Wrestling: Central's fast start slows Warren Hills

WASHINGTON TWP. -- With only five seniors on the entire roster, Hunterdon Central junior Colton Washleski has been thrust into the leadership role -- one he admittedly is still getting accustomed to.

But his veteran presence was essential on Tuesday afternoon, as Washleski bumped up a weight class and scored a key decision at 152 pounds in leading the Red Devils, ranked No. 11 in the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20, to a 36-27 victory over Warren Hills in a cross-divisional matchup of Skyland Conference rivals on New Year's Eve.

Central looks to be back in the sectional title hunt.

Central (1-0), which owns a 45-13-1 lead in the all-time series dating to 1960 and has won the last five meetings since a 34-33 loss in 2014, opened the dual meet portion of the schedule by winning nine bouts, including Washleski's 13-7 decision over previously unbeaten Warren Hills sophomore Stephen Malia, who won his first John Goles Invitational title on Friday. An arm bar for three back points after an early takedown was a pivotal in the opening period.

"That's my thing [the bar]," said Washleski, a two-time state qualifier and district champion last season. "A pin there would have been nice."

This match was also about who didn't wrestle as Warren Hills (1-1) was missing six starters, including two solid contributors in the middle weights in seniors Logan Nauta (undisclosed reasons) and Geir Nemeth (skin) at 132 and 138. Senior Nick Hildebrant (170) and freshman Cody Miller (145) have been dealing with knee injuries, while upper weights Ryan Galka (ankle) and freshman Jarett Pantuso (collar bone) have yet to see action.

Making matters worse, junior Logan Polcari was forced to default with a head injury he sustained during the third period of a tight bout at 220 against Hunterdon Central senior Brandon Donoghue.

"We're always going to err on the side of caution," second-year Blue Streaks coach Dave Sbriscia said of halting that matchup. "You can't be too careful. That was a match where we were going to give up three [team points] or get three."

Central, which has been without sophomore upper weight Vincent Brito (broken wrist), took the opportunity to sit some starters, including sophomore Tanner Peake (5-4 at 138), with the outcome settled after junior Curtis Wheatley's match-clinching pin in the 13th bout at 132. Washleski knows he must assume that key leadership role if Central is to make another run at the Group 5 title.

"It's a lot different. I still want to act like I'm part of the youngins," he said. "We have a lot of young kids. We'll be right there at the top [in Group 5] again."

Senior Anthony Romaniello (160) and junior Norman Cella (170) followed Washleski's lead with a pin and a decision as Central jumped out to an 18-0 lead five bouts in. Sophomore Nick Canonica also won another featured bout at 120 -- getting a second-period reversal and riding out senior Greg Slivka in the third period for a 2-1 victory.

"We're starting to look at match counts and we saw an opportunity to sit guys," said coach Jon Cantagallo-Rohm, whose Red Devils will get another test against Delaware Valley on Friday. "We knew [Warren Hills] was banged up. We still have some things to clean up. This was the first dual of the year. We have a lot of inexperienced guys in the lineup who need to get some seasoning and develop. I thought overall our kids wrestled well."

Warren Hills is hoping to at least get Nauta and Nemeth back for Friday's road match at North Warren. The rest of the injured starters are at least a week or two away, according to Sbriscia.

"I was very happy with the way our kids wrestled and the guys who had to step in for us," Sbriscia said. "We have to get all the pieces in the right spots [for February and the sectional tournament]. I like to win matches in December, but the goal is to hang banners [on the gym wall].

HUNTERDON CENTRAL 36, WARREN HILLS 27
145 -- Jr. Max Rosse (1-0), HC, d. Jr. Reese Manfredi (0-1), 6-3.
152 -- Jr. Colton Washleski (6-2), HC, d. So. Stephen Malia (7-1), 13-7.
160 -- Sr. Anthony Romaniello (7-2), HC, p. Fr. Luke Dugan (0-1), 1:40.
170 -- Jr. Norman Cella (5-2), HC, d. So. Owen Frizzell (5-2), 8-2.
182 -- Sr. Chase Nehila (3-2), HC, d. Jr. Brandon Riggs (1-6), 7-1.
195 -- So. Michael Galka (2-2), WH, p. So. Nicholas Lewis (2-4), 3:32.
220 -- Sr. Brandon Donoghue (3-3), HC, injury default, Jr. Logan Polcari (5-4), 4:36.
285 -- So. Tyler McCatharn (7-1), WH, p. Jr. Tim Suk (0-5), 1:10.
106 -- Fr. Henry Wilkinson (2-4), HC, d. Fr. Kevin Riedinger (1-5), 6-0.
113 -- Fr. Shawn Redfield (4-4), WH, p. So. Christopher Dill (0-1), 1:12.
120 -- So. Nick Canonica (5-3), HC, d. Sr. Greg Slivka (5-3), 2-1.
126 -- So. Jared Lee (7-1), WH, d. So. Aidan Portnoy (3-2), 1-0.
132 -- Jr. Curtis Wheatley (4-3), HC, p. So. Ryan Carey (0-1), 1:20.
138 -- So. Max Pagano (1-2), WH, p. So. Steven Klein (0-1), 1:34.
Records -- Hunterdon Central 1-0; Warren Hills 1-1.
Official -- Joe Benvenuto.

Wrestling: State powers set for Boresch Duals

It's become one of the most anticipated events on the high school calendar in New Jersey as several of the Garden State's top teams are once again slated to compete in the 15th annual Henry Boresch Duals at Newton High School on Saturday.

North Hunterdon, ranked No. 7 by the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association and making its first Boresch Duals appearance since 2010, is the No. 2 seed. The loaded field also includes four other ranked teams -- Kingsway (No. 4), Paulsboro (No. 6), South Plainfield (No. 17) and Toms River North (No. 19) -- while Hanover Park, Caldwell and host Newton round out the eight-team field.

"We're excited to get a crack at it," said third-year coach Chris Hrunka, whose squad is coming off an impressive showing at the John Goles Invitational last Friday -- racking up a tournament record 256 points in claiming the program's second straight team championship. "We still have stuff to work on. I certainly don't think any of our guys are peaking right now."

The Duals setup at Henry Boresch Memorial Gym.

Goles champions Connor Quinn (7-2 at 132 pounds), Nate Fossett (7-2 at 182), Alex Uryniak (8-1 at 195), Ian Gaburo (5-0 at 220) and Liam Akers (9-0 at 285) lead North Hunterdon, last season's North 2, Group 4 runner-up.

North Hunterdon (3-0) is set to face No. 7 Caldwell, while Paulsboro, the No. 3 seed and reigning Group 1 champion, will take on No. 6 Hanover Park, which is coached by former Kittatinny standout Tyler Branham, on the adjacent mat at 10:30 a.m.

No. 1 seed Kingsway, last season's Group 4 champion, will take on No. 8 Newton, while No. 4 South Plainfield, the reigning Group 2 champion, will square off against No. 5 seed Toms River North at 9 a.m.

Paulsboro (1-0) won last year's title, going back-to-back in the perennial Group 1 champion's first two Boresch Duals appearances with a 37-17 victory over Group 2 champ South Plainfield.

Newton (0-1), which finished sixth in the Boresch Duals last season and won its fourth and last title in 2010, is led by juniors Nathan Fitt (6-1 at 120), the John Goles OW, and JoJo Lotruglio (7-0 at 138), along with senior Julian Sibblies (5-2 at 182). The Braves dropped a 49-16 decision to Kingsway in last year's tournament.

In all there are five state medal winners in the field, including Hanover Park junior Joey Olivieri (132), a Beast of the East runner-up and state champion in 2018 who placed fourth in Atlantic City last season. Kingsway features senior McKenzie Bell (fourth, 126), while Paulsboro has a pair of returning state finalists in seniors Jacob Perez-Eli (second, 138) and Brandon Green (first, 182). Toms River North is led by senior Nick Boggiano (eighth, 152).

Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for students.

Here is the schedule (All times approximate as a new round will begin following the completion of the previous session):

Quarterfinals, 9 a.m.

1-Kingsway (0-0) vs. 8-Newton (0-1)
4-South Plainfield (1-1) vs. 5-Toms River North (3-0)

Quarterfinals, 10:30 a.m.

3-Paulsboro (1-0) vs. 6-Hanover Park (2-0)
2-North Hunterdon (3-0) vs. 7-Caldwell (0-0)

Wrestleback semifinals, noon

Kingsway-Newton loser vs. South Plainfield-Toms River North loser
Paulsboro-Hanover Park loser vs. North Hunterdon-Caldwell loser

Semifinals, 1:30 p.m.

Kingsway-Newton winner vs. South Plainfield-Toms River North winner
Paulsboro-Hanover Park winner vs. North Hunterdon-Caldwell winner

Consolation round, 3 p.m.

Fifth- and seventh-place matches.

Championship round, 4:30 p.m.

First- and third-place matches.

Memory lane of champions

2006 -- Don Bosco 50, Haddonfield 24

2007 -- Newton 54, Pequannock 9

2008 -- Newton 36, Haddonfield 31

2009 -- Newton 43, Haddonfield 18

2010 -- Newton 34, Don Bosco 32

2011 -- Raritan 41, Newton 24

2012 -- South Plainfield 47, Raritan 18

2013 -- South Plainfield 62, Raritan 8

2014 -- Hanover Park 35, Raritan 29

2015 -- Howell 40, South Plainfield 15

2016 -- South Plainfield 45, Howell 20

2017 -- South Plainfield 43, Hanover Park 23

2018 -- Paulsboro 48, Hanover Park 20

2019 -- Paulsboro 37, South Plainfield 17

Wrestling: HWS schedule for Dec. 30-Jan. 4

Monday, Dec. 30

(All matches 9 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hopatcong at Boonton

Independent

Belvidere at Hanover Park, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

(All events 9:30 a.m., unless noted)

Skyland Conference

Hunterdon Central at Warren Hills, noon

Independent

Delaware Valley, East Brunswick, Pingry at Shore

Thursday, Jan. 2

(All matches 7 p.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Kittatinny at High Point

Independent

Phillipsburg at Raritan
New Providence at Voorhees

Friday, Jan. 3

(All events 7 p.m., unless noted)

Skyland Conference

Hunterdon Central at Delaware Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Independent

Warren Hills at North Warren

High Point, Pope John at Sam Cali Tournament, 9 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 4

(All events 9 a.m., unless noted)

North Hunterdon in Boresch Duals at Newton

North Warren, Voorhees, Old Bridge at Sparta, 10 a.m.

Hasbrouck Heights, Passaic at Vernon, 10 a.m.

Belvidere, Cresskill, Ridge at Warren Hills, 10 a.m.

Roselle Park, Rutherford, Whippany Park at Hackettstown
Hunterdon Central, Leonia, West Essex at Wayne Valley
Wallkill Valley, Highland Park, Summit at Dover, 10 a.m.

Hopatcong at Minutemen Classic

Lenape Valley, Bergenfield, Ridge at Fair Lawn

High Point, Pope John at Sam Cali Tournament

Independent

Phillipsburg at Monroe, 6 p.m.

Wrestling: North makes 'point' in winning Goles title

WASHINGTON TWP. -- North Hunterdon junior Connor Quinn said the team goal is to "always look for pins and bonus points," because you never know when those extra points may make a difference.

The Lions made every point count in the 62nd annual John Goles Invitational, racking up a tournament-best 21 pins and crowning five champions en route to setting a new record for total team points on Friday at Warren Hills Regional High School.

North Hunterdon won the team race in record fashion

North, ranked No. 7 in the state by the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association, ran away with its second straight team championship and eclipsing the previous mark of 254 by Newton in 2008. It's the fifth Goles team championship for the Lions and the first time they've gone back-to-back. West Morris finished second with 178 points, followed by Warren Hills in third with 164.

"I honestly didn't know what the record was," said coach Chris Hrunka, now in his third season at the helm and a Goles champion for Warren Hills in 2006. "It's always great to set a record. Hopefully, we'll break it again."

Hrunka was also pleased that North met its tournament goal of 21 pins -- three more than it had in winning the Nottingham Tournament last Saturday. None of the five champs for North won by fall, but Quinn (132 pounds) and senior Ian Gaburo (220) both won their second titles. Senior Nate Fossett (182), who won the Ryan M. Storm Memorial Award for most pins in least time by a champ, freshman Alex Uryniak (195) and sophomore Liam Akers (285) earned their first Goles championships.

In all, North had 15 wrestlers place in the top four, including four runners-up in Evan Klimas (145), James Holder (170), Andrew Franklin (285) and Logan Wadle (106). Tournament rules allow teams to enter extra wrestlers to help fill out weight classes.

"I think all of our guys wrestled pretty well," said Hrunka, who was without the services of starter and 2018 champion Drew Doscher (138) due to skin issues. "I thought Connor Quinn looked the best today. He's coming into his own."

Quinn (7-2), a No. 3 seed who finished third at 120 last year, benefited from a five-point move in his 7-3 win over top-seeded Logan Nauta of Warren Hills -- getting a takedown and three backs off a cradle with 48 seconds left in the second period.

"I definitely didn't want that feeling again of not being under the lights [for the finals]," said Quinn, who finished third in District 20 last season. "That's my go-to-move. I saw an opportunity and I hit it."

After giving up the opening takedown in his final bout, Gaburo racked up three of his own en route to an 8-5 victory over Hopewell Valley senior Christian Caccabaudo.

In perhaps the most entertaining bout of the championship round, Fossett scored an 11-5 win over Newton senior Julian Sibblies. Fossett (7-2), a district and region champion last season who took a 3-2 lead into the third period, countered a gator roll attempt by Sibblies to score four points with 11 seconds to go to break open a tight bout. Earlier, Sibblies nearly hit a lateral drop at the edge of the mat.

Braves extend streak

Newton, which finished sixth in the team standings, had two champions in junior JoJo Lotruglio (138) and sophomore Nathan Fitt (120), a two-time winner who also earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award. That gave the Braves at least one champ in all but three tournaments since 2000 -- missing in 2004, '12 and '15.

Nathan Fitt with OW Award.

Lotruglio, who finished fourth and third the previous two seasons, converted the opening takedown off a 50-50 scramble with 26 seconds left in the third period and went on to a convincing 5-0 win over West Morris senior Robert Bohr, a district champion and region runner-up last season. Surprisingly, Lotruglio stayed away from his favorite move by not attempting any merkles.

"I'm trying to stay away from [merkles]," said Lotruglio, whose father, Joe, was a district champion for Lenape Valley at 130 pounds in 1992. "I've been working on [single-leg takedowns] a lot. That one could have gone either way. I kept my composure. People who study film and watch me [know about the merkle]. I'm trying to become a more diverse wrestler."

Fitt capped the finals for the second straight season with a stunning takedown and pin in 1:23 against Warren Hills senior Greg Slivka, a two-time runner-up and region fifth-place finisher last season. Fitt (6-1), who won the 106-pound title last year in the last bout, is the fourth Newton wrestler to earn OW honors -- joining Austin Alpaugh (2006), Kevin Churchill ('09) and former teammate Wyatt McCarthy ('17). All three were state tournament placewinners.

"I didn't see that coming [winning the OW]," said Fitt, a No. 4 seed who scored an impressive 5-2 win over top seed and state qualifier Frank DiEsso of North Hunterdon in the semifinals. "I just hit a duck-under to a bear hug [to deck Slivka]. I was moving pretty good on my feet and wrestled tough in all positions."

Malia big on winning

Making the jump up four weight classes certainly didn't faze Warren Hills sophomore Stephen Malia, who rolled to his first title with a 10-2 major of East Stroudsburg North sophomore Wayne McIntrye at 152 pounds.

Malia (7-0), the No. 2 seed who was a district runner-up at 126 as a freshman, started off his tournament by decking heralded Delaware Valley freshman Garrett Tettemer before scoring an 11-6 win over West Morris senior Matt Borgia in the semifinals.

"I'm feeling stronger than ever," said Malia, who is wrestling now at his natural weight. "I felt weak [last year]. Today when I woke up, all I wanted to do was come here and win. I was happy I did it."

Also winning his first title for the Streaks, who have crowned a tournament-best 186 champions and haven't been shut out in the finals since 2002, was sophomore Owen Frizzell, who pinned Verona senior Ryan Huze in 3:38 to claim the championship at 160. Frizzell (5-1) was a part-timer in the varsity lineup last season -- going 2-5.

In addition to Slivka and Nauta, sophomore Jared Lee was a runner-up at 126 for the Streaks.

Here and there

Delaware Valley senior Gage Crater, a runner-up in 2018, broke through in his final Goles appearance by winning his first title at 126 with a 3-1 decision over Warren Hills sophomore Jared Lee. Crater (6-1), a two-time district finalist, converted the decisive takedown with 42 seconds left in the first period after Lee had gotten in deep on a single-leg attempt.

The Terriers, who finished fourth with 153.5 points, also had a runner-up in sophomore Robert Groogan (113).

Keep an eye on Uryniak, a strong freshman who was the lowest seed to win a title as the No. 6 at 195. We could be looking at a four-time winner by the time he's finished. Having good upper weights is key to having a successful dual meet team and North is set up top. The Lions also had a tournament first with two finalists at the same weight with Akers and Franklin at 285.

West Morris showed it's a tournament team with five in the finals and four champions, including two-time winner Colin Loughney at 170 and freshman Michael Camponaro, who was as good as advertised at 106. Coach Ken Rossi and his staff, which includes former Hackettstown standout Jim Balella, always do a great job in having their wrestlers ready for this event.

Those who showed up later in the day missed a fitting tribute -- wish it was prior to the finals to give more in attendance a chance to hear it -- to former tournament director and longtime public address announcer Bill Lunger, who died in October at the all-to-young age of 61. The award for three-time champions will now bear his name. Lunger loved Warren Hills athletics and especially this tournament in which he presided over until 2015 with much class and professionalism. It was tough not thinking about him throughout this 62nd version.

Team standings

1. North Hunterdon (NH) 256; 2. West Morris (WM) 178; 3. Warren Hills (WH) 164; 4. Delaware Valley (DV) 153.5; 5. Hopewell Valley (HV) 92; 6. Newton (N) 85; 7. Manville (M) 68; 8. East Stroudsburg North (ESN) 44; 9. Verona (V) 34.

Placewinners by school (top four)

North Hunterdon 5+4+4+2=15; West Morris 4+1+1+3=9; Warren Hills 2+3+2+2=9; Delaware Valley 1+1+3+3=8; Newton 2+1+0+1=4; Hopewell Valley 0+1+2+1=4; Manville 0+1+1+1=3; Verona 0+1+1+0=2; East Stroudsburg North 0+1+0+1=2.

Championships

126 -- 3-Sr. Gage Crater (6-1), DV, d. 4-So. Jared Lee (6-1), WH, 3-1.
132 -- 3-Jr. Connor Quinn (7-2), NH, d. 1-Sr. Logan Nauta (6-2), WH, 7-3.
138 -- 2-Jr. JoJo Lotruglio (7-0), N, d. 1-Sr. Robert Bohr (2-1), WM, 5-0.
145 -- 1-Sr. Eli Shepard (6-1), WM, d. 2-Sr. Evan Klimas (8-1), NH, 10-6.
152 -- 2-So. Stephen Malia (7-0), WH, md. 4-So. Wayne McIntyre (12-2), ESN, 10-2.
160 -- 4-So. Owen Frizzell (5-1), WH, p. 2-Sr. Ryan Huze (4-2), V, 3:38.
170 -- 1-Sr. Colin Loughney (6-1), WM, p. 3-Jr. James Holder (7-2), NH, 1:29.
182 -- 1-Sr. Nate Fossett (7-2), NH, d. 3-Sr. Julian Sibblies (5-2), N, 11-5.
195 -- 6-Fr. Alex Uryniak (8-1), NH, d. 1-Sr. Alex Abarca (5-1), M, 3-2.
220 -- 1-Sr. Ian Gaburo (5-0), NH, d. 2-Sr. Christian Cacciabaudo (6-2), HV, 8-5.
285 -- 5-So. Liam Akers (9-0), NH, d. 7-Jr. Andrew Franklin (3-1), NH, 1-0.
106 -- 4-Fr. Michael Camponaro (9-1), WM, d. 2-Fr. Logan Wadle (8-2), NH, 6-2.
113 -- 2-So. Michael Ferrante (4-2), WM, p. 4-So. Robert Groogan (4-4), DV, 3:29.
120 -- 4-So. Nathan Fitt (6-1), N, p. 2-Sr. Greg Slivka (5-2), WH, 1:23.

Third-place consolations

106 -- 1-Sr. Derek Schepens (6-3), DV, md. 6-So. Ben Makaritis (2-2), NH, 10-2.
113 -- 1-So. Nick DeLorenzo (8-2), NH, d. 5-Fr. Shawn Redfield (3-4), WH, 5-3.
120 -- 1-Jr. Frank DiEsso (8-2), NH, md. 3-Sr. Christian Micikas (4-4), HV, 10-0.
126 -- 2-So. Malachi Shepard (6-4), WM, d. 6-Fr. Daniel Delusant (4-5), NH, 4-3.
132 -- 2-Jr. Dean Palmer (5-2), V, d. 3-Sr. Chase Christie (5-4), DV, 7-2.
138 -- 4-Sr. Geir Nemeth (6-2), WH, p. 3-Jr. Corey Crater (5-4), DV, 1:25.
145 -- 6-Sr. Shane Reynolds (5-3), DV, d. 3-Jr. Nick Costa (3-4), N, 3-2.
152 -- 1-Sr. Kyle Anderson (7-3), NH, d.  3-Sr. Matt Borgia (6-4), WM, 7-0.
160 -- 5-Jr. William Cole (7-3), NH, d. 1-Jr. Jack Lombardino (4-3), M, 3-1.
170 -- 5-Sr. Shane Lallikssoon (5-2), M, md. 4-Jr. Dylan Hogan (10-4), ESN, 11-2.
182 -- 2-Jr. Josh Beigman (7-2), HV, p. 5-Fr. Henry Frayne (4-3), WM, :35.
195 -- 3-Jr. Brian LaCross (6-3), HV, p. 5-Sr. Mike Battaglino (3-5), WM, 3:57.
220 -- 4-Sr. Nick Moose (5-4), DV, d. 6-Jr. Logan Polcari (5-3), WH, 6-2.
285 -- 4-So. Tyler McCatharn (6-1), WH, forfeit, 1-Sr. Ryan Sutter (3-1), DV.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Nathan Fitt, Newton.
Ryan M. Storm Memorial Award (Most pins in least time by a champion) -- Nate Fossett, North Hunterdon (2 in 52 seconds).
Alonzo Widenor Memorial Award (Fastest pin) -- Cole Hildebrandt, Verona (14 seconds).

Wrestling: John Goles Invitational preview, info

What: John Goles Invitational Tournament (62nd annual).

When: Friday.

Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.

Participating teams (9): East Stroudsburg North (Pa.); Delaware Valley; Hopewell Valley; Manville; Newton; North Hunterdon; Verona; Warren Hills; West Morris.

Schedule (approximate): Pigtails and quarterfinals, 9:30 a.m.; Championships, 4 p.m.

Returning champions (4, 2019 weights): Nathan Fitt, Newton (120, District 2 third); Connor Quinn, North Hunterdon (132, 2017 champion); Colin Loughney, West Morris (170, District 12 first, Region 3 third); Ian Gaburo, North Hunterdon (220, District 20 second, Region 5 fourth).

North Hunterdon eyes back-to-back team titles.

Others to watch: Michael Campanaro, West Morris (106, New Jersey Grade School champion); Jacob Venezia, Hopewell Valley (113, District 19 first, Region 5 fourth); Frank DiEsso, North Hunterdon (120, District 20 first, Region 5 third); Greg Slivka, Warren Hills (120, District 12 second, Region 3 fifth); Gage Crater, Delaware Valley (126, District 19 second); Robert Bohr, West Morris (132, District 12 first, Region 3 second); Dean Palmer, Verona (132, District 10 third); JoJo Lotruglio, Newton (138, District 2 second); Eli Shepard, West Morris (145, District 12 first, Region 3 second); Garrett Tettemer, Delaware Valley (152, NJGSL runner-up); Wayne McIntyre, East Stroudsburg North (152, 16-11 in 2018-19); Dylan Hogan, East Stroudsburg North (170, 17-12 in 2018-19); Nate Fossett, North Hunterdon (182, District 20 first, Region 5 first); Alex Uryniak, North Hunterdon (195, NJGSL champion); Alex Abarca, Manville (195, District 19 first, Region 5 fifth); Nick Paredes, East Stroudsburg North (220, 16-7, District 11 Class AAA top eight finisher).

Notes: Sadly, this will be the first Goles (second oldest consecutive annual holiday tournament in the nation) since the passing of longtime director and Warren Hills icon Bill Lunger in October. Lunger, 61, the school's public address announcer for many decades, loved this tournament with a passion. He will be remembered with a moment of silence, and the plaque awarded to three-time champions will forever bear his name. The program sold at the door, which encompasses tournament history from the previous 61 years, was his labor of love. He will be missed. ... North Hunterdon, featuring returning champions Connor Quinn (2017) and Ian Gaburo, and ranked No. 7 in the state by the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association, is the heavy favorite to win a second straight team championship, which would be a first for the Lions, who have won four team titles overall (1995, 2010, 2014 and 2018). Drew Doscher, who won a title at 132 pounds last year, was not entered for North. ... Newton, which won the team championship in 2017, amassed a tournament record 254 points in winning the 2008 championship. ... Warren Hills has crowned a tournament-best 184 champions overall. The Blue Streaks haven't gone without at least one gold medal since getting shut out in 2002, while they've won or shared 22 team championships since the tournament's inception in 1958, including its last title in 2013. Delaware Valley has won 11 of the previous 21 team titles, including its last in 2016. ... East Stroudsburg North and Manville join the field for the first time in tournament history. Edison, which had appeared in 42 straight tournaments since 1977 and won its third team title in 2006, is out after back-to-back last-place finishes, along with Columbia and Sparta. Edison crowned 60 champions during its tenure, including four-time winners Joe Duhigg (1986-89) and Mike Franco-Bandiero (2005-08). Duhigg earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award in 1987 and '89, while Franco-Bandiero won it twice in 2007 and '08. Warren Hills' Julius DiRisio (1985, '88) and Doug Detrick (1990, '91) are the only other two-time OWs. ... Weights to keep an eye on are 120, 132, 170 and 220. Newton has produced at least one champ in all but three tournaments since 2000. Speaking of which, assistant coaches Andy Iliff (1985-86) and Ted Sibblies (1987-88) were two-time winners for the Braves. Warren Hills head coach Dave Sbriscia was a two-time champion in 2004 and '05, while Del Val assistant Gregg Wiseburn (1999-2000) and North Hunterdon head coach Chris Hrunka (2006) were also champs for the Blue Streaks. Del Val assistant coach Chris Cancelliere (2009-10) was a two-time champion for North Hunterdon.

Championship picks: Michael Camponaro, West Morris (106); Jacob Venezia, Hopewell Valley (113); Greg Slivka, Warren Hills (120); Gage Crater, Delaware Valley (126); Robert Bohr, West Morris (132); JoJo Lotruglio, Newton (138); Eli Shepard, West Morris (145); Garrett Tettemer, Delaware Valley (152); Jack Lombardino, Manville (160); Colin Loughney, West Morris (170); Nate Fossett, North Hunterdon (182); Alex Uryniak, North Hunterdon (195); Ian Gaburo, North Hunterdon (220); Ryan Sutter, Delaware Valley (285).

Team champion: North Hunterdon.

Wrestling: New Jersey Wrestling Writers Top 20

The Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area's strength is on full display with five teams appearing in the season's first New Jersey Writers Association Top 20 poll.

Three traditional Skyland Conference powers -- North Hunterdon (No. 7), Hunterdon Central (No. 11) and Phillipsburg (No. 12) -- are among the local contingent, while High Point (No. 8) and Pope John (No. 9) represent Sussex County.

Hunterdon Central, the Group 5 runner-up last season, and Pope John, the Non-Public B runner-up, will be in action this weekend at the rugged Beast of the East Tournament in Newark, Del.

Eight-time defending Non-Public A champion Bergen Catholic is the consensus No. 1. The Crusaders, who have finished in the top spot every season since the poll's second year in 2014, return seven state qualifiers -- including six medal winners in last season’s NJSIAA State Championships -- and they added state placewinner Will Grater, a transfer from Don Bosco Prep.

Delbarton, whose lineup features eight returning state qualifiers, including six medalists, is expected to challenge Bergen Catholic for the top spot. The Green Wave open the season ranked No. 2.

St. Joseph-Montvale and Camden Catholic are ranked No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, followed by No. 5 Kingsway, the state’s top-ranked public school with 10 letterwinners returning from last season's Group 4 championship squad.

Paulsboro, which enters the season ranked No. 6, returns six starters, including state champion Brandon Green and state runner-up Jacob Perez-Eli.

The Shore Conference features five schools in the preseason rankings. They are defending Group 5 champion Southern, Howell, Brick Memorial, Toms River North and Jackson Memorial.

North Hunterdon will get an early test at the prestigious Boresch Duals at Newton High School on Jan. 4. This year's field features five Top 20 teams, including Kingsway, Paulsboro, South Plainfield (No. 17), winner of the first NJWWA trophy in 2013, and Toms River North.

Results of the NJWWA Top 20 poll, which features a dozen voting members, will appear weekly during the season in newspapers and on websites of participating media outlets.

Rank	School
1	Bergen Catholic
2	Delbarton
3	St. Joseph-Montvale
4	Camden Catholic
5	Kingsway
6	Paulsboro
7	North Hunterdon
8	High Point
9	Pope John
10	St. Augustine Prep
11	Hunterdon Central
12	Phillipsburg
13	Southern
14	Howell
15	Seton Hall Prep
16	St. Peter's Prep
17	South Plainfield
18	Brick Memorial
19	Toms River North
20	Jackson Memorial

NJWWA voting members listed in alphabetical order: Donald J. Brower (GardenStateHSWrestling.com); Frank D’Esposito (theshoreconference.com; Steven Falk (Asbury Park Press and APP.com); Sean Farrell (The Record of Hackensack and NorthJersey.com); Jane Havsy (Daily Record and DailyRecord.com); “Screwy” Louie Lazzari (New Jersey wrestling historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times and phillyburbs.com); Ron Mazzola (NJWWA president and Region V ranking chairman); Tom McGurk (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); Andy Mendlowitz (Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com); Michael Weilamann (Open Mike).

Wrestling: HWS schedule for Dec. 19-29

Thursday, Dec. 19

(All matches 7 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Sparta at Morris Knolls

Skyland Conference

Delaware Valley at Bridgewater-Raritan, 6:30 p.m.
Hillsborough vs. Warren Hills (at middle school)

Independent

Voorhees at Hackettstown

Fair Lawn at North Hunterdon

Clifton at Lenape Valley

Saturday, Dec. 21

(All events 9 a.m., unless noted)

Phillipsburg at Dvorak Tournament in Illinois, 9:30 a.m.

High Point at Colt Classic

Hackettstown, Kittatinny at Caldwell Tournament

Lenape Valley, North Warren, Vernon at Dover Tournament

Belvidere, Sparta, Warren Hills at Hopatcong Invitational, 8 a.m.

North Hunterdon at Nottingham Tournament, 9:30 a.m.

Voorhees in Wendy Pandy-Leh Tournament at Delaware Valley, 9:45 a.m.

Newton in Bayonne Battle at the Bay

Hunterdon Central, Pope John at Beast of the East

Wallkill Valley at Morris Knolls Tournament

Sunday, Dec. 22

(Both events 9 a.m.)

Hunterdon Central, Pope John at Beast of the East
Phillipsburg at Dvorak Tournament in Illinois

Monday, Dec. 23

(All matches 3 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Sparta at Newton

Independent

Kittatinny at River Dell

Hopewell Valley at Delaware Valley, 4 p.m.

North Hunterdon, Emerson-Park Ridge, Ramsey at Pascack Valley, 10 a.m.

Voorhees, Montclair, Pompton Lakes at Randolph, 8:30 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 27

(All events 9 a.m., unless noted)

Belvidere, North Warren in Linn Crawn Classic at Kittatinny

Delaware Valley, Newton, North Hunterdon in John Goles Invitational at Warren Hills, 9:30 a.m.
High Point in Mustang Classic at Brick Memorial

Hopatcong, Sparta at Mountain Lakes Tournament

Independent

Vernon, Orange at New Providence

Saturday. Dec. 28

(All events 9 a.m., unless noted)

Hackettstown at Hunterdon Central Invitational

Phillipsburg at Bethlehem Holiday Classic

Voorhees, Wallkill Valley at Lenape Valley Tournament, 9:30 a.m.

Independent

Pope John at St. Peter’s Prep, noon

Sunday, Dec. 29

Phillipsburg at Bethlehem Holiday Classic, 9 a.m.

Wrestling: Sussex County preview capsules

High Point Wildcats

Coach: John Gardner (362-103-2, 22nd season).

2018-19 record: 16-3, 4-0 NJAC Freedom Division (first), North 1, Group 2 champion, Group 2 runner-up.

High Point is again the favorite in North 1, Group 2.

Returning starters (9): So. Clayton Utter (34-12, D2, R4) 113; Sr. Devon Liebl (32-11, D2, R2) 126; Jr. Josh Gervey (28-11, D3, R4) 132; Sr. Billy Talmadge (42-6, D1, R3, S5) 138-145; So. Brian Soldano (41-4, D1, R1) 160; Jr. Alex Buchwald (15-14) 170; Sr. PJ Soldano (13-18) 182; Jr. Sean Van Wingerden (7-15, D2) 195; Jr. Justin Klass (7-9, D4) 220.

Key losses: Devin Flannery (40-9, D2, R3, S3) 120; Brandon LaRue (14-2) 145; Jonathan Morris (17-15, D3) 182; Andrew Lewis (17-14, D1) 285.

Key returnees: So. Charles Antcliff (2-3) 120; So. Andrew Brevot (3-4) 120; Jr. Nick Douma (3-3) 126; Jr. Liam Carroll (1-1) 132; Jr. Clay Sytsema (0-4) 138; So. Noah Ripley (0-2) 152; So. Troy Tiger (3-2) 160-170; Jr. Troy Van Orden (1-1) 220; Jr. Robert Juliano (1-2) 285; Jr. Chris Hendershot (1-3) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Ryan Mangano 106; Fr. Roman Citro 106; Fr. Shane Woolf 138.

Outlook: 'Cats are primed for another run at division, sectional and state championships following a tough loss to South Plainfield in last season's Group 2 final. As was the case a year ago, the upper weights are a bit of a question, but there is experience in the last five weights. This is a formidable group from 106-160 with five returning state qualifiers, including Utter, Liebl, Gervey and Talmadge, a Lock Haven University commit who placed fifth in the state tournament, along with Brian Soldano, who is coming off a stellar freshman campaign. Citro and Woolf -- New Jersey Grade School League champions -- will be impact freshmen. Citro's father, Marc, was a two-time region qualifier for West Milford in 1990 and '91. Other than North Hunterdon, this could be the most balanced team in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area and the favorite in Group 2. The schedule, as always, is brutal with dual meets against Kittatinny (Jan. 2), Howell (Jan. 7), Phillipsburg (Jan. 18), Southern (Jan. 30) and Hunterdon Central (Feb. 1).

Hopatcong Chiefs

Coach: Eric Fajerman (128-317-3, 20th season).

2018-19 record: 3-17, 2-2 NJAC Colonial Division (third).

Returning starters (13): Jr. Faith Malizzi (4-15) 106; Sr. Alex Corujo (3-13) 113; Sr. Freddie Gonzalez (15-19) 126; Jr. Frank Mastroeni (21-7, D3) 132; So. Tommy Feinberg (2-16) 138; Jr. Andrew Costa (21-11, D2) 145-152; Sr. Sean Cranmer (21-11, D4) 145-152; So. Mike Mastroeni (24-10, D2, R6) 160-170; Jr. Justin Basile (1-13) 182; Sr. Alex Feinberg (10-22, D4) 195; Sr. Jack Certo (8-14) 285; Sr. John Sanchez (11-14, D4) 285.

Key returnees: So. James Feinberg (1-7) 160-170; So. Kris Tor (0-13) 160.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Connor Loven 120; Sr. Roger White 220.

Outlook: Chiefs have battled low numbers in recent years, but the good news is they should have a full lineup with the return of 13 starters. The program has produced just 21 wins over the past eight campaigns, but a full lineup could help this team improve on last season's total. There are also a few individuals eyeing better postseason success, including Mike Mastroeni, who was a round shy of reaching Atlantic City as a freshman.

Kittatinny Cougars

Coach: John Gill (581-188-5, 40th season).

2018-19 record: 17-8, 2-2 NJAC Freedom Division (third), North 1, Group 1 champion, Group 1 runner-up.

Kittatinny won its 22nd sectional title in 2019.

Returning starters (7): So. Shane Nelson (22-11) 106; Jr. Connor Hanna (7-15) 132-138; Jr. Patrick Franco (16-19, D4) 132-138; Sr. Gian Knippenberg (14-20) 160; Sr. Robert Bruce (20-10) 195; Jr. Jackson Crawn (35-9, D3, R3) 220; Sr. Jacob Mafaro (25-5, D1, R5) 285.

Key losses: Mike Nelson (19-13, D2) 120; Nile Mattar (20-16, D4) 132; Derek Molfetto (17-17, D2) 138; Brian Hanna (22-14, D4) 145; Blake Dippel (14-22, D2) 170; Zach Mafaro (42-5, D1, R3, S5) 182.

Key returnees: Jr. Scott Wallgren (0-2) 138; So. Steve Dalling (2-4) 145; So. Tyler Redden (0-2) 145; So. Evan Raposo (0-1) 170; Jr. Ayden Hebert (0-1) 182; So. Brycen Mafaro (11-6) 182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Anthony Ferrari 113; Fr. Chris Casale 120; Fr. Andrew Knutelsky 126; So. Aidan Van Wingerden 152; So. Ty Eldred 285.

Outlook: Annually one of the top teams in the county and in Group 1 or 2, the Cougars got on a roll late last season and won the North 1, Group 1 sectional title before falling to Paulsboro in the Group 1 final. As was the case then, a strong group of upper weights will give this team a chance to repeat and be a headache for opponents on the dual schedule. Bruce was a nice surprise in his first varsity season, while Crawn and Jacob Mafaro are capable of earning medals in AC. The question is whether the lower and middle weights can pitch in enough to help Gill, who enters a remarkable 40th season, reach a personal milestone of 600 wins, a mark the program hit last season. With just two seniors, this is by far his youngest team -- three freshmen and five sophomores in the starting lineup.

Lenape Valley Patriots

Coach: Gary Mikolay (14-30, third season).

2018-19 record: 10-14, 4-0 NJAC Colonial Division (first).

Returning starters (4): So. Daniel Haws (32-10, D1, R4) 120; Sr. Eric Falleni (33-7, D1, R5) 138; Sr. Zach Miller (9-24, D4-2018) 145; Jr. Justin Palumbo (12-17, D2) 195.

Key losses: Marcus Bitetto (27-9, D1) 113; Dominic Falleni (25-8, D2) 132; James Haws (31-13, D2, R4) 145; Kalvin Green (21-13, D2) 170.

Key returnees: Jr. Andres Villanueva-Cruz (2-15) 113; Jr. Cameron Samiljan (2-5) 182; Sr. Kyle Luba (2-6) 220; Sr. Ryan Hall (23-12 in 2017-18, injured last season) 285.

Promising newcomers: So. Tyler Gaboda 106; Fr. Marcus Bullock 106; So. Michael Sawaged 126; Jr. Jason Kleinschmidt 132; Sr. Zach Porarro 152; Sr. Justin Peterson 160; So. Jake Cuttito 220.

Outlook: Patriots, who lost four reliable wrestlers to graduation, will count on their four returning starters for leadership this season with a fairly inexperienced cast around them. The lineup receives a boost with the return of Hall, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Haws and Falleni are capable of reaching Atlantic City at season's end so the team goal will be to improve with each match.

Newton Braves

Coach: Eric Bollette (238-187-1, 19th season).

2018-19 record: 14-7, 3-1 NJAC Freedom Division (second), North 1, Group 2 runner-up.

Returning starters (6): Jr. Nathan Fitt (29-5, D3) 120; Jr. Danny Cleary (17-21, D2, R6) 126; Jr. JoJo Lotruglio (24-12, D2) 138; Jr. Nick Costa (9-16, D3) 145; Sr. Trevor Aughenbaugh (13-17) 170; Sr. Julian Sibblies (10-15, D4) 182.

Key losses: Matthew Rosa (23-10, D2) 132; Michael Freda (21-12, D2) 138; Wyatt McCarthy (38-4, D1, R1, S4) 145; Nick Brigante (28-12, D2, R3) 170; Ryan Kaiser (17-18, D2) 195; Luke Fischer (40-2, D1, R1, S7) 220.

Key returnees: Sr. Valerio Sanchez 106; Jr. Aden Sathuthiti 113; So. Takeo Sibblies (1-3) 138; So. Aidan Murtagh 138; Sr. Aidan Bartsch 145; Jr. Jordan Sliker 145; Jr. Ryan Pappas 152; Jr. Chris McConnell 152; So. Melkart Abou-Jaoude 160; Sr. Ryan Rittie 170; Sr. Isaiah Wilkins (3-6) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Michael Melillo 126; Fr. Thaylor Sibblies 132; Fr. Larry Gura 132; So. David Hook 152; Fr. Danny Barry 152; Jr. Jesus Blanco 160; Fr. Matt McLean 160; Fr. Claudio Ibarra 170; Fr. Matt May 170; Fr. Brody Guerra 182; Sr. Kyheem Butler 195; Jr. Jabari Oxley 220.

Outlook: Braves, who were runners-up in the division and in North 1, Group 2 to High Point, sustained significant graduation losses, including a pair of state medal winners in McCarthy and Fischer. A few of the returning veterans will be counted on heavily to guide a fairly young lineup. Fitt, Cleary and Lotruglio are all three-year starters and region qualifiers last season. There are some questions down low and up top, but Thaylor Sibblies, who placed in the New Jersey Grade School League, should be a nice addition in the middle. Expect this group to improve by season's end and possibly get back to the sectional final. The Boresch Duals, slated for Jan. 4, has become one of the state's premiere events.

Pope John Lions

Coach: Austin Alpaugh (first season).

2018-19 record: 14-3, 4-2 NJAC American Division (T-second); Non-Public North B champion, Non-Public B runner-up.

Eddie Ventresca atop the podium at 120 in AC.

Returning starters (9): So. Zachary Hentschel (10-16) 113; Jr. Shane Percelay (26-7, D1, R2, S7) 120; Sr. Eddie Ventresca (40-1, D1, R1, S1) 126; So. Colin Neal (8-13, D3) 132; Sr. Kaya Sement (35-9, D1, R2, S5) 145; Sr. Matthew Garcia (23-14, D2, R4) 152; Sr. Connor Fritsch (22-17, D3, R4) 160; So. Peter Deleportas (10-11, D3) 195; Sr. Cole Zydel (15-10, D2) 220.

Key losses: JoJo Aragona (42-0, D1, R1, S1) 138; Robbie Garcia (23-1, D1, R2, S1) 152; Christopher Jhong (14-12, D4) 195; Nicholas DeSenzo (5-4, D1) 285.

Key returnees: Sr. Cosmo Esposito (3-7) 145; So. Jack Stoll (4-8) 195; So. Jake Rubin (2-5) 285.

Promising newcomer: Fr. Bryan O'Hara 106.

Outlook: Alpaugh, a former state placewinner for Newton and assistant coach for the Lions takes over for Mark Piotrowsky, who guided the program to an overall mark of 83-30 the previous six seasons, including back-to-back sectional titles (2018 and '19) and the school's first state title (2018) in 24 years. With nine returning starters, including Ventresca, a Virginia Tech commit and a state champion as a junior, and two other placewinners in Percelay and Sement (Penn recruit), expect this group to again challenge for sectional and state titles. Ventresca looks to become only the second four-time Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion and the second for the Lions to win multiple state titles (Mike Frick 1969, '71 and 72).

Sparta Spartans

Coach: Frank Battaglia (111-83, ninth season).

2018-19 record: 6-22, 0-6 NJAC American Division (seventh).

Returning starters (9): Sr. Cooper Stewart (40-8, D2, R3) 113; Jr. Julian Couto (2-18) 120; Jr. Spencer Stewart (40-9, D1, R4, S8) 132; Sr. Garrett Stewart (41-5, D1, R3) 138; So. Nick Hwang (11-6, D3) 145; Jr. Troy Schmitzer (10-16) 152; Jr. Dominic Gignatelli (2-24) 170; So. Peter Cofrancesco (2-17) 195; Sr. Joe Liotta (8-19) 285.

Key losses: Chris Hwang (22-9, D2) 138; Rocco Gignatelli (30-11, D2, R6) 145.

Key returnees: So. Nick Yanuzzelli (3-5) 120; Sr. Pedro Colon 120; So. Chase Geer (1-3) 145; Sr. Cassius Battaglia (0-3) 145; Sr. Paul Shumlas 152; Sr. Brandon Smith 160; So. Parker Williamson 160; Sr. Robert L'Abbate 160; So. Billy Quinn (1-3) 220; Jr. Jack Pryce 195; So. Wyatt Coombs 220.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Jack Nauta 106;

Outlook: Spartans, who have enjoyed quite a bit of success in recent seasons, including winning a sectional title in 2017, took a step back last season due to injuries and inexperience. This could be another tough go on the dual-meet front with some newcomers and a lack of varsity experience, but this lineup has three stars in the Stewart brothers to provide points on a regular basis. Spencer was a state placewinner as a sophomore and the hope is for a few more medals at season's end.

Vernon Vikings

Coach: Todd Piontkowski (28-86, fifth season overall; third season of second stint).

2018-19 record: 3-15, 0-4 NJAC Colonial Division (fifth).

Returning starters (7): Jr. Ryan Flaherty (11-10) 113; So. Skye Ivancich (9-7) 113; Jr. Sage DiGiuseppe (7-14) 138; Jr. Cooper Pleva (14-8) 145; So. Jake Hutchins-Booker (2-9) 152; Sr. Jon Alvarez (13-11, D3) 182; Jr. Noah Prevliglian (0-11) 182.

Key loss: Jeremy Kayhart (13-9) 285.

Key returnees: Sr. Joshua Buccieri (1-8) 132; Jr. Dylan Harris (0-1) 160; Jr. Patrick Schmidt (1-0) 170; Sr. Luke Negrin (1-2) 170; Jr. Pedro Rodriguez (0-2) 220; So. Shane Saulnier (4-3) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Dylan Alba 106; Sr. Bryan Linares 126; Fr. James Loggie 126; Fr. Daniel Lovett 132; Fr. Joseph Germinario 138; Fr. Isaac Thomas 145; Jr. Julian Porras Arcos 160; Fr. Jeyss Abreu Jr. 182; Jr. Ryan Byron 220; Fr. Jacob Immesberger 220; Jr. Matthew Pittaluga 220.

Outlook: The good news for the Vikings entering this season is an uptick in numbers -- 22 total on the roster. There are also 12 girls in the program, including Ivancich. This is a pretty inexperienced group, so dual-meet wins will again be tough to come by on the boys' side. However, there was some individual success last season. Alvarez, who has been the team's best wrestler the previous two seasons, earned a district medal, while two other returnees posted double-digit wins.

Wallkill Valley Rangers

Coach: Jeff Churchill (25-90, fifth season; 159-89-3 in 15 seasons from 1989-2003 at Morris Knolls).

2018-19 record: 4-23, 1-3 NJAC Colonial Division (fourth).

Outlook: No information was made available despite numerous attempts via email and text message.

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren preview capsules

Belvidere County Seaters

Coach: Dan McIntyre (97-71, ninth season; 283-204 overall in 28 seasons, including a stint at Pleasant Valley (Pa.).

2018-19 record: 8-12, 3-1 Skyland Conference Mountain Division (second).

Returning starters (8): Jr. Hunter Lensi (26-12, D2, R5) 106-113; Jr. Marquise Panetta (5-16) 120; So. Deven Pagach (6-10) 132; Jr. Jacob Gross (0-14) 160-170; Jr. Shane Exley (24-11, D1) 182; So. Michael Gordon (4-17) 170-182; Sr. Liam Tipton (11-16) 195; Jr. Carson Grogan (21-14, D3, R5) 220-285.

Key losses: Quinn Melofchik (39-3, D1, R1, S5) 113; Gage Gares (15-15) 138; Hunter Webb (15-12) 182.

Key returnees: So. Patrick Horvath (6-13) 106-113; Jr. Ty Tiedemann 106; Jr. Liam Chapman 138; Sr. Anthony Appleby (0-2) 160-170; Jr. Jacob Cregar (0-1) 152; Jr. Dylan Richardson (0-3) 170.

Promising newcomers: Elijah Caskey 126; Nick Ciufo 145; Hunter Kain 160; Russell Pantuso 285.

Outlook: County Seaters, who have finished at or near the top of their division in recent seasons, took a bit of step back last season, dropping from 13 wins to eight, yet this group should once again battle for the Mountain Division title. The program lost its all-time wins leader in Melofchik (now at the United States Air Force Aademy), but they return most of its starting lineup. Lensi is coming off a breakout campaign, while Exley and Grogan (one round from AC in his first year of wrestling) will help anchor the upper weights. The schedule is challenging and expect this group to struggle in dual meets. But look for several wrestlers to do well in the postseason.

Delaware Valley Terriers
                                                                                                          
Coach: Andy Fitz (203-76, 13th season).

2018-19 record: 13-7, 3-1 Skyland Conference Valley Division (T-1st), North 2, Group 1 champion.

Returning starters (8): Sr. Derek Schepens (12-15, D4) 106; Jr. Cooper Gill (12-15) 120; Sr. Gage Crater (23-9, D2) 126; Sr. Chase Christie (13-14) 132; Jr. Corey Crater (6-9, D3-2018) 138; Jr. Ben Brown (9-18) 145; Sr. Nick Moose (18-14, D4) 220; Sr. Ryan Sutter (23-12, D2) 285.

Key losses: A.J. DeRosa (35-4, D1, R2) 132; Tommy Horn (19-12, D2) 145; Jr. Anthony DeRosa (27-11, D1, R4, transferred to Bethlehem Catholic (Pa.) 160; Shawne Ramsby (31-11, D1, R3) 170; Kyle Carney (19-14, D2) 182; Anthony DiPaolo (11-15, D3) 195.

Key returnees: So. Robert Groogan (5-8) 113; So. Noah Sheeley 132; Fr. Brayden Schneider 145; Sr. Shane Reynolds 145-152; Jr. Tyler Lagun 160; Sr. Andrew Larsen 160-170; Sr. Matt Zdepski (1-1) 182; Sr. Zach Zukowski (2-3) 195; So. Matt Schneider 195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Chris Colasurdo 126; Fr. Garrett Tettemer 152.

Outlook: Terriers bounced back as expected last season and captured the program's fourth sectional title in the past five seasons in their North 2, Group 1 debut. There are plenty of new faces in the starting lineup, including Tettemer, a blue-chip freshman whose father, Scott, was a 1985 region champion for Del Val. This is most definitely a dual-meet team with no superstars. Schepens and Gage Crater, a two-time district runner-up, will lead the lower weights, while the strength is a solid group of upper weights that will cause matchup problems for opponents. Look for some of the other returning starters get above the .500 mark this season as this group sets its sights on another sectional championship.

Hackettstown Tigers

Coach: Frank Rodgers (242-253-4, 17th season of second stint, 23rd overall).

2018-19 record: 8-15, 0-4 NJAC Freedom Division (fifth).

Returning starters (12): So. Austin Zellars (8-16) 106; Sr. Michael Sullivan (9-23, D4) 120; Jr. Matthew Day (5-21) 132; Sr. Christian Bremner (9-19) 145; Sr. Garrett Meyer (12-15) 152; Sr. Alejandro Castro (23-11, D1) 160; Sr. Zebulon Burke (27-10, D2, R5) 170; So. Jack Gordon (6-12) 195; Jr. Matthew Bremner (23-13, D2) 195; Sr. Cody Motto (10-21, D4) 285.

Key losses: Zachery Yanoff (19-12, D2) 145; Dan Olson (21-12, D3) 220.

Key returnees: So. Matthew Finer (7-7) 113; Jr. Kamren Shurack (3-3) 113; Jr. Sam Castner (7-7, D4-2018) 138; Jr. Philip Faust (1-5) 145; Sr. Aaron Perez (0-3) 152; Sr. Madlyn Rothfuss 152; Jr. Tyler Yanoff (2-2) 182.

Promising newcomers: So. Luca Amato 120; Fr. Joey Bencivengo 132; Jr. Anthony Funes 145; Sr. Bruno Dougherty 170.

Outlook: With 12 returning starters, including six seniors, the Tigers appear poised for a bounce-back campaign and could be a surprise contender in a wide-open North 2, Group 2 sectional race. Burke and Castro, both two-time region qualifiers, will lead this group. The strength is from 152 pounds on up, so the lower weights will need to improve in order for this team to improve on last season's fifth-place finish in a tough Freedom Division, which includes sectional champions High Point and Kittatinny. There isn't much depth, so staying healthy will be a major key.

Hunterdon Central Red Devils

Coach: Jon Cantagallo-Rohm (105-18, sixth season).

2018-19 record: 23-2, 4-0 Skyland Conference Delaware Division (first), Central Jersey, Group 5 champion, Group 5 runner-up.

Central celebrates the program's 22nd sectional title in 2019.

Returning starters (6): So. Nick Canonica (24-12, D2, R5) 120-126; So. Tanner Peake (33-8, D1, R6) 138; Jr. Colton Washleski (27-15, D1, R2) 145; Sr. Anthony Romaniello (21-16, D2) 152; Jr. Norman Cella (27-9, D3, R4) 170; Sr. Brandon Donoghue (15-13, D4) 220.

Key losses: Jr. Brett Ungar (42-0, D1, R1, S1, transferred to Notre Dame-Green Pond (Pa.) 113; Jack Bauer (27-9, D1, R2) 126; Pasquale Vizzoni (25-8, D1, R2) 145; Vincent Romaniello (30-8, D2, R1) 152; Dan Furmato (9-13, D4) 170; Kyle Barrett (22-12, D3) 182; Ryan Joyce (28-11, D1, R3) 285.

Key returnees: So. Aidan Portnoy (9-5) 113-120; Jr. Curtis Wheatley (3-2) 132; Sr. Jack Rieche (5-4) 160; Sr. Chase Nehila (4-4) 170-182; So. Vincent Brito (8-8) 170-182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Henry Wilkinson 106; Fr. Pete Plesh 106; Fr. Damian Scouloukas 120-126; Jr. Angus Ruscher 182-195; Fr. Bennett Cayero 182-195; Jr. Tim Suk 285.

Outlook: Despite heavy graduation losses and the transfer of a state champion, the Red Devils have enough returning talent to once again challenge for sectional and Group 5 state titles. Of course the big offseason news was the loss of Ungar, but the lower weights should still be in good shape with Portnoy, who was a good fill-in last season, and Canonica. The middle of the lineup is strong with Washleski, a two-time state qualifier, and Peake, who was a win shy of reaching AC in a real good freshman campaign. The upper weights will be the biggest question, at least early on, so Cella and Donoghue will be counted on to anchor that group. The Red Devils' schedule is loaded with duals against High Point, North Hunterdon, Phillipsburg and Paulsboro, as well as a season-opening trip to the Beast of the East in Delaware. Central also is closing in on a major milestone as it needs 16 wins to become just the fourth program in the nation (third in New Jersey along with Paulsboro and Roselle Park) to reach 1,000.

North Hunterdon Lions

Coach: Chris Hrunka (36-8, third season).

2018-19 record: 20-3, 3-1 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (second), North 2, Group 4 runner-up.

North Hunterdon won the John Goles Invitational in 2018.

Returning starters (10): So. Nick DeLorenzo (18-18, D2) 113; Jr. Frank DiEsso (34-8, D1, R3) 120; Jr. Connor Quinn (20-13, D3) 126-132; Sr. Drew Doscher (21-12, D4) 138; Sr. Evan Klimas (27-11, D3, R5) 145; Sr. Kyle Anderson (17-15, D2) 152; Jr. James Holder (22-10) 170-182; Sr. Nate Fossett (27-5, D1, R1) 182-195; Jr. Kyle Schultz (14-14) 195-220; Sr. Ian Gaburo (25-12, D2, R4) 220-285.

Key losses: Connor Robinson (32-10, D1, R3) 120; Luke Hanlon (25-15, D3, R6) 145; Michael Wilson (39-6, D2, R1, S7) 160; Lorenzo Becerril (25-9, D1, R5) 220.

Key returnees: So. Aaron Wysocki (1-3) 138; So. Luke Yager (1-5) 152-160; So. Billy Cole (2-5) 160; Jr. Andrew Franklin (2-1) 220; So. Liam Akers (6-9) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Logan Wadle 106; Fr. Danny Delusant 132; Jr. Connor McGeary 132; Fr. Brendan Raley 152; Fr. Alex Uryniak 195.

Outlook: Lions have benefited from a strong feeder system, and with 10 starters back, this could be the team to beat in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area. On paper, North is clearly the most balanced team in the area with no glaring holes. DiEsso, a two-time state qualifier, is one to watch down low, while the middle weights feature plenty of experience. Up top is where the team can do the most damage in dual meets with two state qualifiers in Fossett and Gaburo. Throw in a pair of blue-chip freshmen in Wadle and Uryniak -- both New Jersey Grade School League champs -- and it's tough to find a weakness in this lineup. The road to division and section titles will always go through P'burg, but the Lions have the goods to win both and end their drought against the 'Liners. North's first big test will come at the Boresch Duals (featuring Group 1 champion Paulsboro, Group 4 champion Kingsway and Group 2 champion South Plainfield) on Jan. 4.

North Warren Patriots

Coach: Kellen Bradley (12-11, second season).

2018-19 record: 12-11, 3-1 NJAC Colonial Division (second).

Returning starters (10): Jr. Tanner Thatcher (8-8) 106; Jr. Alex Davila (14-9) 120; So. Sean Bodine (13-13) 126; Sr. Justin Gerkhardt (19-15, D4) 126; Jr. Devin Collett (10-14, D3) 132; Sr. Ben Lilly (15-13, D4) 145; Sr. Brandon Casey (14-8, D4) 152; Jr. Austin Collett (14-10) 160; Sr. Rob Fletcher (22-12, D4) 170; Jr. Dylan Lobycz (8-16) 220.

Key losses: Joseph Voitek (16-17) 170; Matthew Luque (22-11, D3) 285.

Key returnees: So. Michael Castles (3-7) 138; Jr. Luke Van Horn (2-0) 195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Thomas Dugan 113; Fr. Jack Moritz 195.

Outlook: Patriots seemed to have turned the corner a bit -- coming off back-to-back winning seasons after the program went 34-44 the previous four campaigns -- as they reached the sectional semifinals in North 1, Group 1. This year's lineup doesn't have a lot of star power, but there are eight wrestlers who posted double-digit wins last season. After a year off, Lilly won a match in Region 1 in his return, while Fletcher placed third in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament. North has some questions up top, but there is enough balance to do well in dual meets. Expect this group to approach last year's wins total and improve by season's end. The Patriot Duals is once again a big-time event with High Point and North Hunterdon slated to attend, as well as Warren Hills.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

Coach: Dave Post (147-23, 10th season).

2018-19 record: 18-3, 4-0 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (first), Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament and North 2, Group 4 champion, Group 4 runner-up.

Phillipsburg teams are 38-2 all-time in sectional finals.

Returning starters (7): So. James Day (29-14, D3, R6) 113; Jr. Logan Maczko (33-11, D1, R1) 120-126; So. Joey Innamorato (16-20, D1, R5) 126-132; So. David Pierson (15-19, D4) 182; Sr. Jacob Wicks (24-16, D1, R6) 195; Jr. Gage Horvath (19-19, D1) 220; Sr. Cody Cruts (16-22, D3, R5) 285.

Key losses: Bryce Parenti (25-15, D2) 126; Travis Jones (37-7, D2, R2) 132; Kyle Tino (33-12, D1, R1) 138; Cody Harrison (40-3, D1, R1, S3) 152; TJ Abode (20-14, D4) 160; Austin Roth (36-7, D1, R1) 195.

Key returnees: So. Sean Stasiulaitis (3-0) 106; So. Hakeem Ransdell 120-126; Jr. Jason Tino (3-2) 132-138; Sr. Jared Kukor (4-3) 138-145; So. Jay Palitto 138-145; So. Nate Zastowny 152-160; So. Matt D'Onofrio 152-160.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Hunter Cleaver 145-152; Sr. Denny Perez 160-170.

Outlook: Stateliners should be plenty hungry after coming up short in their quest for a sixth straight Group 4 title with a loss to Kingsway last season after claiming the North 2, Group 4 championship. Despite heavy graduation losses, you can expect this team to once again be in the hunt for division, sectional and state titles. This one of Phillipsburg's youngest lineups, with no returning state medal winners for the first time since 2013, while Maczko (51) is the only wrestler with more than 30 career wins. The lower weighs are in good shape, but the middle of the lineup is relatively inexperienced, though Kukor looked very good in a limited role last season. Zastowny, who missed all of last season due to injury, and D'Onofrio were both New Jersey Grade School League runners-up as eighth-graders, so they have talent. But the upper weights -- led by district champs Wicks and Horvath -- will need to carry this group if the 'Liners are to challenge for another state title come February.

Voorhees Vikings

Coach: Eric Hall (182-62, 10th season).

2018-19 record: 24-6, 3-1 Skyland Conference Valley Division (T-first).

Returning starters (7): Jr. Josh Rich (28-17, D2, R4) 120; So. Hunter Cryan (8-27) 113; Sr. Joe Swiston (14-18, D4-2018) 138; Sr. Joe Delusant (24-11, D3) 138; So. Mike Mosier (13-10, D4) 152; Sr. Garrett Loescher (17-21, D4) 160; Sr. Zach Tong (17-18) 195.

Key losses: Aidan Taylor (32-12, D2, R6) 120; Hunter Rinehart (34-10, D2, R6) 126; Matt Brandner (32-9, D2, R6) 170; Charlie Eberle (21-16) 195; Sam Huff (34-9, D1, R5) 220; Lewis Fernandes (47-0, D1, R1, S1) 285.

Key returnees: So. Logan Bush (2-2) 106; Jr. Dominick Venito (0-3) 126; So. Evan Schimanski (1-4) 132; So. Jack Eskind (0-1) 132; Sr. Kyle Bryan (1-4) 138; Jr. Billy Peterson 145; Jr. Owen Cooley (0-2) 170; So. Anthony DeStefano (3-0) 220.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Matt Levy 106; Jr. Chad Joyce (transfer from Warren Hills) 182; Fr. Jack Mosier 285.

Outlook: Vikings captured sectional championships in two of the previous five seasons, but with heavy graduation losses, including Fernandes, the program's first two-time state champion and all-time wins leader, this figures to be a rebuilding year. Rich, one of seven returning starters, is a state qualifier, while there is some talent in the middle weights. Up top, where the Vikes made a living in dual meets in recent seasons, is void of varsity experience for the most part. Delaware Valley and Warren Hills figure to battle for the division title, so the goals for the Vikes are to improve as the season goes on and possibly get a couple wrestlers to Atlantic City at the end.

Warren Hills Blue Streaks

Coach: Dave Sbriscia (16-4, second season).

2018-19 record: 16-4, 3-1 Skyland Conference Valley Division (T-first).

Returning starters (9): So. Jared Lee (26-11, D3) 113-120; Sr. Greg Slivka (26-12, D2, R5) 113-120; Sr. Geir Nemeth (15-12, D4) 132-138; Sr. Logan Nauta (23-12, D2) 132-138; So. Stephen Malia (15-14, D2) 145; Sr. Nick Hildebrant (24-12, D3) 160; So. Michael Galka (3-10) 182-195; Jr. Logan Polcari (7-12) 195-220; So. Tyler McCatharn (17-17, D3) 220-285.

Key losses: Chris Ostir (31-12, D2, R4) 145; Nick Galka (37-6, D1, R3) 220; Duro Ajayi (36-6, D1, R1) 285.

Key returnees: So. Max Pagano (0-5) 126; So. Owen Frizzell (2-5) 145; So. Caden Crawford (3-11) 145; Jr. Reese Manfredi (1-0) 145-152; So. Ryan Galka (0-1) 160; Jr. Cameron Rothstein (1-5) 160; Sr. Jake Smith (1-8) 182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Shawn Redfield 106-113; So. Kevin Riedinger 106; Fr. Michael Drazek 120-126; Fr. Cody Miller 138-145; Jr. Brandon Riggs 160; Fr. Jarett Pantuso 170; So. Jack Carmen 195.

Outlook: Blue Streaks bounced back from a seven-win campaign two seasons ago and claimed a share of the division title in Sbriscia's first year as head coach. Lee and Slivka lead a solid group of lower weights, while Nauta, Nemeth and Hildebrant are veterans in the middle. There are some questions up top, but with nine returning starters and some talented freshmen (Miller and Pantuso were New Jersey Grade School League runners-up and Redfield was third) joining the ranks, this team should be in the hunt for Valley Division and North 2, Group 3 titles.

Hunterdon writing legend Lowell Snare dies at 74

Without a doubt, longtime sport writer Lowell Snare was a walking testament to high school sports in Hunterdon County.

Lowell Snare (LinkedIn)

Once suitably dubbed the "Dean of Hunterdon County athletics," Snare, who created the Milk Can trophy for the annual football game between North Hunterdon and Voorhees, died at the age of 74 on Sunday morning due to heart complications, according to his brother, Parker Snare, the former outstanding baseball coach at North Hunterdon.

I learned the sad news of Lowell's passing in a text message from my former Express-Times colleague and friend Brian Fortner, who shared these thoughts on a writer we both considered a mentor in this business.

"Lowell was one of the first writers I worked with when I started with The Express-Times over 20 years ago," said Fortner, a respected and popular freelance writer among the high school football, wrestling and baseball ranks in the Hunterdon-Warren area. "He taught me a lot. What I'll remember the most is his absolute love for the kids. He had such a great passion and connection with the young people he covered."

This has been a tough stretch heading into the start of the high school wrestling season. Another friend and former Warren Hills public address announcer, Bill Lunger, passed away at the all-too-young age of 61 in October, while longtime Hunterdon Central wrestling coach Russ Riegel died at 89 just a few weeks ago.

Snare certainly made a lasting impact on athletes, coaches and local sports writers during his long and distinguished career -- serving as sports editor at the Hunterdon Review for over 30 years and later the Hunterdon Democrat before retiring in 2013. He was a 2000 Raymie Award recipient, which is presented for significant contributions to the Hunterdon-Warren County Athletic Association. The association's Lowell Snare Courageous Award has also been given to a deserving student-athlete since 1992.

Snare, who also did freelance work for The Express-Times and was a North Hunterdon graduate, was a staple at big football games and wrestling matches. He crafted the words to the Voorhees High School alma mater and was honored earlier this month during a pregame ceremony at the 44th Milk Can Game contest. That idea came to fruition thanks to Voorhees athletic director Brian Baumann, who was once hand-picked by Snare to fill-in for him as MC at the Milk Can Game luncheon in 2007. North Hunterdon holds a 31-12-1 advantage in the series after a 17-6 victory on Nov. 1.

Unfortunately, that was only the second Milk Can Game in which Snare was not in attendance due to his ongoing health issues. Another local writing legend, Harry Frezza, paid tribute to Snare in a story by My Central Jersey on the recent Milk Can Game dedication.

"I don't think many people know how much Lowell did for the kids at North and Voorhees and Hunterdon Central over the years," said Frezza, a longtime Courier News writer who has covered high school sports for almost four decades. "He was so passionate about their achievements and always had the kids' best interests at heart."

Lowell, who was a wealth of information, helped me piece together some of my history records for the field hockey and wrestling programs in Hunterdon County. Getting to know him on a personal level and sharing some special conversations at games and matches over the years was a highlight for me. The world was a better place because of people like Lowell Snare.

"Lowell Snare was an iconic West Jersey high school sports reporter and fan," said Bob Behre, a veteran sports writer formerly with the Star-Ledger. No one loved high school sports more and knew the athletic history of his area of the state better. He was a trusted ally of his colleagues in sports reporting but, more importantly, he was a great friend with a huge heart and a good soul."

"He was a great friend that would do anything for you," Fortner said.

My deepest condolences go out to Parker, absolutely one of the best coaches I've dealt with over the years, and Lowell's longtime girlfriend Lori Taborelli, as well as the rest of the Snare family. God speed Lowell, and say hello to Bill Lunger for me.

Field hockey: Final HWS standings for 2019

Skyland Conference
Delaware Division
		Overall	Division
xz-Hunterdon Central		(13-10-2)	(7-4-2)
Bridgewater-Raritan		(9-12-1)	(6-6-1)
Pingry		(11-11-1)	(6-7-1)
Hillsborough		(11-12)	(4-10)
Watchung Hills		(2-16-1)	(0-13-1)
Raritan Division
		Overall	Division
xyz-Warren Hills		(23-2)	(14-1)
Voorhees		(18-5)	(13-2)
z-Ridge		(16-6-1)	(10-4-1)
North Hunterdon		(15-8)	(9-6)
Montgomery		(8-12-1)	(4-10-1)
Phillipsburg		(4-15-2)	(2-12-1)
Valley Division
		Overall	Division
x-Delaware Valley		(15-5)	(9-1)
y-Bernards		(15-5-1)	(8-2)
Franklin		(4-13-1)	(2-8)
Somerville		(5-15)	(2-8)
Mountain Division
		Overall	Division
x-South Hunterdon		(17-3)	(9-1)
Belvidere		(10-9-1)	(6-4)
Mount St. Mary		(9-15)	(4-6)
North Plainfield		(1-14-1)	(0-10)
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference
Freedom Division
		Overall	Division
x-Vernon		(16-3)	(7-1)
x-Newton		(15-4)	(7-1)
Hackettstown		(9-9-1)	(4-4)
Wallkill Valley		(6-9-3)	(2-6)
High Point		(6-13)	(0-8)
National Division
		Overall	Division
x-Roxbury		(10-8)	(7-1)
Mount Olive		(8-7-2)	(6-1-1)
Morris Knolls		(6-10-2)	(4-3-1)
Morris Hills		(4-15)	(2-6)
Pope John		(1-14)	(0-8)
Colonial Division
		Overall	Division
x-Jefferson		(8-8-2)	(5-2-1)
Sparta		(9-10-1)	(5-3)
Lenape Valley		(6-11-1)	(5-3)
Kittatinny		(4-14-1)	(2-5-1)
North Warren		(5-11-3)	(1-5-2)
x-division champion
y-county champion
z-sectional champion