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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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