, to West Milford’s Patrick VanDuyne in the PCT finals.

170 pounds

1. Sr. Ryan Harrington, Mendham

2. Sr. Steve Secor, Lakeland

3. Jr. John Sickles, West Morris

4. Sr. Kevin Pettenger, High Point
5. Jr. Jake Brook, Kittatinny

Others to watch: Sr. Dan Ryan, Mount Olive; Jr. Richard DiZenzo, West Milford; So. Anthony Landberg, Wayne Valley; Sr. Devin Grade, Phillipsburg; Jr. KC Apkarian, Butler; Sr. Max Shirhall, Lakeland; Jr. Keith Lopez, Pompton Lakes; Jr. Michael Burns, Morris Knolls.

Notes: Harrington repeated as MCT champion by teching Morristown’s Patrick Murphy in the finals. Sickles finished third in the MCT, losing, 3-1, to Murphy in the winners’ bracket. Pettenger beat Brook, 4-3, on Thursday. Secor beat DiZenzo, 10-0, in the PCT, and finished second overall. Landberg finished second at 195 in the PCT.

182 pounds

1. Sr. Nick Dellaferra, Wayne Valley

2. Jr. Evan Bray, Belvidere

3. Jr. Michael Rettino, Morris Knolls

4. Jr. Luke Foukas, Pequannock

5. Sr. Dan Hauck, North Warren

Others to watch: Jr. Stephen Arthur III, Roxbury; Sr. Ryker Kern, Warren Hills; So. Kyle Stoll, High Point; So. Garrett Armstrong, Kittatinny; Sr. Zack Levy, Vernon; Sr. Jimmy VanKluyve, Wayne Hills; Jr. Hunter McConnell, Butler; Sr. Shaun Maloy, Phillipsburg; Sr. Alex Muller, Sparta.

Notes: Dellaferra finished second at the PCT, losing, 7-6, on a late takedown by Manchester Regional’s Zack Kousa. Great quote by Kousa in the Bergen Record after winning the title: “A lot of people didn’t think I had a chance to win this title,” Kousa said. “Everyone said that he was ranked and he was the best wrestler in the tournament. But I guess not anymore.” Rettino won the MCT title, beating Hanover Park’s Dan Glinko, 4-3. Stoll beat Armstrong, 5-1, on Thursday. Bray and Houck did not meet in the dual on Friday. Bray won, 5-1, when they met in the third-place bout at Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex.

195 pounds

1. Sr. Jake Connelly, Newton

2. So. Dylan Wunder, Kittatinny

3. Sr. Kyle Smith, Morris Knolls
4. Jr. Ronny Cobilich, Montville

5. Jr. Jim Conte, Mendham

Others to watch: Jr. Jon Fazio, Lakeland; So. Jesse Cornwell, Vernon; So. Ryan Witner, Warren Hills; Sr. Derek Pierson, Phillipsburg.

Notes: Connelly closing in on 100 wins after a 5-0 week. He needs one more to reach the century mark. Wunder, who only weighs 171 pounds, has been impressive of late. Smith beat Cobilich, 5-4 in triple-overtime, for the Morris County title. Cobilich beat Conte, 6-3, in the MCT. Conte finished fourth.

220 pounds

1. Sr. Brandon Hull, Phillipsburg

2. Sr. Dan Smith, Warren Hills

3. Sr. Alex Trani, Wayne Valley

4. Jr. J.B. Lawson, Belvidere

5. Jr. Robert Levine, Wayne Hills

Others to watch: Sr. Jack Baumgaertel, Pompton Lakes; Jr. William Wenzel, West Milford; Sr. Dave Tlatelpa, Vernon; Jr. Pete Andrich, Mount Olive.

Notes: Trani won the Passaic County title, beating Levine, 20-6, in the finals. Levine pinned Baumgaertel en route to a second-place finish, while Wenzel did not place in the tournament. Andrich finished third in the Morris County Tournament.

285 pounds

1. Sr. Mike Spencer, Pequannock

2. Sr. Jermaine Eluemunor, Morris Knolls

3. Sr. Andrew Grosser, Pompton Lakes

4. Sr. Anthony Pare, Phillipsburg

5. Sr. Zak Krulan, West Morris

Others to watch: Sr. Jon Gemeinhardt, Vernon; Jr. Chris Longyhore, North Warren; Fr. Andrew Pacheco, Warren Hills; Jr. Ryan Appleby, Belvidere; Jr. Brendon Narbone, Lakeland; Sr. Chuck Foster, Morris Hills; Sr. Ismail Saleh, Hackettstown.

Notes: Spencer edged Eluemenor, 2-1 in triple-overtime, for the Morris County title. Grosser was one of two to pin their way through the Passaic County Tournament – winning the title with three falls. Krulan (17-3) is really coming on of late, beating the previously-ranked Foster, 11-8, for third in the MCT. Krulan has two losses to Eluemenor, 7-6, and 8-3. That District 1 Tournament (Pare, Krulan, Pacheco, Appleby, Longyhore and Saleh) will be very interesting, if not entertaining.

Note: Wrestlers are ranked at their lowest competition weight in most cases. Results reported to NWCA Scorebook and matches covered by Open Mike are used to help determine the rankings. This list will be updated each Monday during the regular season up until the postseason tournaments.

NJSIAA unofficial sectional wrestling pairings

Here are the unofficial parings for the NJSIAA Sectional Wrestling Tournaments to be held the week of Feb. 6. The top six schools in each section qualify. Official pairings and seeds will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Open Mike area teams are in bold below.

All first-round matches will be contested at the higher seed on Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Winners advance to the semifinals at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The sectional finals will be contested at the highest remaining seed's gym on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.


NORTH 1

Group 4

5-Ridgewood (8-8, 26.50) at  4-Clifton (10-2, 26.83), winner to meet 1-West Orange (10-3, 31.23).

6-Hackensack (8-5, 25.77) at 3-North Bergen (13-2, 29.07), winner to meet 2-Morris Knolls (12-1, 29.77).

Group 3

5-Passaic Valley (11-5, 27.94) at 4-Wayne Valley (9-4, 28.00), winner to meet 1-Paramus (11-3, 31.09).

6-Bergenfield (10-2, 27.50) at 3-Roxbury (8-7, 28.13), winner to meet 2-Northern Highlands (14-4, 28.39).

Group 2

5-Ramsey (6-4, 25.50) at 4-Jefferson (10-4, 26.07), winner to meet 1-High Point (13-5, 29.53).

6-Garfield (10-5, 24.64) at 3-River Dell (15-1, 26.19).

7-Lenape Valley (7-8, 24.64) at 2-West Essex (7-6, 27.46).

Group 1

5-Pompton Lakes (12-4, 25.00) at 4-North  Warren (9-4, 25.38), winner to meet 1-Emerson-Park Ridge (14-2, 29.50).

6-Hawthorne (10-4, 24.36) at 3-Pequannock (15-2, 28.06), winner to meet 2-Kittatinny (9-1, 28.40).

NORTH 2

Group 4
5-Hunterdon Central (8-5, 32.54) at 4-Franklin (8-5, 33.91), winner to meet 1-Phillipsburg (9-2, 38.40).

6-Westfield (15-2, 27.82) at 3-North Hunterdon (12-4, 34.29), winner to meet 2-Watchung Hills (13-2, 34.87).

Group 3

5-Somerville (10-7, 29.00) at 4-Nutley (15-2, 29.88), winner to meet 1-South Plainfield (24-2, 33.82).

6-West Morris (7-9, 28.00) at 3-JFK-Iselin (9-4, 31.15), winner to meet 2-Warren Hills (13-4, 31.92).

Group 2

5-Governor Livingston (13-2, 26.80) at 4-Parsippany Hills (10-4, 27.14), winner to meet 1-Voorhees (14-1, 30.87).

6-Becton-Wallington (10-4, 26.29) at 3-Parsippany (9-5, 27.29), winner to meet 2-Brearley-Dayton (6-4, 27.60).

Group 1

5-Cedar Grove (10-6, 24.44) at 4-Rutherford (10-4, 25.00), winner to meet 1-Hanover Park (8-4, 28.92).

6-Whippany Park (9-6, 24.33) at 3-Belvidere (9-7, 26.00), winner to meet 2-Caldwell (6-7, 26.55).

CENTRAL JERSEY

Group 4

5-Old Bridge (7-0, 29.86) at 4-South Brunswick (10-5, 30.60), winner to meet 1-Brick Memorial (10-3, 34.54).

6-East Brunswick (4-5, 28.33) at 3-Howell (17-3, 31.21), winner to meet 2-Jackson Memorial (18-0, 33.72).

Group 3

5-Nottingham (14-2, 26.77) at 4-Jackson Liberty (14-5, 27.16), winner to meet 1-Ocean Township (17-1, 30.69).

6-Steinert (9-3, 25.67) at 3-Hopewell Valley (10-5, 27.87), winner to meet 2-Brick Township (16-4, 29.50).

Group 2

5-Matawan (12-3, 25.60) at 4-Point Pleasant Boro (13-4, 26.24), winner to meet 1-Delaware Valley (6-3, 33.13).

6-Allentown (9-8, 24.69) at 3-Long Branch (8-6, 27.93), winner to meet 2-Raritan (18-5, 30.83).

Group 1

5-South River (9-7, 23.69) at 4-Bordentown (12-6, 25.18), winner to meet 1-Bound Brook (13-2, 29.27).

6-Point Pleasant Beach (11-6, 23.24) at 3-Roselle Park (12-5, 25.94), winner to meet 2-New Egypt (10-3, 26.67).

SOUTH JERSEY

Group 4

5-Toms River East (4-15, 27.06) at 4-Absegami (8-13, 27.06), winner to meet 1-Southern (7-2, 37.00).

6-Cherokee (12-6, 25.94) at 3-Clearview (11-4, 27.27), winner to meet 2-Egg Harbor (16-5, 28.00).

Group 3

5-Seneca (11-4, 27.33) at 4-Lacey Township (13-4, 27.59), winner to meet 1-Toms River South (12-4, 31.67).

6-Shawnee (13-4, 27.00) at 3-Hammonton (18-5, 28.05), winner to meet 2-Timber Creek (15-2, 29.62).

Group 2

5-Lower Cape May (12-8, 26.20) at 4-Clayton-Glassboro (16-1, 26.35), winner to meet 1-Delsea (16-1, 29.75).

6-Barnegat (10-7, 26.00) at 3-West Deptford (18-0, 27.78), winner to meet 2-Buena (9-5, 28.43).

Group 1

5-Haddon Heights (17-4, 26.43) at 4-Haddonfield (13-7, 26.53), winner to meet 1-Paulsboro (15-2, 28.18).

6-Woodstown (11-4, 26.33) at 3-Haddon Township (15-6, 26.57), winner to meet 2-Pennsville (11-5, 27.27).

NON-PUBLIC A

North Jersey

5-St. Joseph-Montvale (7-2, 31.00) at 4-Don Bosco Prep (8-7, 31.36), winner to meet 1-St. Peters Prep (11-2, 39.33).

6-Seton Hall Prep (7-7, 28.62) at 3-Delbarton (14-3, 32.60), winner to meet 2-Bergen Catholic (12-5, 34.00).

South Jersey

5-Notre Dame (7-9, 22.93) at 4-Red Bank Catholic (8-7, 23.60), winner to meet 1-Christian Brothers Academy (13-4, 29.12).

6-Paul VI-Haddonfield (8-11, 21.00) at 3-St. John Vianney (9-10, 24.95), winner to meet 2-St. Augustine (16-8, 28.63).

NON-PUBLIC B

North Jersey

5-Hudson Catholic (2-12, 17.71) at 4-Newark Academy (1-13, 19.07), winner to meet 1-DePaul (3-7, 25.20).

6-Morris Catholic (2-9, 17.70) at 3-Pingry (3-7, 22.25), winner to meet 2-St. Mary's-Rutherford (15-6, 23.14).

South Jersey

5-Holy Cross (4-8, 19.17) at 4-Bishop Eustace (2-13, 19.73), winner to meet 1-Bishop Ahr (8-5, 31.00).

6-Gloucester Catholic (3-13, 17.20) at 3-Holy Spirit (9-11, 21.45), winner to meet 2-Camden Catholic (16-4, 30.26).

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex wrestling standings

As of Jan. 29 Skyland Conference
Delaware Division
		Overall	Division
Phillipsburg		(9-3)	(5-0)
Watchung Hills		(13-2)	(5-1)
North Hunterdon		(12-4)	(4-2)
Hunterdon Central		(8-5)	(3-3)
Hillsborough		(10-11)	(2-3)
Montgomery		(7-6)	(1-5)
Bridgewater-Raritan		(3-10)	(0-6)
Raritan Division
		Overall	Division
Franklin		(8-5)	(5-0)
Voorhees		(17-2)	(4-1)
Delaware Valley		(6-3)	(2-1)
Warren Hills		(13-4)	(2-2)
Somerville		(10-7)	(2-3)
Ridge		(5-8)	(1-3)
North Plainfield		(6-6)	(0-6)
Valley Division
		Overall	Division
x-Bound Brook		(13-2)	(5-0)
Belvidere		(9-7)	(4-1)
North Warren		(10-4)	(3-2)
Manville		(7-11)	(2-3)
Bernards		(3-9)	(1-4)
Pingry		(3-9)	(0-5)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Freedom Division
		Overall	Division
x-Kittatinny		(12-3)	(5-0)
Lenape Valley		(7-8)	(4-1)
Hackettstown		(5-9)	(3-2)
Newton		(6-11)	(2-3)
Hopatcong		(2-12)	(1-4)
Wallkill Valley		(0-18)	(0-5)
American Division
		Overall	Division
x-High Point		(13-5)	(7-0)
Jefferson		(10-4)	(5-1)
Montville		(4-7)	(4-2)
Mount Olive		(9-6)	(4-3)
Vernon		(7-11)	(2-4)
Morris Hills		(7-7)	(2-4)
Pope John		(1-9)	(1-5)
Sparta		(2-11)	(0-6)
x-division champion

Cougars win Freedom title, but fall to Timber Creek

Kittatinny's wrestling team didn't have long to lament over a tough loss to its archrival on Thursday.

Coach John Gill's Cougars went back into the fire on Saturday, blanking Hackettstown, 81-0, before dropping their second match in three days, 44-24, to state power Timber Creek in a tri-meet held in Hampton.

The victory over Hackettstown gave Kittatinny its second straight Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division championship in the conference's three-year history. Newton won the first division title in 2010.

"I know Hackettstown is down, but it was important for us to come out fired up," said Gill, whose team fell, 32-21, to High Point on Thursday. "It's not the SCIL, but [winning the Freedom Division] is still important to the kids."

Kittatinny (12-3) was overmatched against state-power Timber Creek (16-2), which also blanked Hackettstown, 78-0, in the event's middle match. The Cougars started off on the right foot against the Chargers when sophomore Dylan Wunder (20-4) buried a half in deep on Khari Turner for the pin in 3:34.

Timber Creek, a Group 3 semifinalist the last two years, reeled off four straight wins to take a 21-6 lead. Matt Kountz was turned with a double-arm bar several times in the final minute of a 4-3 win over Kittatinny senior Jake Drelich at 220. At 106, John Amato nursed a 6-5 lead over Christian Silva heading into the third period but turned Silva with a cradle for two back points and later earned the fall in 5:46.

It was those kinds of missed opportunities to either win or save team points that proved costly for Kittatinny the entire match.

"We had some good efforts against Timber Creek, but we made some glaring judgment errors at critical times," said Gill, who watched his team drop five bouts in which his wrestlers either led or trailed by four points or fewer heading into third periods. "We gave up some five-point moves and gave [Timber Creek] extra team points. I'm disappointed in that. I normally pride the kids in understanding what the score is and how much time is left [in periods]."

Senior James Elphick (7-0), who is looking sharp since entering the lineup at 113, stopped the bleeding temporarily by sticking Joey DiMartino in 2:44 after building a 12-0 lead. But Brandon Virgilio's 10-2 major of Dave Popek at 120 triggered another four-bout win streak as Timber Creek built a 37-12 lead through 10 bouts.

During that stretch, two-time state placewinner Ricky Carter earned a 6-3 win over talented Kittatinny freshman Tom Murphy at 132, while Brandon Keller, fifth in the state at 125 last season, used a five-point move in the third period en route to an 8-2 decision over sophomore Nick Romyns at 138.

Dom Ruggierrio and Bryce Shade closed things out with wins at 160 and 170. Ruggierrio, a Region 8 bronze medalist, turned Kieran Gerrity for a set of backs in the third period for a 3-0 win, while District 30 champion Shade overcame a 1-0 deficit by scoring 12 points -- throwing Brook to his back twice from their feet -- in the final period for a 12-3 major.

Against Hackettstown, Kittatinny won 12 bouts by pin and one by forfeit. The only bout to go the distance was at 138, where Romyns scored a 3-2 decision over former Region 1 finalist Tyler Kozimor.

Kittatinny finished 3-2 overall during a tough five-match week. On the horizon are showdowns against Pequannock on Wednesday and Phillipsburg at home on Thursday.

"I'm glad this week is over," Gill said. "I was not real happy with our efforts [against High Point]. I was happy with the efforts today."

TIMBER CREEK 44, KITTATINNY 24

182 -- So. Dylan Wunder (20-4), K, p. Sr. Khari Turner (12-8), 3:34.
195 -- Sr. Robert Shade (21-3), TC, p. So. Garrett Armstrong (15-7), 5:41.
220 -- Sr. Matt Kountz (9-11), TC, d. Sr. Jake Drelich (15-9), 4-3.
285 -- Sr. Schalor Blackshear (11-5), TC, p. So. Tom Smith (8-11), 1:38.
106 -- So. John Amato (5-3), TC, p. So. Christian Silva (13-11), 5:46.
113 -- Sr. James Elphick (7-0), K, p. So. Joey DiMartino (16-7), 2:44.
120 -- Jr. Brandon Virgilio (17-5), TC, md. Jr. Dave Popek (16-8), 10-2.
126 -- So. Nick Virgilio (2-0), TC, p. So. Kevin Jelinek (2-4), 1:23.
132 -- Sr. Ricky Carter (19-6), TC, d. Fr. Tom Murphy (15-10), 6-3.
138 -- Jr. Brandon Keller (22-3), TC, d. So. Nick Romyns (19-5), 8-2.
145 -- Fr. Brandon Olsen (10-14), K, p. Jr. Isiah DeGuzman (14-8), 3:23.
152 -- Sr. Clarke Moynihan (22-2), K, forfeit.
160 -- Jr. Dom Ruggierrio (14-6), TC, d. So. Kieran Gerrity (21-3), 3-0.
170 -- Jr. Bryce Shade (20-6), TC, md. Jr. Jake Brook (15-9), 12-3.
Records -- Timber Creek 16-2; Kittatinny 12-3.

TIMBER CREEK 78, HACKETTSTOWN 0

106 -- So. John Amato (4-3), TC, p. So. Tony Figueroy (10-10), 3:44.
113 -- So. Joey DiMartino (16-6), TC, p. So. Matt Nicotra (3-7), 5:17.
120 -- Sr. Alan Nguyen (14-7), TC, forfeit.
126 -- Jr. Brandon Virgilio (16-5), TC, p. So. Igor Bykov (2-8), :35.
132 -- Sr. Ricky Carter (18-6), TC, p. Jr. Chris Steffan (1-7), 1:50.
138 -- Jr. Brandon Keller (21-3), TC, p. Jr. Tyler Kozimor (17-7), 1:14.
145 -- Jr. Isiah DeGuzman (14-7), TC, p. Jr. Eddie Dulio (1-12), 5:19.
152 -- Jr. Dom Ruggierrio (13-6), TC, tf. Fr. Scott Anderson (1-9), 19-3, 5:56.
160 -- Jr. Bryce Shade (19-6), TC, p. Sr. Chris Bohm (1-10), 1:18.
170 -- Sr. Khari Turner (12-7), TC, p. Sr. Jacob Deleasa (6-15), 2:12.
182 -- Sr. Robert Shade (20-3), TC, p. Fr. Theodore Gurnowski (1-13), :34.
195 -- Sr. Matt Kountz (8-11), TC, md. Sr. Joe Clarke (7-14), 11-3.
220 -- Sr. Schalor Blackshear (10-5), TC, forfeit.
285 -- So. Joe Morett (6-11), TC, d. Jr. Bruce Gurnowski (1-13), 3-1.
Records -- Timber Creek 15-2; Hackettstown 5-9.

KITTATINNY 81, HACKETTSTOWN 0

160 -- So. Kieran Gerrity (21-2), K, p. Sr. Chris Bohm (1-9), 2:26.
170 -- Jr. Jake Brook (15-8), K, p. Sr. Jacob Deleasa (6-14), 3:07.
182 -- So. Garrett Armstrong (15-6), K, p. Fr. Theodore Gurnowski (1-12), :24.
195 -- So. Dylan Wunder (19-4), K, p. Sr. Joe Clarke (7-13), 1:17.
220 -- Sr. Jake Drelich (15-8), K, p. So. Kyle Hargadon (0-1), 1:17.
285 -- So. Tom Smith (8-10), K, p. Jr. Bruce Gurnowski (5-15), 1:14.
106 -- So. Christian Silva (13-10), K, p. So. Tony Figueroy (10-9), 1:05.
113 -- Sr. James Elphick (6-0), K, p. So. Matt Nicotra (3-6), :31.
120 -- Jr. Dave Popek (16-7), K, forfeit.
126 -- So. Kevin Jelinek (2-3), K, p. So. Igor Bykov (2-7), 1:17.
132 -- Fr. Tom Murphy (15-9), K, p. Jr. Chris Steffan (1-6), 2:55.
138 -- So. Nick Romyns (19-4), K, d. Jr. Tyler Kozimor (17-6), 3-2.
145 -- Fr. Brandon Olsen (9-14), K, p. Jr. Eddie Dulio (1-11), :30.
152 -- Sr. Clarke Moynihan (21-2), K, p. Fr. Scott Anderson (1-8), :29.
Records -- Hackettstown 5-8; Kittatinny 12-2.

Kittatinny-Timber Creek highlights Saturday sked

Kittatinny's rugged week on the mats continues on Saturday, as the Cougars host state power Timber Creek and Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference rival Hackettstown as part of a tri-meet in Hampton.

Kittatinny (11-2) is coming off a 37-21 loss to rival High Point on Thursday. Coach John Gill's team is still in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the upcoming North 1, Group 1 sectional playoffs. The Cougars won the title in 2011, their second in Group 1 and the program's 16th sectional championship overall.

Kittatinny will open the day at 10 a.m. against Hackettstown. A win over the Tigers would give Kittatinny its second straight Freedom Division title. Hackettstown will meet Timber Creek at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Kittatinny-Timber Creek showdown at approximately 1 p.m.

Delaware Valley was originally scheduled to take part in this event, but the Terriers are currently idle with skin issues.


Stateliners have date with the Devils

Phillipsburg continues its quest for a 16th Skyland Conference Delaware Division title when it heads down Route 31 for a showdown with Hunterdon Central at the Field House in Raritan Township.

The Stateliners (8-3 overall, 4-0 division) are coming off a tough, 39-15, loss to rival Easton on Thursday. Coach Dave Post's team had been red-hot of late coming into that one. Easton now leads that series, 61-14, dating to 1947.

P' burg has owned the series against Central, leading 33-5-1, dating to 1962. The teams have met continuously since 1995, including four postseason matches, when the Warren County school joined the Skyland Conference. From 1975-94, they wrestled only six times with P'burg going 5-0-1 in that stretch.

The 'Liners prevailed in two meetings a year ago, 42-24 at home in the regular-season dual and 47-15 in the Group 4 semifinals at Toms River. Central won twice in 2010, 39-13 in the dual and 39-11 in the Group 4 semis. The Red Devils' other wins came in 1963 (35-3 at The Pit), 1964 (25-21 at home) and 2003 (39-26 at The Pit). The schools tied in 1984 (25-25 at The Pit).

Streaks make the trek to Roselle Park

Warren Hills heads south for a tri-meet on Saturday at Roselle Park that also involves Ramsey. The Blue Streaks fell, 41-18, to Roselle Park at home last season.

The schedule is as follows: Warren Hills vs. Ramsey, 10 a.m.; Warren Hills vs. Roselle Park, noon; Ramsey vs. Roselle Park, 2 p.m.


'Cats involved in Brearley triangular

Fresh off its big win over Kittatinny, High Point travels to David Brearley on Saturday for a tri-meet that also involves Shore Conference heavyweight Raritan. The Wildcats (13-3) defeated Brearley, 60-3, at home last season. The High Point-Raritan match could be a potential preview of the Group 2 final next month.

Five thoughts on High Point's win over Kittatinny

Here are my thoughts and observations from High Point's 32-21 victory on Thursday:

1. Predictably, High Point is getting better and better with each match. Coach John Gardner and his staff are doing a great job with a very young squad (eight freshmen or sophomores in Thursday's lineup) and the 'Cats are primed for a run at the Group 2 title. A match with Raritan on Saturday could be a potential preview of that state final on Feb. 12 in Toms River. The only bad news for High Point is that promising 220-pound sophomore Bobby McDonnell is lost for the season with a knee injury. I said before the season that High Point would win the Group 2 title and I'm even more confident after Thursday.

2. Winning the close ones is key in a big match and High Point got them all on Thursday. Decisions at 132, 138, 170, 182 and 106 were all in favor of the 'Cats and all by four points or fewer including one-point wins by Jason Gaccione and Kevin Pettinger. Gaccione is now 2-0 against the Cougars, beating Nick Romyns, 3-2, in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament quarterfinals.

3. The atmosphere at High Point was electric and a packed house was a great sight to see. This rivalry is one of the best in New Jersey and always gets both sets of fans talking weeks ahead of time. "I never saw crowds like this as a freshman," said High Point senior 170-pounder Kevin Pettinger, who didn't wrestle the last two seasons after going 10-3 as a ninth-grader. Pettinger's 4-3 win over Jake Brook was one of the night's key victories.

4. Seven is the magic number in this rivalry. High Point has now reeled off seven straight wins (2006-12) after a seven-match run by Kittatinny (1999-2005). The Cougars' 39-18 victory in 2005 was the last time a High Point team lost a conference match or to a team in Sussex County. Neither team has won more than seven straight in a series that began in 1976. 'Cats coach John Gardner is now 7-7 as a coach and 3-1 as a former High Point star wrestler against the Cougars. Kittatinny coach John Gill is 10-21-1 against the 'Cats.

5. Kittatinny may have bit too much off this week from a scheduling standpoint. After wins over Lenape Valley on Tuesday and West Essex on Wednesday, the Cougars took the mat against their archrivals for a third match in as many days. Matches with state power Timber Creek and Hackettstown still await on Saturday in a tri-meet that was originally a quad, but Delaware Valley had to withdraw due to skin issues. Kittatinny can wrap up the NJAC Freedom Division title with a win over Hackettstown.