Live at The Pit for Kittatinny at Phillipsburg
Starting at 106: Brandon Paetzell, P, md. Jake Van Wingerden, 16-7.
1 - Paetzell in on early single, converts takedown for 2-0 lead. Cuts Van Wingerden loose and converts another sigle for a TD, 4-1.
Eascape Van Wingerden, 4-2. Paetzell spins behind and takes a 6-2lead into the second.
2-Paetzell down to start second. Reversal 8-2 Paetzell. PAetzell cuts him loose and scores another TD 10-3. paetzell dominating on his feet, hits a barrel roll but can't convert. Off the mat with 13 seconds left in the 2nd. Period ends 10-4 Paetzell.
3. Van WIngerdenis award an escape to start the third, 10-5. Paetzell takedown for a 12-5 lead. Trading escapes for takedowns, Paetzell up 16-7. That's how it ends. Paetzell 16-7 major. P'burg takes 4-0 lead.
113: Zach Fisher, P, d. Christian Silva, 9-3.
1-Silva quickly takes a 2-0 lead, but Fisher with the reversal. Fisher has Silva in trouble. Silva battles off his back and Fisher leads 5-2 after one.
2 - Fisher down to start the second. Fisher reversal, 7-2. Silva near a eversal, but Fisher fights off a cradle and maintains control. Fisher 7-2 after two.
3-SIlva take neutral to start the third, but Fisher counters and comes up with a takedown, 9-2. Cuts him loose to make it 9-3. 17 seconds left. Fisher spins behind to with 3 seconds left to secure the major, 11-3. P'burg 8-0.
By the way, this is Brian Fortner covering for Mike Weilamann, who is working the TV Broadcast tonight.
CORRECTION: Referees waived off final takedown for Fisher. FInal score at 113 was 9-3 Fisher. P'burg leads 7-0.
120: Stephen Friedman, P, d. Nick Klinger, 3-2.
1-Friedman score takedown and Klinger escapes. Friedman 2-1 after one.
2-Klinger down to start the second and escapes to tie it at 2.
3-Friedman down to start the third. Escape Friedman, 3-2. Friedman fights off deep shot by Klinger to hold on for a 3-2 win, Pburg 10-0.
126: Austin Scrivani, K, d. Tylor Petchonka, 13-9.
1-Scrivani, subbing for the injured Corey Zinsmeister, scores first takedown, 2-0. Scrivani escapes to make it 2-1. with 45 left in the first. Petchonka lifts Scrivani and brings him down for another TD, 4-1 after one.
2-Scrivani on bottom to start the second. Reversal Scrivani, 4-3. Petchonka reverses, 6-3 with 35 seconds left. Scrivani Escape and takedown to tie it 6-6 after two periods.
3-Petchonka down to start the third. Escape, 7-6 Petchonka. Scrivani converts a TD to go up 8-7, but Petchonka reverses with 30 left to back up 9-8. Scrivani with a reversal and three nearfall points with 7 seconds left to win it 13-9. P'burg 10-3.
132: Anthony Johnson, P, p. Nick West 0:20. P'burg 16-3.
1-Johnson takes West down to his back for the fall in 20 seconds.
138: Tom Murphy, K, d. Max Elling, 7-4. P'burg 16-6.
1-Murphy leads after one period 6-1 on the strength of two takedowns off barrel rolls and a 2-point near fall.
2-Murphy down to start the second. Murphy escape, 7-1 with 55 left in the period.
3-Elling down to start third, down 7-1. Escape Elling, 7-2. Takedown Elling, 7-4, but Murphy goes on to win 7-4.
145: Andrew Kaluzny, P, d. Nick Romyns, 3-1. P'burg 19-6.
1-First scoreless first period of the night.
2-Kaluzny down to start the second. Romyns nearly turns him for back points, but Kaluzny battles out of potential trouble. Kaluzny with the escape at the 21-second mark to take a 1-0 lead into the third.
3-Romyns down to start the third and nearly reverses, but settles for an escape on the edge, 1-1. Kaluzny in on a deep single. Romyns counters, but Kaluzny slips behind for the takedown at the buzzer for a 3-1 win. P'burg 19-6. HUge decision for the Stateliners.
152: Jimmy Schuitema, P, p. Brandon Olsen, 2:42.
1-Schuitema shrugs Olsen by for a takedown and then turns him for two backs. 4-0 after one period.
2-Shuitema takes top to start the second. Schuitema turns Olsen for the fall in 2:42. P'burg 25-6.
160: Jake Kocsis, P, p. David Popek, 5:58. P'burg 31-6.
1-Kocsis gets behind Popek, lifts and brings him to the mat for a takedown and a 2-0 lead with just over a minute gone in the first. Popek escapes at the buzzer, 2-1 Kocsis after one.
2-Kocsis down to start the second. Escapes to go up 3-1 with 1:41 left. Kocsis in on single, lifts him for 2 to go up 5-1. CUts Popek loose, 5-2. Takedown Kocsis 7-2.
3-Popek down to start the third. Kocsis cuts him 7-3. Warning stalling Popek. Popek takes a second injury time and Kocsis takes down to restart. Kocsis reverse, lets Popek up and dumps him to his back with a cement job for the fall in 5:58. P'burg 31-6.
170: Kieran Gerrity, K, p. Broderick Bupivi, 1:18. P'burg 31-12.
1-Gerrity with a takedown and Bupivi escapes, 2-1. Bupivi locks up a bear hug and Gerrity lateral drops him for the fall in 1:18. P'burg 31-12.
182: Dylan Wunder, K, d. Yann Ondele, 6-3. P'burg 31-15.
1-Wunder just misses takedown on the edge of the mat. Wunder convert takedown at the 20-second mark and locks up the cradle, but cannot turn Ondele. 2-0 after one.
2-Wunder down to start the second. Wunder stands, Ondele with a leg, brings him down to his back for two nearfall. Wunder reverse with 1-minute left to go up 4-2. Escape Ondele, 4-3. Wunder with a sweep single for a takedown and a 6-3 lead after two.
3-Ondele down to start the third wunder working on turning, but Ondele fighting off a half nelson. Injury time for P'burg. Final score Wunder 6-3. P'burg 31-15.
195: Jake Brook, K, md. Joe Maso, 13-4. P'birg 31-19.
1-Maso gets hit for stalling early. Brook get a penalty point for a second stall worning on Maso. Brook 1-0. Brook takedown, 3-0.
2-Brook down to start the second. Brook stands and Maso cuts him loose, 4-0. Brook in on a single and covers the legs on the edge to go up 6-0. Brook cuts Maso loose - 6-1. Another takedown on the edge to go up 8-1 after two.
3-Maso down to start the third. Brook cuts him loose, 8-2. Brook with the takedown and a stalling point 11-2. Maso escape to make it 13-3. Maso escape 13-4. That's how it ends.Brook 13-4.
220: Tim Hinkle, P, d. Tom Smith, 6-1. P'burg 34-21.
1-Scoreless after one.
2-Hinkle down to start the second. Hinkle escapes with 1:25 left to go up 1-0 after two.
3-Smith down to start third. Smith escapes to tie it 1-1 off the whistle. Hinkle with a takedown and three point nearfall to win it 6-1 and clinch the win for Phillipsburg.
285: Garrett Armstrong, K, d. Jarrett Williams, 5-3.
1-Williams lifts Armstrong high off the mat, but does not come away with points. Scoreless after one period.
2-Armstrong down to start second and escapes to make it 1-0. Williams get behind for the takedown to go up 2-1. Armstrong reverses and turns Williams for two to go back up 5-2 after two periods.
3-Williams down to start third. Williams escapes late, but Armstrong wins 5-2. FInal score Phillipsburg 34, Kittatinny 22.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wrestling: Streaks celebrate turning 76 against HC
It's not too often that a high school sports program can celebrate 76 years of existence.
And the long and proud wrestling tradition at Washington/Warren Hills, which started in 1937, is cause for a party almost year round. On Friday night, former and current wrestlers and coaches will be lauded for their service prior to the Blue Streaks' Skyland Conference match against longtime rival Hunterdon Central.
The 75th season ceremony -- expected to announce the honorees by decade -- is slated to begin around 6:40 p.m. The varsity match will begin at approximately 7:15. A 75-year celebration was scheduled for last year, but snow wiped out the proceedings and a scheduled match against North Hunterdon.
Friday's event is under the sole direction of the Warren Hills Wrestling Club. It is unknown exactly how many will alumni will attend, as a registration period to take place around 6 p.m.
Among those expected to be in attendance are the Marinelli brothers -- Art, Ron and Enzo.
Art Marinelli won the 168-pound title for Washington in 1955, while Ron Marinelli won consecutive titles in 1951-52. Enzo Marinelli was the first in his family to capture state gold at heavyweight in '49.
They are among just three sets of three brothers to win state titles in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area. The other trios are from Newton.
Joseph (1945), Harry (1946-48) and Edward Lanzi (1950) were the first trio to win in New Jersey history, while William (1945-46), Dan (1953) and George Gray (1955), who won the same year as Art Marinelli at the Elizabeth Armory, made it two sets for the Sussex County school.
The only other set of three brothers to win state titles in New Jersey history are the Skoves from Long Branch -- Luke (1979-81), Jude (1980) and Andrew (1983).
According to the Washington/Warren Hills Alumni Night page on Facebook, others planning to attend include heavyweight state champ Dan Slack (1977), along with two-time champ and three-time state placewinner Ben Oberly (1985-86), now an assistant coach for the Streaks.
Former heavyweight Bob Ziadie, a district champion and region third-place finisher in 1978, also will make the trip down from the Mountain Top, Pa., area. Ed Read, a heavyweight for the Streaks and two-time district runner-up in the early 1970s, is coming all the way from Maine.
Washington/Warren Hills has produced 46 individual state champions -- second-most behind Newton's record of 82. Washington High School became Warren Hills for the 1967-68 school year. The program enters Friday's match with a season mark of 17-6 and an overall record of 672-457-11 since the school's first season in 1937-38.
No word on whether former legendary Hunterdon Central coach Russ Riegel, a standout wrestler for Washington, was contacted or will attend the event. Riegel was a four-time state finalist from 1943-46 and champion in '44 (120 pounds) and '46 (138) under late Blue Streaks coach John Goles, who put the Warren County school on the wrestling map. Riegel, who resides in Kentucky, started Central's program and retired as one of the state's all-time winningest coaches -- once breaking Goles' state wins record -- with a mark of 469-84-6 in 35 seasons from 1956 to 1991. Goles was 268-154-8 in 36 seasons from 1943-79.
At the time of his high school wrestling career, Riegel was only the second to participate in four state finals -- the first was Roselle Park's Herb Farrell (1936-39) -- and is among only 11 Jersey wrestlers to do so. Riegel was the second state champ for Washington, behind Harry Pambianchi (1940). Ben Tedesco and Vince Fucci were the Streaks' first state finalists in 1939. The first state tournament was held in 1934 at Union High School.
The Warren County school has produced 88 state finalists, along with 163 district and 51 region champions.
Hunterdon Central leads the all-time series, 39-12-1, dating to 1960, and has won four straight against Warren Hills, including a 33-27 win in the last meeting on Jan. 25, 2012 in Flemington. The match in 2011 was snowed out -- the first time in series history that these rivals did not meet. Warren Hills' last wins came back-to-back in 2006 and '07. Riegel was 16-3-1 against Goles (losing in 1966, '71 and '75 while tying in '74) and 24-7-1 overall against his alma mater. Seven of the Streaks' wins have come since 1990.
And the long and proud wrestling tradition at Washington/Warren Hills, which started in 1937, is cause for a party almost year round. On Friday night, former and current wrestlers and coaches will be lauded for their service prior to the Blue Streaks' Skyland Conference match against longtime rival Hunterdon Central.
The 75th season ceremony -- expected to announce the honorees by decade -- is slated to begin around 6:40 p.m. The varsity match will begin at approximately 7:15. A 75-year celebration was scheduled for last year, but snow wiped out the proceedings and a scheduled match against North Hunterdon.
Friday's event is under the sole direction of the Warren Hills Wrestling Club. It is unknown exactly how many will alumni will attend, as a registration period to take place around 6 p.m.
Among those expected to be in attendance are the Marinelli brothers -- Art, Ron and Enzo.
Art Marinelli won the 168-pound title for Washington in 1955, while Ron Marinelli won consecutive titles in 1951-52. Enzo Marinelli was the first in his family to capture state gold at heavyweight in '49.
They are among just three sets of three brothers to win state titles in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area. The other trios are from Newton.
Joseph (1945), Harry (1946-48) and Edward Lanzi (1950) were the first trio to win in New Jersey history, while William (1945-46), Dan (1953) and George Gray (1955), who won the same year as Art Marinelli at the Elizabeth Armory, made it two sets for the Sussex County school.
The only other set of three brothers to win state titles in New Jersey history are the Skoves from Long Branch -- Luke (1979-81), Jude (1980) and Andrew (1983).
According to the Washington/Warren Hills Alumni Night page on Facebook, others planning to attend include heavyweight state champ Dan Slack (1977), along with two-time champ and three-time state placewinner Ben Oberly (1985-86), now an assistant coach for the Streaks.
Former heavyweight Bob Ziadie, a district champion and region third-place finisher in 1978, also will make the trip down from the Mountain Top, Pa., area. Ed Read, a heavyweight for the Streaks and two-time district runner-up in the early 1970s, is coming all the way from Maine.
Washington/Warren Hills has produced 46 individual state champions -- second-most behind Newton's record of 82. Washington High School became Warren Hills for the 1967-68 school year. The program enters Friday's match with a season mark of 17-6 and an overall record of 672-457-11 since the school's first season in 1937-38.
No word on whether former legendary Hunterdon Central coach Russ Riegel, a standout wrestler for Washington, was contacted or will attend the event. Riegel was a four-time state finalist from 1943-46 and champion in '44 (120 pounds) and '46 (138) under late Blue Streaks coach John Goles, who put the Warren County school on the wrestling map. Riegel, who resides in Kentucky, started Central's program and retired as one of the state's all-time winningest coaches -- once breaking Goles' state wins record -- with a mark of 469-84-6 in 35 seasons from 1956 to 1991. Goles was 268-154-8 in 36 seasons from 1943-79.
At the time of his high school wrestling career, Riegel was only the second to participate in four state finals -- the first was Roselle Park's Herb Farrell (1936-39) -- and is among only 11 Jersey wrestlers to do so. Riegel was the second state champ for Washington, behind Harry Pambianchi (1940). Ben Tedesco and Vince Fucci were the Streaks' first state finalists in 1939. The first state tournament was held in 1934 at Union High School.
The Warren County school has produced 88 state finalists, along with 163 district and 51 region champions.
Hunterdon Central leads the all-time series, 39-12-1, dating to 1960, and has won four straight against Warren Hills, including a 33-27 win in the last meeting on Jan. 25, 2012 in Flemington. The match in 2011 was snowed out -- the first time in series history that these rivals did not meet. Warren Hills' last wins came back-to-back in 2006 and '07. Riegel was 16-3-1 against Goles (losing in 1966, '71 and '75 while tying in '74) and 24-7-1 overall against his alma mater. Seven of the Streaks' wins have come since 1990.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wrestling: UPDATED Kittatinny at P'burg preview
What: Kittatinny Cougars at Phillipsburg Stateliners.
Where: The Pit at Phillipsburg High School.
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Independent.
TV/Radio: Service Electric (Sussex) Channel 10 with Mugs Media (tape delay).
Records: Kittatinny 17-1; Phillipsburg 9-2.
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Kittatinny No. 10; Phillipsburg No. 7.
Coaches: John Gill (482-147-5, 32nd season); Dave Post (38-11, third season).
Series history: Phillipsburg leads 11-6 dating to 1994, including last year's 36-18 win on the road. Kittatinny has dropped two straight since a 41-34 win at home in 2010, and is 2-7 overall at The Pit -- winning there in 2004 and '06. 'Liners have won five of six since snapping a four-match skid from 2003-06. Teams did not meet during the 1997-98 season.
Note: Kittatinny wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- Fr. Jake Van Wingerden (17-9) vs. Fr. Brandon Paetzell (20-5).
113 -- Jr. Christian Silva (20-6) vs. Sr. Zach Fisher (18-7).
120 -- Fr. Nick Klinger (11-14) vs. So. Steve Friedman (16-10).
126 -- Fr. Austin Scrivani (19-7) or Jr. Nick West (9-16) vs. Jr. Tylor Petchonka (5-6) or So. Corey Zinsmeister (15-9).
132 -- Scrivani or West vs. Sr. Anthony Johnson (6-4).
138 -- So. Tom Murphy (23-3) vs. So. Max Elling (16-8).
145 -- Jr. Nick Romyns (19-4) vs. Sr. Andrew Kaluzny (16-10).
152 -- Sr. Connor Zandarski (10-12) or Sr. Dave Popek (10-8) vs. So. Jimmy Schuitema (20-3).
160 -- Zandarski or Popek vs. Jr. Jake Kocsis (18-6).
170 -- Jr. Kieran Gerrity (23-3) vs. Jr. Broderick Bupivi (16-9).
182 -- Sr. Jake Brook (23-3) or Jr. Dylan Wunder (20-6) vs. So. Joe Maso (6-6).
195 -- Brook or Wunder vs. So. Yann Ondele (1-5).
220 -- Jr. Garrett Armstrong (23-3) or Jr. Tom Smith (14-10) vs. So. Tim Hinkle (11-12) or Sr. Jarrett Williams (21-5).
285 -- Armstrong or Smith vs. Williams or Hinkle.
Breakdown: This has been one of the great local rivalries for awhile and has the chance to be a barnburner this time around. P'burg definitely favored down low, while Kittatinny has the edge up top. 'Liners favored at 106, 113, 120, 126 (with Zinsmeister), 132, 152, 160 and 285. Cougars get the nod at 126 (with Petchonka), 138, 170, 182, 195, 220. Let's call 145 a tossup between Region 1 fourth-place finishers. There are some potential HWS rematches: Friedman d. Klinger, 7-3; Johnson p. West; Murphy d. Elling, 4-2; Williams md. Smith, 9-1. Murphy-Elling is a big one here, as Elling is wrestling much better since the loss. To likely pull this off, Kittatinny needs 145 and to avoid bonus points where it's a heavy underdog one of three weights (106, 132, 152). Gill may elect to match Smith on Hinkle and Armstrong vs. Williams to try and sweep both weights. Neither would be a given but it might be a necessary move. Visitors also have options at 182 and 195, seeking bonus at both, while the coin flip could be big if the Cougars want to see a Armstrong-Williams matchup up top. Williams weighed 222.4 on Wednesday. Even minus one starter (senior 195-pounder Kyle Kinney who lost 4-0 to Wunder at HWS) and potentially another in Zinsmeister, who may be out for awhile, I think the 'Liners still have a little too much in their home building.
Prediction: Phillipsburg, 30-26.
Where: The Pit at Phillipsburg High School.
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Independent.
TV/Radio: Service Electric (Sussex) Channel 10 with Mugs Media (tape delay).
Records: Kittatinny 17-1; Phillipsburg 9-2.
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Kittatinny No. 10; Phillipsburg No. 7.
Coaches: John Gill (482-147-5, 32nd season); Dave Post (38-11, third season).
Series history: Phillipsburg leads 11-6 dating to 1994, including last year's 36-18 win on the road. Kittatinny has dropped two straight since a 41-34 win at home in 2010, and is 2-7 overall at The Pit -- winning there in 2004 and '06. 'Liners have won five of six since snapping a four-match skid from 2003-06. Teams did not meet during the 1997-98 season.
Note: Kittatinny wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- Fr. Jake Van Wingerden (17-9) vs. Fr. Brandon Paetzell (20-5).
113 -- Jr. Christian Silva (20-6) vs. Sr. Zach Fisher (18-7).
120 -- Fr. Nick Klinger (11-14) vs. So. Steve Friedman (16-10).
126 -- Fr. Austin Scrivani (19-7) or Jr. Nick West (9-16) vs. Jr. Tylor Petchonka (5-6) or So. Corey Zinsmeister (15-9).
132 -- Scrivani or West vs. Sr. Anthony Johnson (6-4).
138 -- So. Tom Murphy (23-3) vs. So. Max Elling (16-8).
145 -- Jr. Nick Romyns (19-4) vs. Sr. Andrew Kaluzny (16-10).
152 -- Sr. Connor Zandarski (10-12) or Sr. Dave Popek (10-8) vs. So. Jimmy Schuitema (20-3).
160 -- Zandarski or Popek vs. Jr. Jake Kocsis (18-6).
170 -- Jr. Kieran Gerrity (23-3) vs. Jr. Broderick Bupivi (16-9).
182 -- Sr. Jake Brook (23-3) or Jr. Dylan Wunder (20-6) vs. So. Joe Maso (6-6).
195 -- Brook or Wunder vs. So. Yann Ondele (1-5).
220 -- Jr. Garrett Armstrong (23-3) or Jr. Tom Smith (14-10) vs. So. Tim Hinkle (11-12) or Sr. Jarrett Williams (21-5).
285 -- Armstrong or Smith vs. Williams or Hinkle.
Breakdown: This has been one of the great local rivalries for awhile and has the chance to be a barnburner this time around. P'burg definitely favored down low, while Kittatinny has the edge up top. 'Liners favored at 106, 113, 120, 126 (with Zinsmeister), 132, 152, 160 and 285. Cougars get the nod at 126 (with Petchonka), 138, 170, 182, 195, 220. Let's call 145 a tossup between Region 1 fourth-place finishers. There are some potential HWS rematches: Friedman d. Klinger, 7-3; Johnson p. West; Murphy d. Elling, 4-2; Williams md. Smith, 9-1. Murphy-Elling is a big one here, as Elling is wrestling much better since the loss. To likely pull this off, Kittatinny needs 145 and to avoid bonus points where it's a heavy underdog one of three weights (106, 132, 152). Gill may elect to match Smith on Hinkle and Armstrong vs. Williams to try and sweep both weights. Neither would be a given but it might be a necessary move. Visitors also have options at 182 and 195, seeking bonus at both, while the coin flip could be big if the Cougars want to see a Armstrong-Williams matchup up top. Williams weighed 222.4 on Wednesday. Even minus one starter (senior 195-pounder Kyle Kinney who lost 4-0 to Wunder at HWS) and potentially another in Zinsmeister, who may be out for awhile, I think the 'Liners still have a little too much in their home building.
Prediction: Phillipsburg, 30-26.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Wrestling: Kittatinny preps for P'burg with title win
Kittatinny's wrestling team is making a habit out of hanging banners on its gymnasium walls.
This one held zero suspense, as the Cougars won 13 of 14 bouts en route to a 69-6 thumping of crosstown rival Newton in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference clash on Tuesday evening in Hampton. It was the most lopsided margin in the series dating to 1976, which Kittatinny leads, 28-15, since the Cougars won by the same score in 2005.
Kittatinny (17-1, 7-0 division), ranked No. 10 in the state by the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association, secured its third straight Freedom Division title just two days before a big showdown with No. 7 Phillipsburg on Thursday at The Pit. This one held zero drama as Newton (7-12, 2-4) came in minus two of its best wrestlers with sophomore Trevor Morales (106) and senior Josh Sibblies (182) battling the flu bug.
Nonetheless, coach John Gill's Cougars put their stamp on the title with seven pins in addition to three forfeit victories.
"The kids always talk about [championship] banners on the wall," said Gill, now 482-147-5 in 32 seasons at the helm. "Our division got tougher this year with the addition of Jefferson [which moved from the American Division]. It was a nice finish to the league [schedule]. We definitely wanted this. Newton won the first one [2009-10] and we've got the last three. Now we get onto other things."
Kittatinny senior Connor Zandarski started things on Senior Night with a pin at 152 pounds. Up 5-2 after two periods, Zandarski sunk a half to turn and deck sophomore Benjamin Sibblies in 5:24. Senior Dave Popek followed with a 7-3 win over Garrett Richards at 160, while junior Kieran Gerrity stretched the lead to 15-0 bu decking Jared Jensen at 170.
After Dylan Wunder's forfeit win at 182, Kittatinny senior Jake Brook (23-3), third in Region 1 last year, scored a late three-point nearfall for a 7-1 win over up-and-coming sophomore Gus Protogeropoulos (22-4) in the marquee bout of the night -- and the rout was on.
Newton, which has dropped three straight in the series since a 36-28 win in the 2010 North 1, Group 1 sectional final, avoided a shutout thanks to junior Michael Larsen's pin of former District 3 finalist Nick West at 132. Larsen got the opening takedown and slapped on a tight cradle to secure the fall in 1:51.
Sophomore Tom Murphy (138) and junior Nick Romyns (145) closed out the proceedings with back-to-back pins.
Gill is now 28-10 all-time against Newton, coached by former Kittatinny star wrestler Eric Bollette. The Braves are 4-12 against the Cougars in his 12 seasons in charge.
"I respect him and he's one of my favorite kids I ever coached," Gill said. "He's a quality coach."
With the division title in hand, Kittatinny turns its attention to the annual showdown with P'burg. The Stateliners lead the series that began in 1994, 11-6, including last year's 36-18 road win. The Cougars, who have lost the last two meetings, are 2-7 all-time at The Pit -- winning in 2004 and '06.
Trying to prepare his wrestlers for an environment they haven't seen, is the biggest challenge on Thursday, according to Gill. Only West, Popek, Gerrity and Romyns have wrestled at The Pit in previous years.
"It's loud and fans are right on top of the mat," said the coach, who recalled one of the early visits to P'burg when a Stateliners fan asked him 'If Kittatinny wrestles girls teams,' following a loss.
"How do you prepare 14 1/2-15 year old kids for what they're going to see on Thursday night? The fear factor and noise factor is hard to describe. It's very difficult to wrestle there."
Home mat advantage aside, the match figures to be a good one. Kittatinny has the advantage up top, while P'burg has the edge in the lower weights. Several key bouts in the middle may very well decide this year's winner.
"I like my team," Gill said. "If the Cougars show up, it could be a nice, interesting night."
Across the county, High Point wrapped up its fourth straight NJAC division title with a 67-6 pounding of Mount Olive in an American Division clash in Wantage. The Wildcats (13-4, 7-0) have won three straight American titles following its inaugural championship in the National Division. Coach John Gardner's program is 27-0 in divisional matches since joining the NJAC for the 2009-10 season.
KITTATINNY 67, NEWTON 6
152 -- Sr. Connor Zandarski (10-12), K, p. So. Benjamin Sibblies (10-15), 5:24.
160 -- Sr. Dave Popek (10-8), K, d. Jr. Garrett Richards (2-12), 7-3.
170 -- Jr. Kieran Gerrity (23-3), K, p. Sr. Jared Jensen (5-17), 1:30.
182 -- Jr. Dylan Wunder (20-6), K, forfeit.
195 -- Sr. Jake Brook (23-3), K, d. So. Gus Protogeropoulos (22-4), 7-1.
220 -- Jr. Garrett Armstrong (23-3), K, p. Fr. Ethan Reczka (8-8), 1:38.
285 -- Jr. Tom Smith (14-10), K, d. Sr. Brandon Alemany (6-14), 1-0.
106 -- Fr. Jake Van Wingerden (17-9), K, forfeit.
113 -- Jr. Christian Silva (20-6), K, forfeit.
120 -- Fr. Nick Klinger (11-14), K, p. So. Eddie Medina (10-16), 3:09.
126 -- Fr. Austin Scrivani (19-7), K, p. Jr. Vincenzo Sebastiano (1-1), :24.
132 -- Jr. Michael Larsen (15-12), N, p. Jr. Nick West (9-16), 1:51.
138 -- So. Tom Murphy (23-3), K, p. Sr. Nick Aquino (0-5), 2:38.
145 -- Jr. Nick Romyns (19-4), K, p. Jr. Robert Coward (1-6), 1:49.
Records -- Newton 7-12, 2-4; Kittatinny 17-1, 7-0.
Official -- Gary Szucs.
JV score -- Newton, 39-23.
This one held zero suspense, as the Cougars won 13 of 14 bouts en route to a 69-6 thumping of crosstown rival Newton in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference clash on Tuesday evening in Hampton. It was the most lopsided margin in the series dating to 1976, which Kittatinny leads, 28-15, since the Cougars won by the same score in 2005.
Kittatinny (17-1, 7-0 division), ranked No. 10 in the state by the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association, secured its third straight Freedom Division title just two days before a big showdown with No. 7 Phillipsburg on Thursday at The Pit. This one held zero drama as Newton (7-12, 2-4) came in minus two of its best wrestlers with sophomore Trevor Morales (106) and senior Josh Sibblies (182) battling the flu bug.
Nonetheless, coach John Gill's Cougars put their stamp on the title with seven pins in addition to three forfeit victories.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Kittatinny wrestling's Facebook page |
Kittatinny senior Connor Zandarski started things on Senior Night with a pin at 152 pounds. Up 5-2 after two periods, Zandarski sunk a half to turn and deck sophomore Benjamin Sibblies in 5:24. Senior Dave Popek followed with a 7-3 win over Garrett Richards at 160, while junior Kieran Gerrity stretched the lead to 15-0 bu decking Jared Jensen at 170.
After Dylan Wunder's forfeit win at 182, Kittatinny senior Jake Brook (23-3), third in Region 1 last year, scored a late three-point nearfall for a 7-1 win over up-and-coming sophomore Gus Protogeropoulos (22-4) in the marquee bout of the night -- and the rout was on.
Newton, which has dropped three straight in the series since a 36-28 win in the 2010 North 1, Group 1 sectional final, avoided a shutout thanks to junior Michael Larsen's pin of former District 3 finalist Nick West at 132. Larsen got the opening takedown and slapped on a tight cradle to secure the fall in 1:51.
Sophomore Tom Murphy (138) and junior Nick Romyns (145) closed out the proceedings with back-to-back pins.
Gill is now 28-10 all-time against Newton, coached by former Kittatinny star wrestler Eric Bollette. The Braves are 4-12 against the Cougars in his 12 seasons in charge.
"I respect him and he's one of my favorite kids I ever coached," Gill said. "He's a quality coach."
With the division title in hand, Kittatinny turns its attention to the annual showdown with P'burg. The Stateliners lead the series that began in 1994, 11-6, including last year's 36-18 road win. The Cougars, who have lost the last two meetings, are 2-7 all-time at The Pit -- winning in 2004 and '06.
Trying to prepare his wrestlers for an environment they haven't seen, is the biggest challenge on Thursday, according to Gill. Only West, Popek, Gerrity and Romyns have wrestled at The Pit in previous years.
"It's loud and fans are right on top of the mat," said the coach, who recalled one of the early visits to P'burg when a Stateliners fan asked him 'If Kittatinny wrestles girls teams,' following a loss.
"How do you prepare 14 1/2-15 year old kids for what they're going to see on Thursday night? The fear factor and noise factor is hard to describe. It's very difficult to wrestle there."
Home mat advantage aside, the match figures to be a good one. Kittatinny has the advantage up top, while P'burg has the edge in the lower weights. Several key bouts in the middle may very well decide this year's winner.
"I like my team," Gill said. "If the Cougars show up, it could be a nice, interesting night."
Across the county, High Point wrapped up its fourth straight NJAC division title with a 67-6 pounding of Mount Olive in an American Division clash in Wantage. The Wildcats (13-4, 7-0) have won three straight American titles following its inaugural championship in the National Division. Coach John Gardner's program is 27-0 in divisional matches since joining the NJAC for the 2009-10 season.
KITTATINNY 67, NEWTON 6
152 -- Sr. Connor Zandarski (10-12), K, p. So. Benjamin Sibblies (10-15), 5:24.
160 -- Sr. Dave Popek (10-8), K, d. Jr. Garrett Richards (2-12), 7-3.
170 -- Jr. Kieran Gerrity (23-3), K, p. Sr. Jared Jensen (5-17), 1:30.
182 -- Jr. Dylan Wunder (20-6), K, forfeit.
195 -- Sr. Jake Brook (23-3), K, d. So. Gus Protogeropoulos (22-4), 7-1.
220 -- Jr. Garrett Armstrong (23-3), K, p. Fr. Ethan Reczka (8-8), 1:38.
285 -- Jr. Tom Smith (14-10), K, d. Sr. Brandon Alemany (6-14), 1-0.
106 -- Fr. Jake Van Wingerden (17-9), K, forfeit.
113 -- Jr. Christian Silva (20-6), K, forfeit.
120 -- Fr. Nick Klinger (11-14), K, p. So. Eddie Medina (10-16), 3:09.
126 -- Fr. Austin Scrivani (19-7), K, p. Jr. Vincenzo Sebastiano (1-1), :24.
132 -- Jr. Michael Larsen (15-12), N, p. Jr. Nick West (9-16), 1:51.
138 -- So. Tom Murphy (23-3), K, p. Sr. Nick Aquino (0-5), 2:38.
145 -- Jr. Nick Romyns (19-4), K, p. Jr. Robert Coward (1-6), 1:49.
Records -- Newton 7-12, 2-4; Kittatinny 17-1, 7-0.
Official -- Gary Szucs.
JV score -- Newton, 39-23.
Wrestling: NJSIAA Power Points (Through 1/27)
North Jersey 1
Group:1 Group:2
Kittatinny 16- 1-0 29.82 High Point 12- 4-0 32.38
Emerson 12- 7-0 25.42 River Dell 17- 0-0 27.06
Lenape V 4- 8-0 24.67 West Essex 14- 4-0 26.94
Pascack H 14- 6-0 24.50 Jefferson Township 12- 5-0 26.59
Pequannock 12- 5-0 24.35 Parsippany 9- 2-0 26.36
Wallkill V 7- 9-0 23.88 Demarest 14- 4-0 25.94
Group:1 Group:2
Kittatinny 16- 1-0 29.82 High Point 12- 4-0 32.38
Emerson 12- 7-0 25.42 River Dell 17- 0-0 27.06
Lenape V 4- 8-0 24.67 West Essex 14- 4-0 26.94
Pascack H 14- 6-0 24.50 Jefferson Township 12- 5-0 26.59
Pequannock 12- 5-0 24.35 Parsippany 9- 2-0 26.36
Wallkill V 7- 9-0 23.88 Demarest 14- 4-0 25.94
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawthorne 8- 7-0 23.20 Ramsey 10- 8-0 25.17
No Warren 6- 9-0 22.71 Hasbrouck Hts/Wood- 13- 4-0 24.82
New Milford 9- 6-0 22.53 Lodi 11- 3-0 24.79
Pompton Lks 9- 8-0 22.12 Westwood 10- 7-0 22.59
Hopatcong 4- 9-0 21.62 Ridgefield Park 8- 8-0 22.50
Newton 7-11-0 20.94 Morris Hills 5-11-0 21.50
Cresskill 2-10-0 20.58 Lakeland Regional 6-10-0 21.00
Kinnelon 5- 8-0 19.92 Leonia-Palisades Pk 5-10-0 19.57
Butler 2-14-0 18.69 Mahwah 3-13-0 19.25
Elmwood Pk 2-13-0 18.40 Dumont 3- 8-0 19.00
Waldwick-MPk2-14-0 18.19 Garfield 2-14-0 18.56
Manchester R.1-12-0 15.54 Ramapo 1-16-0 17.41
Group:3 Group:4
Paramus 10- 6-0 28.44 Morris Knolls 11- 6-0 26.35
No High 12- 2-0 28.29 North Bergen 9- 6-0 26.27
Passaic V 13- 5-0 27.89 Clifton 12- 3-0 25.93
Wayne V 8- 4-0 27.25 Hackensack 13- 4-0 25.65
Mt. Olive 14- 3-0 25.18 Union City 10- 3-0 25.15
W. Milford 11- 5-0 24.94 Ridgewood 8- 6-0 24.57
Hawthorne 8- 7-0 23.20 Ramsey 10- 8-0 25.17
No Warren 6- 9-0 22.71 Hasbrouck Hts/Wood- 13- 4-0 24.82
New Milford 9- 6-0 22.53 Lodi 11- 3-0 24.79
Pompton Lks 9- 8-0 22.12 Westwood 10- 7-0 22.59
Hopatcong 4- 9-0 21.62 Ridgefield Park 8- 8-0 22.50
Newton 7-11-0 20.94 Morris Hills 5-11-0 21.50
Cresskill 2-10-0 20.58 Lakeland Regional 6-10-0 21.00
Kinnelon 5- 8-0 19.92 Leonia-Palisades Pk 5-10-0 19.57
Butler 2-14-0 18.69 Mahwah 3-13-0 19.25
Elmwood Pk 2-13-0 18.40 Dumont 3- 8-0 19.00
Waldwick-MPk2-14-0 18.19 Garfield 2-14-0 18.56
Manchester R.1-12-0 15.54 Ramapo 1-16-0 17.41
Group:3 Group:4
Paramus 10- 6-0 28.44 Morris Knolls 11- 6-0 26.35
No High 12- 2-0 28.29 North Bergen 9- 6-0 26.27
Passaic V 13- 5-0 27.89 Clifton 12- 3-0 25.93
Wayne V 8- 4-0 27.25 Hackensack 13- 4-0 25.65
Mt. Olive 14- 3-0 25.18 Union City 10- 3-0 25.15
W. Milford 11- 5-0 24.94 Ridgewood 8- 6-0 24.57
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sparta 11- 4-0 24.80 Barringer 11- 4-0 24.27
Bergenfield 11- 6-0 24.65 West Orange 6- 6-0 24.25
Old Tappan 10- 9-0 24.47 East Orange 8- 3-0 23.82
Wayne Hills 8- 7-0 24.40 Randolph 7- 9-0 23.69
Montville 7- 8-0 24.07 Passaic Tech 7-11-0 23.41
Pascack V 10- 7-0 23.71 Bloomfield 5-13-0 21.94
Teaneck 9- 7-0 22.06 Livingston 6-10-0 21.50
Glen Rock/SB 7- 7-0 21.86 Kennedy (Paterson) 7- 8-0 21.40
Fair Lawn 5-10-0 21.47 Passaic 5- 5-0 21.10
Vernon 3-13-0 19.13 Kearny 3-11-0 17.64
Indian Hills 2-14-0 17.13 Montclair 0- 8-0 16.13
Tenafly 1-10-0 17.09 Eastside (Paterson) 0- 9-0 14.22
Sparta 11- 4-0 24.80 Barringer 11- 4-0 24.27
Bergenfield 11- 6-0 24.65 West Orange 6- 6-0 24.25
Old Tappan 10- 9-0 24.47 East Orange 8- 3-0 23.82
Wayne Hills 8- 7-0 24.40 Randolph 7- 9-0 23.69
Montville 7- 8-0 24.07 Passaic Tech 7-11-0 23.41
Pascack V 10- 7-0 23.71 Bloomfield 5-13-0 21.94
Teaneck 9- 7-0 22.06 Livingston 6-10-0 21.50
Glen Rock/SB 7- 7-0 21.86 Kennedy (Paterson) 7- 8-0 21.40
Fair Lawn 5-10-0 21.47 Passaic 5- 5-0 21.10
Vernon 3-13-0 19.13 Kearny 3-11-0 17.64
Indian Hills 2-14-0 17.13 Montclair 0- 8-0 16.13
Tenafly 1-10-0 17.09 Eastside (Paterson) 0- 9-0 14.22
North Jersey 2
Group:1 Group:2
Hanover Pk 7- 5-0 27.58 Voorhees 17- 3-0 30.16
Caldwell 9- 4-0 26.50 Parsippany Hills 13- 5-0 26.22
Rutherford 16- 1-0 25.82 Cranford 14- 2-0 26.13
Belvidere 11- 3-0 25.77 Governor Livingston 8- 8-0 24.00
Cedar Grove 10- 2-0 25.42 Becton-Wallington 8- 9-0 23.00
Bogota 13- 8-0 24.48 Orange 4- 3-0 22.29
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Madison 9- 4-0 23.77 Brearley-Dayton 1- 8-0 21.11
Ne Providence7- 5-0 23.73 West Side (Newark) 2- 4-0 20.50
Whippany Pk 8- 9-0 22.76 Chatham 3-10-0 20.15
Mountain Lks 9- 8-0 22.41 Cliffside Park 5- 7-0 19.75
Secaucus 5- 9-0 20.57 Hackettstown 2-16-0 19.72
Boonton 5-10-0 19.93 North Plainfield 4-10-0 18.86
Verona 2-10-0 19.17 Lyndhurst/No. Arlin 4- 8-0 18.83
Bernards 3-10-0 18.92 Summit 3-13-0 18.06
Glen Ridge 2-12-0 16.71 Fort Lee 1-10-0 17.82
Dover 0-13-0 15.46 Shabazz 1- 6-0 15.86
Weequahic 0-10-0 15.00
Group:3 Group:4
S Plainfield23- 0-0 32.83 Phillipsburg 8- 2-0 36.75
Roxbury 13- 3-0 30.13 North Hunterdon 8- 3-0 32.09
Warren Hills16- 6-0 30.00 Hunterdon Central 11- 1-0 31.58
West Morris 11- 4-0 28.13 Watchung Hills 12- 3-0 30.00
Nutley 5- 8-0 27.00 Franklin 4- 9-0 27.00
JFK Iselin 11- 6-0 25.53 Westfield 12- 1-0 26.92
Madison 9- 4-0 23.77 Brearley-Dayton 1- 8-0 21.11
Ne Providence7- 5-0 23.73 West Side (Newark) 2- 4-0 20.50
Whippany Pk 8- 9-0 22.76 Chatham 3-10-0 20.15
Mountain Lks 9- 8-0 22.41 Cliffside Park 5- 7-0 19.75
Secaucus 5- 9-0 20.57 Hackettstown 2-16-0 19.72
Boonton 5-10-0 19.93 North Plainfield 4-10-0 18.86
Verona 2-10-0 19.17 Lyndhurst/No. Arlin 4- 8-0 18.83
Bernards 3-10-0 18.92 Summit 3-13-0 18.06
Glen Ridge 2-12-0 16.71 Fort Lee 1-10-0 17.82
Dover 0-13-0 15.46 Shabazz 1- 6-0 15.86
Weequahic 0-10-0 15.00
Group:3 Group:4
S Plainfield23- 0-0 32.83 Phillipsburg 8- 2-0 36.75
Roxbury 13- 3-0 30.13 North Hunterdon 8- 3-0 32.09
Warren Hills16- 6-0 30.00 Hunterdon Central 11- 1-0 31.58
West Morris 11- 4-0 28.13 Watchung Hills 12- 3-0 30.00
Nutley 5- 8-0 27.00 Franklin 4- 9-0 27.00
JFK Iselin 11- 6-0 25.53 Westfield 12- 1-0 26.92
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Somerville 11- 8-0 24.95 Bridgewater-Raritan 5-10-0 25.40
Scotch Plns 10- 6-0 24.94 Perth Amboy 9- 6-0 25.20
Rahway 8- 4-0 24.58 Edison 11- 4-0 24.53
Belleville 13- 6-0 23.89 Ridge 7- 5-0 24.08
Irvington 8- 6-0 23.85 Elizabeth 12- 3-0 23.80
Morristown 7- 9-0 23.75 Hillsborough 8-13-0 23.26
Mendham 5-10-0 23.60 Linden 5- 5-0 22.60
Colonia 4- 6-0 22.30 Union 8- 8-0 22.31
Woodbridge 6- 7-0 21.77 Bayonne 2- 7-0 20.11
Millburn 2- 8-0 19.60 Piscataway 3- 9-0 19.25
Plainfield 1-15-0 17.31 Columbia 4- 8-0 18.92
East Side New4-10-0 17.31 J.P.Stevens 2-13-0 16.47
Central Jersey
Somerville 11- 8-0 24.95 Bridgewater-Raritan 5-10-0 25.40
Scotch Plns 10- 6-0 24.94 Perth Amboy 9- 6-0 25.20
Rahway 8- 4-0 24.58 Edison 11- 4-0 24.53
Belleville 13- 6-0 23.89 Ridge 7- 5-0 24.08
Irvington 8- 6-0 23.85 Elizabeth 12- 3-0 23.80
Morristown 7- 9-0 23.75 Hillsborough 8-13-0 23.26
Mendham 5-10-0 23.60 Linden 5- 5-0 22.60
Colonia 4- 6-0 22.30 Union 8- 8-0 22.31
Woodbridge 6- 7-0 21.77 Bayonne 2- 7-0 20.11
Millburn 2- 8-0 19.60 Piscataway 3- 9-0 19.25
Plainfield 1-15-0 17.31 Columbia 4- 8-0 18.92
East Side New4-10-0 17.31 J.P.Stevens 2-13-0 16.47
Central Jersey
Group:1 Group:2
Bound Brook 17- 2-0 30.46 Long Branch 10- 4-0 30.57
Roselle Pk 16- 2-0 27.71 Delaware Valley 8- 5-0 29.33
Pt. Beach 13- 3-0 25.00 Raritan 15- 4-0 28.21
Burlington C 8- 4-0 24.73 Pt. Pleasant Boro 12- 2-0 26.50
Metuchen 7- 2-0 24.22 Allentown 10- 5-0 25.43
Bordentown 8- 9-0 24.13 Robbinsville 11- 4-0 23.60
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NewEgypt
Keansburg 9- 5-0 23.93 Red Bank Reg. 9- 7-0 23.38
South River 8- 4-0 23.92 Carteret 6- 6-0 21.50
Keyport-Hud 7- 3-0 23.30Lawrence
Johnson A.L.9- 6-0 22.73 Monmouth Reg. 4-12-0 19.31
Shore Reg 8- 8-0 21.94 Holmdel 4-14-0 18.39
Spotswood 7- 6-0 21.92 Rumson Fair Haven 2-14-0 18.13
Manville 7-10-0 21.24 Manasquan 3-13-0 18.00
Palmyra 6-14-0 18.47 Middlesex/Dunellen 2-17-0 17.95
Riverside 1- 6-0 17.14 Ewing 2-17-0 17.12
Asbury Park 0- 9-0 16.67 Lakewood 3-12-0 17.00
Highland Pk 0-13-0 16.08
Group:3 Group:4
Brick Twp. 10- 4-0 29.21 Jackson 12- 5-0 33.59
Hopewell V 13- 1-0 28.00 Brick Memorial 16- 2-0 32.39
Ocean Twp. 16- 4-0 27.95 Howell 19- 2-0 31.05
Wall 9- 3-0 26.75 East Brunswick 12- 2-0 27.36
Jackson Lib11- 3-0 26.64 Old Bridge 11- 4-0 27.00
Neptune 11- 7-0 26.50 Monroe Twp. 13- 3-0 26.75
New
Keansburg 9- 5-0 23.93 Red Bank Reg. 9- 7-0 23.38
South River 8- 4-0 23.92 Carteret 6- 6-0 21.50
Keyport-Hud 7- 3-0 23.30
Johnson A.L.9- 6-0 22.73 Monmouth Reg. 4-12-0 19.31
Shore Reg 8- 8-0 21.94 Holmdel 4-14-0 18.39
Spotswood 7- 6-0 21.92 Rumson Fair Haven 2-14-0 18.13
Manville 7-10-0 21.24 Manasquan 3-13-0 18.00
Palmyra 6-14-0 18.47 Middlesex/Dunellen 2-17-0 17.95
Riverside 1- 6-0 17.14 Ewing 2-17-0 17.12
Asbury Park 0- 9-0 16.67 Lakewood 3-12-0 17.00
Highland Pk 0-13-0 16.08
Group:3 Group:4
Brick Twp. 10- 4-0 29.21 Jackson 12- 5-0 33.59
Hopewell V 13- 1-0 28.00 Brick Memorial 16- 2-0 32.39
Ocean Twp. 16- 4-0 27.95 Howell 19- 2-0 31.05
Wall 9- 3-0 26.75 East Brunswick 12- 2-0 27.36
Jackson Lib11- 3-0 26.64 Old Bridge 11- 4-0 27.00
Neptune 11- 7-0 26.50 Monroe Twp. 13- 3-0 26.75
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NBurlington 9-2-0
26.45 Manalapan 12-
8-0 26.20
Midd South 11- 7-0 26.06Montgomery
Steinert 11- 4-0 25.53 Freehold Twp. 4-11-0 23.13
Midd North 10- 8-0 25.44 South Brunswick 9- 9-0 22.94
Nottingham 16- 7-0 24.56 Rancocas Valley 8- 6-0 22.92
Colts Neck 5-13-0 23.33 Sayreville 7-11-0 21.67
Hightstown 7-11-0 21.73 Marlboro 3-11-0 21.36
Freehold 3-16-0 19.32 Trenton Central 2- 8-0 20.89
Hamilton W 3- 8-0 18.18 West Windsor South- 5-10-0 20.27
Princeton 2-11-0 18.08 North Brunswick 1-11-0 18.00
Ne Brunswick4-10-0 18.00 West Windsor North- 2-13-0 17.27
N
Midd South 11- 7-0 26.06
Steinert 11- 4-0 25.53 Freehold Twp. 4-11-0 23.13
Midd North 10- 8-0 25.44 South Brunswick 9- 9-0 22.94
Nottingham 16- 7-0 24.56 Rancocas Valley 8- 6-0 22.92
Colts Neck 5-13-0 23.33 Sayreville 7-11-0 21.67
Hightstown 7-11-0 21.73 Marlboro 3-11-0 21.36
Freehold 3-16-0 19.32 Trenton Central 2- 8-0 20.89
Hamilton W 3- 8-0 18.18 West Windsor South- 5-10-0 20.27
Princeton 2-11-0 18.08 North Brunswick 1-11-0 18.00
Ne Brunswick4-10-0 18.00 West Windsor North- 2-13-0 17.27
Group:1 Group:2
Paulsboro 12- 2-0 27.36 Delsea 18- 2-0 29.11
Haddon Twp.15- 5-0 26.70 Clayton/Glassboro 11- 1-0 26.92
Buena 6- 0-0 26.67 Highland Regional 15- 3-0 26.33
Cinnaminson 12-1-0 26.54 West Deptford 9- 3-0 25.83
Woodstown 13- 4-0 26.24 Barnegat 11- 9-0 25.40
Collingswood18-6-0 25.77 Gateway-Woodbury 13- 5-0 24.28
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Audubon 12- 3-0 25.40 Middle Twp. 7- 4-0 24.00
Haddonfield 6-9-0 25.07 Cedar Creek 6- 9-0 23.80
Penns Grove 7- 5-0 23.83 LowerCape May
5- 7-0 23.17
Schalick 8- 9-0 23.65 Pinelands Reg. 5-12-0 21.76
Haddon Hts 8-11-0 21.11 Delran 5-14-0 21.68
Pennsville 3- 8-0 21.00 Pemberton 8- 8-0 21.53
Pitman 5-11-0 20.19Manchester
Overbrook 3-14-0 17.71 Deptford 6-11-0 19.35
Gloucester C 2-7-0 17.67 Sterling 2-13-0 17.40
Lindenwold 2-13-0 17.29 Camden 0-13-0 16.31
Maple Shade 0-13-0 16.08 Willingboro 0- 9-0 16.00
Group:3 Group:4
TR South 18-2-0 30.90 Southern 7- 5-0 32.27
Timber Creek10-5-0 28.67 Clearview 15- 4-0 28.24
Moorestown 1-7-0 26.00 Shawnee 15- 2-0 27.94
Cherry H W 13- 6-0 25.50 Toms River North 6- 8-0 27.86
Lacey 6-12-0 24.78 Cherokee 15- 4-0 26.39
Hammonton 13-6-0 24.21 Millville 14- 2-0 26.25
Audubon 12- 3-0 25.40 Middle Twp. 7- 4-0 24.00
Haddonfield 6-9-0 25.07 Cedar Creek 6- 9-0 23.80
Penns Grove 7- 5-0 23.83 Lower
Schalick 8- 9-0 23.65 Pinelands Reg. 5-12-0 21.76
Haddon Hts 8-11-0 21.11 Delran 5-14-0 21.68
Pennsville 3- 8-0 21.00 Pemberton 8- 8-0 21.53
Pitman 5-11-0 20.19
Overbrook 3-14-0 17.71 Deptford 6-11-0 19.35
Gloucester C 2-7-0 17.67 Sterling 2-13-0 17.40
Lindenwold 2-13-0 17.29 Camden 0-13-0 16.31
Maple Shade 0-13-0 16.08 Willingboro 0- 9-0 16.00
Group:3 Group:4
TR South 18-2-0 30.90 Southern 7- 5-0 32.27
Timber Creek10-5-0 28.67 Clearview 15- 4-0 28.24
Moorestown 1-7-0 26.00 Shawnee 15- 2-0 27.94
Cherry H W 13- 6-0 25.50 Toms River North 6- 8-0 27.86
Lacey 6-12-0 24.78 Cherokee 15- 4-0 26.39
Hammonton 13-6-0 24.21 Millville 14- 2-0 26.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean
City 10-6-0 23.19 Washington
Triton 10-8-0 23.17 Toms River East 1-14-0 24.67
Central 5-14-0 21.95 Vineland 7- 5-0 24.58
Westampton 10-8-0 21.31 Pennsauken 9- 3-0 24.58
Kingsway 4- 9-0 21.23 Eastern 10- 7-0 23.65
Seneca 3-11-0 20.86 Egg Harbor 7-13-0 23.26
Mainland 5-15-0 20.30 Cherry Hill East 12- 9-0 23.05
Burlington 5-10-0 19.79 Lenape 5-13-0 22.00
Winslow 5-16-0 19.71 Williamstown 6- 9-0 21.40
Oakcrest 6-12-0 19.06 Absegami 5- 8-0 21.08
Cumberland 2-10-0 17.58 Atlantic City 3-11-0 18.93
Triton 10-8-0 23.17 Toms River East 1-14-0 24.67
Central 5-14-0 21.95 Vineland 7- 5-0 24.58
Westampton 10-8-0 21.31 Pennsauken 9- 3-0 24.58
Kingsway 4- 9-0 21.23 Eastern 10- 7-0 23.65
Seneca 3-11-0 20.86 Egg Harbor 7-13-0 23.26
Mainland 5-15-0 20.30 Cherry Hill East 12- 9-0 23.05
Burlington 5-10-0 19.79 Lenape 5-13-0 22.00
Winslow 5-16-0 19.71 Williamstown 6- 9-0 21.40
Oakcrest 6-12-0 19.06 Absegami 5- 8-0 21.08
Cumberland 2-10-0 17.58 Atlantic City 3-11-0 18.93
North Jersey Parochial A
St. Peters Prep 10- 4-0 35.14
Bergen Catholic 15- 1-0 34.47
Delbarton 11- 2-0 32.38
Don Bosco Prep 7- 3-0 31.40
St. Joseph (Mont.) 12- 3-0 28.73
Seton Hall 12- 6-0 24.41
Paramus Catholic 4-11-0 20.43
Pope John XXIII 2-14-0 20.40
DePaul 9- 5-0 26.10
Morris Catholic 6- 7-0 22.46
Pingry 2- 8-0 19.33
Newark Academy 2-11-0 18.15
St. Mary's (Ruth.) 0- 8-0 16.00
Rutgers Prep 1-11-0 15.11
Queen of Peace 0- 3-0 14.00
St. Augustine 8- 3-0 28.30
Christian Bros. Aca 13- 2-0 27.20
St. John Vianney 9- 5-0 24.85
Red Bank Catholic 9- 8-0 24.41
Bishop Ahr 9- 7-0 23.81
Paul VI (Hadd.) 7- 9-0 22.63
Notre Dame 11- 7-0 21.85
Msgr. Donovan 0-12-0 15.67
Holy Cross 3- 5-0 20.75
Holy Spirit 3-15-0 17.50
Bishop Eustace 2-15-0 17.13
St. Rose 1-11-0 16.17
Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings
We've had numerous discussions here the last few seasons about the state of New Jersey wrestling and its future.
The new weight classes and endless triangular and quadrangular meets are doing great harm to the sport, in my opinion. I was talking to a fellow scribe late Monday night and he raised an interesting point:
What ever happened to the marquee Saturday night matches in this area? I don't believe we've had one for quite some time. It's amazing to think, when you consider that Saturday evening matches were once a big tradition. Even Phillipsburg has gotten away from this the last few years, sans a night affair with Montgomery this season. Not exactly the premier event I was talking about -- no disrespect intended to the Cougars.
It's an interesting topic to be sure. These are the kinds of things that keep wrestling at the forefront with the fans and keep younger wrestlers interested in the high school programs. They once dreamed of wrestling in front of a packed gym on a Saturday night. Sadly, it appears those matches have gone the way of riding time.
How truly sad for all of us diehards. Hey, there's always that six-hour quad starting bright and early at 9 a.m. on a Saturday. Doesn't that make you want to hop right out of bed and run to the gym? I'm guessing that's a no for many fans, including myself. Coaches worried about getting out of gyms as soon as possible and their athletic directors better get on the stick and start promoting big matches in their buildings to draw fans before there are no crowds period.
Noticed that Don Bosco and Bound Brook -- two Top 20 teams -- are wrestling at 10 a.m. on Saturday. What a shame.
On to this week's rankings:
1. Hunterdon Central (11-1) -- Red Devils beat Bridgewater-Raritan, 40-26, and lost to South Plainfield, 43-18, on Wednesday. Much-anticipated bout between unbeaten three-time state champion Anthony Ashnault and Central junior Gary Dinmore -- last year's 126-pound state finalists -- never materialized and was the hot topic of discussion on the forums. Ashnault apparently had an ankle injury and was held out of action after competing earlier against Bridgewater. Dinmore (19-0) enters the week with a 78-11 career mark. A triangular match with Seneca and Millville was wiped out on Saturday due to skin issues not affecting Central. Word has it that the Red Devils attempted to get match with Kittatinny, which had a quad at Delaware Valley cancelled on Saturday, but were unsuccessful.
Up next: at Franklin on Wednesday; at Warren Hills on Friday; Region 5 Duals at home on Saturday.
2. Phillipsburg (8-2) -- Coach Dave Post's Stateliners beat Voorhees, 46-13, on Wednesday in a Skyland Raritan Division tilt before losing to archrival Easton (Pa.) 33-25, which is ranked top three in Pennsylvania, on Thursday. P'burg capped the week with a 33-18 road win over Howell, and minus two starters to boot. Sophomore Jimmy Schuitema picked up his 50th victory in two seasons, while sophomore Yann Ondele got his first varsity win on Saturday. 'Liners making the long drive to Paulsboro on Saturday. Man, has this rivalry lost its juice or what? Red Raiders (12-2) haven't sniffed the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20 this season. Times sure have changed in South Jersey.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Wednesday; Kittatinny at home on Thursday; at Paulsboro on Saturday.
3. Kittatinny (16-1) – Cougars opened the week with a 62-9 win over Hopatcong on Wednesday and defeated Northern Highlands, 43-21, on Saturday. The match with Delaware Valley will now be at the Sussex County school on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Coach John Gill's team, which has a big showdown with P’burg on Thursday at The Pit, can wrap up the NJAC Freedom Division title on Tuesday against crosstown rival Newton. Junior Kieran Gerrity (78-24) is closing in 80 career wins. The win over Hopatcong was No. 480 for Gill.
Up next: Newton at home on Tuesday; at Phillipsburg on Thursday; at Voorhees on Friday.
4. High Point (12-4) -- Wildcats had a short week with only a 54-15 win over Sparta. A quad involving Bound Brook slated for Saturday was KO’d due to SATs, apparently, so that was all for the Hillbillies. A win over Mount Olive Tuesday night will give coach John Gardner's program a fourth straight division title in the NJAC -- three in a row in the American Division. The 'Cats, who own a 26-match division win streak, won the last four SCIL titles (36 league wins in a row) from 2006-09. Sophomores Dom Gallo (21-3), Jason Gaccione (24-2) and Kyle Stoll (21-3) are all over the 20-win mark this season, along with freshman Jared Kobis (25-1).
Up next: Mount Olive at home on Tuesday; Bloomfield at home on Thursday.
5. Voorhees (17-3) -- Vikings saw their 11-match win streak snapped with Wednesday’s 46-13 loss to Phillipburg, as coach Eric Hall's team raced out to a 13-0 lead. The Hunterdon County school rebounded with lopsided victories over Hackettstown (66-13), Belvidere (44-18) and Lenape Valley (45-19) on
Saturday. Senior Jadaen Bernstein (26-0, 119-18) is two wins shy of surpassing Hall (120-19) as the school's all-time wins leader. It would be fitting for him to set the mark on Senior Night against Kittatinny on Friday.
Up next: Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Tuesday; Kittatinny at home on Friday; Region 5 Duals at Hunterdon Central on Saturday.
6. North Hunterdon (8-3) -- Lions dominated Warren Hills, 34-15, on Wednesday before wins over Watchung Hills (37-28), Hillsborough (48-17) and Franklin (47-22) on Saturday. Coach Tim Flynn's squad vaulted to No. 19 in the NJWWA Top 20. Senior 182-pounder Liam Korbul (91-38) moved closer to the 100-win mark with a 4-0 week. Sophomore Ryan Pomrinca (21-2) improved to 60-7 overall and is on pace to shatter Ricky Frondorf's school wins mark of 124.
Up next: Lawrence at home on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Wednesday; Region 5 Duals at Hunterdon Central on Saturday.
7. Delaware Valley (8-5) -- Terriers had a shortened week due to the tragic death of a student on Friday, as all Saturday events at the Hunterdon County school were cancelled. Del Val beat Montgomery, 49-19, on Wednesday in its lone match. Coach Andy Fitz's squad, which is hoping to earn the No. 1 seed for the Central Jersey, Group 2 sectional tournament, will host P'burg in an annual showdown on Wednesday night and you can expect a Sea of Gold in the stands. Senior 126-pounder Mike Pongracz (130-14) is still pursuing the school wins mark of 142 held by former state champ Dan Kelly.
Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Wednesday; Old Bridge, East Brunswick in Region 5 Duals at Hunterdon Central.
8. Warren Hills (16-6) -- Blue Streaks lost to North Hunterdon, 34-15, on Wednesday in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division showdown. Coach Jarrett Hosbach's Blue Streaks rebounded with independent wins over Paramus (33-30), Roselle Park (32-15) and Ramsey (50-13) at home on Saturday. Sophomore 113-pounder Max Nauta (22-4) improved to 52-11 overall with a 5-0 week. Good news for the Streaks as junior Justin Pidoto (4-4), who has battled injuries the last two seasons, returned to the lineup with four wins at 132 pounds.
Up next: at Somerville on Wednesday; Hunterdon Central at home (Alumni Night) on Friday.
9. Belvidere (11-3) -- County Seaters opened the week with a 38-31 win over Pius X (Pa.) before a 54-22 victory over Manville in a Skyland Conference Valley Division clash on Wednesday. Coach Dan McIntyre's squad closed with wins over Hackettstown (58-18) and Lenape Valley (34-31) and a loss to Voorhees (44-18) in a quad at home on Saturday. Senior 182-pounder Evan Bray (19-4), a Region 1 champion, improved to 90-35 overall in a 5-0 week. Battle for the division title on Wednesday.
Up next: Bound Brook at home on Wednesday; Hopatcong at West Morris triangular on Saturday.
10. Lenape Valley (4-8) -- Patriots are still having lineup issues as they were missing several starters for Saturday's quad at Belvidere. Coach Doug Vetter's squad beat Hackettstown (48-23), but lost to Voorhees (45-19) and Belvidere (34-31). The week started with a 45-30 win over Wallkill Valley in a NJAC Freedom Division showdown. Sophomores Peter Lipari (46-9) and Glenn Haines (47-15) are nearing the 50-win mark for their careers.
Up next: at Parsippany on Tuesday; Secaucus at home on Thursday; at Delbarton on Friday; Jefferson, Paramus at home on Saturday.
The new weight classes and endless triangular and quadrangular meets are doing great harm to the sport, in my opinion. I was talking to a fellow scribe late Monday night and he raised an interesting point:
What ever happened to the marquee Saturday night matches in this area? I don't believe we've had one for quite some time. It's amazing to think, when you consider that Saturday evening matches were once a big tradition. Even Phillipsburg has gotten away from this the last few years, sans a night affair with Montgomery this season. Not exactly the premier event I was talking about -- no disrespect intended to the Cougars.
It's an interesting topic to be sure. These are the kinds of things that keep wrestling at the forefront with the fans and keep younger wrestlers interested in the high school programs. They once dreamed of wrestling in front of a packed gym on a Saturday night. Sadly, it appears those matches have gone the way of riding time.
How truly sad for all of us diehards. Hey, there's always that six-hour quad starting bright and early at 9 a.m. on a Saturday. Doesn't that make you want to hop right out of bed and run to the gym? I'm guessing that's a no for many fans, including myself. Coaches worried about getting out of gyms as soon as possible and their athletic directors better get on the stick and start promoting big matches in their buildings to draw fans before there are no crowds period.
Noticed that Don Bosco and Bound Brook -- two Top 20 teams -- are wrestling at 10 a.m. on Saturday. What a shame.
On to this week's rankings:
1. Hunterdon Central (11-1) -- Red Devils beat Bridgewater-Raritan, 40-26, and lost to South Plainfield, 43-18, on Wednesday. Much-anticipated bout between unbeaten three-time state champion Anthony Ashnault and Central junior Gary Dinmore -- last year's 126-pound state finalists -- never materialized and was the hot topic of discussion on the forums. Ashnault apparently had an ankle injury and was held out of action after competing earlier against Bridgewater. Dinmore (19-0) enters the week with a 78-11 career mark. A triangular match with Seneca and Millville was wiped out on Saturday due to skin issues not affecting Central. Word has it that the Red Devils attempted to get match with Kittatinny, which had a quad at Delaware Valley cancelled on Saturday, but were unsuccessful.
Up next: at Franklin on Wednesday; at Warren Hills on Friday; Region 5 Duals at home on Saturday.
2. Phillipsburg (8-2) -- Coach Dave Post's Stateliners beat Voorhees, 46-13, on Wednesday in a Skyland Raritan Division tilt before losing to archrival Easton (Pa.) 33-25, which is ranked top three in Pennsylvania, on Thursday. P'burg capped the week with a 33-18 road win over Howell, and minus two starters to boot. Sophomore Jimmy Schuitema picked up his 50th victory in two seasons, while sophomore Yann Ondele got his first varsity win on Saturday. 'Liners making the long drive to Paulsboro on Saturday. Man, has this rivalry lost its juice or what? Red Raiders (12-2) haven't sniffed the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20 this season. Times sure have changed in South Jersey.
Up next: at Delaware Valley on Wednesday; Kittatinny at home on Thursday; at Paulsboro on Saturday.
3. Kittatinny (16-1) – Cougars opened the week with a 62-9 win over Hopatcong on Wednesday and defeated Northern Highlands, 43-21, on Saturday. The match with Delaware Valley will now be at the Sussex County school on Tuesday, Feb. 5. Coach John Gill's team, which has a big showdown with P’burg on Thursday at The Pit, can wrap up the NJAC Freedom Division title on Tuesday against crosstown rival Newton. Junior Kieran Gerrity (78-24) is closing in 80 career wins. The win over Hopatcong was No. 480 for Gill.
Up next: Newton at home on Tuesday; at Phillipsburg on Thursday; at Voorhees on Friday.
4. High Point (12-4) -- Wildcats had a short week with only a 54-15 win over Sparta. A quad involving Bound Brook slated for Saturday was KO’d due to SATs, apparently, so that was all for the Hillbillies. A win over Mount Olive Tuesday night will give coach John Gardner's program a fourth straight division title in the NJAC -- three in a row in the American Division. The 'Cats, who own a 26-match division win streak, won the last four SCIL titles (36 league wins in a row) from 2006-09. Sophomores Dom Gallo (21-3), Jason Gaccione (24-2) and Kyle Stoll (21-3) are all over the 20-win mark this season, along with freshman Jared Kobis (25-1).
Up next: Mount Olive at home on Tuesday; Bloomfield at home on Thursday.
5. Voorhees (17-3) -- Vikings saw their 11-match win streak snapped with Wednesday’s 46-13 loss to Phillipburg, as coach Eric Hall's team raced out to a 13-0 lead. The Hunterdon County school rebounded with lopsided victories over Hackettstown (66-13), Belvidere (44-18) and Lenape Valley (45-19) on
Saturday. Senior Jadaen Bernstein (26-0, 119-18) is two wins shy of surpassing Hall (120-19) as the school's all-time wins leader. It would be fitting for him to set the mark on Senior Night against Kittatinny on Friday.
Up next: Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Tuesday; Kittatinny at home on Friday; Region 5 Duals at Hunterdon Central on Saturday.
6. North Hunterdon (8-3) -- Lions dominated Warren Hills, 34-15, on Wednesday before wins over Watchung Hills (37-28), Hillsborough (48-17) and Franklin (47-22) on Saturday. Coach Tim Flynn's squad vaulted to No. 19 in the NJWWA Top 20. Senior 182-pounder Liam Korbul (91-38) moved closer to the 100-win mark with a 4-0 week. Sophomore Ryan Pomrinca (21-2) improved to 60-7 overall and is on pace to shatter Ricky Frondorf's school wins mark of 124.
Up next: Lawrence at home on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Wednesday; Region 5 Duals at Hunterdon Central on Saturday.
7. Delaware Valley (8-5) -- Terriers had a shortened week due to the tragic death of a student on Friday, as all Saturday events at the Hunterdon County school were cancelled. Del Val beat Montgomery, 49-19, on Wednesday in its lone match. Coach Andy Fitz's squad, which is hoping to earn the No. 1 seed for the Central Jersey, Group 2 sectional tournament, will host P'burg in an annual showdown on Wednesday night and you can expect a Sea of Gold in the stands. Senior 126-pounder Mike Pongracz (130-14) is still pursuing the school wins mark of 142 held by former state champ Dan Kelly.
Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Wednesday; Old Bridge, East Brunswick in Region 5 Duals at Hunterdon Central.
8. Warren Hills (16-6) -- Blue Streaks lost to North Hunterdon, 34-15, on Wednesday in a Skyland Conference Raritan Division showdown. Coach Jarrett Hosbach's Blue Streaks rebounded with independent wins over Paramus (33-30), Roselle Park (32-15) and Ramsey (50-13) at home on Saturday. Sophomore 113-pounder Max Nauta (22-4) improved to 52-11 overall with a 5-0 week. Good news for the Streaks as junior Justin Pidoto (4-4), who has battled injuries the last two seasons, returned to the lineup with four wins at 132 pounds.
Up next: at Somerville on Wednesday; Hunterdon Central at home (Alumni Night) on Friday.
9. Belvidere (11-3) -- County Seaters opened the week with a 38-31 win over Pius X (Pa.) before a 54-22 victory over Manville in a Skyland Conference Valley Division clash on Wednesday. Coach Dan McIntyre's squad closed with wins over Hackettstown (58-18) and Lenape Valley (34-31) and a loss to Voorhees (44-18) in a quad at home on Saturday. Senior 182-pounder Evan Bray (19-4), a Region 1 champion, improved to 90-35 overall in a 5-0 week. Battle for the division title on Wednesday.
Up next: Bound Brook at home on Wednesday; Hopatcong at West Morris triangular on Saturday.
10. Lenape Valley (4-8) -- Patriots are still having lineup issues as they were missing several starters for Saturday's quad at Belvidere. Coach Doug Vetter's squad beat Hackettstown (48-23), but lost to Voorhees (45-19) and Belvidere (34-31). The week started with a 45-30 win over Wallkill Valley in a NJAC Freedom Division showdown. Sophomores Peter Lipari (46-9) and Glenn Haines (47-15) are nearing the 50-win mark for their careers.
Up next: at Parsippany on Tuesday; Secaucus at home on Thursday; at Delbarton on Friday; Jefferson, Paramus at home on Saturday.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wrestling: New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20
(Note: First-place votes in parentheses):
1. South Plainfield (23-0)(17) 340
2. Bergen Catholic (15-1) 323
3. Bound Brook (17-2) 302
4. Toms River South (18-2) 291
5. Brick Memorial (16-2) 273
6. Hunterdon Central (12-1) 242
7. Phillipsburg (8-2) 234
8. St. Peter’s Prep (10-4) 200
9. Delbarton (11-2) 193
10. Kittatinny (16-1) 190
11. Don Bosco Prep (10-4) 159
12. Southern (7-5) 158
13. Jackson Memorial (12-5) 144
14. High Point (12-4) 127
15. Camden Catholic (14-3) 116
16. Howell (19-2) 78
17. Delsea (18-2) 75
18. Voorhees (17-3) 57
19. North Hunterdon (8-3) 34
20. Hopewell Valley (13-1) 12
Others Receiving Votes: Long Branch and Warren Hills 5, Clearview and Brick Township 3, Delaware Valley 1.
Here's Open Mike's ballot:
1. South Plainfield
2. Bergen Catholic
3. Bound Brook
4. Toms River South
5. Brick Memorial
6. Hunterdon Central
7. Phillipsburg
8. St. Peter’s Prep
9. Delbarton
10. Kittatinny
11. Southern
12. Jackson Memorial
13. High Point
14. Don Bosco Prep
15. Howell
16. Delsea
17. Camden Catholic
18. Voorhees
19. North Hunterdon
20. Brick Township
NJWWA voting members (in alphabetical order): Bob Behre (Trenton Times); Donald J. Brower (MorrisCountyHSWrestling.com); Patrick Buganski (The Mat Pack); Frank D’Esposito (TheShoreConference.com); Steve Falk (Asbury Park Press of Neptune and Hitting the Mats); Brian Fortner (Express-Times); Harry Frezza (Courier News of Bridgewater); Joe Hofmann (Daily Record of Parsippany); Screwy Louie Lazzari (New Jersey Wrestling Historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times); Ron Mazzola (On the Mat); Tom McGuirk (Daily Journal of Vineland); John O’Kane (Atlantic City Press); Anthony Spaulding (New Jersey Herald); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune of East Brunswick); Mike Weilamann (Open Mike/Mugs Media); Joe Zedalis (Trenton Times).
1. South Plainfield (23-0)(17) 340
2. Bergen Catholic (15-1) 323
3. Bound Brook (17-2) 302
4. Toms River South (18-2) 291
5. Brick Memorial (16-2) 273
6. Hunterdon Central (12-1) 242
7. Phillipsburg (8-2) 234
8. St. Peter’s Prep (10-4) 200
9. Delbarton (11-2) 193
10. Kittatinny (16-1) 190
11. Don Bosco Prep (10-4) 159
12. Southern (7-5) 158
13. Jackson Memorial (12-5) 144
14. High Point (12-4) 127
15. Camden Catholic (14-3) 116
16. Howell (19-2) 78
17. Delsea (18-2) 75
18. Voorhees (17-3) 57
19. North Hunterdon (8-3) 34
20. Hopewell Valley (13-1) 12
Others Receiving Votes: Long Branch and Warren Hills 5, Clearview and Brick Township 3, Delaware Valley 1.
Here's Open Mike's ballot:
1. South Plainfield
2. Bergen Catholic
3. Bound Brook
4. Toms River South
5. Brick Memorial
6. Hunterdon Central
7. Phillipsburg
8. St. Peter’s Prep
9. Delbarton
10. Kittatinny
11. Southern
12. Jackson Memorial
13. High Point
14. Don Bosco Prep
15. Howell
16. Delsea
17. Camden Catholic
18. Voorhees
19. North Hunterdon
20. Brick Township
NJWWA voting members (in alphabetical order): Bob Behre (Trenton Times); Donald J. Brower (MorrisCountyHSWrestling.com); Patrick Buganski (The Mat Pack); Frank D’Esposito (TheShoreConference.com); Steve Falk (Asbury Park Press of Neptune and Hitting the Mats); Brian Fortner (Express-Times); Harry Frezza (Courier News of Bridgewater); Joe Hofmann (Daily Record of Parsippany); Screwy Louie Lazzari (New Jersey Wrestling Historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times); Ron Mazzola (On the Mat); Tom McGuirk (Daily Journal of Vineland); John O’Kane (Atlantic City Press); Anthony Spaulding (New Jersey Herald); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune of East Brunswick); Mike Weilamann (Open Mike/Mugs Media); Joe Zedalis (Trenton Times).
Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex schedule
Tuesday, Jan. 29
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Mount Olive at High Point
Newton at
Kittatinny
Pope John at Morris Knolls
Sparta at Montville
Vernon at
Morris Hills
Skyland Conference
Bridgewater at Voorhees
Independent
Lawrence at North Hunterdon
Lenape Valley at Parsippany
Wednesday, Jan. 30
Skyland Conference
Phillipsburg
at Delaware Valley
Hunterdon Central at Franklin
Warren Hills at
Somerville
Bound Brook at Belvidere
North Hunterdon at Montgomery
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Wallkill Valley at Jefferson
Independent
Hackettstown at West Essex
Thursday, Jan. 31
Independent
Kittatinny
at Phillipsburg
Bloomfield at High Point
Secaucus at Lenape Valley
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Hopatcong at Newton
Mount Olive at North Warren
Friday, Feb. 1
Skyland Conference
Hunterdon Central at Warren Hills
Independent
Kittatinny
at Voorhees
Lenape Valley at Delbarton
Newton at Emerson-Park Ridge
Mahwah at Pope John
Pompton
Lakes at Wallkill Valley
Saturday, Feb. 2
Independent
Phillipsburg
at Paulsboro
Delaware Valley, Voorhees, North Hunterdon, Old Bridge, East Brunswick and Perth Amboy in Region 5 Duals at Hunterdon Central
Jefferson, Paramus at
Lenape Valley
Sparta, Summit, Millburn at Kinnelon quad
Vernon at North Plainfield
Wallkill Valley
at Waldwick
Belvidere, Hopatcong, Mount Olive at West Morris
Monday, Feb. 4
Skyland Conference
Somerville at Phillipsburg
Franklin at Delaware Valley
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Wrestling: Region 1 individual rankings
106 pounds
1. Fr. Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg
2. So. Dom Gallo, High Point
3. So. William Kui, DePaul
4. Fr. Garrett O’Shea, Morris Knolls
5. Sr. Stephen Caserta, Roxbury
Notes: Kui won the Passaic County Tournament title, beating
Passaic Valley’s Anthony Cruz, 6-4. Caserta, who finished third in the Morris County Tournament, pinned Cruz earlier this season. I’m dropping Kui, who has been at 113 quite a bit, down a few spots. Just like
what I’ve seen out of Paetzell and Gallo this season. O’Shea avenged an earlier
OT loss to Caserta with a 4-2 win in the MCT semifinals.
O’Shea lost, 2-1, to Delbarton’s Ty Agaisse in the title match. Agaisse beat
Paetzell, 1-0, in a dual meet. This is a very competitive group here.
113 pounds
1. So. Max Nauta, Warren Hills
2. Jr. Bryan Damon, Jefferson
3. Sr. Zach Fisher, Phillipsburg
4. So. A.J. Vindici, Randolph
5. Jr. Christian Silva, Kittatinny
Notes: Damon beat Vindici, 4-3, in the MCT finals – losing a 4-0
lead late when he was put to his back and nearly decked. Damon also beat Delbarton's Nick Farro -- 4-2 in sudden victory in the semifinals.Fisher, who beat Farro, 12-8, in a dual, earned a nice
9-4 win over Howell’s Jimmy Slendorn on Saturday. Slendorn beat Nauta in December.
Order stays the same for now, as all of these guys are very tough.
120 pounds
1. Fr. Jared Kobis, High Point
2. Sr. Cory Fleming, West Morris
3. So. Peter Lipari, Lenape Valley
4. So. Tyler Hrycak, Wayne Valley
5. So. Steve Friedman, Phillipsburg
Notes: This weight is starting to be a real headache to rank.
Kobis is a solid No. 1, as evidenced by Roxbury’s Devon LaFranco going to OT in
a loss to Hanover Park state champ Anthony Cefolo in the MCT semifinals. Kobis
beat LaFranco, 5-0, the previous weekend. Fleming, who lost, 11-2, to
Delbarton’s Christian Innarella in the semis, beat LaFranco, 8-3, in sudden
victory for third place at the MCT. Now, here’s where it gets tricky. Fleming
decked Lipari on Jan. 17. LaFranco has double-losses to Cefolo and Fleming and
a loss to North Warren’s Matt Ritchie, who doesn’t get in here. LaFranco stays
out for now. Hrycak won the Passaic County Tournament title.
126 pounds
1. So. David McFadden, DePaul
2. Sr. Joe Kratochvil, Warren Hills
3. So. Corey Zinsmeister, Phillipsburg
4. So. Ian Burke, Sparta
5. Fr. Austin Scrivani, Kittatinny
Notes: Not much to report here. McFadden cruised to the Passaic
County title. Zinsmeister missed Saturday’s match against Howell after
reportedly being slammed – though it wasn’t called – in Thursday’s loss to
Jimmy Saylor of Easton. Everything else is status quo.
132 pounds
1. Sr. Sam Tareky, Wayne Valley
2. Sr. Anthony Johnson, Phillipsburg
3. Jr. Jake Legotte, Roxbury
4. Sr. Brandon Rothman, Hackettstown
5. So. Eric Friedman, Mendham
Notes: Another mishmash of a weight class here. Tareky rolled to
the Passaic County title, beating Passaic Valley’s Tom Dunphy, 6-2. Legotte
enters here for the first time at No. 3, following a 5-0 win over Friedman on
Wednesday and a 3-1 win over Migliaccio in the MCT semis. Migliaccio beat
Legotte, 7-2, earlier this season. Legotte also recently beat High Point’s Mike
Derin, who was third in R1 last year, and Mount Olive's Ron Spera, 3-1 in OT, in the MCT quarters. Spera finished fifth and also has a loss to Migliaccio. Friedman has two wins over Migliaccio. Rothman,
who recently dropped to 132, has a 4-0 win over Friedman and slides in at No.
4. R1 runner-up Glenn Haines of Lenape Valley, who lost 6-5 to Migliaccio,
slips out of the five-hole. Migliaccio also falls out.
138 pounds
1. Sr. Nick Matthews, West Morris
2. Sr. Matt Benvenuto, Lenape Valley
3. So. Tom Murphy, Kittatinny
4. So. Max Elling, Phillipsburg
5. Sr. Kevin Bundschuh, Warren Hills
Notes: Matthews stumbled for the first time this season with a 4-1
loss to Delbarton’s Travis Vasquez in the MCT semifinals. He rebounded to
finish third. Benvenuto picked up his 100th win on Saturday – the 12th
Lenape Valley wrestler to reach the milestone. Elling scored a nice major
decision win over Easton’s Kyle Baker on Thursday and appears to be coming on.
Bundschuh (ankle injury) didn’t wrestle this past week in the Blue Streaks’
five matches. We’ll see if he returns this week.
145 pounds
1. Sr. Jesse Thorsen, Belvidere
2. Sr. Andrew Kaluzny, Phillipsburg
3. Sr. Tyler Kozimor, Hackettstown
4. So. Jason Gaccione, High Point
5. Jr. Nick Romyns, Kittatinny
Notes: Status quo here as well. This weight is so tough that West
Morris’ Brandon Carcuffe (21-2) can’t squeeze in here. His only losses are to
North Hunterdon’s Mike Ciavarro (2-1 in OT) and Delbarton’s Dan Reed, 7-2 in
the MCT finals on Saturday. Thorsen went over the 70-win mark for his career
with five wins last week. It’s a shame that he did not meet up with Kozimor,
who was out of the lineup, on Saturday. Word is that Gaccione could be dropping
to 138 for the postseason. Romyns picked up his 70th win on
Saturday.
152 pounds
1. So. Jimmy Schuitema, Phillipsburg
2. So. Luke Bohn, Jefferson
3. Fr. Dean Drugac, Morris Knolls
4. Jr. Tommy Hooker, High Point
5. Jr. Evan Butka, Warren Hills
Notes: Schuitema keeps rolling along, getting his 50th
career win on Saturday in the Stateliners’ victory over Howell. Bohn finished
second in the MCT. Drugac went 3-1 at the MCT and did not place in the top four
– losing 7-4 to Sam Mual of Parsippany Hills in the quarterfinals. Drugac beat Randolph's Sean Rodgers, 4-3, for fifth place. Drugac (21-2) stays No. 3 since High Point’s
Hooker was out of the lineup when their teams met in a dual.
160 pounds
1. Jr. Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury
2. Jr. Sam Button, Mendham
3. Sr. John Sickles, West Morris
4. Jr. Jake Kocsis, Phillipsburg
5. Jr. Nick Carey, DePaul
Notes: Artigliere impressed with his 7-1 win over Delbarton’s
Josef Johnson in the MCT finals – decking Sickles in the semifinals en route to
the title and the OW Award. Button beat Sickles, 4-0, for third place. Carey
enters here after knocking off VanDuyne in his own home gym for the Passaic
County title. Carey and Kocsis have a common opponent in Franklin’s Mike
Fagg-Daves. Casey lost by technical fall and Kocsis beat Fagg-Daves, 3-2.
Button beat Fagg-Daves by the same score. VanDuyne, who also has a 4-2 loss to
Button, drops out.
170 pounds
1. Sr. Parker Meytrott, Montville
2. Jr. Kieran Gerrity, Kittatinny
3. Jr. Broderick Bupivi, Phillipsburg
4. Sr. Adam Kratch, West Morris
5. So. D.J. Barrett, Lenape Valley
Notes: Meytrott outclassed the MCT field, scoring a technical fall
win over Kratch in the semifinals, en route to the championship. Kratch finished third. Gerrity gave Northern
Highlands stud Nick Gravina all he could handle in a 3-2 loss on Saturday.
Bupivi has turned in some big wins of late for the Stateliners, including a 5-2
win over Howell’s Casey Fecht on Saturday to help ice the team’s win.
182 pounds
1. So. Nick DePalma, DePaul
2. Sr. Michael Burns, Morris Knolls
3. Sr. Josh Sibblies, Newton
4. Sr. Jake Brook, Kittatinny
5. Sr. Evan Bray, Belvidere
Notes: DePalma wasn’t challenged in his run to the Passaic County
title – two majors and a pin. Burns was equally dominating in winning the MCT
championship, beating Pequannock’s Luke Foukas, 10-4. Could see a rematch
between Sibblies and Brook on Tuesday when Newton calls on Kittatinny. Bray
bumped up to beat Lenape Valley’s Kristian Barrett, 12-4, at 195.
195 pounds
1. Jr. Kyle Stoll, High Point
2. Jr. Anthony Landberg, Wayne Valley
3. Jr. Dylan Wunder, Kittatinny
4. Sr. Kristian Barrett, Lenape Valley
5. Jr. Jesse Windt, West Morris
Notes: Landberg gave a good account in a 3-1 loss to Hawthorne’s
Evan Ramos in the Passaic County finals. Windt beat Roxbury’s Stephen Arthur
III, 2-0, in a tiebreaker for the MCT title. Lakeland’s Jon Fazio, who has bounced
back-and-forth between 195 and 220, is just on the cusp at this weight.
220 pounds
1. Sr. J.B. Lawson, Belvidere
2. Jr. Garrett Armstrong, Kittatinny
3. Sr. Robert Levine, Wayne Hills
4. Jr. Bobby McDonnell, High Point
5. Sr. Pete Andrich, Mount Olive
Notes: Andrich wasn’t really tested in a less-than-stellar MCT
field – beating Randolph’s Zac Kazaba, 8-3, in the finals. Levine did not
compete in the Passaic County Tournament – won by Wayne Valley’s Justin Walker,
who beat Lakeland’s Jon Fazio, 7-6, in the semifinals. Fazio has been at 195
and 220 this season. Levine has not wrestled in nearly a week, so we’ll keep an
eye out here. Lawson pinned Walker in 34 seconds earlier this season and beat
Levine, 4-2. Andrich will get a chance to move up when he faces McDonnell on Monday.
285 pounds
1. Sr. Ryan Appleby, Belvidere
2. So. Andrew Pacheco, Warren Hills
3. Sr. Jarrett Williams, Phillipsburg
4. Sr. William Wenzel, West Milford
5. Jr. Noa Merritt, Pope John
Notes: Some reshuffling done here. Wenzel was dealt his first
loss, 5-2, to Wayne Valley 220-pounder Justin Walker on Wednesday. Wenzel
rebounded by pinning his way to the Passaic County title. Lakeland’s Brendon
Narbone lost in the PCT semis and did not place so he’s out. We have a new
1-2-3 and a new No. 5 in Pope John’s Merritt, who lost, 7-4, to Pacheco at
Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex.