Wrestling: Hawk, Walsh 'dialed in' in return to finals

ATLANTIC CITY -- The goal for both Phillipsburg senior Gavin Hawk and Pope John senior Carson Walsh was getting back to where they fell short a year ago.

Hawk's workmanlike 8-1 win over St. Peter's Prep senior Maxwell Nevlin at 157 pounds capped a 3-for-3 semifinal round for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area on Friday night, as Walsh (138) and first-time finalist Donny Almeyda (144) will also go for gold at no earlier than 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Hawk is Phillipsburg's 62nd state finalist

"He's been dialed in for the entire year," Phillipsburg coach Tim Longacre said of Hawk, who will bid to become the Stateliners' 34th state champion and first since Brandon Hull (220 pounds in 2012). "Our offseason program, I think he missed a couple of days for being actually sick. He's got a goal and he wants to go get it."

In all, the HWS area picked up nine state medals as Warren Hills' Augie Szamreta (113), Delaware Valley's Jaden Perez (126), Pope John's Dalton Weber (132), Phillipsburg's Luke Geleta (144), Hunterdon Central's Rhett Washleski (150) and Kittatinny's Ethan Dalling (175) are all guaranteed a top-eight finish at their respective weights.

On a mission

Hawk (40-1), who dropped an 8-4 decision to St. Joseph-Montvale's Zach Ballante in last year's 150-pound final, seems to be handling the favorite's role this time around just fine. The Princeton University recruit has outscored his four state opponents by a combined, 53-3, including two majors and a technical fall. He will face Southern's Wyatt Stout for the gold at 157. Stout, a two-time medalist, handed Hawk a 5-2 loss when they met in the Group 5 final in 2023 -- a 41-14 win for the Rams.

"I see the growth," Longacre said of Hawk, who will finish his fabulous career as Warren County's all-time wins leader at 150-20 after surpassing former Belvidere state medalist Quinn Melofchik (147-19 from 2015-19) in the Round of 16. "This year, I see the big jump as far as his confidence and what he does ... it's awesome. It's well deserved."

Hawk and Geleta have combined for 291 wins

Hawk went right to work after a scoreless first period against Nevlin (34-7), who became the No. 4 seed after Bergen Catholic junior Joey Canova had to withdraw due to a knee injury he sustained in last weekend's Region 1 finals loss to Hawk. A takedown with 40 seconds left in the second period put Hawk on top, 4-1, against Nevlin, who was muscled to his back by the Stateliner in the third period. 

Winning a state title is awesome in itself, but at Phillipsburg, striking gold raises it to another level. The 'Liner faithful has waited over a decade for No. 34, as three wrestlers besides Hawk (Brandon Paetzell twice in 2014 and '16, Robert Melise in '16 and Brian Meyer in '18) were denied in their finals
appearances since Hull pulled off No. 33.

"That's added pressure that nobody needs," Longacre said. "At the end of the day, history is history. We need to make our own history. We don't talk about that over and over. They see it on the wall every day."

When Hawk came off the mat, Geleta, who had just experienced a tough loss in the wrestlebacks and will wrestle for seventh place on Saturday, was the first one to congratulate his teammate.

"It's great for him," Longacre said of Geleta earning his second medal after a sixth-place finish in 2023. "Super bummed [he didn't place higher]. He's worked hard. It's just a couple little things that didn't go our way today. Besides that, we could be higher on the podium. All in all, I saw him and it got me all choked up. Here, he just lost a bout, but yet, he's the first-best teammate standing here [to congratulate Hawk]. That is awesome stuff."

Lion-hearted

Walsh, who was pinned by Delbarton's Chase Quenault in last weekend's Region 3 finals, turned the tables with a 12-10 victory in their state semifinal, while Almeyda, a two-time fourth-place finisher at St. Joseph-Montvale, cruised to a 10-6 win over Delbarton's Nicholas Schwartz. On the adjacent mat at 144, Princeton's Blase Mele became his school's first finalist with a 3-2 upset of Rumson-Fair Haven's Sonny Amato, a returning state champ.

"I've known [Quenault] my whole life, obviously a tremendous wrestler," said Walsh, who held an 8-1 lead on Quenault before being decked with a cradle in their region clash. "We've been through it all together, elementary school, middle school, all the way up through high school.

Walsh ranks 3rd on PJ's career list at 135-16

"Nothing against him, but after a loss like last week, it feels good to get it back."

Winning the takedown battle against Quenault, a two-time medalist whose father, JJ, was a district champ for Voorhees, was the key this time around as Walsh converted three and surrendered two.

"It's always a battle with him," Walsh said. "Last week, I hit a couple of lefty high-crotches on him so I was able to open up to the other side. That was pretty locked down [today]. He did a good job of locking that down so I had to work on the other side.

Walsh (36-2), a four-time placewinner and Pitt commit, will look to avenge another loss this season when he meets St. Peter's Prep state champion Caedyn Ricciardi in their finals matchup. Ricciardi (29-1), a three-time finalist, pinned Walsh at the Beast of the East in December.

"Last year, I was kind of tight and nervous a little bit," said Walsh, who suffered an 8-4 loss to St. Joseph-Montvale's Adrian DeJesus in last year's title bout at 132. "This year, a lot of work in the offseason changed my mindset. I'm ready to let it fly. My coaches and I have been putting -- No. 1 above.  all -- getting ready for college wrestling. This is a bump in the road. I want to peak in college, not in high school."

Back points

Bollette and presenter Rachel Daddio (East Brunswick)

On the girls' side, Newton-Kittatinny's Eva Barry (138) and Paige DeCaro (165), along with High Point's Elle Changaris (114) and reigning champ Ella Poalillo (152), will compete for state titles on Saturday afternoon no earlier than 1 p.m. The Newton pair is looking to make history by ending the Braves' title drought since coach Andy Iliff won back-to-back golds in 1986-87. Eric Bollette was honored prior to the semifinals as the state's Girls Coach of the Year. The former Kittatinny state placewinner has compiled 284 wins in 24 seasons as the boys' head coach.

Shore Conference legend Steve Falk received the prestigious John Vogeding Media Award. The longtime writer for the Asbury Park Press, a favorite of the late Denny D'Andrea, was also recognized for his tireless work and devotion to wrestling prior to the semis.  

Szamreta, Perez, Weber, Geleta and Washleski will all wrestle for seventh place on Saturday, while Dalling earned a spot in the consolation semifinals with a pin the fifth round of wrestlebacks and can finish as high as third place. Szamreta is Warren Hills' highest placewinner in the lower weights (first three classes) since Ryan Kanewski (fifth-sixth at 119 pounds in 1995), while Dalling is the Cougars' first medalist since Jackson Crawn (fourth at 220 in 2021). His father, Steve, was a three-time finalist and champion in 1990 and '91.

'Stay hungry': Perez, Dalling surge to state quarters

ATLANTIC CITY -- Just call this a redemption tour for Delaware Valley senior Jaden Perez and Kittatinny senior Ethan Dalling.

Both wrestlers are attacking the 92nd State Wrestling Championships a little wiser and with something to prove as they were among eight from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area to win pre-quarterfinal matchups on Thursday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Perez put D'Angelo on his back twice in the 3rd period

Perez overcame some stomach issues before pulling away late for a 16-6 major of Point Pleasant Boro's Joseph D'Angelo at 126 pounds, while Dalling was dominant in a 15-2 major of Long Branch's Tornick Kajaia in their 175-pound clash.

"Something was wrong with my stomach," said Perez, who opened the day by decking Caldwell's Dom Holler in 3:33 in the prelims. "In the beginning [of the bout with D'Angelo], I could feel it bubbling. I got back into that rhythm and got through."

Joining Perez and Dalling in the quarters were Phillipsburg stars Luke Geleta (144) and returning runner-up Gavin Hawk (157), along with Hunterdon Central's Rhett Washleski (150) and the Pope John trio of Dalton Weber (132), Carson Walsh (138), a three-time state medalist, and Donny Almeyda (144).

It was a tough first two rounds for the area, which went 18-20 in the preliminaries and 8-10 in the Round of 16. The eight quarterfinalists matched the lowest total for HWS in 11 years (eight in 2014). 

The tournament continues on Friday with the quarterfinals and third round of wrestlebacks at 11 a.m., followed by the Blood Round at approximately 1:30 p.m. The semifinals are slated for 6 p.m.

Feeling it

Perez (37-3), who is looking to become Del Val's eighth multiple medalist and first since Mike Pongracz (fifth in 2012 and '13), was clinging to a tight 6-5 lead entering the third period against D'Angelo. But Perez got thing rolling, with a pair of takedowns and two sets of back points.

Perez (second from right) on the podium in 2024

"I think I started to kind of mentally win that match," said Perez, who reached the quarters for a second time following last year's fifth-place finish at 126 pounds. "He started to break a little bit. It tends to happen when you get into the third period, and guys are battling."

Perez, who's the No. 7 seed and will next face two-time Bergen Catholic medalist Nathan Braun, also moved closer to a fourth meeting this season against Watchung Hills junior Anthony DiAndrea, who advanced to the quarters with an 8-0 major of Delsea's Gage Summers. 

A Perez-DiAndrea rematch won't be easy for either wrestler as DiAndrea, a two-time medalist, will face St. Joseph-Montvale star Mikey Bautista in the other Round of 8 matchup in the bottom bracket.

"I would love that [in the semis]," Perez said of facing DiAndrea, who won all three of their matchups, in the semis. "That would be nice. [The losses] definitely helped me stay hungry and keep my eyes on the prize."

Perez believes he can win that fourth one against DiAndrea should it occur in the semis or wrestleback rounds. DiAndrea prevailed, 3-2, in a dual meet on Jan. 21, 8-4 in the District 15 finals on Feb. 22 and 4-1 in the Region 4 finals on Saturday.

"I always feel like I'm outwrestling him and keeping the pace high," said Perez , who is 122-21 overall and one win from matching former state runner-up Bobby Stevely for sixth on Del Val's career list. "He does a very good job of slowing it back down and getting the match super close. Just very good at keeping it tight. Then, anything can happen."

Be smart

Dalling fell in the 3rd wrestlebacks in 2024

Dalling (38-3), who will face Cranford star and Rutgers recruit Jordan Chapman in the quarters, isn't about to make the same mistake twice this weekend after being derailed on Saturday in his bid for Kittatinny's first region title since 2016. Leading, 4-0, going into the third period, Dalling went for a takedown and was thrown to his back and pinned with 34 seconds left against Bergen Catholic's Genti Idrizi, who was pinned by Dalling in the District 3 finals a week earlier.

"We were in over-unders, went for a single and he jammed me right to my back," said Dalling, a four-time state qualifier who reached his first quarterfinal. "Stupid mistake. Not a move I'm going to do for the rest of the tournament. I've got to learn from my mistakes."

Dalling, whose father, Steve, was a two-time state champion in 1990 and '91, and the first for the Cougars, took a 2-0 lead into the third period before opening it up with a takedown and two sets of back points, including a six-pointer off a reversal.

"I just want to keep scoring points," said Dalling, now 133-24 overall and tied with Austin Scrivani (133-29 from 2012-16) for sixth on the Cougars' career list. "Keep on scoring, don't make sloppy mistakes like I did in the [Region 1] final."

Quarterfinal matchups

126 -- Sr. Jaden Perez (37-3), Delaware Valley, vs. Jr. Nathan Braun (21-6), Bergen Catholic
132 -- Jr. Dalton Weber (25-3), Pope John, vs. Jr. Giovanni Schinina (26-4), St. Peter's Prep
138 -- Sr. Carson Walsh (34-2), Pope John, vs. Jr. Chase Hansen (40-0), Lower Cape May

144 -- Sr. Luke Geleta (38-1), Phillipsburg, vs. Fr. Nicholas Schwartz (25-14), Delbarton;
144 -- Sr. Donny Almeyda (16-0), Pope John, vs. Sr. Jake Zaltsman (34-3), St. John Vianney
150 -- Jr. Rhett Washleski (39-3), Hunterdon Central, vs. Jr. Michael Craft (34-4), Camden Catholic
157 -- Sr. Gavin Hawk (38-1), Phillipsburg, vs. Jr. Brendan Boyer (24-11), Christian Brothers Academy
175 -- Sr. Ethan Dalling (38-3), Kittatinny, vs. Sr. Jordan Chapman (37-4), Cranford

Back points

There are 24 wrestlers from the HWS area -- 32 of the area's 38 qualifiers will be competing on Day 2 -- in the second round of wrestlebacks, which begin at 9 a.m. on Friday. The quarterfinal losers drop to the fourth wrestleback session (Blood Round) and will need just one win to guarantee a top-eight finish.

North Hunterdon has five still in the hunt for medals in the second round of wrestlebacks with Cayden Wadle (106), Reid Buzby (126), Aidan Yarussi (132), Joshua Joubert (157) and Evan Kinney (175). Warren Hills has four in Augie Szamreta (113), Charlie Piccione (120), Davey Rhinehart (126) and Tyler Redfield (132), while Phillipsburg has three in Zack Swingle (106), Owen Garriques (132) and Gavin Geleta (150). Sparta has three in Ryan Hrenenko (132), Logan Hrenenko (138) and Jake Brown (190), while Pope John has Lukas Katsigiannis (150), Braydan Lombreglia (157) and Cole Dunham (165).

High Point's Nick Clayton (150) and Gavin Mericle (285), Delaware Valley's Jackson Bush (150) and Luke Sinkewicz (157), Hackettstown's Joseph Rowinski (113) and Hopatcong-Lenape Valley's Gage Graziano (144) are also in the second round of consolations.  

On the girls' side, six from the area reached the semifinals, including state champions Ella Poalillo of High Point (152) and Paige Weiss of Sparta (120), who won a title in 2023. Newton-Kittatinny's Eva Barry (138), a runner-up in 2024, and Paige DeCaro (165) are looking to become their school's first winner since coach Andy Iliff (1986-87). High Point freshman Elle Changaris (114) and Vernon's Caitlin Hart (235) are also in the title hunt.

Wrestling: State Tournament information, stats, picks

What: 92nd New Jersey State Wrestling Championships.

Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Thursday's schedule: Girls pre-quarterfinals (eight mats), 10 a.m.; boys preliminaries (8 mats), approximately, 10:40 a.m.; girls quarterfinals (eight mats), approximately, 2:30 p.m.; boys pre-quarterfinals (eight mats), approximately, 3:15 p.m.; girls wrestlebacks two (eight mats), approximately, 5:25 p.m.; boys wrestlebacks one (eight mats), approximately, 6:30 p.m.   

Boardwalk Hall has hosted 30 state tourneys since 1992

Friday's schedule: Boys wrestlebacks two (eight mats), 9 a.m.; boys quarterfinals (mats 3, 4, 5 and 6) and wrestlebacks three (mats 1, 2, 7 and 8), approximately, 11:10 a.m.; girls semifinals (mats 7 and 8) and boys wrestlebacks four (mats 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), approximately, 1:20 p.m.; girls wrestlebacks three (at least four mats), approximately, 3:40 p.m.; award presentations (John Vogeding Media Award, Vinnie Russo Golden Whistle Award, Richard Mirshak Award, Harry E. Lake Award, No. 1 team), 5:45 p.m.; boys semifinals (two mats) and girls consolation semifinals (four mats), 6 p.m.; boys wrestlebacks five (four mats), approximately, 6:50 p.m.  

Saturday's schedule: Boys consolation semifinals (six mats), 9 a.m.; boys consolation finals (third through eighth places) and girls consolation finals, approximately, 9:45 a.m.; girls championships, 1 p.m.; boys championships, 3:30 p.m. 

Returning state champions (10, 2024 weights): So. Cameron Sontz, Delbarton (first-2024, 106);  Sr. Anthony Knox, St. John Vianney (first-2024, first-2023, first-2022, 120); So. Ryan DeGeorge, Delbarton (first-2024, 126); Sr. Adrian DeJesus, St. Joseph-Montvale (first-2024, third-2023 for DePaul, first-2022 for St. Peter's Prep, 132); Sr. Caedyn Ricciardi, St. Peter's Prep (first-2024, second-2023, sixth-2022, 138); So. Sonny Amato, Rumson-Fair Haven (first-2024, 144); Sr. Alessio Perentin, Delbarton (first-2024, first-2023, fourth-2022, 165); Sr. Ryan Burton, St. Joseph-Montvale (first-2024, third-2023, 175); Sr. Harvey Ludington, Brick Memorial (first-2024, second-2023, first-2022, 190); Sr. Rocco Dellagatta, St. John Vianney (first-2024 and fourth-2023 for St. Joseph-Montvale, 285). 

Returning medal winners (49, previous finishes, 2024 weights): Jr. Anthony Mason, Southern (second-2024, 106); So. Killian Coluccio, Lacey Township (third-2024 for Christian Brothers Academy, 106); Jr. Charles Esposito, St. Joseph-Montvale (fifth-2024, 106); So. Brody Neill, West Morris (seventh-2024, 106); Jr. Johnathon McGinty, St. Joseph-Montvale (second-2024, fifth-2023, 113); So. Paul Kenny, Christian Brothers Academy (third-2024, 113); Jr. Nathan Braun, Bergen Catholic (fourth-2024, second-2023, 113); Jr. Anthony DiAndrea, Watchung Hills (fifth-2024, seventh-2023, 113); Jr. Colton Hagerty, Washington Township (seventh-2024, 113); Jr. Matthew Gould, St. John Vianney (eighth-2024, eighth-2023, 113); Jr. Mikey Bautista, St. Joseph-Montvale (fourth-2024, 120); Sr. Devin Ryan, New Milford (seventh-2024, sixth-2023, 120); Sr. Kevin Ruland, Red Bank Regional (eighth-2024, 120); Jr. Seach Hibler, Paramus Catholic (second-2024 for Leonia-Palisades Park, 126); Jr. Dalton Weber, Pope John (third-2024, 126); Jr. Sammy Spaulding, Camden Catholic (fourth-2024, 126); Sr. Jaden Perez, Delaware Valley (fifth-2024, 126); Jr. Laudan Henry, St. Peter's Prep (sixth-2024, 126); Sr. Luke Sherlock, Shawnee (seventh-2024, 126); Sr. Carson Walsh, Pope John (second-2024, fifth-2023, sixth-2022, 132); Jr. Chase Hansen, Lower Cape May (third-2024, seventh-2023, 132); Sr. Patrick O'Keefe, St. John Vianney (sixth-2024, eighth-2023, second-2022, 132); Sr. Chase Quenault, Delbarton (seventh-2024, 132); Sr. Jackson Slotnick, Williamstown (eighth-2024, 132); Jr. Jayden James, Delbarton (second-2024, third-2023, 138); Sr. Donny Almeyda, Pope John (fourth-2024 and fourth-2023 for St. Joseph-Montvale, 138); Jr. Anthony Depaul, St. Augustine Prep (fifth-2024, 138); Sr. Blase Mele, Princeton (sixth-2024, 138); Sr. Jake Zaltsman, St. John Vianney (seventh-2024, 138); Sr. Wyatt Stout, Southern (fourth-2024, sixth-2023, 144); Sr. Gavin Hawk, Phillipsburg (second-2024, 150); Sr. Jamar Dixon Jr., Delsea (seventh-2024, seventh-2023, fifth-2022, 150); Jr. Kage Jones, Camden Catholic (second-2024, 157); Sr. Maxwell Nevlin, St. Peter's Prep (fifth-2024, 157); So. Jake Clayton, Point Pleasant Boro (eighth-2024, 157); Sr. Jordan Chapman, Cranford (second-2024, third-2023, 165); So. Tanner Hodgins, Howell (sixth-2024, 165); Sr. Cristian Gioia, Governor Livingston (eighth-2024, 165); Sr. Temuulen Mendbileg, St. Benedict's Prep (sixth-2024, 175); Jr. Anthony Verdi, St. Peter's Prep (seventh-2024, 175); So. Brock Oizerowitz, Christian Brothers Academy (eighth-2024, 175); Sr. Vincenzo LaValle, Hanover Park (second-2024, third-2023, third-2022, 190); Jr. Nevin Mattessich, Don Bosco Prep (fifth-2024, 190); Sr. Kaleb Jackson, St. Joseph-Montvale (sixth-2024, 190); Jr. Alexander Reyes, Holmdel (seventh-2024, 190); Jr. Dante DeLuca, Don Bosco Prep (fifth-2024, 215); Jr. Rocco Salerno, Seton Hall Prep (seventh-2024, 215); Sr. Benjamin Shue, Bergen Catholic (fourth-2024, fourth-2023, 285); Sr. James Lynch, Toms River East (seventh-2024, 285).

Previous medal winners (6, 2024 weights): Jr. Salvatore Borrometi, St. Peter's Prep (third-2023, 113);  Sr. Vincent Paino, St. Joseph-Montvale (fifth-2023, 126); Jr. Santino Rodriguez, Don Bisco Prep (sixth-2023, DNQ); Jr. Giovanni Schinina, St. Peter's Prep (seventh-2023, 132); Sr. Luke Geleta, Phillipsburg (sixth-2023, 144); Sr. Anthony Harris, St. Joseph-Montvale (second-2023 for St. Peter's Prep, DNQ);      

Returning medal winners by region

R1 (8, Braun, Ryan, Geleta, Hawk, Rodriguez, Mattessich, DeLuca, Shue)

R2 (8, Esposito, McGinty, Bautista, Paino, DeJesus, Burton, Jackson, Harris)
R3 (13, Sontz, Neill, Weber, DeGeorge, Quenault, Walsh, Almeyda, James, Perentin, Gioia, Chapman, Mendbileg, LaValle)

R4 (4, DiAndrea, Perez, Hibler, Salerno)
R5 (10, Borrometi, Ruland, Schinina, Ricciardi, Amato, Mele, Henry, Nevlin, Verdi, Reyes)

R6 (5, Kenny, Clayton, Oizerowitz, Ludington, Hodgins)
R7 (10, Coluccio, Mason, Gould, Knox, O'Keefe, Sherlock, Zaltsman, Stout, Dellagatta, Lynch)

R8 (7, Hagerty, Spaulding, Slotnick, Hansen, Depaul, Dixon Jr., Jones)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area qualifiers (38)

Pope John (7) -- Weber (132), Walsh (138), Almeyda (144), Lukas Katsigiannis (150), Braydan Lombreglia (157), Cole Dunham (165), David Thomson (175)

North Hunterdon (6) -- Cayden Wadle (106), Owen Fol (113), Reid Buzby (126), Aidan Yarussi (132), Joshua Joubert (157), Evan Kinney (175)

Phillipsburg (6) -- Zack Swingle (106), Anthony Pettinelli (113), Owen Garriques (132), L. Geleta (144), Gavin Geleta (150), Hawk (157)

Delaware Valley (4) -- Perez (126), Sebastian Dobak (144), Jackson Bush (150), Luke Sinkewicz (157)

Warren Hills (4) -- Augie Szamreta (106), Charlie Piccione (120), Davey Rhinehart (126), Tyler Redfield (132)

High Point (3) -- Carter Drouin (120), Nick Clayton (150), Gavin Mericle (285)
Sparta (3) -- Ryan Hrenenko (132), Logan Hrenenko (138), Jake Brown (190)

Hackettstown (1) -- Joseph Rowinski (113)

Hopatcong-Lenape Valley (1) -- Gage Graziano (144)

Hunterdon Central (1) -- Rhett Washleski (150)

Kittatinny (1) -- Ethan Dalling (175)

North Warren (1) -- Logan Garriques (175)

Open Mike championship picks

106 -- JoJo Burke, St. Joseph-Montvale
113 -- Cameron Sontz, Delbarton
120 -- Paul Kenny, Christian Brothers Academy
126 -- Anthony Knox, St. John Vianney
132 -- Sammy Spaulding, Camden Catholic
138 -- Caedyn Ricciardi, St. Peter's Prep
144 -- Sonny Amato, Rumson-Fair Haven
150 -- Jayden James, Delbarton
157 -- Gavin Hawk, Phillipsburg
165 -- Alessio Perentin, Delbarton
175 -- Jordan Chapman, Cranford
190 -- Harvey Ludington, Brick Memorial
215 -- Dante DeLuca, Don Bosco Prep
285 -- Rocco Dellagatta, St. John Vianney

Wrestling: Ten best shots for state medals (HWS)

Phillipsburg senior Gavin Hawk has fashioned one of the finest careers in Stateliners history. But despite his numerous wrestling accolades, the always humble and respectful Princeton University recruit looks to atone for those second-place finishes in tournaments over the years. 

Hawk (36-1), a returning runner-up who drew the No. 1 seed at 157 pounds, remains steadfast in his pursuit to become Phillipsburg first state champion since Brandon Hull won at 220 pounds in 2012. Only Newton (82), Washington-Warren Hills (46) and Union (40) have produced more state champs since Phillipsburg (33).

In all, the Stateliners are sending six wrestlers to the 92nd State Championships, which will be held Thursday through Saturday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Joining Hawk is fellow ace Luke Geleta (144), who seeks his second state medal, along with two-time qualifiers Owen Garriques (132) and Gavin Geleta (150), as well as first-timers Zack Swingle (106) and Anthony Pettinelli (113). In all, 38 from the HWS area will compete in the tournament. 

"It's always a really exciting experience going down there," Hawk, a four-time qualifier, said of AC following his Region 1 championship victory on Saturday at West Milford.

Geleta (36-1), who joined Hawk and Bob Jiorle (1968-71) as the only four-time region finalists for P'burg in winning his first title on Saturday, also has some unfinished business in AC. After placing sixth as a sophomore, Geleta came up short in the Blood Round at 144 last season.

"Last year, I got hurt during the states, but I kept going," said Geleta, who ranks second behind Hawk on the school's all-time wins list. "Now looking back on it, Blood Round is nowhere near satisfactory to me. I'm using that as motivation for this year to definitely get me up on that podium."

Here's our top picks for medals from HWS (Note: we cheated and listed 11):  

Hawk lost, 8-4, to Zach Ballante of SJM in the 2024 finals

Gavin Hawk (36-1), Phillipsburg -- The only thing left to do in an otherwise fabulous career is to capture that elusive state gold after a runner-up finish in 2024, following two straight losses in the Blood Round his first two seasons. The Stateliners' all-time wins and pins (94) leader and only four-time HWS Tournament champion, hadn't been pushed much outside the practice room this season until a 6-2 victory over Bergen Catholic junior and state medalist Joey Canova, a fellow Princeton recruit, in Saturday's Region 1 finals. They could very well hook up again in the state semis as Canova drew the No. 4 seed. Hawk has reeled off 28 straight wins since a 16-4 loss to Quakertown's Collin Gaj, a two-time PIAA Class AAA state finalist and champion in 2023 in the Bethlehem Holiday finals on Dec. 29. 

"I've had some tough competition," Hawk said. "It doesn't really matter because my teammates and coaches push me in the practice room all the time. I get challenged and pushed every day. It's all about being prepared."

Career mark: 146-20.

Previous appearances: 2-2, Blood Round at 120 pounds in 2022; 3-2, Blood Round at 132 in '23; 4-1, second place at 150 in '24.

First-round opponent: Paramus junior Joseph Aiello (28-10, R2-4).

Luke Geleta (36-1), Phillipsburg -- Geleta is on a mission in his fourth trip to AC after falling a win shy of his second state medal last season. That's all the motivation he needed to craft one of the finest campaigns in Stateliner history -- winning his third district and county titles, while getting that first region championship in dominating fashion. A hammer on top, Geleta, who drew the No. 3 seed and has a nice setup in his quarter of the draw, will have to be sharp at a stacked weight class, which includes reigning state champ Sonny Amato of Rumson-Fair Haven and Pope John senior Donny Almeyda, a two-time fourth-place finisher, and the No. 2 seed who lurks in the bottom bracket 

Career mark: 138-26.

Previous appearances: 2-2, at 132 in 2022; 4-3, sixth place at 138 in '23; 3-2, Blood Round at 144 in '24.

First-round opponent: Point Pleasant Beach senior Jude Bowers (34-7, R6-4).

Perez (second from right) on the podium in 2024

Jaden Perez (35-3), Delaware Valley -- Perez made it quite clear early on this season that was staying put at 126 pounds, one of the state's toughest weights with nine former medal winners, including three-time state champion Anthony Knox of St. John Vianney. "I want all the smoke," Perez said after winning a John Goles Invitational title on Dec. 28. All three of his losses are to Watchung Hills junior Anthony DiAndrea (3-2 in a dual meet on Jan. 21, 8-4 in the District 15 finals on Feb. 22 and 4-1 in the Region 4 finals on Saturday) who placed seventh (2023) and fifth ('24) in two previous appearances in AC. Perez, a seventh seed, is in the same quarter of the draw with Bergen Catholic's Nathan Braun, a No. 2 seed and former runner-up who finished fourth last season. Perez owns wins over six others at this weight, including a technical fall of New Milford's Devin Ryan, a two-time medalist.

Career mark: 120-21.

Previous appearance: 4-2, fifth place at 126 in 2024.

First-round opponent: Caldwell senior Dom Holler (30-8, R3-3).

Dalton Weber (23-3), Pope John -- It sure would have been fun to see Weber and Perez go at it again this season after two memorable meetings in 2024 -- a 16-9 win for Weber in the HWS Tournament finals and a 10-9 victory for Perez in the Region 3 finals. Weber, a returning third-place finisher, is at one of the most wide open weight classes as the No. 2 seed at 132 pounds. He has plenty of history with the No. 1 seed -- Sammy Spaulding of Camden Catholic, who is 3-1 vs. Weber dating to 2023-24, including a pair of wins (7-0 and 4-1 in duals this season). That one loss came in last year's state third-place bout, which Weber won by pin in 1:55. Weber also scored a 4-2 win over state champion Ryan DeGeorge of Delbarton in Saturday's Region 3 finals and has beaten five others in the weight class this season, including an 18-5 major of North Hunterdon's Aidan Yarussi, a Region 4 runner-up.

Career mark: 92-15.

Previous appearances: 2-2, Blood Round at 113 in 2023; 5-1, third place at 126 in '24.

First-round opponent: Clearview senior Anthony Morales (23-6, R8-4).

North matched P'burg with 6 state qualifiers

Aidan Yarussi (35-5), North Hunterdon -- The talented sophomore seeks his first state medal coming off his first region finals appearance, which resulted in a second 4-2 loss to Paramus Catholic's Nick Palitto, a No. 10 seed in AC, this season. Yarussi, an integral part of North's run to sectional and Group 4 state titles this season, has benefitted from a rugged schedule as the District 14 and HWS Tournament runner-up and gave Camden Catholic ace and No. 1 seed Sammy Spaulding all he could handle in a 1-0 loss for third place at the Robin Leff Tournament in December. Yarussi also bumped up a weight to hand Warren Hills senior Tyler Redfield, a four-time district champ, a 7-2 loss on Jan. 3. Interestingly, they'll meet out of the gate in Thursday's preliminary round.

Career mark: 65-18.

Previous appearance: 1-2, at 113 in 2024.

First-round opponent: Warren Hills senior Tyler Redfield (35-4, R2-3).

Walsh is a 4-time HWS champ and this season's OW

Carson Walsh (32-2), Pope John -- Walsh was derailed in a bid to become just the third four-time region champion for the Lions, when he was pinned by Delbarton state medalist Chase Quenault at Region 3 in West Orange. That loss snapped Walsh's 23-match win streak, which began after being decked by St. Peter's Prep star Caedyn Ricciardi in the Beast of the East finals in December. It's a strong bet that Walsh, a No. 4 seed and runner-up at 132 last season, finds a way to bounce back in his final AC appearance as the Pitt commit seeks a fourth state medal. It's another brutal weight -- one that also includes state champion Adrian DeJesus of St. Joseph-Montvale, who drew the No. 3 seed, and Ricciardi, the No. 2 seed.

Career mark: 131-16.

Previous appearances: 3-3, sixth place at 113 in 2022; 4-2, fifth place at 126 in '23; 4-1, second place at 132 in '24.

First-round opponent: Union junior Ariel Azeredo (35-6, R4-3).

Donny Almeyda (16-0), Pope John -- The transfer from St. Joseph-Montvale got a late start after sitting 30 days, but he's seemingly rounding into shape at the right time. After winning a District 12 title, Almeyda scored a 4-2 win over Delbarton's Nicholas Schwartz to claim his fourth region title on Saturday at West Orange. As the No. 2 seed behind reigning state champion Sonny Amato of Rumson-Fair Haven, Almeyda and Phillipsburg's Luke Geleta, the No. 3 seed, could be on a collision course in the semifinals. Almeyda did not compete in the HWS Tournament on Jan. 11. Of his 16 wins, eight have been by technical fall to go with three pins, two forfeits and one major decision. His only other victory by regular decision was 4-2 over St. Augustine's Anthony Depaul, the No. 8 seed and a returning fifth-place state medalist. Another returning placewinner, Jake Zaltsman of St. John Vianney, is the No. 7 seed.

Career mark: 108-23.

Previous appearances: 1-1, at 120 in 2022; 5-2, fourth place at 132 in '23; 5-2, fourth place at 138 in '24.

First-round opponent: Delaware Valley junior Sebastian Dobak (22-8, R4-4).

Washleski is 36 shy of matching HC's wins mark

Rhett Washleski (37-3), Hunterdon Central -- The junior was denied a third region title with a 6-2 loss to St. Peter's Prep junior Joseph Ruiz, the No. 8 seed in the 150-pound state bracket. Washleski, who finished third in Region 5, hasn't gotten past the third round of wrestlebacks in two previous AC appearances, but this could be the year. Washeski, the No. 6 seed, owns wins over Bergen Catholic's Sowzrawca Tsay (4-0 at Beast of the East), as well as state qualifiers Jackson Bush of Delaware Valley (10-2 on Jan. 11) and Gavin Geleta of Phillipsburg (5-4 on Jan. 31). Interestingly, the Crafts at Camden Catholic ended Washleski's two previous seasons in the wrestlebacks -- Michael with a pin in 5:41 in 2023, and Austin with a fall in 5:10 in '24. Michael Craft is the No. 3 seed and in the same quarter of the draw with Washleski. That could be a fun matchup.

Career mark: 107-13.

Previous appearances: 2-2, at 144 in 2023; 2-2, at 150 in '24.

First-round opponent: Eastern senior Cole Pettet (29-4, R8-4).

Gavin Geleta (31-7), Phillipsburg -- Geleta has made major strides this season and officially entered the chat as a bona fide state medal contender. He was right there with High Point star Nick Clayton, a two-time region champion, in a 2-1 loss in Saturday's Region 1 semifinals and finished third. Geleta, the No. 10 seed at 150 pounds, also gave Washleski all he could handle in a 5-4 loss during their matchup in a dual meet on Jan. 31. The Stateliner also split a pair of 4-1 decisions with Delaware Valley senior Jackson Bush, a three-time state qualifier and the No. 14 seed.

Career mark: 71-32.

Previous appearances: Did not qualify in 2023; 0-2, at 132 in '24.

First-round opponent: Paramus Catholic freshman Harry Astarian (23-10, R4-4).

Only 3 of Clayton's 17 bouts at 150 have gone 6 minutes 

Nick Clayton (31-3), High Point -- Clayton, who became only the 13th wrestler at his school to win two-plus region titles on Saturday, looks primed to make a strong run at his first state medal following hard-fought wins over Gavin Geleta of Phillipsburg (2-1 in the Region 1 semifinals at 150) and Charles Shaddow of Ridgewood (7-6 in the finals) on Saturday at West Milford. Clayton, who is the No. 9 seed, is a gamer and tough on the mat. He has logged 14 pins and nine technical falls to go with two major decisions. In addition, Clayton, who reached the third round of wrestlebacks in AC last season, is 21-0 since dropping to 150 on Jan. 15. All three of his losses were at 157 pounds in December. 

Career mark: 115-33.

Previous appearances: Did not qualify in 2022; 0-2, at 120 in '23; 2-2, at 132 in '24.

First-round opponent: Mount Olive sophomore Justin Bullock (27-10, R2-2).

Ethan Dalling (36-3), Kittatinny -- Dalling should also be wrestling with a chip on his shoulder after being pinned by Bergen Catholic's Genti Idrizi in Saturday's Region 1 finals at 175 pounds. Dalling, a four-time state qualifier and three-time region runner-up who decked Idrizi in the District 3 finals, was leading, 4-0, before being tossed to his back near the edge of the mat late in the third period in a bid to become the Cougars' first region winner since 2016. Dalling's past experience in AC should help as the No. 7 seed looks to earn the program's 45th state placewinner and first since Jackson Crawn (fourth at 220 in 2021). His father, Steve, was Kittatinny's first state champ -- winning titles in 1990 and '91 after a runner-up finish in '89. 

Career mark: 131-24.

Previous appearances: 0-2, at 165 in 2022; 1-2, at 157 in '23; 2-2, at 165 in '24.

First-round opponent: Delbarton sophomore Jesse DeNegri (23-11, R3-4).

Other area qualifiers (27)

Pope John -- Lukas Katsigiannis (150), Braydan Lombreglia (157), Cole Dunham (165), David Thomson (175)

North Hunterdon -- Cayden Wadle (106), Owen Fol (113), Reid Buzby (126), Joshua Joubert (157), Evan Kinney (175)

Phillipsburg -- Zack Swingle (106), Anthony Pettinelli (113), Owen Garriques (132), Gavin Geleta (150)

Delaware Valley -- Sebastian Dobak (144), Luke Sinkewicz (157)

Warren Hills -- Augie Szamreta (113), Charlie Piccione (120), Davey Rhinehart (126), Tyler Redfield (132)

High Point -- Carter Drouin (120), Gavin Mericle (285)
Sparta -- Ryan Hrenenko (132), Logan Hrenenko (138), Jake Brown (190)

Hackettstown -- Joseph Rowinski (113)

Hopatcong-Lenape Valley -- Gage Graziano (144)
North Warren (1) -- Logan Garriques (175)

Wrestling: Region recap for HWS by the numbers

We're on the last leg of the high school wrestling season, but before we turn our focus to the 92nd State Championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City (Thursday-Saturday), let's take a look at some of the highlights from the five (ridiculous that our teams are spread out over that many) region tournaments that house teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area.

Boardwalk Hall awaits for 38 wrestlers from HWS

Phillipsburg seniors Luke Geleta (144) and Gavin Hawk (157) made even more program history in winning Region 1 titles as just the second and third Stateliners to appear in four region finals since the tournaments began in 1961 -- joining Bob Jiorle (1968-71), a two-time state medalist (champion at 98 pounds in '68, fourth at 115 in '71) and a former P'burg head coach. Jiorle won his only region gold in his state title season and did not advance to states in '69 or '70 since only region champions moved on until second became eligible for the first time in '74.

Geleta (36-1) celebrated his first title after three straight runner-up finishes, while Hawk (36-1) picked up his second after winning one at 132 pounds his sophomore season. They rank 1-2 all-time in career wins for P'burg, with Hawk sitting at 146-20 overall and Geleta at 138-26 as both seek their second state medals. Hawk, who also holds the program pins mark with 94, was a runner-up in 2024, while Geleta placed sixth in '23 and fell in the Blood Round in '24.

"It kind of gives me more motivation to do my thing, and go down to AC next week and perform well," Geleta said after winning that elusive region gold medal. 

Now, a recap of Regions 1 through 5 (also check out our district rundown):

38 -- We have that many wrestlers from the HWS area moving on to this week's state tournament (down six from 2023 and two from '24). In all, 14 advanced out of Region 1, while Region 4 produced 10. Over in Region 3, Pope John sent an area-best seven, while Phillipsburg (Region 1) and North Hunterdon (Region 4) each had six state qualifiers. Here are the total number of area qualifiers since realignment in 2017 -- 47 in '17, 48 in '18, 50 in '19, 37 in '20, 49 in '22, 46 in '23, 40 in '24 and 38 in '25. As a side note, there have been 12 state medal winners who finished fourth in the regions (not including 2021) and five were from the HWS area -- North Hunterdon's Andrew Gapas (eighth at 132) in 2017, High Point's Brandon LaRue (sixth at 113), Pope John's Reece Mulduun (seventh at 182) in '18, Sparta's Spencer Stewart (eighth at 120) in '19 and Pope's Jake Holly (eighth at 106) in '24. There were none in 2022 and '23 and one other last season besides Holly (Ethan Mendel of Northern Highlands sixth at 215).

Hawk and L. Geleta (first and second from the left)

134 -- Phillipsburg leads the way among HWS area schools in region champions as Geleta and Hawk raised that impressive total to 134. It was a nice bounce-back for the Stateliners, who were shut out in the 2024 championship round (0-for-4 in Region 2 at Mount Olive) for just the seventh time since 2000 and the 11th overall in program history. Former champs Brian Meyer (2016-18), the sixth and last three-time region gold medalist for the Stateliners and two-time winner Cody Harrison (2018-19) were in attendance on Saturday at West Milford. Great to see them back around the team more often as both were on hand to witness Hawk surpass Meyer (131) atop the career wins list in the team's 47-15 win over Warren Hills on Jan. 27. Also punching tickets to AC were Zack Swingle (29-9 at 106), Anthony Pettinelli (33-7 at 113), a runner-up in his first finals appearance, Owen Garriques (29-10 at 132) and Gavin Geleta (31-7 at 150).

7 -- Pope John leads the way for HWS as the Lions advanced seven out of Region 3 in West Orange. Junior Dalton Weber (23-3 at 132), a state bronze medalist last season, won his second title by knocking off returning state champ Ryan DeGeorge of Delbarton, 4-2, after a runner-up finish in 2024, while Donny Almeyda (16-0 at 144), a two-time state fourth-place finisher, captured his fourth region championship after winning three at St. Joseph-Montvale. Pitt recruit Carson Walsh (32-2 at 138), who's the Lions' first four-time finalist since current assistant coach JoJo Aragona (2016-19), was denied in his bid to join Mike Frick (1969-72) and Aragona as the only four-time winners for the Sparta-based school. Walsh (131-16 overall), a three-time state medalist who passed Jake Rotunda (130) for third on the program's wins list in the semis, was pinned by Delbarton senior Chase Quenault, a returning state seventh-place finisher. Quenault has Hunterdon County ties as his father, JJ, was a district champion at 125 pounds for Voorhees in 1992. Also moving on to AC for Pope John are Lukas Katsigiannis (24-11 at 150), Braydan Lombreglia (19-7 at 157), Cole Dunham (30-4 at 165) and David Thomson (25-9 at 175). 

Rhinehart and Szamreta are at 88 wins

12 -- In all, Warren County sent a dozen to AC as Warren Hills moved four out of Region 2, including two runners-up in juniors Augie Szamreta (33-4 at 113), a 2024 champion, and Davey Rhinehart (31-6 at 126), who became the first member of his immediate family -- after adding to their district legacy -- to reach the finals since great uncle Rob Rhinehart, a region champion at 158 pounds for the Blue Streaks in 1976. Hills senior Charlie Piccione (33-5 at 120), a fourth-place finisher, will make his third trip to AC, while senior Tyler Redfield (35-4 at 132), a third-place medalist and four-time district champ, earned his second state bid as Hills' total number of champs remained at 61 after being shut out for the fifth time in the last 10 seasons. Hackettstown sophomore Joseph Rowinski (31-9 at 113 in Region 3) and North Warren senior Logan Garriques (28-6 at 175 in Region 1) -- both fourth-place finishers -- will also make their first state appearances. Garriques' father, Todd, was a region champion (1992) and two-time state placewinner (third at 145 pounds in '91 and fifth-sixth at 152 in '92) for Hackettstown under coach Rick Thompson. Logan's uncle, John, was a three-time state medalist for Phillipsburg (fourth in '95, fifth-sixth in '96 and second in '97) and is the current head coach at Centenary University. His son, Owen, is a two-time state qualifier for the 'Liners.

NH crowned a state champ (Logan Wadle in 2023) in its previous G4 title run 

80 -- North Hunterdon moved a Hunterdon County-best six out of Region 4, including senior Evan Kinney (34-3 at 175), who became the Lions' 80th region winner overall after North was shut out a year ago for the first time since 2020 and the 11th since 2004. Also advancing for the Group 4 champion Lions are runners-up Cayden Wadle (30-9 at 106), Aidan Yarussi (35-5 at 132), along with third-place finisher Joshua Joubert (28-14 at 157) and fourth-placers Owen Fol (25-18 at 113) and Reid Buzby (31-10 at 126). Wadle joined his father, Rudy (a three-time region champ 1991-93) and his brother, Logan (a two-time winner in 2022 and '23) as region finalists. Also at Union High School, Voorhees was kept off the podium for the first time since 2022,, while Hunterdon Central junior Rhett Washleski (37-3 at 150) was derailed in a bid for his third title with a third-place finish in Region 5 -- as the Red Devils did not have a champ for only the 12th time in program history.

46 -- Delaware Valley senior Jackson Bush (33-4 at 150), one of four state qualifiers for the Terriers, won his first title and the program's 46th overall -- giving the Hunterdon County schools champs in consecutive seasons for the first time since Kyle Lightner (195 pounds in 2017) and AJ DeRosa (126 in '18). Senior ace Jaden Perez (35-3 at 126) was denied his second title with a third loss this season to Watchung Hills state medalist Anthony DiAndrea after winning in '24 en route to a fifth-place state finish. Perez, now 120-21 overall, is three wins shy of matching Bobby Stevely, a region champion in 2008 and state runner-up in 2010, for sixth place on the Terriers' all-time wins list. Making their first state appearances for Del Val are Sebastian Dobak (22-8, fourth at 144) and Luke Sinkewicz (30-6 at second at 157). 

Clayton is making his 3rd appearance in AC

15 -- Sussex County advanced an area-best 15 wrestlers to Atlantic City, including three from High Point in sophomore Carter Drouin (28-13, fourth in Region 1 at 120 and one of two No. 8 seeds to place top four), senior Nick Clayton (first at 150) and junior Gavin Mericle (33-5, third at 285). Clayton (31-3) raised the program total to 52 as he became only the 13th to win two-plus titles for the Wildcats -- joining head coach Billy Smith, a two-time winner in 2010 and '11, and current girls coach John Gardner, one of only three four-timers for High Point. The school's first region and state champion, Fred T. Swanson (178 pounds in 1971), was also in attendance on Saturday. Sparta also moved three to states in junior Ryan Hrenenko (33-5 at 132) and seniors Logan Hrenenko (32-7 at 138) and Jake Brown (17-11 at 190). The Hrenenko brothers gave the Spartans multiple region finalists for the first time since 2002, when Matt Stoppay (135) and Jim Miller (140) won titles, while Steve Swentzel (130) finished second in Region 1 at Wallkill Valley. The school's 20th and last champion was Phil Takacs-Senske (189 pounds in 2006). Logan Hrenenko is now sixth on his school's wins list at 117-42. Hopatcong-Lenape Valley senior Gage Graziano (35-7 at 144), a district champ, finished fourth in Region 2 as the Patriots have gone eight straight seasons without a winner since Nick Palumbo won at 145 pounds in 2017 en route to becoming the program's lone state champion. Graziano (110-34) ranks sixth on his school's career wins list.

19 -- Newton's amazing run with at least one region placewinner in 19 straight tournaments ended as the Braves did not produced a boys state qualifier for the first time since 2005. The fact that they won 11 dual meets this season is quite a testament to a powerhouse coaching staff, which includes former Kittatinny state placewinner and head coach Eric Bollette, along with two-time state champion Andy Iliff (1986-87) and runner-up Teddy Sibblies (1989) -- the last state finalists for the Braves, as well as his son Josh (a Region 1 champ and OW in 2013) and two-time region winner Wyatt McCarthy (2018 and '19). 

Dalling is 131-24 overall

34 -- Kittatinny senior Ethan Dalling, a three-time finalist, was seemingly on his way to getting over the hump in Region 1, where his bid to be the Cougars' first champ since Austin Scrivani (No. 34 in 2016 at 138 pounds) ended in stunning fashion. Dalling (36-3), a four-time region placer (third in 2022) and state qualifier, held a 4-0 lead in the third period before being muscled to his back and pinned by Bergen Catholic's Genti Idrizi, who was pinned by Dalling a week ago in the District 3 finals, with 34 seconds left on the clock. The loss was Dalling's first in just over two months -- a 24-9 technical fall against Penn State-bound PJ Duke of Minisink Valley (N.Y.), a four-time state champion and the nation's No. 1 overall recruit, in the Linn Crawn Memorial Classic finals on Dec. 27. The only other loss on Dalling's ledger is 8-5 to St. Benedict's Prep state placewinner Temuulen Mendbileg in the Caldwell Tournament finals on Dec. 14. Dalling's father, Steve, was the Cougars' first four-time district champ, three-time region winner and three-time state finalist (winning titles in 1990 and '91 after a runner-up finish in '89). Ethan Dalling also sits two wins back of Scrivani (133-29 from 2012-16) for sixth on the program's career wins list.

Wrestling: Stateliner stars Geleta, Hawk win R1 titles

WEST MILFORD -- Phillipsburg seniors Luke Geleta and Gavin Hawk aren't done yet, but the Dynamic Duo has already authored numerous successful chapters within New Jersey's most storied program. 

The pair of four-time finalists reached the top step on the Region 1 podium on Saturday afternoon, with Geleta winning his first title and Hawk capturing his second as Phillipsburg produced six top-four finishers in all at West Milford Township High School. 

P'burg leads all HWS schools with 134 champs

Geleta finally broke through in his fourth trip to the region finals with a dominating 11-4 win over West Essex sophomore Reid Clausi in their 144-pound title bout, while Hawk, a state runner-up last season, pulled off a thrilling 6-2 victory over Bergen Catholic junior and state medalist Joey Canova at 157.

"I've been working hard and the team has been working hard. They've been pushing me," said Geleta, a three-time district champion and sixth-place state medalist as a sophomore. "This is my fourth final and I couldn't leave here empty-handed. I just did what I had to do and wrestled smart, wrestled hard, and came out with the win today."

Phillipsburg led the way among all Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area schools in Region 1 with six state qualifiers, while High Point and Sparta each sent three to the 92nd State Championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The area will be represented by 38 next week, including Phillipsburg sophomore Anthony Pettinelli (second at 113) and third place-finishers Zack Swingle (106), Owen Garriques (132) and Gavin Geleta (150). High Point senior Nick Clayton (150) was the area's only other champion in Region 1.

Luke Geleta and Hawk have been rewriting the Phillipsburg record books all season with a combined 284 victories as the top two on the Stateliners' all-time list. Hawk, who also holds mark for pins (94), is the career leader at 146-20, while Geleta is next at 138-26. A pair of three-time region champions -- Brian Meyer (third in wins with 131) and Cody Harrison -- were also in attendance on Saturday, along with former district champion Lance Wissing.

Hawk (4) and Geleta (3) combined for 7 HWS titles

"They created a big legacy and it's our job to do the same," Geleta said.

Geleta (36-1) got the area, which was 0-4 in the finals up until his title bout, going with a takedown and three back points off a scramble in the second period after a scoreless first. He added a reversal and two more backs with a tilt in the final period.

"I knew he was tough," Geleta said of Clausi, a returning state qualifier. "I knew he'd be kind of difficult to score on. But I got around it and scored a bunch of points."

Hawk (36-1), a two-time region runner-up and champion in 2023, had a more difficult task in earning his second region title. After a scoreless first period, Canova took a 2-1 lead after reversal into the final period. Hawk escaped to tie it before a wild scene unfolded when Canova signaled for injury time as the Stateliner was on the brink of taking him to mat for a go-ahead takedown.

Referee Rick Solofsky granted the timeout, but did not initially award the takedown, which falls under the imminent scoring rule in that scenario. After a verbal protest by P'burg coach Tim Longacre and an ensuing conference with head official Tony Tabbachino, Solofsky signaled three for the takedown to give Hawk a 5-2 lead. He later got choice, took bottom and escaped when Canova, who was favoring his right knee, took a second injury timeout.

Hawk is the only 4-time HWS champ for P'burg

"I'm just really grateful for this opportunity," said Hawk, who said Canova will be a future teammate of his at Princeton University. "Grateful for my coaches and teammates pushing me. [Canova] is a great wrestler. I'm just glad he was there to push me."

For Hawk, one of just nine four-time district champs for the P'burg, winning this one in his final attempt was particularly rewarding after second-place finishes the past two seasons at the Bethlehem Holiday Classic, plus two region finals.

"I've gotten second place at so many tournaments in high school," Hawk said. "It's good because it helps push me and motivate me, but it's a much better feeling when you win."

Legend

Bergen Catholic (BC), Butler (B), Cresskill (C), Demarest (Dem), DePaul (Dep), Don Bosco Prep (DB), Dumont (Du), Emerson-Park Ridge (EPR), Glen Rock (GR), Hawthorne (Haw), High Point (HP), Indian Hills (IH), Jefferson (J), Kinnelon (Kin), Kittatinny (Kit), Lakeland (L), Mahwah (Mah), New Milford (NM), Newton (New), Northern Highlands (NH), North Warren (NW), Old Tappan (OT), Pascack Hills (PH), Pascack Valley (PV), Pequannock (Pe), Phillipsburg (Pb), Pompton Lakes (PL), Ramapo (Rama), Ramsey (Rams), Ridgewood (Rid), River Dell (RD), Sparta (Spa), Vernon (Ve), Waldwick-Midland Park (WMP), Wallkill Valley (WV), Wayne Hills (WH), West Essex (WE), West Milford (WM), Westwood (West).

Championships

165 -- 6-Jr. AJ DiGiovanni (18-10), BC, d. 1-Jr. Santino Rodriguez (31-5), DB, 7-3.

175 -- 3-Sr. Genti Idrizi (23-10), BC, p. 1-Sr. Ethan Dalling (36-3), Kit, 5:26.

190 -- 1-Jr. Nevin Mattessich (32-3), DB, tf. 2-Sr. Zak Darwish (26-3), Rama, 16-1, 4:13.

215 -- 1-Jr. Dante DeLuca (26-0), DB, md. 2-Sr. Adam Mashfej (33-4), WH, 19-5.

285 -- 1-Sr. Benjamin Shue (31-6), BC, p. 2-Sr. Mason Brancato (34-2), PL, :51.

106 -- 1-Fr. Matthew Mulligan (26-6), BC, md. 2-Fr. Will Webb (24-12), DB, 13-2.

113 -- 1-Fr. Marcos Asan (21-7), BC, d. 3-So. Anthony Pettinelli (33-7), Pb, 4-2.

120 -- 2-Jr. Joseph Rizzuto (30-6), Dep, md. 4-So. Michael Echeverri (31-5), NH, 13-5.

126 -- 1-Jr. Nathan Braun (19-6), BC, md. 2-Sr. Devin Ryan (31-4), NM, 8-0.

132 -- 3-So. Brian Little (13-3), DB, tf. 1-Jr. Ryan Hrenenko (33-5), Spa, 19-4, 4:09.

138 -- 1-Fr. Gideon Gonzalez (29-5), BC, md. 2-Sr. Logan Hrenenko (32-7), Spa, 10-1.

144 -- 1-Sr. Luke Geleta (36-1), Pb, d. 2-So. Reid Clausi (35-7), WE, 11-4.

150 -- 2-Sr. Nick Clayton (31-3), HP, d. 4-Sr. Charles Shaddow (35-5), Rid, 7-6.

157 -- 1-Sr. Gavin Hawk (36-1), Pb, d. 2-Jr. Joey Canova (31-4), BC, 6-2.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Gavin Hawk, Phillipsburg.

Coach of the Year Award -- Ray Cottiers, New Milford.

Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Matt Ulrich, New Milford.

Third-place consolations

106 -- 4-Fr. Zack Swingle (29-9), Pb, p. 3-So. Johnny Emes (32-8), GR, 3:48

113 -- 5-Jr. Alec Murado (36-7), Dem, d. 4-So. Frank Figel (28-12), J, 11-8.

120 -- 3-So. Chace Severs (27-9), L, p. 8-So. Carter Drouin (28-13), HP, 5:23.

126 -- 3-So. Andrew Bonita (23-11), DB, d. 4-So. Delvan Rotte (28-10), Dep, 3-1.

132 -- 2-So. Owen Garriques (29-10), Pb, d. 4-Jr. Adan Cedeno (33-6), PV, 6-2.

138 -- 4-So. Isaias Hernandez (26-13), Dep, d. 8-Sr. Jack Drucker (27-9), OT, 6-3.

144 -- 4-Sr. Joey Fulco (32-4), Rama, d. 11-Jr. Joseph Petriello (19-7), Du, 6-1.

150 -- 3-Jr. Gavin Geleta (31-7), Pb, d. 1-Jr. Sowzrawca Tsay (22-8), BC, 8-2.

157 -- 6-So. Benjamin Marques (28-10), WE, d. 3-Sr. Christian Fojon (32-7), Rams, 12-6.

165 -- 2-So. Chad McConnell (35-4), PL, p. 5-Sr. Cody Aniche-Farrell (26-12), Dep, :47.

175 -- 2-Sr. Carmine Masi (33-6), WE, md. 5-Sr. Logan Garriques (28-6), NW, 11-2.

190 -- 5-Sr. Luke Brown (17-11), Spa, md. 3-Jr. Redon Xheladini (30-10), PL, 13-3.

215 -- 3-Jr. Wyatt Sisco (33-6), Kin, p. 5-Jr. Jeffrey Papienuk (28-7), WM, 4:32.

285 -- 3-Jr. Gavin Mericle (33-5), HP, p. 11-So. DJ Fiore (25-16), WE, 1:57.

Wrestling: Clayton joins HP elite with R1 title repeat

WEST MILFORD -- High Point senior Nick Clayton feels right at home on the mats when he's in a tightly-contested match. 

Needless to say, Clayton was in his glory while pulling off a 7-6 victory over Ridgewood senior Charles Shaddow in their 150-pound title bout in the Region 1 Tournament on Saturday afternoon at West Milford Township High School. 

Clayton was 2 wins shy of a state medal in 2024

"I love those matches," said Clayton, who escaped and converted the winning takedown off a wild scramble near the one-minute mark in the third period to win his second straight region gold medal. "It's kind of who wants it more to a certain point. I believe I want it more so that's why I win."

In doing so, Clayton (31-3), who logged two pins and a technical fall in winning a District 4 title last weekend, became just the 13th wrestler in High Point history to win two-plus region championships and the first since three-time state champion Brian Soldano reeled off four in a row from 2019-22. Wildcats coach Billy Smith, who also won two (2010-11), saw his team advance three to the 92nd State Championships at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Joining Clayton are sophomore Carter Drouin (fourth at 120) and junior Gavin Mericle (third at 285) as High Point had a total of eight top-six finishers among its 11 region qualifiers. In all, a total of 38 (15 from Sussex County and 14 overall from Region 1) from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area moved on to AC. Pope John leads the way with seven qualifiers out of Region 3, while Phillipsburg (including Region 1 champions Luke Geleta and Gavin Hawk) and North Hunterdon each have six. The area went 3-4 in the Region 1 finals, as Kittatinny senior Ethan Dalling (175), Phillipsburg's Anthony Pettinelli (113) and Sparta's Ryan Hrenenko (132) and Logan Hrenenko (138) all finished second.

Clayton, who is making his third consecutive state appearance after finishing fifth in the region as a freshman, also scored a tight 2-1 win over Phillipsburg's Gavin Geleta in the Region 1 semifinals. Clayton improved to 115-33 overall -- moving past Alex Dalrymple (113-29 from 2004-08) for 13th place on the school's all-time wins list.

Clayton (2nd from left in back) with all 14 champs

"It's cool," Clayton said of putting his name up with some of the finest ever to don a High Point singlet. "It's great. I put a lot of hard work into this and it's paying off. It feels great."

Clayton started things off with a takedown against Shaddow, but was down, 4-3, after one period as he yielded an escape and a takedown. Shaddow, who was making his first region finals appearance, stretched his lead to 5-3 with an escape in the second period. That's when Clayton went to work.

"It's close. It's a dogfight," said Clayton, who chose bottom to the start the final period. "Just have to come out on top. That's all."

Clayton, a two-time district champion and the OW at 132 pounds last year, feels he's better prepared this time around for his third and final trip to Atlantic City. He was two victories shy of medal last season, falling in the third round of wrestlebacks. The three-day tournament begins on Thursday.

"I've got a better mindset than last year and I'm just ready to wrestle," he said.

Legend

Bergen Catholic (BC), Butler (B), Cresskill (C), Demarest (Dem), DePaul (Dep), Don Bosco Prep (DB), Dumont (Du), Emerson-Park Ridge (EPR), Glen Rock (GR), Hawthorne (Haw), High Point (HP), Indian Hills (IH), Jefferson (J), Kinnelon (Kin), Kittatinny (Kit), Lakeland (L), Mahwah (Mah), New Milford (NM), Newton (New), Northern Highlands (NH), North Warren (NW), Old Tappan (OT), Pascack Hills (PH), Pascack Valley (PV), Pequannock (Pe), Phillipsburg (Pb), Pompton Lakes (PL), Ramapo (Rama), Ramsey (Rams), Ridgewood (Rid), River Dell (RD), Sparta (Spa), Vernon (Ve), Waldwick-Midland Park (WMP), Wallkill Valley (WV), Wayne Hills (WH), West Essex (WE), West Milford (WM), Westwood (West).

Championships

165 -- 6-Jr. AJ DiGiovanni (18-10), BC, d. 1-Jr. Santino Rodriguez (31-5), DB, 7-3.

175 -- 3-Sr. Genti Idrizi (23-10), BC, p. 1-Sr. Ethan Dalling (36-3), Kit, 5:26.

190 -- 1-Jr. Nevin Mattessich (32-3), DB, tf. 2-Sr. Zak Darwish (26-3), Rama, 16-1, 4:13.

215 -- 1-Jr. Dante DeLuca (26-0), DB, md. 2-Sr. Adam Mashfej (33-4), WH, 19-5.

285 -- 1-Sr. Benjamin Shue (31-6), BC, p. 2-Sr. Mason Brancato (34-2), PL, :51.

106 -- 1-Fr. Matthew Mulligan (26-6), BC, md. 2-Fr. Will Webb (24-12), DB, 13-2.

113 -- 1-Fr. Marcos Asan (21-7), BC, d. 3-So. Anthony Pettinelli (33-7), Pb, 4-2.

120 -- 2-Jr. Joseph Rizzuto (30-6), Dep, md. 4-So. Michael Echeverri (31-5), NH, 13-5.

126 -- 1-Jr. Nathan Braun (19-6), BC, md. 2-Sr. Devin Ryan (31-4), NM, 8-0.

132 -- 3-So. Brian Little (13-3), DB, tf. 1-Jr. Ryan Hrenenko (33-5), Spa, 19-4, 4:09.

138 -- 1-Fr. Gideon Gonzalez (29-5), BC, md. 2-Sr. Logan Hrenenko (32-7), Spa, 10-1.

144 -- 1-Sr. Luke Geleta (36-1), Pb, d. 2-So. Reid Clausi (35-7), WE, 11-4.

150 -- 2-Sr. Nick Clayton (31-3), HP, d. 4-Sr. Charles Shaddow (35-5), Rid, 7-6.

157 -- 1-Sr. Gavin Hawk (36-1), Pb, d. 2-Jr. Joey Canova (31-4), BC, 6-2.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Gavin Hawk, Phillipsburg.

Coach of the Year Award -- Ray Cottiers, New Milford.

Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Matt Ulrich, New Milford.

Third-place consolations

106 -- 4-Fr. Zack Swingle (29-9), Pb, p. 3-So. Johnny Emes (32-8), GR, 3:48

113 -- 5-Jr. Alec Murado (36-7), Dem, d. 4-So. Frank Figel (28-12), J, 11-8.

120 -- 3-So. Chace Severs (27-9), L, p. 8-So. Carter Drouin (28-13), HP, 5:23.

126 -- 3-So. Andrew Bonita (23-11), DB, d. 4-So. Delvan Rotte (28-10), Dep, 3-1.

132 -- 2-So. Owen Garriques (29-10), Pb, d. 4-Jr. Adan Cedeno (33-6), PV, 6-2.

138 -- 4-So. Isaias Hernandez (26-13), Dep, d. 8-Sr. Jack Drucker (27-9), OT, 6-3.

144 -- 4-Sr. Joey Fulco (32-4), Rama, d. 11-Jr. Joseph Petriello (19-7), Du, 6-1.

150 -- 3-Jr. Gavin Geleta (31-7), Pb, d. 1-Jr. Sowzrawca Tsay (22-8), BC, 8-2.

157 -- 6-So. Benjamin Marques (28-10), WE, d. 3-Sr. Christian Fojon (32-7), Rams, 12-6.

165 -- 2-So. Chad McConnell (35-4), PL, p. 5-Sr. Cody Aniche-Farrell (26-12), Dep, :47.

175 -- 2-Sr. Carmine Masi (33-6), WE, md. 5-Sr. Logan Garriques (28-6), NW, 11-2.

190 -- 5-Sr. Luke Brown (17-11), Spa, md. 3-Jr. Redon Xheladini (30-10), PL, 13-3.

215 -- 3-Jr. Wyatt Sisco (33-6), Kin, p. 5-Jr. Jeffrey Papienuk (28-7), WM, 4:32.

285 -- 3-Jr. Gavin Mericle (33-5), HP, p. 11-So. DJ Fiore (25-16), WE, 1:57.

Wrestling: Region 1 championship results, statistics

Legend

Bergen Catholic (BC), Butler (B), Cresskill (C), Demarest (Dem), DePaul (Dep), Don Bosco Prep (DB), Dumont (Du), Emerson-Park Ridge (EPR), Glen Rock (GR), Hawthorne (Haw), High Point (HP), Indian Hills (IH), Jefferson (J), Kinnelon (Kin), Kittatinny (Kit), Lakeland (L), Mahwah (Mah), New Milford (NM), Newton (New), Northern Highlands (NH), North Warren (NW), Old Tappan (OT), Pascack Hills (PH), Pascack Valley (PV), Pequannock (Pe), Phillipsburg (Pb), Pompton Lakes (PL), Ramapo (Rama), Ramsey (Rams), Ridgewood (Rid), River Dell (RD), Sparta (Spa), Vernon (Ve), Waldwick-Midland Park (WMP), Wallkill Valley (WV), Wayne Hills (WH), West Essex (WE), West Milford (WM), Westwood (West).

State qualifiers by school

HWS advanced 14 wrestlers from R1 to AC

Bergen Catholic 7+1+0+1=9; Phillipsburg 2+1+3+0=6; Don Bosco Prep 3+2+1+0=6; DePaul 1+0+1+2=4; West Essex 0+1+2+1=4; High Point 1+0+1+1=3; Pompton Lakes 0+1+1+1=3; Sparta 0+2+1+0=3; Ramapo 0+1+1+0=2; Demarest 0+0+1+0=1; Dumont 0+0+0+1=1; Glen Rock 0+0+0+1=1; Jefferson 0+0+0+1=1; Kinnelon 0+0+1+0=1; Kittatinny 0+1+0+0=1; Lakeland 0+0+1+0=1; New Milford 0+1+0+0=1; Northern Highlands 0+1+0+0=1; North Warren 0+0+0+1=1; Old Tappan 0+0+0+1=1; Pascack Valley 0+0+0+1=1; Ramsey 0+0+0+1=1; Ridgewood 0+1+0+0=1; Wayne Hills 0+1+0+0=1; West Milford 0+0+0+1=1; Butler 0+0+0+0=0; Cresskill 0+0+0+0=0; Emerson-Park Ridge 0+0+0+0=0; Hawthorne 0+0+0+0=0; Indian Hills 0+0+0+0=0; Mahwah 0+0+0+0=0; Newton 0+0+0+0=0; Pascack Hills 0+0+0+0=0; Pequannock 0+0+0+0=0; River Dell 0+0+0+0=0; Vernon 0+0+0+0=0; Waldwick-Midland Park 0+0+0+0=0; Wallkill Valley 0+0+0+0=0; Westwood 0+0+0+0=0.

Championships

165 -- 6-Jr. AJ DiGiovanni (18-10), BC, d. 1-Jr. Santino Rodriguez (31-5), DB, 7-3.

175 -- 3-Sr. Genti Idrizi (23-10), BC, p. 1-Sr. Ethan Dalling (36-3), Kit, 5:26.

190 -- 1-Jr. Nevin Mattessich (32-3), DB, tf. 2-Sr. Zak Darwish (26-3), Rama, 16-1, 4:13.

215 -- 1-Jr. Dante DeLuca (26-0), DB, md. 2-Sr. Adam Mashfej (33-4), WH, 19-5.

285 -- 1-Sr. Benjamin Shue (31-6), BC, p. 2-Sr. Mason Brancato (34-2), PL, :51.

106 -- 1-Fr. Matthew Mulligan (26-6), BC, md. 2-Fr. Will Webb (24-12), DB, 13-2.

113 -- 1-Fr. Marcos Asan (21-7), BC, d. 3-So. Anthony Pettinelli (33-7), Pb, 4-2.

120 -- 2-Jr. Joseph Rizzuto (30-6), Dep, md. 4-So. Michael Echeverri (31-5), NH, 13-5.

126 -- 1-Jr. Nathan Braun (19-6), BC, md. 2-Sr. Devin Ryan (31-4), NM, 8-0.

132 -- 3-So. Brian Little (13-3), DB, tf. 1-Jr. Ryan Hrenenko (33-5), Spa, 19-4, 4:09.

138 -- 1-Fr. Gideon Gonzalez (29-5), BC, md. 2-Sr. Logan Hrenenko (32-7), Spa, 10-1.

144 -- 1-Sr. Luke Geleta (36-1), Pb, d. 2-So. Reid Clausi (35-7), WE, 11-4.

150 -- 2-Sr. Nick Clayton (31-3), HP, d. 4-Sr. Charles Shaddow (35-5), Rid, 7-6.

157 -- 1-Sr. Gavin Hawk (36-1), Pb, d. 2-Jr. Joey Canova (31-4), BC, 6-2.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Gavin Hawk, Phillipsburg.

Coach of the Year Award -- Ray Cottiers, New Milford.

Assistant Coach of the Year Award -- Matt Ulrich, New Milford.

Third-place consolations

106 -- 4-Fr. Zack Swingle (29-9), Pb, p. 3-So. Johnny Emes (32-8), GR, 3:48

113 -- 5-Jr. Alec Murado (36-7), Dem, d. 4-So. Frank Figel (28-12), J, 11-8.

120 -- 3-So. Chace Severs (27-9), L, p. 8-So. Carter Drouin (28-13), HP, 5:23.

126 -- 3-So. Andrew Bonita (23-11), DB, d. 4-So. Delvan Rotte (28-10), Dep, 3-1.

132 -- 2-So. Owen Garriques (29-10), Pb, d. 4-Jr. Adan Cedeno (33-6), PV, 6-2.

138 -- 4-So. Isaias Hernandez (26-13), Dep, d. 8-Sr. Jack Drucker (27-9), OT, 6-3.

144 -- 4-Sr. Joey Fulco (32-4), Rama, d. 11-Jr. Joseph Petriello (19-7), Du, 6-1.

150 -- 3-Jr. Gavin Geleta (31-7), Pb, d. 1-Jr. Sowzrawca Tsay (22-8), BC, 8-2.

157 -- 6-So. Benjamin Marques (28-10), WE, d. 3-Sr. Christian Fojon (32-7), Rams, 12-6.

165 -- 2-So. Chad McConnell (35-4), PL, p. 5-Sr. Cody Aniche-Farrell (26-12), Dep, :47.

175 -- 2-Sr. Carmine Masi (33-6), WE, md. 5-Sr. Logan Garriques (28-6), NW, 11-2.

190 -- 5-Sr. Luke Brown (17-11), Spa, md. 3-Jr. Redon Xheladini (30-10), PL, 13-3.

215 -- 3-Jr. Wyatt Sisco (33-6), Kin, p. 5-Jr. Jeffrey Papienuk (28-7), WM, 4:32.

285 -- 3-Jr. Gavin Mericle (33-5), HP, p. 11-So. DJ Fiore (25-16), WE, 1:57.

Fifth-place consolations

106 -- 7-So. Evan Constante (24-9), EPR, d. 8-Fr. Connor DePersis (31-12), Rama, 1-0.

113 -- 6-Fr. Ayden Clancy (18-10), DB, d. 2-Jr. Conor Hallowich (28-11), NW, 10-7 SV.

120 -- 5-Fr. Micah Loudermilk (20-15), BC, d. 7-So. Mark Farah (23-16), WE, 7-0.

126 -- 6-Jr. Christian Bastante (30-11), WE, mf., 5-Jr. Jack Lorper (25-5), Haw.

132 -- 6-Sr. Nick Bastante (33-7), WE, d. 9-Sr. Sean Licata (23-18), HP, 7-6.

138 -- 3-Sr. Jerzey Ryan (25-4), NM, mf. 9-Jr. William Clasen (32-10), NH.

144 -- 7-Fr. Manny Gusfa (20-10), BC, mf. 6-Jr. Sean Brown (26-8), Spa.

150 -- 5-So. Luke Stempkowski (36-6), PV, mf. 6-Sr. Ryan Sullivan (26-9), OT.

157 -- 8-Sr. Brody Perlman (29-10), Rid, mf. 5-So. Levi Schulmann (26-11), NH.

165 -- 8-Jr. Jayden Ruplall (23-15), HP, mf. 4-Sr. Sean Herman (32-11), PH.

175 -- 4-Sr. Aidan Dugan (34-5), West, d. 10-Jr. Giovoughni Dureny (20-13), HP, 10-3.

190 -- 4-Jr. Jack Kithcart (23-17), HP, p. 6-Sr. Jake Abramson (17-6), WMP, 3:13.

215 -- 10-Sr. Donald Weiss (30-10), HP, d. 4-Sr. Adrian Galvez (35-9), GR, 4-1.

285 -- 5-Sr. Jonah Smith (28-6), Rama, mf. 8-Sr. Leo Danziger (19-12), EPR.

Second wrestlebacks

106 -- So. Johnny Emes (32-7), GR, md. Fr. Connor DePersis (31-11), Rama, 14-2; Fr. Zack Swingle (28-9), Pb, d. So. Evan Constante (23-9), EPR, 7-0.

113 -- Jr. Alec Murado (35-7), Dem, d. Jr. Conor Hallowich (28-10), NW, 4-1; So. Frank Figel (28-11), J, d. Fr. Ayden Clancy (17-10), DB, 6-5.

120 -- So. Chace Severs (26-9), L, p. Fr. Micah Loudermilk (19-15), BC, 1:20; So. Carter Drouin (28-12), HP, d. So. Mark Farah (23-15), WE, 13-8.

126 -- So. Andrew Bonita (21-12), DB, d. Jr. Jack Lorper (25-5), Haw, 14-11; So. Delvan Rotte (27-9), Dep, md. Jr. Christian Bastante (29-11), WE, 11-0.

132 -- So. Owen Garriques (28-10), Pb, md. Sr. Sean Licata (23-17), HP, 10-0; Jr. Adan Cedeno (33-5), PV, d. Sr. Nick Bastante (32-7), WE, 6-5.

138 -- Sr. Jack Drucker (27-8), OT, p. Sr. Jerzey Ryan (24-4), NM, :49; So. Isaias Hernandez (25-13), Dep, p. Jr. William Clasen (32-10), NH, 3:32.

144 -- Jr. Joseph Petriello (19-6), Du, d. Jr. Sean Brown (26-8), Spa,, 7-1; Sr. Joey Fulco (31-4), Rama, d. Fr. Manny Gusfa (19-10), BC, 9-5.

150 -- Jr. Gavin Geleta (30-7), Pb, d. So. Luke Stempkowski (35-6), PV, 4-3; Jr. Sowzrawca Tsay (22-7), BC, d. Sr. Ryan Sullivan (26-9), OT, 6-2.

157 -- So. Benjamin Marques (27-10), WE, p. Sr. Brody Perlman (28-10), Rid, 5:13; Sr. Christian Fojon (32-6), Rams, md. So. Levi Schulmann (26-11), NH, 14-5.

165 -- So. Chad McConnell (34-4), PL, tf. Sr. Sean Herman (32-11), PH, 22-7, 5:57; Sr. Cody Aniche-Farrell (26-11), Dep, d. Jr. Jayden Ruplall (22-15), HP, 5-4.

175 -- Sr. Carmine Masi (32-6), WE, md. Sr. Aidan Dugan (33-5), West, 15-3; Sr. Logan Garriques (28-5), NW, md. Jr. Giovoughni Dureny (20-12), HP, 16-2.

190 -- Jr. Redon Xheladini (30-9), PL, d. Jr. Jack Kithcart (22-17), HP, 6-2; Sr. Luke Brown (16-11), Spa, d. Sr. Jake Abramson (17-5), WMP, 4-3.

215 -- Jr. Wyatt Sisco (32-6), Kin, d. Sr. Adrian Galvez (35-8), GR, 5-3; Jr. Jeffrey Papienuk (28-6), WM, d. Sr. Donald Weiss (29-10), HP, 3-2 UTB.

285 -- Jr. Gavin Mericle (32-5), HP, p. Sr. Jonah Smith (27-6), Rama, 3:57; So. DJ Fiore (25-15), WE, p. Sr. Leo Danziger (19-12), EPR, 3:26.

First wrestlebacks

106 -- Fr. Connor DePersis (31-10), Rama, d. Fr. Logan Takach (20-12), HP, 1-0 UTB; So. Evan Constante (23-8), EPR, d. Fr. Franco Furfaro (13-13), Dep, 9-8.

113 -- Jr. Alec Murado (34-7), Dem, d. Fr. Brandon Trajillo (22-13), B, 7-3; Fr. Ayden Clancy (17-9), DB, md. Fr. Kyle White (22-14), Kit, 14-0.

120 -- Fr. Micah Loudermilk (19-14), BC, d. So. Giovanni Giardina (32-9), WMP, 9-3; So. Mark Farah (23-14), WE, md. So. Rohi Hubert (21-10), GR, 16-4.

126 -- Jr. Jack Lorper (25-4), Haw, d. Jr. Massimo Gonzalez (28-12), Pb, 7-3; Jr. Christian Bastante (29-10), WE, md. Jr. Christopher Frank (25-12), J, 10-2.

132 -- Sr. Sean Licata (23-16), HP, d. Sr. Jesse Araujo (26-7), WM, 11-6; Sr. Nick Bastante (32-6), WE, tf. Jr. CJ Anzaldo (24-7), Rama, 16-0, 5:25.

138 -- Sr. Jack Drucker (26-8), OT, inj. Fr. Jacob Inserra (16-10), DB, 1:21; Jr. William Clasen (32-9), NH, d. Sr. Paul Coombes (24-3), EPR, 7-4.

144 -- Jr. Joseph Petriello (18-6), Du, p. Sr. Jayden Sanchez (22-15), DB, 1:12; Fr. Manny Gusfa (19-9), BC, medical forfeit, Sr. Ryan Langenmayr (30-5), L.

150 -- So. Luke Stempkowski (35-5), PV, p. Sr. Mason Bucci (26-11), New, 3:01; Sr. Ryan Sullivan (26-8), OT, p. So. Christian Murcia (27-8), PL, 5:10.

157 -- Sr. Brody Perlman (28-9), Rid, p. Sr. George Hamilton (32-9), PV, :52; Sr. Christian Fojon (31-6), Rams, tf. Jr. Robert Orlando (17-14), Dep, 18-0, 2:35.

165 -- Sr. Sean Herman (32-10), PH, d. Sr. RJ Weiss (34-6), RD, 7-2; Jr. Jayden Ruplall (22-14), HP, p. Jr. Nicholas Giella (16-15), EPR, 1:41.

175 -- Sr. Aidan Dugan (33-4), West, d. Jr. Gino Gorga (7-8), Rama, 10-4; Jr. Giovoughni Dureny (20-11), HP, d. Jr. Alex Bainbridge (30-3), PV, 4-1.

190 -- Jr. Jack Kithcart (22-16), HP, d. Jr. Youssef Ibrahim (29-8), RD, 4-1; Sr. Jake Abramson (17-4), WMP, md. Sr. Jake Gray (31-10), NH, 11-0.

215 -- Sr. Adrian Galvez (35-7), GR, p. Jr. Kevin Buonocore (19-15), Pb, :55; Sr. Donald Weiss (29-9), HP, d. Sr. Nick Berberian (24-8), RD, 7-2.

285 -- Sr. Jonah Smith (27-5), Rama, md. Jr. Ben Ellis (23-14), Pb, 12-3; Sr. Leo Danziger (19-12), EPR, p. Sr. Jack Horgan (11-14), OT, 2:23.

Semifinals

106 -- Fr. Matthew Mulligan (25-6), BC, tf. Fr. Zack Swingle (27-9), Pb, 19-4, 3:20; Fr. Will Webb (24-11), DB, tf. So. Johnny Emes (31-7), GR, 22-6, 3:40.

113 -- Fr. Marcos Asan (20-7), BC, md. So. Frank Figel (27-11), J, 10-0; So. Anthony Pettinelli (33-6), Pb, d. Jr. Conor Hallowich (28-9), NW, 6-2.

120 -- So. Michael Echeverri (31-4), NH, d. So. Carter Drouin (27-12), HP, 11-5; Jr. Joseph Rizzuto (29-6), Dep, d. So. Chace Severs (25-9), L, 7-6.

126 -- Jr. Nathan Braun (18-6), BC, p. So. Delvan Rotte (27-9), Dep, :38; Sr. Devin Ryan (31-3), NM, md. So. Andrew Bonita (21-11), DB, 10-1.

132 -- Jr. Ryan Hrenenko (33-4), Spa, tf. Jr. Adan Cedeno (32-5), PV, 15-0, 4:06; So. Brian Little (12-3), DB, md. So. Owen Garriques (27-10), Pb, 13-5.

138 -- Fr. Gideon Gonzalez (28-5), BC, p. So. Isaias Hernandez (24-13), Dep, 5:51; Sr. Logan Hrenenko (32-6), Spa, md. Sr. Jerzey Ryan (24-3), NM, 15-4.

144 -- Sr. Luke Geleta (35-1), Pb, md. Sr. Joey Fulco (30-4), Rama, 14-2; So. Reid Clausi (35-6), WE, d. Jr. Sean Brown (26-7), Spa, vs. 7-1.

150 -- Sr. Charles Shaddow (35-4), Rid, d. Jr. Sowzrawca Tsay (21-7), BC, 4-2; Sr. Nick Clayton (30-3), HP, d. Jr. Gavin Geleta (29-7), Pb, 2-1. 

157 -- Sr. Gavin Hawk (35-1), Pb, p. So. Levi Schulmann (26-10), NH, 3:49; Jr. Joey Canova (31-3), BC, tf. So. Benjamin Marques (26-10), WE, 16-1, 2:14

165 -- Jr. Santino Rodriguez (31-4), DB, p. Sr. Cody Aniche-Farrell (25-11), Dep, 1:42; Jr. AJ DiGiovanni (17-10), BC, p. So. Chad McConnell (33-4), PL, 5:48.

175 -- Sr. Ethan Dalling (36-2), Kit, md. Sr. Logan Garriques (27-5), NW, 13-2; Sr. Genti Idrizi (22-10), BC, d. Sr. Carmine Masi (31-6), WE, 8-5.

190 -- Jr. Nevin Mattessich (31-3), DB, p. Sr. Luke Brown (15-11), Spa, 2:40; Sr. Zak Darwish (26-2), Rama, p. Jr. Redon Xheladini (29-9), PL, 3:12.

215 -- Jr. Dante DeLuca (25-0), DB, p. Jr. Jeffrey Papienuk (27-6), WM, 3:25; Sr. Adam Mashfej (33-3), WH, tf. Jr. Wyatt Sisco (31-6), Kin, 19-3, 3:59.

285 -- Sr. Benjamin Shue (30-6), BC, p. So. DJ Fiore (24-15), WE, :41; Sr. Mason Brancato (34-1), PL, d. Jr. Gavin Mericle (31-5), HP, d. 8-5.