Coach: John Gardner (322-99-2, 20th season).
2016-17 record: 16-6, 4-0 NJAC Freedom Division (first), North 1, Group 2 sectional champion.
Returning starters (9): Jr. Brandon LaRue (33-5, D1, R2) 113-120; Jr. Devin Flannery (28-7, D3, R2) 113-120; Sr. Maverick Liebl (22-10, D3, R5) 126; So. Billy Talmadge (22-12, D1, R5) 132; Sr. Shane Kobis (24-12, D2, R2) 138; Sr. Trey Osborn (19-11, D3) 152-160; Jr. Grayson Sabo (8-13, D4) 182; Sr. Hunter Flores (13-6) 195; Sr. Thomas Hubmaster (16-9) 285.
Key losses: Aric Wingle (16-7, D3) 152; Cliff Rutter (13-17, D2-2015) 220.
Key returnees: So. Devon Liebl (7-1) 106; Jr. Nick Auer (2-2) 132; Sr. RJ Brevot (4-10) 138-145; Sr. Sawyer Fenlon (4-6, D2-2015) 145-152; Sr. Robbie Turro (18-12, D3-2016, injured in 2017) 170; Jr. Storm Goralczyk 195; Jr. Andrew Lewis (4-7) 220.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Nick Douma 113; Fr. Josh Gervey 113; Fr. Alex Buchwald 138; Jr. Ben Intili 132; Jr. Oviane Marsh 138; Jr. Evan Poust 138; Jr. Jacob Carter 145; So. PJ Soldano 160; Jr. Luke Ottens 160; Jr. Shawn Mathews 170; Jr. Jonathan Morris 170; Fr. Chris Hendershot 285.
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| High Point won its 25th sectional title in '17. (HP Wrestling) |
Outlook: The 'Cats -- four wins shy of 700 as a program -- feature nine returning starters and plenty of balance in the lineup. After back-to-back tough losses in the sectional tournament, this group broke through last season with a title and a return trip to Toms River. The strength of this season's squad is the lower weights -- with five returning region placers and three state qualifiers (LaRue, Flannery and Kobis). Another bonus is the return of Turro, who had a solid sophomore campaign, but missed last season with a knee injury. With few weak spots, and what should be improved upper weights, expect the 'Cats to again be in the championship hunt.
Hopatcong Chiefs
Coach: Eric Fajerman (121-281-3, 18th season).
2016-17 record: 3-24, 0-3 NJAC Colonial Division (fourth).
Returning starters (8): So. Freddie Gonzalez (8-17) 120; Sr. Ryan Rodriguez (4-19) 120; Sr. Anthony Mastroeni (38-5, D1, R5) 132; So. Zach Chaparro (3-16) 132; So. Sean Cranmer (9-20) 138; So. Alex Feinberg (2-28) 182; Jr. Liam McGuire (9-19) 195; So. John Sanchez (2-19) 285.
Key losses: Brandon Olmstead (32-12, D3, R6) 113; Bart Yarosz (26-7, D2) 152; Jake Wilkerson (27-10, D1, R4) 170.
Key returnees: So. Jack Certo (1-12) 220.
Outlook: Chiefs, after going winless the previous season, enjoyed some dual-meet success last season. Hampered by low numbers, the program has struggled with just 14 wins in the past six campaigns, but there is some flexibility to cover most of the weight classes. Fajerman, who is the program's longest tenured coach, always gets the most out of his kids, while Anthony Mastroeni (105-21), who needs 38 wins to become the school's all-time leader, will be a contender for a state medal.
Kittatinny Cougars
Coach: John Gill (552-169-5, 38th season).
2016-17 record: 19-5, 3-0 NJAC Colonial Division (first), North 1, Group 1 sectional champion and Group 1 runner-up.
Returning starters (10): Jr. Mike Nelson (13-15) 120; Jr. Nile Mattar (9-19, D4) 120; Jr. Derek Molfetto (19-17, D2) 126; Sr. Mike Callahan (21-16, D4) 138; Sr. Perry Maio (19-17, D3) 145-152; Sr. Calvin Brook (25-13, D2) 145-152; Sr. Shane Smith (28-10, D3) 160; Sr. Josh Hiler (29-10, D2) 170; Jr. Zach Mafaro (35-8, D1, R3) 182-195; So. Jacob Mafaro (18-10) 220.
Key losses: Mark DiGeronimo (25-7, D2) 120; Kasey Hotz (25-12, D1, R2) 152; Josh Klimek (35-8, D2, R3) 182.
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| Kittatinny celebrates winning the North 1, Group 1 title in 2017. |
Promising newcomers: Fr. Patrick Franco 106; Fr. Christian Shotwell 132; Fr. Jackson Crawn 182-195; Jr. Mike Lacken 285.
Outlook: Cougars, despite 10 returning starters, are a bit behind to start the season with no 113-pounder and the loss of senior upperweight Chris Litterio (11-12), who has opted to not wrestle. However, there is plenty of talent in the lineup, including a strong contingent up top with Smith, Hiler and the Mafaro brothers. Maio and Brook will be solid contributors in the middle, so the lower weights will have to help out if this group expects to challenge for another sectional title -- this time in North 1, Group 2. Moving up to Group 2 also wiped out the county's most anticipated dual meet with High Point in early February since they agreed not to chance meeting twice in a week's time. Gill said he's reaching out to High Point to try and reschedule for a meeting earlier this season.
Lenape Valley Patriots
Coach: Gary Mikolay (1st season).
2016-17 record: 11-15, 1-3 NJAC Freedom Division (fourth).
Returning starters (7): So. Zach Miller (12-25, D3) 106; Jr. Dominic Falleni (23-12, D3) 120-126; So. Eric Falleni (26-12, D4) 126-132; Jr. James Haws (4-13, D3-2016) 132-138; Sr. Jake Hickey (11-14) 145; Sr. Jordan Costanza (7-25) 160-170; So. Ryan Hall (14-20) 220.
Key losses: Jacob Falleni (35-8, D1, R2) 120; Ray Smaha (31-7, D2, R3) 138; Nick Palumbo (39-8, D1, R1, S1) 145; Anthony Smaha (21-13, D3, R5) 152.
Key returnees: Jr. Jake Wronko (5-4) 138; Jr. Kalvin Green (2-8) 160-170.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Andres Villanueva-Cruz 106-113; Fr. Tristen Martinelli 106-113; Jr. Marcus Bitetto (15-10, D4-2016, transfer from Sparta) 113; So. Zach Porraro 113; Fr. Gabe Hernandez 152; Sr. Matt Cestone 152; So. Kyle Luba 160; So. Anthony Lopez 160-170; Jr. Alejandro Sanchez 182-195; So. Rob Erlemann 285; Sr. Gabe Jimenez (5-14, D4, transfer from Paramus) 285.
Outlook: Patriots have a new coach in Mikolay, a three-time district champion, a region champ (OW in 1997) and a fourth-place finisher in the state ('98) for Lenape Valley under Bob Poggi. Mikolay was an assistant under Doug Vetter, who guided the program to a 211-168-1 mark the previous 16 seasons. Lots of new faces this season and some heavy graduation losses, including Palumbo, who made school history as its first state champion last season. Despite a good core group, and a nice pickup in Bitetto, this is shaping up to be a rebuilding year. Mikolay said Hickey has done a lot of work in the offseason and he will be a wrestler to watch this season.
Newton Braves
Coach: Eric Bollette (208-174-1, 17th season).
2016-17 record: 11-10, 3-1 NJAC Freedom Division (second).
Returning starters (9): Jr. Matt Rosa (7-8) 126; So. Julian Sibblies (10-17) 132; Jr. Michael Freda (18-13, D4) 138; Jr. Wyatt McCarthy (36-6, D1, R3) 152; Sr. Jonathon Borgognoni (31-6, D1, R5) 160; Jr. Nick Brigante (12-17) 170; Sr. Joey DeLuca (26-12, D2, R6) 182; Sr. Devin Mager (12-10, D2) 195-220; Jr. Luke Fischer (22-11, D2) 195-220.
Key losses: Jake DeLuca (17-12, D3) 138; Nick Giordano (28-11, D2, R5) 152.
Key returnees: So. Mason Leen 106; So. Ryan Sosa 132; So. Aidan Bartsch (6-15) 138; So. Ryan Rittie 145; Jr. Matt Somers (1-6) 220; Jr. Jimmy Harding (6-9) 220-285.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Nathan Fitt 106; Fr. Aden Sathuthiti 106; Fr. Danny Cleary 113; Fr. Nick Costa 113; Fr. Nathan Paternoster 113; Fr. JoJo Lotruglio 120; Fr. Robert Ford 120; So. Nick Chavarria 126; So. Austin Southard 126; Fr. Jordan Sliker 132; Fr. Robert Zaremski 132; Fr. Chris McConnell 138; Sr. Tim Houlihan 145; So. Trevor Aughenbaugh 145; Fr. Jabari Oxley 145; Fr. Ryan Wallis 145; Jr. Joe Gubernard 160; Fr. Konstantinos Protogeropoulos 160; So. Kyheem Butler 195; So. Janchris Munoz 195; So. Isaiah Wilkins 220; Fr. Jake Tonking 220.
Outlook: Braves have endured some up-and-down seasons since the program won its second and last sectional title in 2010. But this could be a banner campaign with nine returning starters -- led by McCarthy and Borgognoni -- and some talented freshmen who should make an immediate impact. Another plus is a solid group of upper weights, which is key to success nowadays. If the younger wrestlers come along, this could be a pretty balanced lineup. The North 2, Group 2 section is deep, but this squad, if healthy, may challenge High Point and Kittatinny for championships.
Pope John Lions
Coach: Mark Piotrowsky (52-25, fifth season).
2016-17 record: 16-2, 4-0 NJAC American Division (first).
Returning starters (11): So. Eddie Ventresca (36-7, D1, R1, S6) 113-120; Sr. Jake Rotunda (33-5, D1, R1) 126-132; Jr. Joe Aragona (34-3, D3, R1, S2) 132-138; So. Mathew Garcia (18-7, D3) 132; Jr. Robert Garcia (35-8, D2, R1, S4) 145; Jr. Anthony Rispoli (10-10, D4) 160; Sr. James Swentzel (12-13, D4) 160-170; Sr. Reece Muldoon (24-9, D1, R1) 182-195; Jr. Chris Jhong (5-18) 182-195; Sr. Jake Brown (24-4, D1, R2) 195-220; Jr. Louis Montana (15-11) 285.
Key losses: Ryan Luchs (23-14, D3, R4) 138.
Key returnees: Sr. Patrick Hanley 132-138; Sr. Thomas Germano 138; Sr. Joseph Arbolino (6-6) 152; Jr. Chase Nugnes (0-5) 160; Sr. Jack Morelli (2-1) 285.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Shane Percelay 106; Fr. Michel Ritacco 106-113; Fr. Davis Jagiello 113-120; So. Kaya Sement 120-126; So. Jesse Germano 132-138; So. Chris Fontana 138-145; So. Cosmo Esposito 138-145; Fr. Mac Esposito 138; Sr. Quinn Muldoon 152; So. Connor Fritsch 152; Jr. Justin Perez 160-170; So. Sebastian Flamenco 285; Jr. Nick DeSenzo 285; Sr. Ryan Card 285.
Outlook: Lions, who feature three state placewinners, including runner-up Aragona, are primed for another run at conference, sectional and state championships, moving out of the rugged Non-Public North A to Non-Public North B, where it has won all of its seven sectional titles, the last in 1994. Rotunda (90), Brown (76), Aragona (74) and Garcia (67) are on target to eclipse the 100-win mark for their careers this season. With few holes, this team should be among the state's best.
Sparta Spartans
Coach: Frank Battaglia (89-54, seventh season).
2016-17 record: 19-9, 3-1 NJAC American Division (second), North 1, Group 3 sectional champion.
Returning starters (7): So. Cooper Stewart (14-3) 106; Jr. Chris Hwang (17-5, D1, R6) 126; Jr. Rocco Gignatelli (12-19) 126-132; So. Garrett Stewart (30-8, D1, R5) 138; So. Cassius Battaglia (3-14) 145; Jr. Carter Sheridan (18-15, D4) 145; Sr. Robbie Gennat (32-10, D2, R2) 195-220.
Key losses: Sean McHugh (19-15, D4) 152; Sean Finnegan (21-17, D3) 160; Paddy Finnegan (21-14, D3) 170; William Loewen (19-5, D1-2016) 220; Zach Herbert (31-6, D2, R3) 285.
Key returnees: Sr. Kevin Berlin (8-11) 160-170; Sr. Mason Minetti (1-2) 170-182.
Promising newcomers: Fr. Spencer Stewart 113; So. Devin Belasco 120; So. David Rubin 120; Fr. Troy Schmitzer 132; Jr. Sal Ardizzone 145; So. James Bates 152; Sr. Jack Dau 152; Jr. Ty Costlow 160; Sr. Russell Eberding 182; So. TJ Hurley 220.
Outlook: Spartans are coming off one of the program's most successful seasons, capturing the North 1, Group 3 title for the school's third sectional championship and first in 17 years. Though there were some heavy graduation losses, this team has the potential for another winning campaign. The lower to middle part of the lineup should be fine, but there's plenty of inexperience among the upper weights -- besides Gennat (86 career wins) -- which have been a strength in recent seasons. If the big guys can develop, there's no reason why this group can't make another run in the postseason.
Vernon Vikings
Coach: Todd Piontkowski (24-51, first season of second stint).
2016-17 record: 0-28, 0-4 NJAC Freedom Division (fifth).
Returning starters (4): Jr. Logan Folb (1-26) 126; So. Jon Alvarez (7-23) 170; Sr. Walt Talt (0-16) 170; Sr. Kyle Folb (3-11) 220.
Key losses: Roman Moss (19-11, D4) 132; Mike Alvarez (14-12) 220.
Promising newcomers: So. Jacob Ezzo 106; Sr. Sergio Germinario 113; Fr. Windber Rudi 113; Fr. Sage DiGiuseppe 132; Fr. Cooper Pleva 138; Sr. Justin Kipilla 145; Jr. Hunter Walker 152; Fr. Dylan Harris 160; Jr. Hunter Benazet 195; Jr. Jeremy Kayhart 220; Sr. Tyler Janus 285.
Outlook: Vikings have been plagued by low numbers in recent seasons and have a new coach for the third time in three seasons as Piontkowski, a former Vernon wrestler who guided the program for three seasons in 2009-11, is back for his second stint. The good news is that most of the weights should be covered to give this team a chance to win some dual meets. But there is a lot of inexperience and no returning wrestlers with a winning record.
Wallkill Valley Rangers
Coach: Jeff Churchill (13-49, third season; 159-89-3 in 15 seasons from 1989-2003 at Morris Knolls).
2016-17 record: 6-20, 1-2 NJAC Colonial Division (third).
Returning starters (9): So. Samantha Larsen (17-5) 113; So. Zac Creeden (26-5, D2) 120; So. Erik Ross (6-13) 126-132; So. Tyler Sanchez (9-11) 126-132; Jr. Shane Simon (9-22) 152-160; Sr. Zaine Sugar (4-14) 145-152; Sr. Brodie McDonald (17-17) 182; Jr. Steve Line (6-18) 195; Jr. Zach Dora (15-19, D4) 285.
Key losses: Trevor Kish (23-13, D3) 152; Connor Andrews (22-14, D4) 220.
Promising newcomers: So. Aaron Tice 113; Fr. Matt Milliken 120; Fr. Gian Accardi 132; Fr. Georgio Moskonas 132; Fr. Kyle McGinnis 138; So. Devin Watson 145; Fr. Chris Perez 145; So. Derrick Rotger 170; Jr. Cameron Lewis 220.
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