Coach: Dan McIntyre (76-50, seventh season).
2016-17 record: 10-13, 5-0 Skyland Conference Valley Division (first).
Returning starters (7): Jr. Quinn Melofchik (35-5, D1, R3) 113; Sr. Ryan Lensi (16-16, D4) 120; So. Dylan Olsen (3-12) 120; Sr. Kristian Panetta (6-19) 132; Jr. Vasilios Nikolopoulos (3-17) 152; Sr. Ryan Kokawski (26-9, D3) 195-220; Sr. Hunter Smith (8-22, D4) 220-285.
Key losses: Nick Cassidy (25-12, D2) 138; Nick Appleby (29-5, D3) 170.
Key returnees: Jr. Dominick Lepore (5-3) 113; So. Isaac Super (0-3) 132; So. Anthony Appleby (3-10) 160; Sr. Zachary Vought (4-10) 182.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Hunter Lensi 106; Fr. Marquise Panetta 120; Fr. Justin Kane 138; Sr. Collin Leahey 145; Fr. Tye Jean 145; Jr. Hunter Webb 160; Fr. Matt Frauen 170; Fr. Shane Exley 170.
Outlook: County Seaters, who have been the class of their division, have the potential for another solid season. Melofchik is one of the area's top wrestlers, while Kokawski emerged last season to help anchor the upper weights. There are some inexperienced weights throughout this lineup, but if they can improve as the season goes on, a run at a sectional title or at least a spot in the final is certainly within reach.
Delaware Valley Terriers
Coach: Andy Fitz (180-56, 11th season).
2016-17 record: 23-3, 4-2 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-second), Central Jersey, Group 2 and Group 2 champion.
Returning starters (6): Jr. Tommy Schlittler (13-14, D3) 126; Jr. A.J. DeRosa (29-6, D2, R2-2016) 132-138; So. Gage Crater (24-11) 132-138; Jr. Shawne Ramsby (15-11) 170; Sr. Kyle Lightner (42-2, D1, R1, S1) 195-220; Sr. Eli Kalfaian (19-11, D2) 195-220.
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| Delaware Valley won its first Group 2 title since 1999 last season. |
Key returnees: So. Derek Schepens 106; Sr. CJ Heaps (7-6) 113; Sr. Joey DeSapio 160; So. Matt Ruchak (2-0) 285.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Corey Crater 120; So. Shane Reynolds 126; Jr. TJ Horn 138-145; Fr. Anthony DeRosa 145; Fr. Zeke Stettler 152; So. Mason Sorge 152; Jr. Brandon Helper 182; Jr. Kyle Carney 182; So. Ryan Sutter 220.
Outlook: Terriers are coming off a banner campaign, capturing their 17th sectional title and winning a Group 2 title for the first time since 1999. But heavy graduation losses -- and Lightner on the shelf until at least January with a knee injury -- have this season shaping up to be a rebuilding year with a lot of unknowns in the lineup, especially in the middle and up top. DeRosa and Crater have been solid contributors and Fitz expects a big season for Kalfaian, who emerged as a junior and will be counted on to help in Lightner's absence. Expect this team to be improved by season's end.
Hackettstown Tigers
Coach: Frank Rodgers (221-223-4, 15th season of second stint, 21st overall).
2016-17 record: 13-14, 2-2 NJAC Freedom Division (third).
Returning starters (8): So. Michael Sullivan (2-13, D4) 106-113; Jr. Nate Bennett (9-12) 120; Sr. Erick Garcia (13-15) 132; Sr. Alex Carida (38-4, D1, R1) 145-152; So. Zeb Burke (9-20) 160; Sr. Shawn Burke (12-21) 170; Jr. Matt Castro (13-16) 182-195; Sr. Joe Andes (31-12, D2, R2) 285.
Key losses: Steven Nicotra (18-11, D4) 120; Justin Bennett (18-16, D3) 132; Anthony Gonzalez (12-9, D2) 160; Kyle Connelly (29-9, D1) 195.
Key returnees: Sr. Denny Blanco (4-10) 126; So. Zak Eberhart (0-4) 138; Jr. Tim Ervey (0-4) 145-152; So. Garrett Meyer (1-3) 160; Jr. Dan Olson (5-2) 220.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Sam Castner 106; So. Christian Bremner 138; Sr. Sammy Giraldo 145-152.
Outlook: Tigers will lean heavily on their two state qualifiers -- Carida and Andes -- as they look to remain competitive with the likes of High Point and Newton in the division, while being in the same district with Phillipsburg. As far as dual meets go, there is enough returning talent to stay in double digits, but this group will need to find another upper weight to pair with Castro. Carida, who enters the season with 96 career wins, needs 28 to eclipse the school record held by Joe Renne (123).
Hunterdon Central Red Devils
Coach: Jon Cantagallo-Rohm (60-14, fourth season).
2016-17 record: 24-3, 4-2 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-second), Central Jersey, Group 5 champion and Group 5 runner-up.
Returning starters (8): Jr. Jack Bauer (30-10, D1, R2) 120; So. Anthony Romaniello (21-10, D3) 126; Sr. Hunter Graf (39-4, D1, R2, S8-2016) 132; Jr. Vincent Romaniello (30-8, D1) 145; Sr. Kevin Ciresa (29-7, D2, R5) 152; Jr. Dan Furmato (18-17, D3) 160; So. Lukas Bakerian (10-17) 195; Sr. Angelo Crespo (19-15, D4) 220.
Key losses: Peter Nace (30-8, D2, R2) 126; Bryce Hall (33-12, D1, R3) 138; Julian Heiligtag (13-15, D3, exchange student) 170; Michael Iodice (38-9, D1, R2, S6) 182; Victor Lacombe (41-3, D1, R1, S3) 220.
Key returnees: So. Justin Miller 113; So. Grant Bloch (5-5) 126; Jr. Pasquale Vizzoni (9-6) 138; Sr. Lucas Polkowski (1-1) 170-182; Sr. Reese Young (0-2) 182-195; Jr. Ryan Joyce 285.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Brett Ungar 106; Fr. Colton Washleski 113; Jr. Kyle Barrett 170-182.
Outlook: Red Devils enjoyed a stellar run to the Group 5 final last season, dropping a heartbreaking 28-27 decision to Howell to thwart a bid for the school's second state championship and first since 1989. There's plenty of returning talent, but Howell is now in Central Jersey, Group 5 and is regarded as perhaps the top public school team. Central has a solid core to build around, including a pair of state qualifiers in Bauer and Graf, a medal winner two seasons ago. If the newcomers down low and up top can round into form, expect this group to be very dangerous by season's end.
North Hunterdon Lions
Coach: Chris Hrunka (first season).
2016-17 record: 17-6, 3-3 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-fourth).
Returning starters (8): Jr. Connor Robinson (27-11, D2, R6) 106-113; So. Evan Klimas (17-14) 120-126; Sr. Andrew Gapas (38-7, D1, R4, S8) 138-145; Jr. Michael Wilson (15-18, D2) 138-145; Sr. Tucker Kirchberger (22-10, D1) 145-152; Sr. William Hughes (21-12, D1) 152-160; Sr. Noah Quental (12-10) 182-195; Sr. Yousef Abbas (16-13, D2, R6) 195-220.
Key losses: Cole Marra (33-7, D1, R3) 152; Nick Luberto (20-14, D1) 160; Charlie Tordik (32-4, D1, R4) 285.
Key returnees: So. Drew Doscher 120, Jr. Luke Hanlon 120-126; So. Kyle Anderson (3-3) 132; So. Nate Fossett (2-7) 170; Sr. John Spies 170-182; Jr. Lorenzo Becerelli (0-4) 220; Jr. Francis Vitelli (1-2) 285.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Connor Quinn 106; Fr. Frank Diesso 106; Fr. Billy Cole 126; Fr. Connor McGeary 132; Fr. James Holder 152; Jr. Jaleel Friedman 285.
Outlook: Lions have a new head coach in Hrunka, a former district and region champion for Warren Hills and assistant under Tim Flynn, who guided the program to a mark of 118-48 the previous eight seasons and a North 2, Group 5 sectional title in 2015. North is on the upswing with a thriving middle school program and enough returning talent to make a splash this season, despite the loss of two state qualifiers. Gapas is among the area's best, but the key will be bringing some of the inexperienced upper weights along in order to round out the lineup. As always, the North 2, Group 4 section runs through Phillipsburg.
North Warren Patriots
Coach: Scott Stoll (21-38, fourth season).
2016-17 record: 6-13, 2-1 NJAC Colonial Division (second).
Returning starters (7): So. Justin Gerkhardt (10-12, D4) 120; So. Brandon Casey (10-15) 138; So. Rob Fletcher (9-15) 145; Jr. Kevin Shaffer (16-12) 152; Jr. Ryan Walsh (12-13) 160; Jr. Joseph Voitek (8-12) 170; Sr. Joey Sprague (16-15, D3) 285.
Key losses: So. Ben Lilly (17-6) 106; Shannon Grogan (24-8, D4) 138.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Alex Davila 113; Fr. Luke Scarmack 113; Fr. Devon Collett 126; Fr. Austin Collett 145; Fr. Luke Van Horn 182.
Outlook: Patriots have been battling inexperience and low numbers in previous years, but that doesn't seem to be the case this season with seven returning starters, including Region 1 qualifier Sprague, who will help lead the team up top where it's a little thin. The loss of Lilly, who opted not to compete this season, hurts a bit so this group will be counting on some of the younger wrestlers to take a step forward as the season goes on in order to improve on last season's win total. Former Kittatinny wrestler and High Point assistant Kellen Bradley is a huge addition to the coaching staff.
Phillipsburg Stateliners
Coach: Dave Post (112-18, eighth season).
2016-17 record: 16-1, 6-0 Skyland Conference Raritan Division, North 2, Group 4 and Group 4 champions.
Returning starters (9): Sr. Cullen Day (33-9, D1, R2) 113; Jr. Travis Jones (27-12, D1, R4) 120; Jr. Kyle Tino (15-17, D2) 132-138; Jr. Cody Harrison (26-8, D1, R3, S8) 138-145; Sr. Josh Ramos (7-8, D3) 145-152; Jr. Jayson Zinsmeister (14-14, D3) 145-152; Sr. Brian Meyer (39-8, D1, R1, S3) 152-160; Sr. Shamyr Brodders (6-15) 182; Jr. Austin Roth (5-16) 195.
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| Phillipsburg seeks its fifth straight Group 4 title in 2018. |
Key returnees: Jr. Brenden Fox (4-5) 126; Sr. Lance Wissing (3-5) 170; So. Cody Cruts (0-7) 220.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Logan Maczko 106; Fr. Jason Tino 113-120; Fr. Tyler Marason 126-132; Fr. Sean Ricker 126-132; Fr. Gage Horvath 195; Sr. Patrick Sharpe 285.
Outlook: Stateliners are coming off another banner season which culminated with the program's fourth consecutive Group 4 championship. With nine returning starters, including two state medal winners, they enter this season as heavy favorites to make it five in a row for the first time since winning six straight from 1999-2000 (the first two in Group 3). Post will have plenty of flexibility to maneuver his lineup, with Wissing a key in jumping up from 138 to 170. The town is also gearing up for a Return to The Pit on Friday, Dec. 22, when the 'Liners will face longtime rival Delaware Valley for the season's lone match in the historic venue. There are some familiar P'burg names on the roster, including Maczko, a blue-chip freshman, whose father, John (district runner-up in 1989), and uncle, Pat (fifth in the state at 135 pounds in 1990), donned the Garnet and Grey.
Voorhees Vikings
Coach: Eric Hall (136-47, eighth season).
2016-17 record: 19-7, 0-6 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (seventh).
Returning starters (7): Sr. Colby Koshinski (24-15, D1, R6) 113; Jr. Aidan Taylor (25-16, D1, R4) 120; Jr. Hunter Rinehart (29-10, D2) 126; Jr. Matt Brandner (8-20) 145; Sr. Scott Fernandes (37-9, D2, R4) 182; Jr. Lewis Fernandes (35-11, D2, R2) 220; Jr. Sam Huff (20-14, D1) 285.
Key losses: Colton Riley (19-16, D4) 132; Liam Cutri-French (26-11, D3) 138; Michael Fernandes (41-3, D1, R2) 160.
Key returnees: So. Joe Swiston (2-6) 132; So. Garrett Loescher 138; Sr. Brad Kalinchak (1-2) 170.
Promising newcomers: So. Josh Rich 106; So. Joseph DiStephano 195.
Outlook: Vikings, who are sitting on 586 wins as a program, are coming off their eighth straight winning season (seven under Hall) and look to challenge for the school's third title in six seasons in what looks like a pretty wide-open North 2, Group 3 section. There are some question marks in the lineup, particularly at 145 and 152, but this team will rely on a strong group of upper weights with state qualifiers Scott and Lewis Fernandes, along with Huff, a returning district champion. If the middle of the lineup develops, this could be a team to reckon with by season's end.
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
Coach: Jarrett Hosbach (158-122, 13th season).
2016-17 record: 16-9, 1-5 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (sixth).
Returning starters (9): So. Greg Slivka (9-21) 113; Sr. Kyle Wulff (28-12, D2, R6) 126-132; Jr. Chris Ostir (14-11, D3) 132-138; So. Logan Nauta (14-13) 138-145; Sr. Pedro Cruz (5-14) 138-145; Sr. Cameron Nauta (13-10, D3) 145-152; So. Nick Hildebrant (5-11, D4) 160-170; Sr. Jarod Ostir (30-11, D1, R2) 182-195; Jr. Nick Galka (28-12, D1, R5) 182-195.
Key losses: Matt Valli (35-8, D1, R3) 132; Zach Nauta (28-9, D1, R5) 138; Rashon Wade Taylor (23-17, D1, R4) 152; Brody Oberly (21-12, D1, R5) 220; Taylan Zafis (28-13, D2, R5) 285.
Key returnees: Sr. Codey O'Rourke (4-5) 120-126; So. Geir Nemeth 145-152.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Walker Heller 106; Jr. Duro Ajayi 285.
Outlook: Blue Streaks return nine starters, but they did lose five key wrestlers to graduation. Filling those spots will be the key to success. The strength of this lineup is through the middle, while Jarod Ostir (elbow and knee surgeries the last two offseasons) and Galka will be counted on in the upper weights. Wulff and Galka were knocking on the door to earn their first trips to Atlantic City so they should have some extra motivation. If guys can get to their ideal weights and score enough bonus points to cover some of the inexperienced spots, it may have a chance to make a postseason run, though matches against some of the better teams on the schedule will be difficult.
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