113 pounds
Ryan Pomrinca (35-3), North Hunterdon, vs. James Elphick (18-2), Kittatinny -- Great first-round matchup. Contrast in styles, as Pomrinca, a freshman, is good on his feet and Elphick, a senior is a very dangerous mat wrestler. It's a shame that the loser won't be moving on.
David McFadden (34-2), DePaul, vs. Kyle Brady (35-0), Bishop Ahr -- Super frosh McFadden looked great in winning the Region 1 title, while Brady, a junior, came out on top in a loaded Region 5 class.
120 pounds
Billy Ward (35-3), Buena, vs. Sal Profaci (35-3), Monroe -- Ward is trying to become his school's first state champ and looked great in winning the Region 8 title. Profaci is one tough frosh and will be heard from down here, perhaps as soon as this weekend. His only losses are to South Plainfield's Troy Heilmann, Burlington Township's Kevin Devoy and Watchung Hills' Mike Magaldo -- all state placewinners.
126 pounds
Sam Tareky (33-2), Wayne Valley, vs. Gary Dinmore (25-7), Hunterdon Central -- Tareky opened a lot of eyes, including mine, with the way he ran roughshod through Region 1. Dinmore won another controversial decision over Delaware Valley state placer Mike Pongracz en route to his second Region 5 title. Dinmore went 1-2 here a year ago and did not place.
132 pounds
R.J. DeGeorge (34-2), Pequannock, vs. Richard Lewis (32-3), Toms River East -- DeGeorge is coming off an impressive win over Belvidere's Dylan Thorsen to win his first Region 1 title. Lewis, the Region 6 champion, placed seventh last year at 119 pounds.
145 pounds
Lenny Richardson (31-3), St. Peter's Prep, vs. Tim Garripoli (35-0), Roxbury -- Richardson, fifth at 135 last year, is a pick by many to reach the finals, but what a tough opener. Garripoli rolled to the Region 1 title and went one-and-done last year at 140.
152 pounds
Dan Ressler (33-2), Pascack Valley, vs. V.J. Delmonico (28-12), Phillipsburg -- Ressler, perfect name for the sport, is kind of flying under the radar, despite a 7-2 win over Becton-Wallington state placer James Dugan on Dec. 29. Ressler scored the opening takedown against Don Bosco's Sal Mastriani, who rallied for an 11-3 win in their Region 2 final. Both of Ressler's losses are to Mastriani. Delmonico has been battle-tested, so this should be an interesting first-round encounter.
170 pounds
Robert Shade (34-3), Timber Creek, vs. Joey Balboni (31-5), Brearley-Dayton -- Shade impressed me in the dual against Kittatinny and has a chance to do well at this not-so-deep weight class. Balboni beat Shade, 5-3, on Dec. 28.
182 pounds
Keith Lewis (34-4), Franklin, vs. Nick Dellaferra (30-5), Wayne Valley -- Lewis suffered three of his losses before the New Year, one to state runner-up Dallas Winston of Jackson Memorial. The other was a 7-2 setback to Belvidere's Evan Bray, who just avenged an early-season loss to Dellaferra in the Region 1 finals.
195 pounds
Bryan Dobzanski (33-1), Delsea, vs. Jake Connelly (40-0), Newton -- Dobzanski has reeled off 27 straight wins since a 4-0 loss to Haddonfield's Carson Stack on Dec. 30. Connelly hasn't been mentioned much, if at all, in a lot of previews I've seen on the web. But don't sleep on him. Lower Cape May's Cory Damiana is a common opponent for both -- Dobzanski won twice, 5-0 and 6-0, while Connelly defeated Damiana, 6-5.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wrestling: Atlantic City by the numbers
40 -- Highest number of wins entering the tournament. South Plainfield's Anthony Ashnault (126), Scott DelVecchio (132) and Tyler Hunt (138), along with Newton's Jake Connelly (195) are all 40-0 on the season. Belleville's Justin Colon (126) is 40-1 and Haddon Heights' Alex Thompson (285) is 40-2.
15 -- Years without a state champion for Phillipsburg. Senior Brandon Hull is the Stateliners' best hope at 220 to end the drought. The Warren County school, which has produced 32 state champs, hasn't had a gold medalist since Tim Moore and Marc DeFrancesco won titles in 1996. Warren County's last champion overall was Warren Hills' Justin Colaluce, who won his second in 1998.
82 -- Total number of state champions for Newton High School, a state record. The Sussex County school is hitching its wagon to Jake Connelly at 195, who is looking to become the first winner for Newton since Andy Iliff went back-to-back in 1986 and '87. Iliff, now an assistant coach at Newton, was recently inducted into the Region 1 Hall of Fame.
4 -- Returning state champions in this year's field include Seton Hall Prep's Brenden Calas (113), South Plainfield's Anthony Ashnault (126), Camden Catholic's T.J. Miller (145), Mendham's Ryan Harrington (170).
9 -- Region 4's total number of returning placewinners, the most among all eight regions. Region 3, which features the South Plainfield juggernaut from 126-145, is next with eight.
129 -- Combined number of state champions from Union County, by far the most of any county. Sussex is next with 113, but 82 are from Newton. The last Union County champ -- Christian Barber of Westfield in 2011, who was the first since Jesse Boyden of Brearley-Dayton won in '08. Pat Hogan of Cranford and Darrion Caldwell of Rahway captured titles in '06.
7 -- South Plainfield's total of state champs since the program began in 1962. Coach Kevin McCann is on that list, winning the 135-pound title in 1991. He's coached three of the school's winners in two-timer Anthony Ashnault (2010, '11) and Jimmy Conroy (2004). Matt Anderson (2000), Steve Giordano (1989) and Joe Lemmo (1965) are the other Tigers to strike gold.
932 -- Total number of state champions in New Jersey history. This year's tournament is the 79th overall since 1934 -- when Newton's Leo Snover won the first state title and started the Sussex County school's run to a state record 82 champs.
15 -- Years without a state champion for Phillipsburg. Senior Brandon Hull is the Stateliners' best hope at 220 to end the drought. The Warren County school, which has produced 32 state champs, hasn't had a gold medalist since Tim Moore and Marc DeFrancesco won titles in 1996. Warren County's last champion overall was Warren Hills' Justin Colaluce, who won his second in 1998.
82 -- Total number of state champions for Newton High School, a state record. The Sussex County school is hitching its wagon to Jake Connelly at 195, who is looking to become the first winner for Newton since Andy Iliff went back-to-back in 1986 and '87. Iliff, now an assistant coach at Newton, was recently inducted into the Region 1 Hall of Fame.
4 -- Returning state champions in this year's field include Seton Hall Prep's Brenden Calas (113), South Plainfield's Anthony Ashnault (126), Camden Catholic's T.J. Miller (145), Mendham's Ryan Harrington (170).
9 -- Region 4's total number of returning placewinners, the most among all eight regions. Region 3, which features the South Plainfield juggernaut from 126-145, is next with eight.
129 -- Combined number of state champions from Union County, by far the most of any county. Sussex is next with 113, but 82 are from Newton. The last Union County champ -- Christian Barber of Westfield in 2011, who was the first since Jesse Boyden of Brearley-Dayton won in '08. Pat Hogan of Cranford and Darrion Caldwell of Rahway captured titles in '06.
7 -- South Plainfield's total of state champs since the program began in 1962. Coach Kevin McCann is on that list, winning the 135-pound title in 1991. He's coached three of the school's winners in two-timer Anthony Ashnault (2010, '11) and Jimmy Conroy (2004). Matt Anderson (2000), Steve Giordano (1989) and Joe Lemmo (1965) are the other Tigers to strike gold.
932 -- Total number of state champions in New Jersey history. This year's tournament is the 79th overall since 1934 -- when Newton's Leo Snover won the first state title and started the Sussex County school's run to a state record 82 champs.
Wrestling: Taking a shot at history in Atlantic City
The thing I love most about the state tournament is the chance to witness history. Not necessarily New Jersey history, but seeing a wrestler accomplish something no one else had done previously at their high school.
Here's a few wrestlers who could do just that this weekend.
Jan Rosenberg -- The consensus favorite at 106 pounds is looking to become Morris Knolls' first state champion and second finalist since Fred Piotrowsky finished second in 1966, the first year of the program. Rosenberg, a senior, placed third a year ago at 103 and recently dominated the field at Region 1. He's 129-18 overall and heading to Rutgers next fall.
Kevin Devoy -- The 126-pound senior has already made a little history at Burlington Township with three fourth-place finishes in his outstanding career. The only other wrestler to finish fourth and match Devoy as the school's highest placewinner is Jared Holliday in 2010. Devoy (38-0), who is 147-12 overall, has made three trips to the state semifinals -- losing to champ Nick Francavilla of High Point in 2009, runner-up Kyle Casaletto of Southern in '10 and runner-up Troy Heilmann of South Plainfield in '11.
Billy Ward -- Buena, which started wrestling in 1974, has had three wrestlers reach the finals (Shawn Tripoli in 1990, Bob Hanson in '95 and Jim Thomas in '03), but none won the title. Ward, who was third at 119 last year, will try to end his school's state champ drought. It won't be easy at a loaded 120-pound class that features seven former placewinners.
James Dugan -- Becton-Wallington has never had a state champion and Dugan, who finished sixth last year at 160, will attempt to be the first. Everett Bell is Becton's highest placewinner (fourth in 1996). Dugan reached the semis in 2011, losing, 3-1, to Voorhees' Jadaen Bernstein.
Sal Mastriani -- After a fourth-place finish at 145 last year, Mastriani is looking to become Don Bosco's first champion. Joe Orecchio, who finished second twice in 2009 and '11, is the school's highest medal winner. Mastriani is at one of the toughest weight classes (152) in the tournament, but defeated Passaic Tech's Palal Deeb, 2-1, in last year's wrestlebacks. Deeb is Open Mike's pick to win this year's gold medal. High Point's Joe Gaccione, who finished third last year at 145, handed Mastriani both of his losses in AC.
Pelal Deeb -- Needless to say, Passaic Tech has not had an illustrious history when it comes to the state tournament. Deeb and Bryant Lighty are the school's lone medal winners, both finishing seventh in 2011. In fact, Passaic County has produced only a total of 19 state champs -- the last was Lakeland's Tom Fazio in 2005. Deeb gave Willingboro state champion James Green, now at Nebraska, his toughest match in last year's tournament, losing, 6-5, in the quarters. Deeb bumped up to 160 this season and took out Bergen Catholic's Johnny Sebastian, one of the favorites at 160. Former High Point coach Jan Michaels is an assistant at Passaic Tech and has made a big impact on the program, which has produced some tough individuals in recent years..
Ray Bethea -- Speaking of 152, Bethea is another contender for the title. He's trying to become his school's first champion and only the second from Mercer County, joining Mark Savino of Lawrence who made county history by winning the 130-pound title in 2004. Bethea finished sixth last year after a 4-3 loss to Paramus' Nick Alpher in the quarters. Bethea's older brother, Canaan, is one of only four Trenton wrestlers to reach the finals. Canaan fell to Wallkill Valley's Ryan Callahan in the 171-pound title bout in 2010.
Here's a few wrestlers who could do just that this weekend.
Jan Rosenberg -- The consensus favorite at 106 pounds is looking to become Morris Knolls' first state champion and second finalist since Fred Piotrowsky finished second in 1966, the first year of the program. Rosenberg, a senior, placed third a year ago at 103 and recently dominated the field at Region 1. He's 129-18 overall and heading to Rutgers next fall.
Kevin Devoy -- The 126-pound senior has already made a little history at Burlington Township with three fourth-place finishes in his outstanding career. The only other wrestler to finish fourth and match Devoy as the school's highest placewinner is Jared Holliday in 2010. Devoy (38-0), who is 147-12 overall, has made three trips to the state semifinals -- losing to champ Nick Francavilla of High Point in 2009, runner-up Kyle Casaletto of Southern in '10 and runner-up Troy Heilmann of South Plainfield in '11.
Billy Ward -- Buena, which started wrestling in 1974, has had three wrestlers reach the finals (Shawn Tripoli in 1990, Bob Hanson in '95 and Jim Thomas in '03), but none won the title. Ward, who was third at 119 last year, will try to end his school's state champ drought. It won't be easy at a loaded 120-pound class that features seven former placewinners.
James Dugan -- Becton-Wallington has never had a state champion and Dugan, who finished sixth last year at 160, will attempt to be the first. Everett Bell is Becton's highest placewinner (fourth in 1996). Dugan reached the semis in 2011, losing, 3-1, to Voorhees' Jadaen Bernstein.
Sal Mastriani -- After a fourth-place finish at 145 last year, Mastriani is looking to become Don Bosco's first champion. Joe Orecchio, who finished second twice in 2009 and '11, is the school's highest medal winner. Mastriani is at one of the toughest weight classes (152) in the tournament, but defeated Passaic Tech's Palal Deeb, 2-1, in last year's wrestlebacks. Deeb is Open Mike's pick to win this year's gold medal. High Point's Joe Gaccione, who finished third last year at 145, handed Mastriani both of his losses in AC.
Pelal Deeb -- Needless to say, Passaic Tech has not had an illustrious history when it comes to the state tournament. Deeb and Bryant Lighty are the school's lone medal winners, both finishing seventh in 2011. In fact, Passaic County has produced only a total of 19 state champs -- the last was Lakeland's Tom Fazio in 2005. Deeb gave Willingboro state champion James Green, now at Nebraska, his toughest match in last year's tournament, losing, 6-5, in the quarters. Deeb bumped up to 160 this season and took out Bergen Catholic's Johnny Sebastian, one of the favorites at 160. Former High Point coach Jan Michaels is an assistant at Passaic Tech and has made a big impact on the program, which has produced some tough individuals in recent years..
Ray Bethea -- Speaking of 152, Bethea is another contender for the title. He's trying to become his school's first champion and only the second from Mercer County, joining Mark Savino of Lawrence who made county history by winning the 130-pound title in 2004. Bethea finished sixth last year after a 4-3 loss to Paramus' Nick Alpher in the quarters. Bethea's older brother, Canaan, is one of only four Trenton wrestlers to reach the finals. Canaan fell to Wallkill Valley's Ryan Callahan in the 171-pound title bout in 2010.
Wrestling: State Tournament schedules, stats
What: 79th State Wrestling Championships.
Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday schedule: Preliminaries, 5 p.m.; pre-quarterfinals, 7 p.m.
Saturday schedule: Quarterfinals and wrestlebacks, 10 a.m.; second round of wrestlebacks, noon; semifinals and third round of wrestlebacks, 5 p.m.; fourth round of wrestlebacks, 7 p.m.
Sunday schedule: Consolation finals (third through eighth places), 10 a.m.; championships, 2 p.m.
Returning state champions (2012 weights): Jr. Brenden Calas, Seton Hall Prep (113); Jr. Anthony Ashnault, South Plainfield (126); Jr. T.J. Miller, Camden Catholic (145); Sr. Ryan Harrington, Mendham (170).
Returning medal winners (last year's finish, 2012 weights): Sr. Jan Rosenberg, Morris Knolls (third, 106); So. Carl Buttitta, JFK Iselin (fifth, 106); So. Joe Ghione, Brick Memorial (sixth, 106); So. Mike Andreano, Glen Rock-Saddle Brook (eighth, 106); So. Luis Gonzalez, North Bergen (second, 113); So. Christian Innarella, Delbarton (seventh, 113); So. Mike Magaldo, Watchung Hills (second, 120); Sr. Ricky Carter, Timber Creek (third, 120); So. Anthony Giraldo, North Bergen (fourth, 120); Sr. Max Rogers, Delbarton (sixth, 120); Jr. Robert Trombetta, Nutley (seventh, 120); Jr. Troy Heilmann, South Plainfield (second, 120); Jr. Billy Ward, Buena (third, 120); Sr. Kevin Devoy, Burlington Township (fourth, 126); So. John Van Brill, Clearview (fifth, 126); Jr. Mike Pongracz, Delaware Valley (eighth, 126); Jr. Brian Hamann, Jackson Memorial (fourth-2010, 126); Sr. Connor Melde, Bergen Catholic (fourth, 132); Jr. Brandon Keller, Timber Creek (fifth, 132); Jr. Richard Lewis, Toms River East (seventh, 132); Sr. Steven Schneider, Emerson-Park Ridge (eighth, 132); Jr. John Hennelly, Delsea (seventh-2010, 132); Jr. Bryant Clagon, Toms River South (second, 138); Sr. Tyler Hunt, South Plainfield (fourth, 138); Sr. John Boyle, Rutherford (eighth, 138); Jr. Chad Walsh, Camden Catholic (fifth, 138); Sr. Ken Theobold, Toms River South (seventh, 145); Sr. Alexander Richardson, St. Peter's Prep (fifth, 145); Jr. Nick Gravina, Northern Highlands (fifth-2010, 145); Sr. Sal Mastriani, Don Bosco Prep (fourth, 152); Sr. Ray Bethea, Trenton (sixth, 152); Sr. Pelal Deeb, Passaic Tech (seventh, 152); So. Jonathan Schleifer, East Brunswick (eighth, 152); Sr. Francisco Colom, St. Peter's Prep (eighth, 152); So. Johnny Sebastian, Bergen Catholic (fifth, 160); Sr. Vincent Favia, Christian Brothers Academy (sixth, 160); Jr. Jadaen Bernstein, Voorhees (second, 160); Sr. James Dugan, Becton-Wallington (sixth, 160); Sr. Robert Schlitt, Haddonfield (eighth, 160); Sr. Steve Nelson, Haddon Township (fourth, 170); Sr. Anthony Pafumi, St. Peter's Prep (fifth, 170); Sr. Tevin Shaw, Piscataway (second, 182); Sr. Vic Pozsonyi, Roselle Park (seventh, 182); Sr. Dallas Winston, Jackson Memorial (second, 182); Sr. Brandon Hull, Phillipsburg (eighth, 220).
Returning medal winners by region:
Region 1 (3, Rosenberg, Harrington, Hull)
Region 2 (6, Andreano, Melde, Schneider, Gravina, Mastriani, Sebastian)
Region 3 (8, Innarella, Calas, Heilmann, Magaldo, Rogers, Ashnault, Hunt, Pozsonyi)
Region 4 (9, Gonzalez, Giraldo, Trombetta, Boyle, Richardson, Deeb, Colom, Dugan, Pafumi)
Region 5 (5, Buttitta Pongracz, Schleifer, Bernstein, Shaw)
Region 6 (7, Ghione, Hamann, Lewis, Clagon, Theobold, Favia, Winston)
Region 7 (6, Devoy, Walsh, Miller, Bethea, Schlitt, Nelson)
Region 8 (5, Ward, Carter, Van Brill, Keller, Hennelly)
Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday schedule: Preliminaries, 5 p.m.; pre-quarterfinals, 7 p.m.
Saturday schedule: Quarterfinals and wrestlebacks, 10 a.m.; second round of wrestlebacks, noon; semifinals and third round of wrestlebacks, 5 p.m.; fourth round of wrestlebacks, 7 p.m.
Sunday schedule: Consolation finals (third through eighth places), 10 a.m.; championships, 2 p.m.
Returning state champions (2012 weights): Jr. Brenden Calas, Seton Hall Prep (113); Jr. Anthony Ashnault, South Plainfield (126); Jr. T.J. Miller, Camden Catholic (145); Sr. Ryan Harrington, Mendham (170).
Returning medal winners (last year's finish, 2012 weights): Sr. Jan Rosenberg, Morris Knolls (third, 106); So. Carl Buttitta, JFK Iselin (fifth, 106); So. Joe Ghione, Brick Memorial (sixth, 106); So. Mike Andreano, Glen Rock-Saddle Brook (eighth, 106); So. Luis Gonzalez, North Bergen (second, 113); So. Christian Innarella, Delbarton (seventh, 113); So. Mike Magaldo, Watchung Hills (second, 120); Sr. Ricky Carter, Timber Creek (third, 120); So. Anthony Giraldo, North Bergen (fourth, 120); Sr. Max Rogers, Delbarton (sixth, 120); Jr. Robert Trombetta, Nutley (seventh, 120); Jr. Troy Heilmann, South Plainfield (second, 120); Jr. Billy Ward, Buena (third, 120); Sr. Kevin Devoy, Burlington Township (fourth, 126); So. John Van Brill, Clearview (fifth, 126); Jr. Mike Pongracz, Delaware Valley (eighth, 126); Jr. Brian Hamann, Jackson Memorial (fourth-2010, 126); Sr. Connor Melde, Bergen Catholic (fourth, 132); Jr. Brandon Keller, Timber Creek (fifth, 132); Jr. Richard Lewis, Toms River East (seventh, 132); Sr. Steven Schneider, Emerson-Park Ridge (eighth, 132); Jr. John Hennelly, Delsea (seventh-2010, 132); Jr. Bryant Clagon, Toms River South (second, 138); Sr. Tyler Hunt, South Plainfield (fourth, 138); Sr. John Boyle, Rutherford (eighth, 138); Jr. Chad Walsh, Camden Catholic (fifth, 138); Sr. Ken Theobold, Toms River South (seventh, 145); Sr. Alexander Richardson, St. Peter's Prep (fifth, 145); Jr. Nick Gravina, Northern Highlands (fifth-2010, 145); Sr. Sal Mastriani, Don Bosco Prep (fourth, 152); Sr. Ray Bethea, Trenton (sixth, 152); Sr. Pelal Deeb, Passaic Tech (seventh, 152); So. Jonathan Schleifer, East Brunswick (eighth, 152); Sr. Francisco Colom, St. Peter's Prep (eighth, 152); So. Johnny Sebastian, Bergen Catholic (fifth, 160); Sr. Vincent Favia, Christian Brothers Academy (sixth, 160); Jr. Jadaen Bernstein, Voorhees (second, 160); Sr. James Dugan, Becton-Wallington (sixth, 160); Sr. Robert Schlitt, Haddonfield (eighth, 160); Sr. Steve Nelson, Haddon Township (fourth, 170); Sr. Anthony Pafumi, St. Peter's Prep (fifth, 170); Sr. Tevin Shaw, Piscataway (second, 182); Sr. Vic Pozsonyi, Roselle Park (seventh, 182); Sr. Dallas Winston, Jackson Memorial (second, 182); Sr. Brandon Hull, Phillipsburg (eighth, 220).
Returning medal winners by region:
Region 1 (3, Rosenberg, Harrington, Hull)
Region 2 (6, Andreano, Melde, Schneider, Gravina, Mastriani, Sebastian)
Region 3 (8, Innarella, Calas, Heilmann, Magaldo, Rogers, Ashnault, Hunt, Pozsonyi)
Region 4 (9, Gonzalez, Giraldo, Trombetta, Boyle, Richardson, Deeb, Colom, Dugan, Pafumi)
Region 5 (5, Buttitta Pongracz, Schleifer, Bernstein, Shaw)
Region 6 (7, Ghione, Hamann, Lewis, Clagon, Theobold, Favia, Winston)
Region 7 (6, Devoy, Walsh, Miller, Bethea, Schlitt, Nelson)
Region 8 (5, Ward, Carter, Van Brill, Keller, Hennelly)
Wrestling: Best bets to win it all in Atlantic City
The final leg of the high school wrestling season is upon us and it's time to let the chips fall where they may at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Here are Open Mike's predictions for the top eight finishers at each of the 14 weight classes.
Disclaimer: These are for amusement purposes only.
106 -- 1. Jan Rosenberg, Morris Knolls; 2. Carl Buttitta, JFK-Iselin; 3. Anthony Cefolo, Hanover Park; 4. Joe Ghione, Brick Memorial; 5. Craig De La Cruz, Bound Brook; 6. John Gentile, Paulsboro; 7. Joe Trovato, Paramus; 8. Max Nauta, Warren Hills.
113 -- 1. Kevin Corrigan, Toms River South; 2. Luis Gonzalez, North Bergen; 3. Christian Innarella, Delbarton; 4. David McFadden, DePaul; 5. Brenden Calas, Seton Hall; 6. Kyle Brady, Bishop Ahr; 7. Ryan Pomrinca, North Hunterdon; 8. Tom Gattinella, St. Augustine.
120 -- 1. Troy Heilmann, South Plainfield; 2. Mike Magaldo, Watchung Hills; 3. Anthony Giraldo, North Bergen; 4. Zack Hertling, Ocean Township; 5. Robert Trombetta, Nutley; 6. Ricky Carter, Timber Creek; 7. Billy Ward, Buena; 8. Sal Profaci, Monroe.
126 -- 1. Anthony Ashnault, South Plainfield; 2. Kevin Devoy, Burlington Township; 3. Brian Hamann, Jackson Memorial; 4. Sam Tareky, Wayne Valley; 5. Nick Anderson, Delbarton; 6. Justin Colon, Belleville; 7. Mike Pongracz, Delaware Valley; 8. Jake Balestrieri, Franklin.
132 -- 1. Connor Melde, Bergen Catholic; 2. Scott DelVecchio, South Plainfield; 3. Steven Schneider, Emerson-Park Ridge; 4. Dylan Thorsen, Belvidere; 5. Brandon Keller, Timber Creek; 6. R.J. DeGeorge, Pequannock; 7. Richard Lewis, Toms River East; 8. Maaziah Bethea, Trenton.
138 -- 1. B.J. Clagon, Toms River South; 2. Tyler Hunt, South Plainfield; 3. Paul Kirchner, Somerville; 4. Chad Walsh, Camden Catholic; 5. Joe Esposito, St. Augustine; 6. Jorge Lopez, Delbarton; 7. John Boyle, Rutherford; 8. Nick Maselli, Emerson-Park Ridge.
145 -- 1. T.J. Miller, Camden Catholic; 2. Lenny Richardson, St. Peter's Prep; 3. Corey Stasenko, South Plainfield; 4. Nick Lospinoso, Brearley-Dayton; 5. Ken Theobold, Toms River South; 6. Nick Gravina, Northern Highlands; 7. Ronnie Honickel, Voorhees; 8. Tim Garripoli, Roxbury.
152 -- 1. Pelal Deeb, Passaic Tech; 2. Sal Mastriani, Don Bosco Prep, 3. Ray Bethea, Trenton; 4. Jonathan Schleifer, East Brunswick; 5. Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury; 6. Francisco Colom, St. Peter's Prep; 7. Beau Vrancken, North Hunterdon; 8. Dan Ressler, Pascack Valley.
160 -- 1. Johnny Sebastian, Bergen Catholic; 2. Vincent Favia, Christian Brothers Academy; 3. Jadaen Bernstein, Voorhees; 4. John Balboni, Brearley-Dayton; 5. James Dugan, Becton-Wallington; 6. Philip Bakuckas, Hammonton; 7. Keith Lemengello, Pequannock; 8. Robert Schlitt, Haddonfield.
170 -- 1. Ryan Harrington, Mendham; 2. Steve Nelson, Haddon Township; 3. Anthony Pafumi, St. Peter's Prep; 4. Ethan Ramos; Hawthorne; 5. Joey Balboni, Brearley-Dayton; 6. Robert Shade, Timber Creek; 7. Nicholas Zak, Jackson Liberty; 8. Steve Secor, Lakeland.
182 -- 1. Tevin Shaw, Piscataway; 2. Bryan Loughlin, Becton-Wallington; 3. Lukas Iorio, Bergen Catholic; 4. Vic Pozsonyi, Roselle Park; 5. Dallas Winston, Jackson Memorial; 6. Liam Korbul, North Hunterdon; 7. Thomas Forline, Moorestown; 8. Nick Dellaferra, Wayne Valley.
195 -- 1. Hayden Hyrmack, Christian Brothers Academy; 2. Carson Stack, Haddonfield; 3. Eric McMullen, North Bergen; 4. Razohnn Gross, Don Bosco Prep; 5. Anthony Messner, Franklin; 6. Matt Moore, Brick Memorial; 7. Jake Connelly, Newton; 8. Anthony Tancs, Brearley-Dayton.
220 -- 1. Brandon Hull, Phillipsburg; 2. Lex Knapp, Lacey; 3. Colton Bigelow, Ocean Township; 4. Mauro Correnti, Holy Cross; 5. Armond Cox, St. Peter's Prep; 6. J.B. Lawson, Belvidere; 7. Alex Trani, Wayne Valley; 8. Roy Lucas, St. Joseph's-Hammonton.
285 -- 1. Mike Spencer, Pequannock; 2. Beniah Harrigan, Piscataway; 3. Cody Melton, Northern Burlington; 4. John Appice, Manalapan; 5. Keith Rodman, Old Tappan; 6. Anthony Tufaro, Scotch Plains-Fanwood; 7. Kyle Gora, Ocean Township; 8. Sam Ekwonike, Cinnaminson.
Disclaimer: These are for amusement purposes only.
106 -- 1. Jan Rosenberg, Morris Knolls; 2. Carl Buttitta, JFK-Iselin; 3. Anthony Cefolo, Hanover Park; 4. Joe Ghione, Brick Memorial; 5. Craig De La Cruz, Bound Brook; 6. John Gentile, Paulsboro; 7. Joe Trovato, Paramus; 8. Max Nauta, Warren Hills.
113 -- 1. Kevin Corrigan, Toms River South; 2. Luis Gonzalez, North Bergen; 3. Christian Innarella, Delbarton; 4. David McFadden, DePaul; 5. Brenden Calas, Seton Hall; 6. Kyle Brady, Bishop Ahr; 7. Ryan Pomrinca, North Hunterdon; 8. Tom Gattinella, St. Augustine.
120 -- 1. Troy Heilmann, South Plainfield; 2. Mike Magaldo, Watchung Hills; 3. Anthony Giraldo, North Bergen; 4. Zack Hertling, Ocean Township; 5. Robert Trombetta, Nutley; 6. Ricky Carter, Timber Creek; 7. Billy Ward, Buena; 8. Sal Profaci, Monroe.
126 -- 1. Anthony Ashnault, South Plainfield; 2. Kevin Devoy, Burlington Township; 3. Brian Hamann, Jackson Memorial; 4. Sam Tareky, Wayne Valley; 5. Nick Anderson, Delbarton; 6. Justin Colon, Belleville; 7. Mike Pongracz, Delaware Valley; 8. Jake Balestrieri, Franklin.
132 -- 1. Connor Melde, Bergen Catholic; 2. Scott DelVecchio, South Plainfield; 3. Steven Schneider, Emerson-Park Ridge; 4. Dylan Thorsen, Belvidere; 5. Brandon Keller, Timber Creek; 6. R.J. DeGeorge, Pequannock; 7. Richard Lewis, Toms River East; 8. Maaziah Bethea, Trenton.
138 -- 1. B.J. Clagon, Toms River South; 2. Tyler Hunt, South Plainfield; 3. Paul Kirchner, Somerville; 4. Chad Walsh, Camden Catholic; 5. Joe Esposito, St. Augustine; 6. Jorge Lopez, Delbarton; 7. John Boyle, Rutherford; 8. Nick Maselli, Emerson-Park Ridge.
145 -- 1. T.J. Miller, Camden Catholic; 2. Lenny Richardson, St. Peter's Prep; 3. Corey Stasenko, South Plainfield; 4. Nick Lospinoso, Brearley-Dayton; 5. Ken Theobold, Toms River South; 6. Nick Gravina, Northern Highlands; 7. Ronnie Honickel, Voorhees; 8. Tim Garripoli, Roxbury.
152 -- 1. Pelal Deeb, Passaic Tech; 2. Sal Mastriani, Don Bosco Prep, 3. Ray Bethea, Trenton; 4. Jonathan Schleifer, East Brunswick; 5. Dillon Artigliere, Roxbury; 6. Francisco Colom, St. Peter's Prep; 7. Beau Vrancken, North Hunterdon; 8. Dan Ressler, Pascack Valley.
160 -- 1. Johnny Sebastian, Bergen Catholic; 2. Vincent Favia, Christian Brothers Academy; 3. Jadaen Bernstein, Voorhees; 4. John Balboni, Brearley-Dayton; 5. James Dugan, Becton-Wallington; 6. Philip Bakuckas, Hammonton; 7. Keith Lemengello, Pequannock; 8. Robert Schlitt, Haddonfield.
170 -- 1. Ryan Harrington, Mendham; 2. Steve Nelson, Haddon Township; 3. Anthony Pafumi, St. Peter's Prep; 4. Ethan Ramos; Hawthorne; 5. Joey Balboni, Brearley-Dayton; 6. Robert Shade, Timber Creek; 7. Nicholas Zak, Jackson Liberty; 8. Steve Secor, Lakeland.
182 -- 1. Tevin Shaw, Piscataway; 2. Bryan Loughlin, Becton-Wallington; 3. Lukas Iorio, Bergen Catholic; 4. Vic Pozsonyi, Roselle Park; 5. Dallas Winston, Jackson Memorial; 6. Liam Korbul, North Hunterdon; 7. Thomas Forline, Moorestown; 8. Nick Dellaferra, Wayne Valley.
195 -- 1. Hayden Hyrmack, Christian Brothers Academy; 2. Carson Stack, Haddonfield; 3. Eric McMullen, North Bergen; 4. Razohnn Gross, Don Bosco Prep; 5. Anthony Messner, Franklin; 6. Matt Moore, Brick Memorial; 7. Jake Connelly, Newton; 8. Anthony Tancs, Brearley-Dayton.
220 -- 1. Brandon Hull, Phillipsburg; 2. Lex Knapp, Lacey; 3. Colton Bigelow, Ocean Township; 4. Mauro Correnti, Holy Cross; 5. Armond Cox, St. Peter's Prep; 6. J.B. Lawson, Belvidere; 7. Alex Trani, Wayne Valley; 8. Roy Lucas, St. Joseph's-Hammonton.
285 -- 1. Mike Spencer, Pequannock; 2. Beniah Harrigan, Piscataway; 3. Cody Melton, Northern Burlington; 4. John Appice, Manalapan; 5. Keith Rodman, Old Tappan; 6. Anthony Tufaro, Scotch Plains-Fanwood; 7. Kyle Gora, Ocean Township; 8. Sam Ekwonike, Cinnaminson.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Wrestling: Fleszar elected to Region 1 Hall of Fame
Former Kittatinny great Roman Fleszar will be inducted into the Region 1 Hall of Fame prior to the championship round in 2013.
Fleszar, who will become the 15th member of the Hall of Fame, was the only nominee to earn the required 75 percent -- he received 80 percent -- of the votes by coaches and selected media members. Fleszar was a three-time district and region champion from 1994-96 and a three-time state finalist during those years. He won the 103-pound state title in 1994 and the 119-pound crown in '96.
Fleszar, who compiled a four-year mark of 113-8, also had a successful collegiate career at Hofstra University, where he was a two-time NCAA All-American. He is the second Kittatinny wrestler to be elected, joining Steve Dalling, who was inducted with the inaugural class in 2006.
Former state champions, Andy Iliff of Newton, and Gary Cholish of West Morris, were recently inducted into the Hall of Fame as the Class of 2012.
Here are the other nominees and their voting totals. They all will remain on the ballot for 2014.
Mike Rossetti (68 percent) -- Former two-time state runner-up and two-time region champion in 1973-74 for Phillipsburg. He also won a Division III national title at Trenton State. The highly-successful coach won a combined seven Group state championships during stints at Jefferson and Phillipsburg.
Brent Conly (52 percent) -- Two-time state champion and fourth-place state finisher for Delaware Valley. He won three district and three region championships from 1991-93 and posted a career mark of 89-6-1.
Carmine and Sam Rossi (44 percent) -- Carmine was the first state champion for Morris County in 1958 and coached two state champions at Dover High School. Sam was a two-time region runner-up and the head coach at Roxbury, which was voted the No. 1 team in the state in 1974. Both were co-head coaches of the Jefferson Youth program.
Chris Skretkowicz (32 percent) -- Three-time district, two-time region champion and three-time state placewinner at Wallkill Valley, where he compiled a mark of 124-13. He was a two-time state finalist, winning the 171-pound title in 2000. Skretkowicz, now an assistant coach at Virginia Military Institute, was a two-time All-American at Hofstra University.
Brett Raimondo (20 percent) -- Two-time district and three-time region champion -- one of only 32 to win three titles in this region -- and the 1988 state champion at 112 pounds. He's the only Mendham wrestler to win three region championships and compiled a career mark of 105-14-1.
Ryan Brennan (8 percent) -- Three-time district and two-time region champion at Randolph. The four-time state qualifier finished fourth in 1998. He compiled a career mark of 120-19.
Todd Sheaffer (1 percent) -- Considered one of the greatest wrestlers in Sparta history, Sheaffer was a four-time district and three-time region champion for the Sussex County school.
Fleszar, who will become the 15th member of the Hall of Fame, was the only nominee to earn the required 75 percent -- he received 80 percent -- of the votes by coaches and selected media members. Fleszar was a three-time district and region champion from 1994-96 and a three-time state finalist during those years. He won the 103-pound state title in 1994 and the 119-pound crown in '96.
Fleszar, who compiled a four-year mark of 113-8, also had a successful collegiate career at Hofstra University, where he was a two-time NCAA All-American. He is the second Kittatinny wrestler to be elected, joining Steve Dalling, who was inducted with the inaugural class in 2006.
Former state champions, Andy Iliff of Newton, and Gary Cholish of West Morris, were recently inducted into the Hall of Fame as the Class of 2012.
Here are the other nominees and their voting totals. They all will remain on the ballot for 2014.
Mike Rossetti (68 percent) -- Former two-time state runner-up and two-time region champion in 1973-74 for Phillipsburg. He also won a Division III national title at Trenton State. The highly-successful coach won a combined seven Group state championships during stints at Jefferson and Phillipsburg.
Brent Conly (52 percent) -- Two-time state champion and fourth-place state finisher for Delaware Valley. He won three district and three region championships from 1991-93 and posted a career mark of 89-6-1.
Carmine and Sam Rossi (44 percent) -- Carmine was the first state champion for Morris County in 1958 and coached two state champions at Dover High School. Sam was a two-time region runner-up and the head coach at Roxbury, which was voted the No. 1 team in the state in 1974. Both were co-head coaches of the Jefferson Youth program.
Chris Skretkowicz (32 percent) -- Three-time district, two-time region champion and three-time state placewinner at Wallkill Valley, where he compiled a mark of 124-13. He was a two-time state finalist, winning the 171-pound title in 2000. Skretkowicz, now an assistant coach at Virginia Military Institute, was a two-time All-American at Hofstra University.
Brett Raimondo (20 percent) -- Two-time district and three-time region champion -- one of only 32 to win three titles in this region -- and the 1988 state champion at 112 pounds. He's the only Mendham wrestler to win three region championships and compiled a career mark of 105-14-1.
Ryan Brennan (8 percent) -- Three-time district and two-time region champion at Randolph. The four-time state qualifier finished fourth in 1998. He compiled a career mark of 120-19.
Todd Sheaffer (1 percent) -- Considered one of the greatest wrestlers in Sparta history, Sheaffer was a four-time district and three-time region champion for the Sussex County school.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wrestling: South Plainfield named NJ's top team
The Coaches Poll designating the top 25 wrestling teams in New Jersey was released on Sunday. No surprise that South Plainfield was named the No. 1 team for a second time overall and second time in the last three years.
Phillipsburg, the Group 4 champion, finished second in the voting. Among the other Open Mike area teams to be recognized were North Hunterdon at No. 17, High Point at No. 19 and Delaware Valley at No. 21.
Here is the complete list:
1. South Plainfield (31-2)
2. Phillipsburg (16-3)
3. Brick Memorial (18-4)
4. Bergen Catholic (16-5)
5. St. Peter's Prep (15-3)
6. Jackson Memorial (19-1)
7. Timber Creek (21-3)
8. Southern (11-3)
9. Delbarton (16-5)
10. Bound Brook (20-4)
11. Howell (22-4)
12. Camden Catholic (23-4)
13. Ocean Township (22-2)
14. Raritan (24-6)
15. Delsea (22-2)
16. Watchung Hills (20-4)
17. North Hunterdon (17-5)
18. Toms River South (19-6)
19. High Point (16-6)
20. Hanover Park (13-6)
21. Delaware Valley (14-4)
22. Morris Knolls (17-2)
23. Christian Brothers Academy (19-6)
24. Nutley (19-4)
25. Paramus (18-4)
Phillipsburg, the Group 4 champion, finished second in the voting. Among the other Open Mike area teams to be recognized were North Hunterdon at No. 17, High Point at No. 19 and Delaware Valley at No. 21.
Here is the complete list:
1. South Plainfield (31-2)
2. Phillipsburg (16-3)
3. Brick Memorial (18-4)
4. Bergen Catholic (16-5)
5. St. Peter's Prep (15-3)
6. Jackson Memorial (19-1)
7. Timber Creek (21-3)
8. Southern (11-3)
9. Delbarton (16-5)
10. Bound Brook (20-4)
11. Howell (22-4)
12. Camden Catholic (23-4)
13. Ocean Township (22-2)
14. Raritan (24-6)
15. Delsea (22-2)
16. Watchung Hills (20-4)
17. North Hunterdon (17-5)
18. Toms River South (19-6)
19. High Point (16-6)
20. Hanover Park (13-6)
21. Delaware Valley (14-4)
22. Morris Knolls (17-2)
23. Christian Brothers Academy (19-6)
24. Nutley (19-4)
25. Paramus (18-4)
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