Coach: John Gardner (292-86-2, 18th season).
2014-15 record: 7-9, 2-1 NJAC Freedom Division (second).
Returning starters (6): So. Malcolm Sinclair (11-15, D4) 113; So. Trey Osborn (8-10) 126; So. Shane Kobis (8-10) 132; Sr. Jared Kobis (31-2, D1, R1) 145; Jr. Aric Wingle (9-8, D4-2014) 152; Sr. Kevin Lewis (27-12, D1, R4) 195.
Key losses: Dom Gallo (23-6, D1, R3) 126; Mike Derin (2-0) 132; Jason Gaccione (39-4, D1, R1, S5) 145; Ryan Cullen (15-12, D2) 152.
Promising newcomers: So. Maverick Liebl 106; Fr. Brandon LaRue 106; Fr. Devin Flannery 106; Jr. Austin Mendiburu 145; So. Rob Turro 160.
Outlook: After back-to-back Group 2 championships and five straight sectional titles, Wildcats endured a rare losing season as injuries to several key wrestlers took a toll. Lots of question marks with this year's squad, but there is some talent to build around. Jared Kobis is one of the top wrestlers in the state and looks to capture that elusive medal in Atlantic City. Lewis was a nice surprise last season and was a step away from AC, while the rest of the upperweights have potential and gained valuable experience last season. If the lighter weights can develop, the 'Cats, who are always well-coached and wrestle a tough schedule, have a chance to be a formidable team by season's end. Like most teams these days, staying healthy will be key. In an early-season match that may decide the division title, Lenape Valley visits Wantage on Jan. 6 -- a rematch of last year's sectional final.
Hopatcong Chiefs
Coach: Eric Fajerman (118-231-3, 16th season).
2014-15 record: 3-21, 1-3 NJAC Colonial Division (T-third).
Returning starters (4): Jr. Brandon Olmstead (20-11) 106; So. Anthony Mastroeni (32-9, D2, R4) 132; Sr. Giancarlo Varrone (3-20) 152; Sr. Christopher Arocho (1-5) 182; Sr. Brandon Marazzo (7-21) 195.
Key losses: Joe Aumann (39-4, D1, R3) 113; Joey Ioffredo (17-19, D3) 138; Jr. Jake Wilkerson (25-11, D3, knee injury) 182.
Promising newcomers: Jr. Bart Yarosz 145; Fr. Liam McGuire 195.
Outlook: Chiefs' struggle in the numbers department continues with fewer than 10 wrestlers on the roster. A big loss out of the gate is Wilkerson, who sustained a season-ending knee injury and is out for the season after a promising sophomore campaign. Mastroeni was a freshman phenom a year ago and is looking to take that next step to AC. Fajerman always does a nice job with what he's given, but needless to say, dual-meet wins will be nearly impossible to come by.
Kittatinny Cougars
Coach: John Gill (515-162-5, 36th season).
2014-15 record: 11-10, 4-0 NJAC Colonial Division (first).
Returning starters (12): Jr. Mark DiGeronimo (27-8, D1) 113; So. Perry Maio (13-18, D3) 120; Sr. Nick Klinger (31-6, D1) 132; Sr. Austin Scrivani (39-4, D1, R3) 138; Sr. Jake Vanwingerden (23-11, D3) 145; Jr. Dylan Minter (15-8) 152; Sr. Taylor Molfetto (16-17, D4) 160; Jr. Cody Mitchell (3-19) 160; Jr. Josh Klimek (18-17, D3) 170; Sr. Luke DeGroat (8-21) 195; Sr. Nick Simpson (5-17) 220; Sr. Griffin Waldron (14-19) 285.
Key losses: Tyler Wehrenberg (16-16) 195-220.
Key returnees: So. Calvin Brook 126; Jr. Kasey Hotz (10-3) 138.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Derek Molfetto 106; Fr. Nile Mattar 106; So. Mike Callahan 145; So. Josh Hiler 160; So. Shane Smith 160; Fr. Zach Mafaro 182; Sr. Nick Carriera 220; Fr. Carson Powell 285.
Outlook: Cougars are eager to get back on track after a rare early exit from the sectional tournament -- falling in the first round in North 1, Group 2 -- and posting their lowest win total since 1993. With 12 starters returning, expect a quick turnaround in remarkably Gill's 36th season and the program's 41st overall. Klinger and Scrivani should challenge for medals in Atlantic City, while Klimek looks to lead a group of upperweights who gained valuable experience and should be improved after some ups and downs last season. Minter and Vanwingerden also are solid in the middle of the lineup. The shift back to North 1, Group 1 puts this team in the driver's seat for its 20th championship.
Lenape Valley Patriots
Coach: Doug Vetter (186-143-1, 15th season).
2014-15 record: 21-3, 3-0 NJAC Freedom Division, North 1, Group 2 champion, Group 2 runner-up.
Returning starters (12): So. Jacob Falleni (31-6, D1) 113; Sr. Zach Merkey (9-11, D4) 120; Jr. Ray Smaha (11-19, D4) 126; Sr. Aaron Merkey (23-13, D3) 132; Sr. Aaron Arzon (11-17) 138; Jr. Nick Palumbo (31-8, D1, R4) 145; Jr. Alvaro DeOlivera (7-12) 152; Sr. Nick Seck (13-17) 160; Jr. Khalid Dickerson (14-16, D4) 170; Sr. Sam Palumbo (31-8, D2) 195; Sr. Ralph Hall (28-11, D3) 220; Sr. Richie Fritzky (19-15, D3) 285.
Key losses: Joey LaBell (31-8, D2) 170; D.J. Barrett (39-4, D1, R2) 182.
Key returnees: So. Neil Kelly 120; So. Jake Hickey (6-8) 132; Jr. Anthony Smaha (8-6) 138; So. Jordan Costanza (0-14) 152; Sr. Mike Katz 160; Sr. David Ottoson (4-1) 170; Sr. Scott Prior (1-1) 182; Sr. Dylon Frazier (3-2) 182;
Promising newcomers: Fr. Dominic Falleni 106; Fr. James Haws 106; Fr. Anthony Esposito 120; Jr. Justin Singh (1-2, transfer from Morris Hills) 132; Fr. Luke Liloia 145-152.
Outlook: Coming off back-to-back sectional final appearances, Patriots are primed for another deep run with 12 returning starters from last year's North 1, Group 2 championship team. The task to repeat was made tougher by Lenape getting shifted to North 2, Group 2, where defending champion Hanover Park resides. The Patriots' strong set of upper weights puts them in a great position against most teams on the schedule with three Region 1 qualifiers -- Sam Palumbo (195), Hall (220) and Fritzky (285). In addition, Nick Palumbo is a candidate for a medal in AC after a strong offseason. This is without a doubt the most balanced team in the county.
Newton Braves
Coach: Eric Bollette (188-154-1, 15th season).
2014-15 record: 12-13, 3-1 NJAC Colonial Division (second).
Returning starters (7): Jr. Mateo Valentine (4-23) 113; Jr. Nick Giordano (16-15) 138; Jr. Jake DeLuca (11-14, D4) 145; So. Jonathon Borgognoni (12-12) 152; Sr. Lance Fischer (28-10, D2) 170; So. Joey DeLuca (4-16) 182; Sr. Tyler Pittenger (15-19, D3) 285.
Key losses: Trevor Morales (28-7, D2) 120; Ryan Brigante (15-18, D3) 132; Benjamin Sibblies (19-17, D3) 182; Gus Protogeropoulos (37-5, D1, R2, S7) 195.
Key returnees: Jr. Rod Morman (0-6) 145; Sr. Michael Valentine (5-13) 160; Sr. Ryan Lazar (3-3) 160; Sr. Robert Borgognoni (3-11) 170; So. Devin Mager 182; Sr. Nick Zaremski (2-2) 195; Sr. Koty Wilkinson (1-2) 220; Sr. Aaron Anane-Agyei 220; Jr. Luis Arrazola 220.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Matt Rosa 106; Fr. Michael Freda 120; Fr. Griffin Allen 126; Fr. Wyatt McCarthy 132; Fr. Nick Brigante 152; Fr. Ryan McCarthy 152; Fr. Luke Fischer 160; Fr. Chris Polyak 160; Fr. Matt Somers 170; Sr. Adam Schlereth (24-13, D2, transfer from DePaul) 195; Fr. Jimmy Harding 195.
Outlook: Braves have endured injuries and depth issues in recent seasons, but they seemed poised for a breakout campaign. With eight returning starters, including two Region 1 qualifiers, there is a solid nucleus to go with some incoming talent that includes blue-chip freshman Wyatt McCarthy, who had a fine career on the youth level. Lance Fischer took a big step forward last season and will be one of the leaders, while Jake DeLuca earned a trip to Region 1 as a freshman. A key addition will likely be Schlereth, who returns to his hometown school after three seasons at DePaul. He will have to sit 30 days per transfer rules. If the newcomers can mix in, a run in the North 1, Group 2 tournament is entirely possible.
Pope John Lions
Coach: Mark Piotrowsky (18-19, third season).
2014-15 record: 10-5, 3-1 NJAC American Division (second).
Returning starters (8): Jr. Christian Deehan (20-10, D2) 106-113; So. Jake Rotunda (24-7, D1, R2) 113-120; Jr. Ryan Luchs (17-8, D3) 126-132; So. Joseph Arbolino (8-11) 138-145; Sr. Caleb Lewie-Cepero (2-5) 138-145; Sr. Billy Koenig (6-7) 152-160; Sr. Joseph Frumolt (16-10, D3) 182; So. Jake Brown (18-6, D2) 195.
Key losses: Dominic Koert (24-7, D3) 126; Anthony Azzariti (16-8, D4) 152; Michael Anderson (12-12, D4) 182.
Key returnees: So. Thomas Germano 126-132; Jr. Travis Healy (1-3) 138-145; So. James Swentzel (0-3) 160-170; So. Jack Morelli (1-1) 285.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Joe Aragona 106; So. Patrick Hanley 106; So. Mike Damico 120; Fr. Chris Fontana 126-132; Fr. Robert Garcia 126-132; Jr. Paul Mayol 132; Fr. Anthony Rispolli 145; Fr. Chase Nugnes 145; Fr. Chris Jhong 182; Sr. Collin Myles 195-220; Fr. Max Montana 220; Sr. Andrew Nieves 220; Fr. Nicholas DeSenzo 285; Jr. Daylin Wade-Perry 285; Sr. Jason Card 285.
Outlook: Lions finally have the numbers and the talent to make a serious splash on the dual-meet scene this season. Rotunda, a Region 1 finalist as a rookie, leads a group of eight returning starters, along with Brown, who turned heads as a freshman. Aragona will make an immediate impact after transferring from Delaware Valley (Pa.) and placing second at Super 32. Garcia, out of the Vernon youth system, is another blue-chip freshman. Competing in the brutal Non-Public North A section is a daunting task, but expect PJ to challenge for a division title and send a few more individuals to Atlantic City.
Sparta Spartans
Coach: Frank Battaglia (55-37, fifth season).
2014-15 record: 19-5, 4-0 NJAC American Division (first).
Returning starters (8): Sr. Garrett Gerndt (25-14, D2) 120; Sr. Andrew Legge (11-17) 126; Sr. Grant Gerndt (11-15) 132; Jr. Sean Finnegan (8-23, D4) 138; Jr. Sean McHugh (14-20) 145; Sr. Al Falco (23-11, D3) 170; Sr. Zach Herbert (23-13, D2) 220; So. Robbie Gennat (26-6, D2) 285.
Key losses: Sierra Blasone (12-10) 106; Ian Burke (36-5, D2, R4) 145; Walker Schmitzer (25-8, D1) 160; Nathan Sowers (18-13, D3) 152; Connor Lore (28-8, D1) 182; Gavin Lally (38-4, D1, R3) 220.
Key returnees: Jr. Paddy Finnegan (5-2) 152; Sr. Ryan Pyper (2-0) 182; Jr. Ryan Rossiter (4-0) 195.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Marcus Bitetto 106; Fr. Chris Hwang 106; Fr. Rocco Gigantelli 113; Fr. Carter Sheridan 126; Fr. Sal Ardizzone 132; Jr. Billy Loewen 220.
Outlook: Spartans are coming off one of their finest seasons in recent memory, posting 19 wins before dropping a 29-24 decision to a tough Paramus squad in the North 1, Group 3 final. With eight starters returning, including four Region 1 qualifiers, and some talented freshmen coming in, expect another run deep into the postseason. Garrett Gerndt is a two-time District 3 finalist and champion two years ago, while the upperweights are again solid with the return of Falco, Herbert and Gennat, who won 26 matches as a freshman. The match against archrival Pope John at home on Jan. 20 will likely be for the American Division title.
Vernon Vikings
Coach: Bill Panfile (7-39, third season).
2014-15 record: 2-22, 0-4 NJAC American Division (fifth).
Returning starters (5): Jr. Roman Moss (7-23) 126; Sr. Cole Nagle (19-11) 145; Jr. Mike Roccasanta (3-25) 160; Jr. Storm DiGuiseppe (5-19) 170; Sr. Zack Jano (7-23) 182; Jr. Mike Alvarez (16-14, D4) 220; Sr. Connor Fitzsimmons (10-13) 285.
Key losses: Sultan Destani (15-15) 138;
Key returnees: Sr. Brandi Braico (0-3) 152.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Logan Folb; Jr. Leo Flesche 138; Sr. Brandon McGhee 138; Fr. Michael Tlatelpa 160; Jr. Joseph Rivera 170; Jr. Ryan Janus 195; Sr. Joe Vitale 195; Sr. Marco Torres 220; So. Walter Lecaros 285.
Outlook: Vikings are struggling with low numbers and will likely have as many as three open weight classes. Nagle and Alvarez are the program's top returning wrestlers and will be counted on for their leadership to help guide a young core group. The goal will be to improve each week and possibly improve on last season's win total.
Wallkill Valley Rangers
Coach: Jeff Churchill (5-17, second season; 159-89-3 from 1988-2003 at Morris Knolls).
2014-15 record: 5-17, 1-3 NJAC Colonial Division (T-third).
Returning starters (2): So. Justin Lindquist (7-17) 132; Jr. Trevor Kish (14-15, D4) 145.
Key losses: Sean Siek (27-11, D3) 138; Joe Tizzano (20-13) 152; Alex Shucai (11-20, D4) 170; Patrick Endrikat (25-6, D2) 182; Ian McDonald (13-17, D4) 195.
Key returnees: So. Brodie McDonald (5-3) 182.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Shane Simon 126; Jr. Mike Dietrich 138; Jr. Connor Andrews 220; Fr. Zach Dora 285.
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