Wrestling: HWS schedule for Dec. 27-31

Monday, Dec. 27

(Both events 11 a.m.)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Kittatinny at Hanover Park

Independent

High Point, North Hunterdon, Pope John in Sam Cali Tournament at FDU-Madison

Tuesday, Dec. 28

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

Hackettstown at Hunterdon Central Invitational, 10 a.m.
North Warren, Sparta in Linn Crawn Classic at Kittatinny
Delaware Valley, Newton, Voorhees in John Goles Invitational at Warren Hills
High Point, North Hunterdon, Pope John in Sam Cali Tournament at FDU-Madison
Phillipsburg in Bethlehem Holiday Classic at Liberty (Pa.), 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 29

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

Hopatcong, Vernon-Wallkill Valley at Lenape Valley Tournament
Phillipsburg in Bethlehem Holiday Classic at Liberty (Pa.), 10 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30

(All matches 10 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

North Warren, Kittatinny at Morris Hills
Jefferson, Ramsey at Sparta

Independent

Mount Olive at Warren Hills, 6 p.m.
Whippany Park at Hackettstown, 9 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 31

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hopatcong at Boonton, 9 a.m.

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

It's looking like déjà vu all over again on the high school wrestling front. The season began in earnest over the weekend, but the COVID-19 interruptions have started to resurface.

Newton High School paused all athletic programs on Monday morning, with wrestling shut down for at least a week. The Braves, who can resume next Monday the earliest, are slated to participate in the 63rd John Goles Invitational on Tuesday, Dec. 28. In addition, Phillipsburg's dual-meet opener at Livingston that was originally scheduled for Wednesday was postponed.

Expect this to continue over the next few weeks as it appears we are back to being day to day like last season. This is surely what 2021 would have looked like had the season started on time. Tournaments could very well be the next to go by the wayside as dual meets involve less participants, coaches and fans, who also may have to watch from afar. Stay tuned.

Warren Hills celebrates first place in Bayonne.

Warren Hills, which has designs on the program's first Group 3 state championship since 1997, was one of five local teams to win team tournaments over the opening weekend, as the Blue Streaks won eight individual titles in the Battle on the Bay on Saturday at Bayonne High School.

The hype surrounding Warren Hills is the highest in quite some time as fans are already pointing to the home date against Phillipsburg on Jan. 14. The school is selling "Beat the Burg" T-Shirts in advance of that anticipated clash. Still, the Streaks can't look that far ahead with matches against Group 4 title contenders Mount Olive (Dec. 30) and North Hunterdon (which hasn't lost a dual meet since 2019) on Jan. 17 leading up to the Stateliners.

"There are expectations and we haven't wrestled yet," Streaks coach Dave Sbriscia said prior to his team's performance on Saturday. "We're healthy and good to go."

Warren Hills hasn't beaten Phillipsburg in over three decades -- a 34-30 win in the North 2, Group 3 sectional final after a 32-31 victory in a regular-season clash at The Pit during that No. 1 season in 1989-90, which featured current assistant coach Marty White, a 1991 state champion, on that team. 

It's great to see that match back on the schedule after a two-year hiatus -- the first interruption in the series since the 1964-65 season. P'burg, which owns a 59-14 edge overall dating to 1948, has won 33 straight meetings, including a 49-12 victory on Jan. 2, 2019.

"I'm very happy to get [Phillipsburg] back on the schedule," said Sbriscia, a two-time district champion for the Streaks in 2005 and '06. "I always thought it was important to wrestle Phillipsburg. I think it's going to be an awesome atmosphere. I think we match up very well and I think they match up very well. It will come down to whoever is hot that night."

Order your Beat the Burg shirt and help cheer on our wrestling team on 1/14!

The store will close on 12/26. Click on the Streak Nation group to purchase. https://t.co/b7vVGEEoLk@WHRSDAthletics @Wrestling_Hills @wh_bluecrew @WHRHighSchool pic.twitter.com/IxGECULpTC

— Warren Hills Senior Class Info (@hills_2021) December 20, 2021

Following a pandemic-shortened campaign in 2021, which resembled nothing close to a normal high school season, there are questions abound in the area and statewide.

Warren Hills, which features seven starting seniors, was among the many teams shut down for a period of time last season, and as a result, the returning sophomores will get their first taste of a full campaign.  

"We're trying to figure out where the sophomores are [this early in the season]," Sbriscia said. 

Senior Kevin Riedinger (113) and junior Michael Drazek (157) are among the team's most improved wrestlers, according to Sbriscia, while returning state medal winners Jarett Pantuso (215) and Tyler McCatharn (285) anchor things up top.

Warren Hills begins its dual-meet season at Raritan on Wednesday before hosting the 63rd John Goles Invitational. Voorhees replaces longtime participant North Hunterdon (Sam Cali Tournament), while Delaware Valley, East Stroudsburg North (Pa.), Hopewell Valley, Manville, Newton, Verona and West Morris return to the 12-team field. The newcomers are Hillsborough, Monroe and Secaucus. 

Match of the week

Mount Olive at Delaware Valley -- Del Val, which is eyeing a Group 1 title, hosts Group 4 contender Mount Olive in an independent clash at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Terriers coach Andy Fitz was pleased with what he saw from his team over the weekend and this will be the first big test. Mount Olive, which won the 2020 North 1, Group 4 sectional title and finished third behind Southern and Delsea at the Robin Leff Tournament on Saturday, features 2021 state qualifiers -- Jack Bastarrika (126), a sixth-place medalist, and Hunter Perez (175), along with 2020 region placers David Ryerson (144) and Anthony Moscatello (190).

Now, onto our first set of area team rankings:

1. Phillipsburg (0-0) -- Stateliners, who enter the week sitting on 998 victories as a program, finished eighth in the rugged King of the Mountain Tournament. Senior James Day (fourth at 126) was the team's highest finisher and reached 80 career wins in the process. Freshman Gavin Hawk (sixth at 120), senior Joey Innamorato (seventh at 138), sophomore Caleb Rivera (sixth at 189) and senior David Pierson (seventh at 215) also earned medals.

James Day finishes the King of the Mountain with a 4th place finish. And he’s all smiles… pic.twitter.com/S6cZ48Ar7V

— Phillipsburg Wrestling (@PBurgHSWrestlin) December 18, 2021

Up next: Bethlehem Holiday Classic at Liberty (Pa.) on Dec. 28-29.

2. North Hunterdon (0-0) -- Lions crowned six champions en route to easily winning the team title at the Rick Iacono Memorial Tournament at Governor Livingston on Saturday. Winning titles were Ben Makaritis (120), Nick DeLorenzo (132), Daniel Delusant (138), Alex Uryniak (190), Brendan Raley (215) and Liam Akers (285). Shane Wysocki (106), Logan Wadle (113), John Van Doren (126), Tucker Lewis (157) were runners-up, while Luke Yager (175) placed third.

Awesome day of wrestling at the Ricky I Tournament at Gov. Livingston.

6 champions, 13 place winners, and overall team champions. Excellent Tune Up for our team. @NHHS_Lions @NorthJungle @bradwsports @PatLanniHS @Josephzedalis @Mike_Weilamann @MorrisCountyHSW @NHHSBoosterClub https://t.co/Blbt5Z0kr2 pic.twitter.com/H0SbsdYFk6

— North Hunterdon HS Wrestling (@NorthHuntHSWres) December 19, 2021

Up next: at Bound Brook on Wednesday; St. Peter's Prep at home on Thursday.

3. Warren Hills (0-0) -- Blue Streaks crowned eight champions in winning the team title in the Battle on the Bay at Bayonne on Saturday. Kevin Riedinger (113), Shawn Redfield (132), Jared Lee (144), Stephen Malia (165), Owen Frizzell (175), Ryan Galka (190), Jarett Pantuso (215) and Tyler McCatharn (285) finished first, while Josh Lee (120), Tyler Redfield (126), Cody Miller (150) and Michael Drazek (157) were runners-up.

Up next: at Raritan on Wednesday.

4. Hunterdon Central (0-0) -- Red Devils, with 10 wrestlers in the lineup, opened their season at the prestigious two-day Beast of the East Tournament in Delaware. Returning state placewinner Tanner Peake (5-3) lost his first match and battled back to finish eighth at 160 to earn Central's lone medal. Sophomore Anthony Rossi (4-2), a returning state qualifier, fell in the Blood Round at 106. 

Up next: Hillsborough at home on Wednesday.

5. High Point (0-0) -- Wildcats, who were without several starters, including three-time state qualifier Clayton Utter, finished sixth in the Robin Leff Tournament at Southern on Saturday. Two-time state champion Brian Soldano (190) recorded three pins en route to winning a title, giving him 92 career victories. Sophomore Ty Woods (132) finished third and junior Shane Woolf (157) was fourth.

Up next: at Hackettstown on Tuesday.

6. Kittatinny (0-0) -- Cougars, who had 10 wrestlers place in the top four at their respective weight classes, cruised to the Caldwell Tournament team championship on Saturday. Senior Ty Eldred (285) was the lone champ, while Shane Nelson (126), Chris Casale (132), Anthony Ferrari (138), Avery Yeager (144), Steven Dalling (157) were runners-up. Bryce Coesfeld (150), Tyler Holste (190) and Jay Martin (215) placed third and freshman Ethan Dalling (165) was fourth. Interestingly, veteran coaches John Gill and Stan Woods of Emerson-Park Ridge were honored prior to the championship round for their 99 combined years of service, though neither is thought to be retiring anytime soon.

Congratulations to The Cougar Wrestling Team for their 1st Place Finish at the Caldwell Tournament… good job and good luck against Hackettstown at home on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/ZjNQ8D7khj

— KittatinnyHSWrest (@KittatinnyHSWre) December 18, 2021

Up next: Hackettstown at home on Wednesday; Northern Highlands and Wayne Valley at West Milford Duals on Thursday.

7. Delaware Valley (1-0) -- Terriers opened the season with a 74-0 win over Bridgewater-Raritan on Friday before rolling to the team championship with 239 1/2 points in their own Wendy Pandy-Leh Tournament on Saturday. Winning titles were Owen Kucharski (106), Jake Taylor (113), Sam Kirkpatrick (132), Noah Sheeley (165), while Robert Groogan (120), Ben Levy (144) and Matt Schneider (190) finished second.  

Wendy Pandy-Leh champions with 4 individual champs! (Kucharski, Taylor, Kirkpatrick, & Sheeley) pic.twitter.com/9mVTCxvP0V

— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) December 19, 2021

Up next: at Hopewell Valley on Tuesday; Mount Olive at home on Thursday.

8. Pope John (0-0) -- Lions -- with only seven wrestlers in the lineup -- opened their season in the 29th annual Beast of the East of the East Tournament in Delaware. Senior state placewinner Jack Stoll claimed the only medal with a sixth-place finish at 220. Talented freshman Carson Walsh fell one round shy of placing at 113.

Up next: Sam Cali "Battle for the Belt" Invitational at Farleigh Dickinson University on Dec. 27-28.

9. Lenape Valley (0-0) -- Patriots produced five finalists, including champions Daniel Haws (126) and Joshua Valencia (285), in winning the Dover Tournament on Saturday. Marcus Bullock (106), Tyler Gaboda (120) and Jacob Cuttito (215) were runners-up. Freshman Gage Graziano (132), Justin Peterson (144), Andrew Grant (150) and John Riedener (165) placed third.

Up next: Hanover Park and West Morris at Randolph quad on Thursday.

10. Hackettstown (0-0) -- Tigers finished fourth in the Morris Knolls Tournament on Saturday behind champions Aiden Scherringa (106) and Nicholas Balella (132). Matthew Francis (138) and Joey Bencivengo (150) were runners-up.

Up next: High Point at home on Tuesday; at Kittatinny on Wednesday.

On the bubble

Voorhees (1-0) -- Vikings cruised to a 69-12 victory over Rutgers Prep on Friday before a sixth-place finish in the seventh annual Wendy Pandy-Leh Tournament at Delaware Valley on Saturday. Logan Wiecoreck (144), Mike Mosier (150), Jack Mosier (215) and Cameron Baumann (285) placed third.

Belvidere (0-1) -- County Seaters dropped a 42-27 decision to Bangor (Pa.) on Friday in their dual-meet opener before finishing seventh in the inaugural Mike Dessino Invitational at Middlesex on Saturday. Four of their eight entrants made the finals, including champs Patrick Horvath (113), who won the Outstanding Wrestler Award, Deven Pagach (138) and Jacob Hachtmann (215). Russell Pantuso (285) was a runner-up.

Wrestling: HWS schedule for Dec. 17-23

Friday, Dec. 17

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Vernon-Wallkill Valley at Boonton, 5 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Rutgers Prep at Voorhees, 6 p.m.
Bridgewater-Raritan at Delaware Valley

Independent

Belvidere at Bangor (Pa.)
Phillipsburg in King of the Mountain Tournament at Central Mountain (Pa.), 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18

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

Hackettstown, Hopatcong, Sparta at Morris Knolls Tournament
Hight Point in Robin Leff Classic at Southern, 9:30 a.m.
Kittatinny at Caldwell Tournament
Lenape Valley, North Warren at Dover Tournament
Newton, Warren Hills in Battle on the Bay at Bayonne
Hunterdon Central, Pope John at Beast of the East Tournament, 8:30 a.m.
Vernon-Wallkill Valley at Clifton Invitational
Belvidere in Mike Destino Invitational at Middlesex
Voorhees in Wendy Pandy-Leh Invitational at Delaware Valley
Phillipsburg in King of the Mountain Tournament at Central Mountain (Pa.), 10 a.m.
North Hunterdon in Rick Iacono Memorial Tournament at Governor Livingston

Sunday, Dec. 19

Hunterdon Central, Pope John at Beast of the East Tournament, 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday. Dec. 21

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

High Point at Hackettstown
Jefferson at North Warren, 6 p.m.

Independent

Elmwood Park at Vernon-Wallkill Valley, 6 p.m.
Delaware Valley at Hopewell Valley, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 22

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

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Kittatinny, 6:30 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Hillsborough at Hunterdon Central, 6:30 p.m.
North Hunterdon at Bound Brook

Independent

Warren Hills at Raritan, 6 p.m.
Hopatcong at Teaneck, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23

(All matches 4 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Lenape Valley, Hanover Park, West Morris at Randolph, 3:30 p.m.
Morris Hills at Sparta

Independent

Mount Olive at Delaware Valley, 3 p.m.
St. Peter’s Prep at North Hunterdon, 2 p.m.
Kittatinny, Kinnelon, Ramapo at West Milford Duals

Wrestling: Depth is surely King for loaded P'burg

Opening day in New Jersey is just days away, but Phillipsburg's wrestling team has been building for this moment since last season wrapped in its home gym with the individual state tournament in late April.

P'burg will open home dual season on Jan. 4.

The Stateliners, considered among the preseason favorites to win the Group 5 title in February, won't exactly ease into this new season. First-year coach Brad Gentzle's team begins its quest for the program's 23rd state championship on Friday morning in the two-day King of the Mountain Tournament in Mill Hall, Pa. 

"We're healthy and our weights are under control," said Gentzle, a former star at Easton (Pa.) and longtime assistant coach who took over under difficult circumstances in May. "We've had four really good weeks of training leading into one of the toughest tournaments this side of the Mississippi River, if not the country."

• Check out the full Phillipsburg 2021-22 preview

P'burg, which finished 8-1 overall during a pandemic-shortened 2021 season, returns nine starters and a host of talented newcomers. The 'Liners feature a deep set of upper weights, led by state qualifier David Pierson (215 pounds) and fellow senior Nate Zastowny (165), a former Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion.

That depth will get put to the test this weekend. Senior James Palitto (175) will have to sit this one out since the King of the Mountain will be conducted under Pennsylvania's 13 weight classes instead of the National Federation of High School's set of 14, which New Jersey adopted for this season. Sophomore Caleb Rivera and junior Connor Hille are also capable of competing at 175, but Rivera will be at 189 for King of the Mountain and the Bethlehem Holiday Classic at Liberty High School in Pa., Dec. 28-29. 

"They're all 175-pounders, but Rivera is the biggest," Gentzle said. "That's difficult to tell two that you aren't going. That's anywhere from four to 15 matches in these two tournaments."

Sophomore Rorey Packer, who returned to the sport this season, junior Logan Kries and sophomore Nate Smith are also in the mix for New Jersey's 190-pound class.

"We have three athletic bodies at 190 who know how to wrestle. That gives us a lot of flexibility," Gentzle added. "The New Jersey weights help us this year. Only a couple are really cutting weight period. Caleb is not as big as we thought he'd be and 165 is not an issue for Zastowny. [Junior Hunter] Cleaver [at NJ's 157] is in a little bit of a tough spot for him, but he's doing just fine."

Flexibility is a precious commodity these days, but not limited to the Phillipsburg upper weights. The 'Liners will be able to mix and match from 132 on up.

Among the challenges Gentzle, who does not teach at the high school, and his staff have faced is getting practice going until his arrival. Tim Longacre, a longtime youth coach and No. 1 assistant, handles that duty and Gentzle said the wrestlers have made the adjustment.

"The kids have responded very well to it," Gentzle said. "Sometimes a change of pace can be a good thing. We've been focused on drilling and technique this preseason."

P'burg is set to open the dual-meet season at Livingston on Wednesday, Dec. 22. A victory there would put the Stateliners at 999 overall, setting up a chance to get No. 1,000 against Hunterdon Central in front of what should be a packed house in the home opener on Jan. 4.

King of the Mountain lineup:

106 -- Antonio Garcia; 113 -- Miguel Lopez; 120 -- Gavin Hawk; 126 -- James Day; 132 -- Luke Geleta; 138 -- Joey Innamorato; 145 -- Liam Packer; 152 -- Matt D'Onofrio; 160 -- Hunter Cleaver; 172 -- Nate Zastowny; 189 -- Caleb Rivera; 215 -- David Pierson; 285 -- John Wargo.

Wrestling: Sussex County preview capsules

High Point Wildcats

Coach: John Gardner (381-108-2, 24th season).

2021 record: 4-1, 1-1 NJAC Freedom Division (third).

Returning starters (6): Sr. Clayton Utter (7-3, D1-2020, N1R3) 120-126; Jr. Roman Citro (1-2) 120-126; Sr. Andrew Brevot (2-2) 138; Jr. Shane Woolf (4-1) 157; Sr. Troy Tiger (3-0) 175; Sr. Brian Soldano (10-0, D1-2020, N1R1, S1) 190.

High Point celebrates its G2 title in 2020.

Key losses: Nick Douma (4-1) 132; Josh Gervey (4-2, N1R6-2021, D2, R2, S6-2020) 138; Alex Buchwald (4-1) 182; Sean Van Wingerden (4-0, D2-2020) 195; Justin Klass (2-1, D2-2020) 220; Troy Van Orden (1-1) 285.

Key returnees: So. Carson Citro (2-0) 106; Jr. Kaden Conover (1-1) 113; Sr. Charles Antcliff (16-14 in 2019-20, did not wrestle in 2021) 113-120; Jr. Blake Bayer (1-1) 113; So. Ty Woods (2-1) 132; So. Eli Nosal 138-144; So. Dalton Yetter 150; Jr. Will Gomez (0-3) 150; Sr. Joe Pauls (2-0) 165; So. Mason Mericle 190; Sr. Noah Ripley (9-21 in 2019-20, injured in 2021) 215; Jr. Arik Hums (2-0) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Nick Clayton 106; Fr. Cole Jaust 113; Fr. Michael Tidona 113; Fr. Jesse Huelbig 120; Fr. Nick Marangi 144.

Outlook: 'Cats claimed the program's fourth straight sectional title and its sixth state championship in 2020 and were primed to make runs at both last season, but the pandemic wiped out team tournaments. With South Plainfield moving up to Group 3, High Point rates as a solid preseason favorite once again in Group 2. The lineup features two-time state champion and Rutgers recruit Soldano, who enters the season at 89-5 overall and is looking to join Nick Francavilla as the program's only three-time champs. Utter, a three-time state qualifier, reached the Round of 12 last season and will be in the hunt for a state medal, while Woolf, a former New Jersey Grade School League champion, is another to watch as he  gains valuable mat time lost the previous two seasons due to injury and the pandemic. Tiger will look to help Soldano anchor the upper weights, which have been a work-in-progress in prior years. The middle weights look like the biggest question this season with a strong lower part of the lineup. The schedule, as always, is tough, particularly a brutal stretch from Jan. 6-14 that includes duals against Group 4 title contender Mount Olive, Group 5 powers Southern and Phillipsburg and Group 1 challenger Kittatinny.

Hopatcong Chiefs

Coach: Eric Fajerman (130-347-3, 22nd season).

2021 record: 0-10, 0-3 NJAC Colonial Division (fifth).

Returning starters (4): So. Blake Brown (2-8) 132; Sr. Tommy Feinberg (3-0) 165; Jr. Mike Hardman (1-4) 165; Sr. Mike Mastroeni (11-2, D2-2019, N1R5) 175.

Key losses: Frank Mastroeni (3-2, D4-2020) 152; Andrew Costa (4-3, D3-2020) 160.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Ethan Pacheco 132; So. Manny Stupar 138; So. Jose Lagunes 175.

Outlook: Chiefs continue to be plagued by low numbers as the program produced just 23 wins over the previous 10 campaigns. With only seven on this season's roster, dual meet victories are near impossible to achieve so individual success will be the main goal. Mike Mastroeni, who was a round shy of reaching states as a freshman and last season, looks to take that next step. 

Kittatinny Cougars

Coach: John Gill (606-195-5, 42nd season).

2021 record: 11-1, 2-0 NJAC Freedom Division (first).

Returning starters (9): So. Liliana Zaku-Ramos (5-3) 113-120; So. Dylan Zupkay (2-10) 113-120; Sr. Shane Nelson (11-3) 126; Jr. Chris Casale (9-5, D2-2020) 132; So. Jacob Savage (9-3) 138; So. Bryce Coesfeld (6-6) 150; Sr. Steve Dalling (17-4, D1-2020, N1R3, S8) 157; Sr. Jack Merrill (3-9) 165; Sr. Ty Eldred (8-5, D3-2020, N1R6) 215-285.

Legendary coach John Gill surpassed 600 wins in 2021.

Key losses: Patrick Franco (8-3, D2-2020) 145; Connor Hanna (8-3) 152-160; Sr. Brycen Mafaro (30-8, D1, R2-2020, transferred to Pope John) 182; Tyler Sweatt (6-6) 195; Jackson Crawn (35-4, D1-2020, N1R3, S4) 220. 

Key returnees: Jr. Anthony Ferrari (0-1, D3-2020) 138; Jr. Dalton Mailloux (1-0) 144; So. Kaleb Ogar (1-0) 165; So. Tucker Lockburner (3-1) 175; Sr. Tyler Holste 190.

Promising newcomers: So. Belal Ezat 106; So. Reece Smith 144; Fr. Aiden McClain 144; Fr. Ethan Dalling 165; Sr. William Butler 190; Sr. Jay Martin 215-285.

Outlook: Cougars, who are facing numbers challenges on the youth level, are primed for another run at the North 1, Group 1 sectional and state titles after team tournaments fell by the wayside last season due to the pandemic. Despite the shortened campaign, Kittatinny managed to get in 12 dual meets, losing only to nemesis Phillipsburg, and earned two individual state medals. Steve Dalling returns to lead a pretty solid group of middle weights, while the lower weights remain a question, though Nelson, who has battled late-season injuries in previous years, is a former Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finalist. Once a strength, the upper weights took a hit with the loss of Mafaro, who suffered a football injury and is not expected to wrestle at Pope John. Ethan Dalling comes in with solid youth credentials and Lockburner showed promise as a freshman, along with Coesfeld and Savage. As in previous years, the match against archrival High Point (Jan. 14 in Wantage) should decide the division winner. Gill, who lives in the High Point school district, is the dean of HWS coaches. Now in his fifth decade in charge, is showing no signs of slowing down at age 65, and said he still enjoys coaching and the stress and atmosphere that comes with big dual meets.

Lenape Valley Patriots

Coach: Anthony Grogan (4-9, second season).

2021 record: 4-9, 1-2 NJAC Colonial Division (fourth).

Returning starters (9): Jr. Marcus Bullock (8-5) 106-113; Sr. Tyler Gaboda (2-2) 120; Sr. Daniel Haws (10-2, D1-2020, N1R5) 126; Sr. Michael Sawaged (5-8) 138; So. Andrew Grant (3-9) 150; Sr. Sam Jara Diaz (3-7) 157; Jr. John Riedener (3-8) 165; Sr. Jake Cuttito (4-4) 215; Sr. Josh Valencia (6-7) 285.

Key losses: Andres Villanueva (9-4) 126; Gabe Hernandez (7-5) 170; Justin Palumbo (8-2, D3-2020) 182; Cameron Samiljan (5-4) 182-195.

Key returnees: Jr. Noti Ziakos (1-2) 157-165; So. Ryan Stricchiola (4-0) 175; Sr. Jacob Perna 285.

Promising newcomers: So. Ryan Zimmerman 106-113; Fr. Marc Pavese 120; Fr. Gage Graziano 132; So. Ryan Slahor 138; Fr. Jakob Bell 138-144; Fr. Robert Hathaway 138-144; Fr. Justin Peterson 138-144; So. Pablo Portillo 165; Jr. Dylan Stevens 165; Fr. Jack Phelps 175; Fr. Michael Nadeau 175.

Outlook: Patriots, who have struggled with low numbers in recent seasons, seem to be heading in the right direction in that department with seven incoming freshmen. But this is a program that hasn't had a winning season since 2015-16, and has gone 26-54 the previous four seasons so approaching the .500 mark will be a goal. Haws, a four-year starter and two-time state qualifier, enters 74-20 for his career and is the team's best chance for a state medal. There's experience down low and up top so any dual-meet success will hinge on how the middle of this lineup comes along. Making a strong run at the division title is not out of the question. 

Newton Braves

Coach: Eric Bollette (256-203-1, 21st season).

2021 record: 6-6, 0-3 NJAC Freedom Division (fourth).

Returning starters (5): Jr. Thaylor Sibblies (6-6, D3-2020) 144; Sr. Takeo Sibblies (9-3) 150; Sr. Melkart Abou-Jaoude (8-4) 190; Jr. Brody Guerra (2-5) 215; So. Patrick Teets (2-8) 285.

Key losses: Nathan Fitt (17-3, D2-2020, N1R3, S7) 126; Danny Cleary (7-5, D4-2020) 120-126; JoJo Lotruglio (9-3, D1, R6-2020) 132; Nick Costa (9-3, D4-2020) 160; Ryan Pappas (5-2) 170.

The Boresch Duals are a premiere event in NJ.

Key returnees: Sr. Aaliyah Payne-Parris (1-3) 106; So. Demarius Posey (0-1) 120; Jr. Michael Melillo (1-0) 138; So. Thomas Carroll (0-1) 144; So. Drew Harding (0-1) 150; Sr. Aidan Murtagh (1-3) 157; Jr. Danny Barry (0-1) 190.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Ryan Bollette 106; Fr. Mason Bucci 106; Fr. Keegan Murtagh 113; Fr. James Marotta 120; So. Matt Teets 132; Fr. Aaron Stone 138; Fr. Davon Hook 150; So. Jason Teets 190; Fr. Justin Smith 190; Fr. Aiden Post 215.

Outlook: Braves are usually a handful for opposing teams and well coached, but the program is facing a numbers crunch this season and struggling to fill 14 weights. There is a lot of inexperience down low and questions up top, but the middle of the lineup is in good shape with both Sibblies and Melillo, who has been waiting in the wings. Abou-Jaoude was a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament placewinner in 2020. The schedule also presents challenges. High Point and Kittatinny are on the division slate and the Boresch Duals (Jan. 15) has become one of the state's best showcases, featuring top teams again this year such as North Hunterdon, Howell and South Plainfield. With two potential open weights, success in dual meets will be hard to come by, but expect this group to get better and have a few wrestlers make deep runs in the postseason.

Pope John Lions

Coach: Mark Piotrowsky (first season of second stint, 83-30 in six seasons from 2013-19).

2021 record: 4-4, 3-2 NJAC American Division (third).

Returning starters (7): Jr. Jason Athey (4-4) 120; Sr. Zachary Hentschel (4-5, D2-2020) 126-132; So. Justin Holly (3-5) 132-138; Sr. Collin Neal (5-8, D1-2020, N1R6) 144-150; Sr. Angelo DeAngelis (2-3) 150-157; Sr. Jack Stoll (12-7, D3-2020, N1R4, S6) 215; Sr. Jake Rubin (6-3) 285.

Key losses: Michel Ritacco (6-3) 160; Sr. Peter Delaportas (6-3, D2, R4-2020, transferred to Jefferson) 182; Nick Lodato (16-0, N1R1, S1) 195.

Key returnees: Jr. Noah Del Purgatorio 132; Jr. Justin Fontana 175-190; Jr. Cardin Madry 190-215.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Jake Holly 106; Fr. Mikey Ramirez 106-113; Fr. Carson Walsh 113; So. Spencer Moser 126-132; Jr. Jack Nauta (5-1, D3-2020, transfer from Sparta) 132-138; So. Matt Murray 132; Fr. Joey Rozynski 138-144; Fr. Kevin Wilson 150-157; Sr. Brandon Falotico 150-157; Fr. Luke Brown 165-175; Fr. Jarrod Cofrancesco 190-215; Jr. Nicholas Castorina (8-3, transfer from Sparta) 215.

Outlook: Lions are under new leadership as Piotrowsky returns after a two-year hiatus. The program, which was just over .500 (15-12) in his absence, won back-to-back Non-Public North B sectional championships (2018 and '19) and its first state title in 24 years in 2018 during his first tenure. The lineup is an interesting mix of veterans and several talented newcomers, including Nauta, who was a region qualifier in 2020. Up top, the loss of Delaportas, a star quarterback and Boston College recruit who was injured during Jefferson's run to a sectional title, hurts, but Stoll is one of the state's best up top. Walsh is another to keep an eye on, while Neal should contend for a trip to the state tournament in Atlantic City. If the others can round into shape, sectional and state titles are well within reach. 

Sparta Spartans

Coach: Dan Trappe (first season).

2021 record: 4-8, 2-4 NJAC National Division (T-fifth).

Returning starters (8): So. Peter Donnelly (9-3) 106; So. Eugene Donnelly (4-7) 113; Jr. Blake Brodersen (1-8) 132; Sr. Mathew Johnson (1-7) 150; Sr. Nick Hwang (8-3, D3-2020, N1R6) 157; Jr. Sebastian Gomez (2-10) 175; Jr. Bradley Maines (5-7) 285; Sr. Wyatt Coombs (1-8) 285.

Key losses: Jr. Jack Nauta (5-1, D3-2020, transferred to Pope John) 132-138; Troy Schmitzer (3-4, D2-2020) 160; Dominic Gignatelli (4-4) 182.

Key returnees: So. Anthony Petrock (3-2) 138; Sr. Parker Williamson (8-14 in 2019-20, injured in 2021) 175.

Promising newcomer: Fr. Logan Hrenenko 138.

Outlook: Spartans took a step back last season coming off a 17-win campaign. Trappe, a longtime assistant, takes over for Frank Battaglia, who orchestrated a remarkable turnaround as the program, once on the brink of elimination, went 132-101 the previous 10 seasons. The lineup took a hit with the transfers of Nauta and Nicholas Castorina (8-3 at 195 in 2021) to Pope John, but Peter Donnelly and Hwang, a Super Region qualifier, are coming off solid seasons. With eight starters back, the cupboard isn't bare, but there should be some growing pains as the team looks to improve on last season's win total.

Vernon/Wallkill Valley

Coach: Joe Down (1-2, second season).

2021 record: 1-2, 1-1 NJAC Colonial Division (T-second).

Returning starters (4): Jr. Daniel Lovett (0-3) 167-175; Jr. Isaac Thomas (1-2) 157; Jr. Jeyss Abreu (2-1) 215; Sr. Shane Saulnier (2-1) 285.

Key losses: Sage DiGiuseppe (1-2) 138; Cooper Pleva (2-1) 145; Julian Porras Arcos (1-2) 152; Noah Prevliglian (2-1) 220.

Key returnee: So. Reilly Hague (2-1) 132. 

Promising newcomers: Jr. Joan Vance 106; Fr. Artemis Pallis 113; Fr. Luciano Damato 120; Fr. Gavin Pych 126; So. Michael Veal 138; So. Vincent D'Antonio 138; Fr. Daniel Rendon 144; So. Zachary Ezzo 144; Jr. Matthew Dinnocenzo 157; Jr. Elijah Johnson 167; Fr. Joseph Pappa 190; Jr. Cristian Bracero 190-215.

Outlook: Second season for the combined programs and it looks as if numbers are on the way up. The 2021 season never really got going as the team was shut down early due to the pandemic and never resumed. This group eyes steady improvement and should be more competitive in dual meets with the ability to cover all 14 weights. Individually, Saulnier may be one to watch at district time.

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren preview capsules

Belvidere County Seaters

Coach: Dan McIntyre (115-87, 11th season; 301-220 overall in 30 seasons, including a stint at Pleasant Valley (Pa.).

2021 record: 7-4, 4-0 Skyland Conference Mountain Division (first).

Returning starters (4): Sr. Patrick Horvath (11-2, D4-2020) 113-120; Sr. Deven Pagach (6-5, D4-2020) 138; Jr. Jacob Hachtmann (4-6) 215; Sr. Russell Pantuso (8-3) 285.

Key losses: Hunter Lensi (9-2, D1, R2-2020) 126; Ty Tiedemann (7-2) 120; Marquise Panetta (5-6) 126; Shane Exley (8-2, D4-2020) 170; Dylan Richardson (8-2, D4-2020), 182; Carson Grogan (3-1, D2-2020) 195.

Key returnees: Jr. Anthony Hernandez (2-5) 120; Sr. Michael Gordon (2-2) 190.

Promising newcomers: Fr. JJ Magyar 106; So. Alex Ayers 113-120; Fr. Antonio Nikolopoulos 132; Sr. Richard Parker 144; Fr. Kyle Blew 165; Sr. Josh Bell 165; Fr. Pedro Dos Santos 175; Sr. Yusef Syed 175.

Outlook: County Seaters, who have done very well within their division in recent seasons, are facing a rebuilding campaign with the loss of six quality starters and only 14 total (five with youth experience) on the roster. Filling all of the weight classes should be manageable, but there's plenty of inexperience throughout. Horvath is one to keep an eye on -- having won 30 bouts as a sophomore -- as he makes a push for a trip to Atlantic City in March, while Pantuso has been a steady contributor. The schedule is usually challenging so expect this group to improve by season's end with an excellent coaching staff.

Delaware Valley Terriers
                                                                                                          
Coach: Andy Fitz (231-87, 15th season).

2021 record: 9-3, 2-1 Skyland Conference Valley Division (T-second).

Returning starters (10): Jr. Owen Kucharski (8-4) 106; So. Jacob Taylor (7-5) 113; So. Jared Leeds (5-6) 126-132; So. Matt Roche (2-4) 132; Sr. Sam Kirkpatrick (6-8) 132; Jr. Brayden Schneider (3-5) 150; Jr. Chris Colasurdo (9-4) 157; So. Anderson Olcott (8-4) 175; Sr. Trevor Bowen (6-3) 190; Sr. Matt Schneider (11-1) 190-215. 

Key losses: Cooper Gill (4-1, D3-2020) 132; Corey Crater (11-1, D2-2020) 138; Tyler Lagun (7-4, D1-2020) 170.

Key returnees: Sr. Robert Groogan (21-16 in 2019-20, did not wrestle in 2021) 120-126; So. Russell Prouty (1-3) 138;  So. Ben Levy (3-0) 144; Sr. Noah Sheeley (0-2) 165; Sr. Tim Torrey (0-1) 190-215; Sr. Chris Roche (0-3) 215; So. Kyle Cooke (0-2) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Jaden Perez 113-120; Fr. Jackson Bush 120-126; So. Kevin Roman 160.

Outlook: Terriers, who were one of the youngest teams in the area last season, look ready to take that next step as heavy preseason favorites to win the Central Jersey, Group 1 sectional title. Fitz has been excited to see this group in action at the high school level for several years, though a talented bunch of sophomores will have to get used to being in the spotlight following last season's pandemic-shortened campaign. Groogan's return to the lineup is a bonus as he will help anchor things down low. The upper weights should be in good shape with Olcott, Bowen and Matt Schneider, though there is inexperience up top. The middle of the lineup should hold the key to a successful dual meet campaign, but expect Fitz and his staff to get the most out of this group as they look to challenge Warren Hills for the division title.

Hackettstown Tigers

Coach: Jim Berringer (first season).

2021 record: 8-2, 4-0 NJAC Colonial Division (first).

Returning starters (5): So. Aiden Scheeringa (9-2) 106-113; Sr. Austin Zellars (8-2, D1, R6-2020) 126-132; So. Nick Balella (8-2) 126-132; Jr. Matt Francis (4-4) 138; Jr. Joe Bencivengo (8-2) 150.

Key losses: Tyler Yanoff (4-6, D4-2020) 182; Matthew Bremner (9-2, D3-2020) 285.

Key returnees: Sr. Matthew Finer (1-3) 138; So. Joseph Freeman (1-0) 144; Jr. Shawn Pawlowski (3-0) 157; Jr. Liam Burke (1-1) 165.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Liam Taylor 106; Fr. Alex Maslowski 106; Fr. Zachary Calhoun 175; Jr. Evan Yanoff 190; Sr. Stanton Maney 285. 

Outlook: Tigers, who reached the North 2, Group 2 section final in 2020, have a mix of experienced and younger wrestlers, which should be beneficial as this group looks to challenge again for a division title and what looks like a wide-open section. Berringer, a former state placewinner at Hopatcong, is no stranger to the program having served for several seasons as an assistant coach under Frank Rodgers (265-262-4 overall), one of the sport's good guys who stepped down after serving the program for 30 seasons (24 as a head coach). He is set to be honored prior to a home match against Caldwell, his home town, on Saturday, Jan. 29, which will also include a dedication of the wrestling room that will forever bear his name. This season's team looks to be in good shape down low and through the middle, but the upper weights will need to come along if this group is to be successful in dual meets.  

Hunterdon Central Red Devils

Coach: Jon Cantagallo-Rohm (126-29, eighth season).

2021 record: 6-0, 1-0 Skyland Conference Delaware Division (second).

Returning starters (10): So. Anthony Rossi (9-3, CR2) 106-113; So. Evan Thompson (6-1) 126; So. Will Cella (4-2) 126-132; Jr. Henry Wilkinson (3-1, D1-2020) 132-138; Sr. Aidan Portnoy (5-1, D3-2020) 138-144; So. Tommy Brunetti (4-2) 150-157; Sr. Tanner Peake (13-4, D1-2020, CR3, S6) 157; Sr. Nick Canonica (9-4, D2-2020, CR4) 165; Sr. Vincent Brito (4-2, D4-2020) 175; Jr. Bennett Cayero (3-4) 215.

Key losses: Colton Washleski (13-3, D2-2020, CR2, S4) 160; Norman Cella (10-4, D1-2020, CR4, S8-2020) 170.

Key returnees: Jr. Peter Plesh (1-11 in 2019-20) 106; So. Eddie Klein (0-3) 132; So. Jacob Saus 144; So. Ryan Seeman 190.

Promising newcomers: So. Ryan Sherlock 113; Jr. Patrick Kaczmarek 175-190; Fr. Danny Internoscia 190.

Outlook: Red Devils, who were shut down several weeks due to COVID-19 last season, return plenty of experience despite the graduation losses of two former state placewinners. Rossi and Peake should again be medal contenders this season, while Canonica is a four-year starter. The lower weights should be a strength once again and the middle of the lineup is very solid. If there's a question it looks to be up top, where there's some inexperience, but if that group can progress, expect this team to be in the hunt for division and sectional titles. Central's main challenger in the Central Jersey, Group 5 chase projects to be Howell, as Group 5 overall is a bear with Kingsway and Southern in South Jersey, while Phillipsburg is the favorite in North 2. Central travels to P'burg on Jan. 4, as the Stateliners will likely be aiming for the program's 1,000th win. 

North Hunterdon Lions

Coach: Chris Hrunka (64-8, fifth season).

2021 record: 5-0, 3-0 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (first).

Returning starters (7): Jr. Logan Wadle (12-2, D1-2020, CR3, S2) 106-113; Sr. Ben Makaritis (4-2) 120; Sr. Nick DeLorenzo (4-4, D2-2020) 132; Jr. Daniel Delusant (3-3, D1-2020) 138-144; Jr. Alex Uryniak (11-3, D3-2020, N2R3, S7) 190; Jr. Brendan Raley (4-4) 215; Sr. Liam Akers (10-2, D2-2020, N2R1, S7-2020) 285.

 
Key losses: Frank DiEsso (3-3, D2-2020, N2R2) 126; Connor Quinn (5-3, D1-2020, N2R5) 132; Billy Cole (3-3, D3-2020) 160; James Holder (8-3, D1-2020, N2R2) 170; Andrew Franklin (11-3, N2R2, S7) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Jack Van Doren 126; Sr. Ian Hewitt 132-138; So. Brian Wilson 138-144; Jr. Luke Fischer (0-1) 150-157; Sr. Tucker Lewis (1-1) 165; Sr. Luke Yager 175.

Promising newcomers: So. Shane Wysocki 106-113; Fr. Joe Celentano 106; Fr. Braxton Hannah 144-150; Fr. Evan Kinney 138-144; Jr. Louis White 215-285. 

Outlook: Lions, who logged the school's first unbeaten season and won the Group 4 title in 2020, are riding a 28-match win streak. With seven starters back, including three former state medalists, expect this group to make runs at sectional and state team championships. North's strength will again be up top, with Uryniak and Akers among the state's best upper weights. Raley also emerged last season as a force. Wadle, a 2020 Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion, will anchor the lower part of the lineup coming off his run to the state finals at 106. It will be interesting to see how some of the newcomers, who would have benefitted from some valuable varsity time last season if not for COVID-19, contribute. That will be key. This group doesn't have lineup balance like the previous two seasons, but a top-shelf coaching staff will bring them along as they look to battle Hunterdon Central for bragging rights in the county.

 
North Warren Patriots

Coach: Kellen Bradley (34-25, fourth season).

2021 record: 4-5, 1-1 NJAC Colonial Division (T-second).

Returning starters (5): So. Zach Haase (6-1) 113; Jr. Thomas Dugan (5-4) 120; Sr. Michael Castles (3-4) 144; Sr. Nik Pagano (5-1) 150; Jr. Jack Moritz (4-5) 285.

Key losses: Tanner Thatcher (5-3, D3, R6-2020) 113; Alex Davila (4-5) 132; Luke Scarmack (5-2) 152-160; Austin Collett (1-5, D3-220) 152; Devin Collett (2-1) 160; Connor Dolinsky (2-7) 182; Dylan Lobycz (6-3, D4-2020) 220.

Key returnee: Sr. Liam Castles (1-1) 175.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Dan "Hacksaw" Pita 106; Fr. Alex Holden 126; Fr. Brian Maxwell 132; So. Tyler Cook 138; So. Jibril Diop 138; Fr. Logan Garriques 157; Fr. Jayden Gulick 165; So. James Dacunto (5-3, transfer from Pope John) 175-190; Jr. JJ Wohlers 215.

Outlook: Patriots, who reached the North 1, Group 1 sectional semifinals in 2019 and '20, saw their run of three straight winning seasons end in last season's pandemic-shortened campaign. North is fighting a numbers battle, but there are five incoming freshmen (Holden and Garriques are ones to watch) which bodes well for the future. With no stars and a ton of inexperience, the dual-meet slate may be a bit of a challenge, but the good news is that the Pats should be able to cover all 14 weights with the bonus of getting Dacunto, who enjoyed a pretty good freshman campaign at Pope John, back in the fold. The goal once again will be to get a few more wrestlers deeper into the individual postseason.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

Coach: Brad Gentzle (first season).

2021 record: 8-1, 2-1 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (T-second).

Returning starters (9): Sr. Miguel Lopez (6-4) 113; So. Dawson McWilliams (5-4) 106-113; Sr. James Day (14-3, D1-2020, N2R3) 126; Sr. Joey Innamorato (10-2, D1, R5-2020) 138; Sr. Matt D'Onofrio (8-2, D3, R5-2020) 150; Jr. Hunter Cleaver (6-4, D3-2020) 157; Sr. Nate Zastowny (8-5, D1-2020, N2R6) 165; So. Caleb Rivera (10-4, N2R5) 175; Sr. David Pierson (12-4, D1-2020, N2R1) 215.

P'burg enters the season sitting on 998 wins.

Key losses: Jason Tino (9-5, D1-2020, N2R6) 138; Logan Maczko (8-4, D2-2020, N2R6) 145; Gage Horvath (8-2, D1, R2-2020) 195; Jordan Kiley (8-6, N2R5) 285.

Key returnees: So. Patrick Day 126-138; Sr. Hakeem Ransdell (1-0) 138-144; So. John Roth 138-144; So. Liam Packer (1-1) 144; Sr. James Palitto (D3-2020) 175; Jr. Connor Hille 175.

Promising newcomers: Jr. Antonio Garcia 106; Fr. Gavin Hawk 120; Fr. Luke Geleta 132; So. Rorey Packer 190; So. John Wargo 285.

Outlook: Stateliners, under a new head coach with a familiar face in longtime assistant Gentzle, are a senior-laden team with a wealth of returning talent, including state qualifiers James Day and Pierson, who both figure to make runs at state medals this season. Top to bottom, the lineup has no noticeable weak spots. Like Rivera last season, Hawk and Geleta are blue-chip rookies and Wargo -- a NJGSWL champion in 2020 -- returns after missing all of last season due to football injury. The upper weights, led by former Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion Zastowny, are as good as any around. We know from previous experience that this group will be better by season's end, as the 'Liners bid for the program's 23rd state title in what should be a brutal Group 5. Individually, there are several who will look to end the program's two-year drought on the state medal stand.

Voorhees Vikings

Coach: Ricky Kurtz (7-15, third season). 

2021 record: 4-9, 0-4 Skyland Conference Valley Division (fifth).

Returning starters (9): Sr. Josh Evers (9-3) 120; Sr. Hunter Cryan (10-3, D4-2020) 126; So. Logan Wiecoreck (10-3) 138-144; Sr. David Goodman (4-7) 138; Sr. Darin Ladin (3-8) 144; Sr. Mike Mosier (1-1, D2-2020) 150; So. Tyler Kinney (5-5) 165; Jr. Jack Mosier (6-7, D3-2020) 215; So. Cameron Baumann (4-4) 285.

Key returnees: Jr. Matthew Levy 113; So. Travis Cryan (1-1) 132; So. Brandon Kurzeja (2-4) 157; Sr. Brody Shaner (3-2) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Logan Bush 106; So. Degan Davis 113; So. Trevor Zabroski 157; Jr. Luke Hufford 175; Fr. Zak Bergmann 175; Jr. Kyle Jamieson 190.

Outlook: Vikings, who are coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2009, are in a long rebuilding process due to low numbers at the high school and youth levels. The good news is that this season's team will be more experienced and should have the ability to fill all 14 weight classes. Mike Mosier will look to regain the form he showed as a sophomore, along with Hunter Cryan. Wins from a team standpoint may be hard to come by, but the goal will be to improve individually and qualify a few for regions.

Warren Hills Blue Streaks

Coach: Dave Sbriscia (41-14, fourth season).

2021 record: 5-3, 2-0 Skyland Conference Valley Division (first).

Returning starters (14): Sr. Kevin Riedinger (5-3) 113; So. Josh Lee (3-4) 120; Sr. Max Pagano (5-3) 132; Jr. Ryan Lundy (3-3) 138; Sr. Jared Lee (2-2, D1, R5-2020) 144; Jr. Cody Miller (5-3) 150; Jr. Michael Drazek (5-3) 157; Sr. Stephen Malia (6-4, D1, R3-2020) 165; Sr. Owen Frizzell (3-3, D1, R5-2020) 175; Jr. Chris Whitehead (2-4) 175; Sr. Ryan Galka (5-2) 190; Jr. Jarett Pantuso (11-4, D2-2020, N2R3, S8) 215; Sr. Michael Galka (3-3) 215; Sr. Tyler McCatharn (14-4, D1-2020, N2R3, S6) 285.

Warren Hills eyes the program's 6th sectional title.

Key returnees: Jr. Shawn Redfield (24-17, D3, R5-2020, injured in 2021) 126; Jr. Thomas Brattole (0-2) 132.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Charlie Piccione 106; Fr. Ethan Drazek 120; Fr. Tyler Redfield 126; Sr. Matt Stella 157; So. Paul Hamas 285.

Outlook: Blue Streaks, who set a program record for wins two seasons ago, return all 14 starters and are expected to challenge for their first sectional title since 2007 and a Group 3 championship (only their third and first since 1997) as they weren't afforded the opportunity with no team tournaments in 2021 due to the pandemic. Winning a third straight division crown after earning the program's first conference title since 1989-90 in 2020, is also a major goal. Pantuso and McCatharn, two returning state medal winners, will anchor things up top, while Malia, another medal contender and four-year starter, is looking to get back to Atlantic City. Getting Shawn Redfield back in the lineup after he missed last season with an injury, is also a bonus down low. With eight seniors and a pretty balanced lineup, this could be a special season. Hills undoubtedly has circled a home date with Phillipsburg on Jan. 14 in what could be the dual meet of the season in these parts.

Wrestling: Groups format gets major makeover

Note: Updated with boys and girls individual tournament info.

With the New Jersey high school wrestling season set to commence in 11 days, major changes to the sectional and state team championships are in order for 2022 and beyond.

Open Mike was first to repot on Monday night that the Group semifinals will be held on Friday, Feb. 11, leaving just the five public championships, along with the Non-Public A and B title matches, to be contested at a neutral site on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022.

In addition, there will be two rounds (as in prior years) of sectional matches on Monday, Feb. 7. The top seed would host the Nos. 5, 4 and 8 seeds, while the second seed hosts Nos. 3, 6 and 7. The winners would meet in the finals on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Sectional classifications were released last month.

High Point celebrates its G2 title in 2020.

In previous seasons, the sectional team tournaments ran Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the Group semifinals and finals held together at a neutral site on Sunday. The state team championships had formerly been housed at Trenton or Toms River over the past two decades. 

This year's Group finals site is Franklin High School, while sources say the semifinals involving sectional champions may pit North 1 vs. North 2 and Central Jersey vs. South Jersey, eliminating traditional seeding by power points. This setup for the semis also cuts down on unreasonably long travel issues (Kittatinny traveling to Paulsboro in Group 1 as an example). But this and individual seeding is subject to change across the board due to COVID-19.

One major push for the change is that the Group championships for 2022 fall on Super Bowl Sunday, resulting from this season's National Football League expansion to 17 regular-season games. As a result, the NJSIAA, it seems, is concerned about the availability of tournament workers who want to watch the Super Bowl.

Another is the NJSIAA's desire to hold future state team championships at Rutgers University, which had been previously been discussed during the 2019-20 campaign before COVID-19 wiped out all team tournaments last season. The one hang up is that Rutgers only wants the championship matches and not the state semifinals. The new format solves that potential issue.

But semifinals ahead of the Sunday championships will likely not sit well with some coaches and fans. Pairing the sectional winners in each of the five public Groups by geography and not power points may result in the two best teams meeting in the semis rather than the championship match.

North Hunterdon was the G4 champion in 2020.

Toms River and Phillipsburg, which is now has the girls individual state tournament, seemed to be the frontrunners, but Franklin, which is more centrally located and is a sizeable facility, won out.

This is certainly shaping up to be a banner season for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area, with as many as eight teams poised to make sectional title runs. 

Phillipsburg (now in North 2, Group 5), North Hunterdon (the 2020 North 2 and Group 4 champion), Delaware Valley (Central Jersey, Group 1) and Warren Hills (North 2, Group 3) should be favorites in those respective sections, along with High Point (North 1, Group 2), Kittatinny (North 1, Group 1) and Pope John (Non-Public North B) in Sussex County. Hunterdon Central (Central Jersey, Group 5) is also expected to be in title contention.

The state also released sites for the boys individual districts and regions. The one big change is that regions will now be a two-day event -- Friday and Saturday -- instead of the traditional three. Hunterdon Central will again host Region 5.

Phillipsburg will host District 10, which includes Belvidere and Hackettstown.

The girls region sites are Franklin (north) and Williamstown (south).

Wrestling: Thompson slated to join P'burg HOF

When it comes to Phillipsburg High School and the wrestling program's storied history, the contributions from former two-time state champion and longtime coach Rick Thompson certainly stand out.

Perhaps no athlete or coach has advocated for the Garnet and Grey more than Thompson, who was also an accomplished head coach in cross country -- leading the 2005 boys team to a Group 3 championship that still stands as the Stateliners' only state title in that sport.

Thompson's Slippery Rock HOF plaque.

For all of his athletic and coaching achievements in both sports, Thompson will take his rightful place in the Phillipsburg Athletic Hall of Fame on April 24, 2022. He is among six individuals and one team (1918 football) in the second class. 

The first set of inductions, voted on in December 2019 and originally slated for 2020, were held on Sept. 19, 2021, due to the pandemic. 

This is Thompson's second such honor this year as he recently gained membership into the Slippery Rock University Hall of Fame -- where he wrestled in college -- this past summer. 

"It really is," Thompson said from his home in Myrtle Beach, S.C., when asked if going into this Hall of Fame ranks higher than any other honor he's received throughout his career. "I'm happy to be inducted."

Candidates, as is the case with the National Baseball Hall of Fame, must receive 75 percent of the vote from the 12-person committee to earn induction into the Phillipsburg Athletic Hall of Fame. In all, 29 have appeared on the first two ballots with a total of 18 (11 in the first class) earning the requisite 75 percent.

Former Stateliner wrestlers and state champions Bob Stem and John Barna, along with legendary coach Thad Turner and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Ringo,  headlined the inaugural class of the Phillipsburg  Athletic Hall of Fame. Barna, coached by Thompson during his final two seasons, is the program's only three-time champ (1980-82), while Turner, who also served as the head coach at Lehigh University, put P'burg wrestling on the map. His teams went 98-14-4 overall (including three unbeaten campaigns) during his nine seasons in charge and he coached eight individual state champions.

Turner served as the presenter for Thompson's induction to the Slippery Rock Hall of Fame. Thompson said that Turner or his son, RJ, will do the honors in April. RJ, 38, resides in Stowe, Vt., along with his wife, Olivia, who is expecting the couple's second child -- a girl. They also have a 3-year-old son, Barkley.

Thompson, 66, is the wrestling program's all-time winningest coach with a mark of 268-54-1 in 15 seasons across three stints (1980-88, 1991-95 and 2003-06). He guided the 'Liners to 15 sectional titles, the most under any P'burg coach, and eight state championships (five in Group 3, three in Group 4), as well as six runner-up finishes. He won the Wilfred E. Cann Award as New Jersey's Coach of the Year in 1988 and coached 96 district, 39 region and nine individual state champions.

Considered one of the sport's premiere motivators, Thompson stepped down after nine seasons as the head coach at Bangor Area High School in Pennsylvania following the 2016-17 campaign and took over at Bethlehem Catholic for a short 6-1 stint in 2018-19. Thompson hasn't coached since, though he did apply for the P'burg job last spring, which ultimately went to Brad Gentzle.

Thompson's Slippery Rock bio.

"Wrestling is so demanding mentally," said Thompson, a retired health and physical education instructor. "I had people who motivated me. My job was to make a better athlete and find a way to push those buttons in a positive way. Our kids may lose because the other guy is more talented, but not because they were in better shape or stronger. Some kids I coached went on to college and have been successful [off the mat], and I'm proud of that.

"The kids I coached in wrestling and cross country, I always treated fairly. I never had a favorite."

Thompson is 477-232-4 overall, with wrestling stops at Mountain High School (now West Orange), Hackettstown, Franklin and Voorhees. As a wrestler, he won two state titles (1971 and '73) and placed third ('70), to go with four district and three region championships for the Stateliners under Turner (1970) and later former coach Jan Dutt (132-25 from 1970-80), who also attended Thompson's induction at Slippery Rock.

But for all of those wrestling accolades, Thompson rates his days with the cross country program at Phillipsburg as some of the finest moments. 

He guided the boys and girls teams, starting out as a co-coach with Neil Frankenfield, who also served as the head coach in track and field with Thompson as his assistant. All told, Thompson amassed 1,079 coaching wins combined in wrestling and cross country (407-83 with the boys and 195-39-1 with the girls teams). The 2005 boys team also finished third in the Meet of Champions.

"I loved every second of cross country," said Thompson, whose girls teams won 88 consecutive meets and three sectional titles during the mid 1980s along with a state runner-up finish in 1988. "There are no bad calls in that sport. The time doesn't lie. To me it's still one of the best sports to coach."

Here are the others in the second class of the Phillipsburg Athletic Hall of Fame class:

• 1918 football -- First to be recognized as state champions in what was then the New Jersey Scholastic Football Association. Went 6-1 and scored 336 points, losing only to Barringer. Scored 101 against Washington High School (now Warren Hills) and 99 vs. Lincoln.

• Ted Dailey -- First team All-State end in football, captain and four-year starter from 1925-28. Scored 42 of the Stateliners' 89 points in '28. All-American at Pittsburgh and later led Syracuse to a national title as coach. Member of the Phillipsburg-Easton Hall of Fame (2006).

• George "Sammy" Moyer -- First team All-State halfback in football. Played on three unbeaten teams from 1933-35, captain of the 10-0 co-state championship squad in '35. Later served as Phillipsburg football coach from 1952-53.

• Clayton Willever -- First team All-State quarterback, who led the school to a state championship in 1918. Scored a school record seven touchdowns and kicked four extra points in the 99-0 win over Lincoln. His 195 career points stands sixth on the program's all-time list.

• Eileen Clymer Schwab -- Earned 12 varsity letters in three sports and was a four-year starter in field hockey, basketball and softball, serving as captain in all three. Played on the East Penn League championship field hockey teams in 1974-76 and was the starting shortstop on two state championship teams in 1975-76. Was a starter on the 1975 state runner-up team in basketball.

• Mary Jane Deutsch -- Softball and basketball standout earned eight varsity letters and set softball records in batting average, RBIs, singles, triples and home runs. As an All-State selection at catcher in 1976, she hit .517 with 18 RBIs and did not strike out in 47 at-bats. Also a four-year starter in basketball who broke all-time scoring and rebound records in 1976. She coached basketball, softball and track and field during the 1980s.

Wrestling: 'Big boy' Soldano team 1st; HWS notes

The calendar just flipped to December, but High Point ace Brian Soldano has a March date with high school wrestling destiny.

Soldano, a two-time New Jersey state champion who is set to compete at 190 pounds this season, aims to join former Wildcats star Nick Francavilla (2009-11) as the only wrestlers in program history to win three titles. Newton's Robert McKeeby (1941-43), Harry Lanzi (1946-48), Bill Dolan (1947-49) and Don Frey (1947-49), and Pope John's Mike Frick (1969, '71 and '72), a four-time finalist along with Lanzi and Frey, are the only other three-time winners from Sussex County.

Soldano on the way to his first state title in 2020.

So who is High Point's all-time best? Despite the endorsement from Francavilla (the program's career wins leader with 156 and a four-time state medalist and region champ) and current head coach John Gardner (a 'Cats state champion in 1990 and four-time region winner), Soldano gives the nod to Francavilla, who finished seventh in the state as a freshman in 2008.

"Ever since I got to high school, my goal was to be the best ever at High Point," Soldano said during a phone interview on Wednesday evening following a club practice. "I can't be the best ever because I don't have four state medals. I think Nick is still better than me. But I feel like I've put up a pretty good resume." 

Quite the resume indeed. Soldano is a three-time Super 32 placewinner (third in 2019 and '21, champion in 2020) and a Junior Freestyle All-American (second in 2021) in addition to winning two district and three region titles (there were no districts held in 2021 due to the pandemic). The extremely humble and fun to watch Rutgers recruit, who trains twice a week at Francavilla's Ironhorse facility in Sparta, enters his final high school season at 89-5 overall, as he looks to become the 17th in school history to reach the century mark. 

Soldano would have surely surpassed 100 wins last season had COVID-19 not shortened the slate. He was on a pace to pass both Francavilla and overall county leader JoJo Aragona (158), a 2019 state champion for Pope John, on the all-time Sussex County wins list.

Soldano and the 182-pound placewinners in 2021.

But Soldano, who is 48-1 over the past two seasons, mainly laments missing out on competing with his teammates for a full season last spring, when the season was shortened and pushed back to late March. High Point competed in only five dual meets and was shut down several times due to COVID-19. Soldano only wrestled in two of those duals (Kittatinny and Paramus) out of an abundance of caution.

The ultimate team wrestler, Soldano, with his spot secure in college, even passed up the opportunity to compete as a solo in the rugged Beast of the East Tournament this season, as New Jersey can now split its teams to allow some of the better wrestlers a chance to compete in those bigtime events.

"He didn't want to go without his team," Gardner said. "He's much more a team-first guy than anyone could have imagined."

"I only had two matches with my team last year and that really hurts," said Soldano, who helped lead the 'Cats to a Group 2 state championship in 2020. "It's a little sad in the sense to not have a real high school experience the last two years and not be able to bond with [teammates]. I love to wrestle anybody, anywhere, but there was no reason to have one kid [at the Beast]. Being with the team is something special."

Soldano, who won his previous state titles at 160 and 182 pounds, feels comfortable at 190. Rutgers views him as a 184-pounder next season, should 2021 NCAA All-American and former New Jersey state champ John Poznanski bump up to 197. If Poznanski stays at 184, where he finished fourth in last season's NCAA Division I Tournament, Soldano said he's ready to compete for the starting job or potentially take a redshirt year.

"I'm a big boy now. We think [184] is the best spot for me," Soldano said. "It would have been a stretch to get down to 175 [for the high school season]. I usually walk around at about 200." 

But for now, Soldano has unfinished business on the high school scene -- both individually and with his teammates. High Point, which also returns district champ and three-time state qualifier Clayton Utter (who will compete at either 120 or 126), figures to be the North 1, Group 2 sectional and Group 2 state title favorite. The 'Cats also look forward to renewing the rivalry with Kittatinny on Jan. 14 after a 36-30 loss to the Cougars last season --- which marked longtime coach John Gill's 600th victory.

"Our goal every year is to take it step by step. Win the league, then the section, and then have the chance to be state champs," Soldano said. "We have that [match with Kittatinny] pinpointed."

HWS scene

The 12th Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament is set for Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 -- a bit earlier in the slate than usual -- and will be a welcome sight after last year's event was cancelled due to COVID-19. Phillipsburg, which figures to start the season as Open Mike's No. 1 team in our area rankings, is again the host site. 

How tough is it to win an individual county title? Well, consider that Soldano, a two-time state champ, is 0-for-2 in the event. Of course that's a deceiving stat since Soldano was not entered in 2019 and '20 due to match limits. Will we get to see him in action this time around?

"I'm not even the best [wrestler] in Sussex County," Soldano said jokingly of never winning a title. "It's been pretty good luck not wrestling in it."

Soldano, admittedly superstitious, said he wears the same socks and gear during the season. Will it give him pause to skip a third after winning two state championships without having wrestled in the HWS Tournament? One has to believe he'll be there come Jan. 8.  

Phillipsburg, which features 2020 HWS champion Nate Zastowny and winner of a tournament-best six team championships, looks to be the heavy favorite to reclaim the title after North Hunterdon won its first in 2020 en route to capturing the North 2, Group 4 sectional and state trophies. 

Back points

• Speaking of P'burg, the Stateliners, who are sitting on 998 wins as a program, will now compete in a ridiculously loaded Group 5 -- which also contains Hunterdon Central, Howell, Kingsway and Southern -- as the NJSIAA sectional classifications for 2021-22 were released last month. A site for this year's Group championships has not been determined, but P'burg, which will again host the girls individual state tournament, is a strong candidate to take it away from Toms River North.

Jarett Pantuso is one of 2 returning state placewinners for WH.

• Warren Hills should be in the hunt for its third Group 3 title and the program's first since 1997, as coach Dave Sbriscia returns his entire starting lineup, including state medal winners Jarett Pantuso (eighth at 220) and Tyler McCatharn (sixth at 285). The Blue Streaks open the season in the Battle of the Bay Tournament at Bayonne on Dec. 18, along with Newton. The Blue Streaks will also look forward to the return of the John Goles Invitational on Dec. 28, which does not include North Hunterdon as the Lions opted to compete in the Sam Cali Tournament that week.

• It's a rather interesting slate of dual meets for Warren Hills, which has Raritan, Livingston and Fair Lawn on the slate, but not Hunterdon Central. Streaks AD Mike Jones said the schools don't yet have a mutual date, but let's hope that one gets on the docket. Phillipsburg is back on after a brief hiatus, but Central is the second-longest running series for Warren Hills, which is 13-46-1 overall vs. the Red Devils dating to 1960. Central has won six straight, including a 36-25 win in the the 60th renewal last season.

Central, Phillipsburg, North Hunterdon, Delaware Valley, Voorhees should be automatics on the Warren Hills schedule every season. We need the local rivalries to help sustain fan interest in the sport. It's key to the health of high school wrestling, at least in the HWS area, which has a rich dual meet history unlike the rest of the state.

• High Point, which is not going to the Mustang Classic at Brick Memorial over the holidays for the first time (there was no tournament in 2020) in Gardner's 24 seasons in charge, will instead be at the Sam Cali Tournament on Dec. 27-28. The 'Cats also have a brutal stretch of duals from Jan. 6-14 (Mount Olive, Phillipsburg, Southern and Kittatinny all at home), with the HWS Tournament mixed in as well during that nine-day stretch. 

"I like doing that sequence," said Gardner, who is 381-108-2 overall and has a date to face Group 3 title contender Delsea, along with Hunterdon Central, later in the season. "It's the same as sectionals [week] so that's a good thing. I think it will be a positive. The goal is not to go undefeated in [dual meets], but to be ready when it comes time for Groups."

• There are four new head coaches, though not-so-new faces, among the HWS ranks. Brad Gentzle is the new P'burg boss, while former Jefferson wrestler Dan Trappe has taken over for Frank Battaglia at Sparta. Former assistant Jim Berringer, a standout at Hopatcong on Tom Vara's teams in the late 1990s, succeeds Frank Rodgers at Hackettstown, while over at Pope John, Mark Piotrowsky, a former state runner-up for Jefferson, is back for his second stint in charge of the Lions.

• South Hunterdon has resumed its program after dropping the sport in 2001. The Eagles will compete on the junior varsity level for at least this season under head coach Leigh Hall, a former district champion for Delaware Valley and longtime assistant coach for the Terriers, Voorhees and most recently Hunterdon Central.

• The upper weights in the HWS area may look a bit lighter this season. Peter Deleportas transferred from Pope John to Jefferson and Brycen Mafaro, also a senior, is now at Pope John after winning a district title for Kittatinny in 2020. Football injuries have placed both of their wrestling seasons in question. Deleportas, a star quarterback who is headed to play at Boston College, was injured in the Falcons' sectional final win.