What: Warren Hills Blue Streaks at Belvidere County Seaters.
Where: Belvidere High School.
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Skyland (non-division).
Records: Belvidere 1-0; Warren Hills 3-0.
Coaches: Dan McIntyre (15-10, second season); Jarrett Hosbach (94-74, eighth season).
Series history: Warren Hills leads 35-8 dating to 1965, including a 48-26 victory in the last meeting between Warren County rivals on Dec. 16, 2011. Belvidere's last win was in 2001, capping a five-match win streak in the series. The County Seaters' only other wins came in 1973, and '84 and '93. The series was continuous from 1965-94, but the teams did not meet in 1995, 1996, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
Note: Warren Hills wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Austin Pidoto (3-0) vs. Fr. Jimmy Smith (0-3).
113 -- So. Max Nauta (2-1) vs. So. Matt Hambacher (0-2).
120 -- So. John Fluck (2-1) or Jr. Tai Adetula (2-1) vs. Jr. Kenny Morgan (1-1).
126 -- Fluck or Adetula vs. Sr. Zafer Deyer (0-2).
132 -- Sr. Joe Kratochvil (2-0) vs. Sr. Aaron Castner (1-1).
138 -- Sr. Tom Rush (0-3) vs. Jr. Tyler Dombrosky (1-2).
145 -- Sr. Kevin Bundschuh (3-0) vs. Sr. Jesse Thorsen (2-0).
152 -- Jr. Nate Detrick (1-1) vs. So. Kenny Kane (1-2).
160 -- Jr. Evan Butka (1-2) vs. So. David Harris (1-1).
170 -- Jr. Ryan Ostir (2-0) vs. Sr. Tyler Toth (2-1).
182 -- Jr. Steve Cleaver (2-1) vs. Sr. Evan Bray (2-0).
195 -- Jr. Ryan Witner (2-1) vs. Sr. Joe Abramo (1-1).
220 -- Sr. Tyler Bridygham (1-2) vs. Sr. J.B. Lawson (1-1).
285 -- So. Andrew Pacheco (3-0) vs. Sr. Ryan Appleby (2-1).
Breakdown: Warren Hills rates as decided favorite for the second straight year in this classic Warren County rivalry. Second year it's on a Friday night, which is becoming a popular evening for wrestling in these parts. Some good potential matchups at 145 and 285. Thorsen, a former District 1 runner-up, has lost most of two seasons with injuries and is primed for a good senior campaign. Matchup at 285 could be the first of several between two of the better ones in District 1 and Region 1, as well as the county tournament. Appleby scored a 10-2 major in the District 1 quarters last season, following Pacheco's 5-4 win in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament. Streaks are heavy favorites at 106 through 132, and get the nod at 152, 160, 170 and 195. Seaters have the edge at 145, 182 and 220. Figure 138 to be a tossup as Warren Hills junior Justin Pidoto (Region 1 qualifier in 2011) is out with a head injury. I can see the hosts winning five bouts, but that's about it. Streaks pile up the bonus points and may give Hosbach the chance to rest some regulars in their tune-up for Saturday's big quad at home.
Prediction: Warren Hills, 42-19.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wrestling: Cougars' calling is to win for Crawn
Even in death, Linn Crawn is still a big part of the Kittatinny wrestling program. Perhaps it's only fitting since the former assistant coach's passing has left a huge void on the mats in these parts.
For the first time in 32 years, Kittatinny lined up for a dual meet without Crawn sitting on the bench and cheering on his boys, as it thumped Lenape Valley, 54-16, on Wednesday in the NJAC Freedom Division opener for both Sussex County rivals.
Crawn, a larger-than-life figure who could tell a story with the best of them, died unexpectedly in August. The former Newton wrestler battled several health issues over the years that had limited him to attending only home matches in recent seasons.
Anyone who had befriended Crawn -- and I count myself as one of those lucky ones -- or wrestled for him will tell you that this season, or future ones, just won't be the same without him. It's a harsh reality for longtime Kittatinny head coach John Gill, who referred to Crawn as his "right arm" when contacted this summer about his good friend's passing.
Even after a nice win, Gill couldn't help but feel a little sad that Crawn wasn't there to share in it.
"It was so weird when we came here [on the bus from Hampton Township] -- even though he hadn't been riding the bust the last couple of years," said Gill, who notched career win No. 466. "This was the first one without him [Gill and Crawn had been together for 32 of 33 seasons]. We miss him tremendously."
Gill and assistant coach Steve Butler are now trying to assimilate themselves to playing Crawn's role of master strategist and lineup juggler. It won't be easy. It came naturally to Crawn, who was called on by rival coaches to do the same for their programs. Newton coach Eric Bollette and even High Point coach John Gardner -- the Cougars' fiercest team rival -- picked Crawn's brain and benefited from his vast knowledge of wrestlers both locally and statewide.
"We are agonizing over decisions that Linn used to make so calmly and collectively," Gill said.
They aren't alone, however. In sifting through Crawn's personal belongings, a book that contained scouting reports on every team in New Jersey for the 2012-13 season -- amazingly all hand-written since he did not use computers -- was discovered by one of Crawn's sisters.
So, at least for this season, Crawn is still working his magic for the program.
Bollette, a former Kittatinny star wrestler, was especially close to Crawn. During his ride home on Wednesday after Newton's 39-27 win over Wallkill Valley, Bollette said something was different during a phone conversation with Open Mike.
"No offense, but I'd be talking to him right now instead of you," Bollette said. "It's tough."
Kittatinny plans to honor Crawn prior to Thursday's night home match against Wallkill Valley. Gill said there will be a moment of silence and a few words spoken in his memory. In addition, a motion to rename Kittatinny's Cougar Classic -- held between Christmas and New Year's -- in Crawn's honor is pending school board approval in the coming days.
It will then be forever known as the "Linn Crawn Memorial Tournament."
This season, wrestlers are wearing blue buttons with "LC" in white on their warmup tops in tribute to their beloved coach, for whom they dedicated the season to.
"We hope to do our best to honor him," Gill said.
Crawn would have been proud of their efforts in the opener, as the Cougars won 10 bouts, including six pins. The biggest came from sophomore 138-pounder Tom Murphy, who decked Region 1 finalist Glenn Haines in 2:50.
Murphy, a District 3 runner-up last season, tilted Haines three times in the second period before stacking his opponent for the surprising fall.
"I thought it would be a close match. I was very surprised at the result," said Murphy, who lost 17 bouts as a freshman, mostly by one or two points.
"What a great second period," Gill said. "He found a weakness, at least a weakness tonight, and he capitalized on it."
Nick West (126), Trevor Schutte (132), Dylan Wunder (182), Tom Smith (220) and Christian Silva (113) also had pins in the victory. The lopsided affair also gave Gill the chance to rest several regulars, including district champion Nick Romyns (145).
In another good matchup, state qualifier Jake Brook gutted out a 9-8 win over Lenape Valley senior Kristian Barrett at 195. Brook, third in Region 1 last season, trailed, 7-4, after two periods after getting dumped to his back for four points in the opening period. In the third, Brook converted two takedowns, including the winner with 0.7 seconds left on the clock.
Lenape Valley was without the services of sophomore Peter Lipari (concussion), a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex champion as a freshman, as well as two-time District 2 champ Matt Benvenuto (illness) and heavyweight Bobby Sperling (knee).
In the preseason, this looked like a match that could decided this year's division champion.
"In our Freedom Division, we certainly respect Jefferson and Lenape Valley -- and I never count Newton out," Gill said. "Certainly, Lenape is among the top three teams. We came out storming tonight. This is a great start to our division [schedule]."
KITTATINNY 54, LENAPE VALLEY 16
126 -- Jr. Nick West (1-2), K, p. Jr. Adam Chavarria (0-1), :39.
132 -- So. Trevor Schutte (1-0), K, p. So. Anthony Mulford (0-1), :16.
138 -- So. Tom Murphy (4-1), K, p. So. Glenn Haines (2-2), 2:50.
145 -- Jr. Kevin Jelinek (1-0), K, forfeit.
152 -- Jr. Dominic LaBell (4-0), LV, d. Sr. Connor Zandarski (1-4), 6-2.
160 -- So. Joe LaBell (3-1), LV, d. Sr. Dave Popek (2-2), 6-3.
170 -- Jr. Kieran Gerrity (3-1), K, d. So. D.J. Barrett (2-2), 3-0.
182 -- Jr. Dylan Wunder (3-1), K, p. Sr. Billy Underwood (0-1), 1:44.
195 -- Sr. Jake Brook (3-1), K, d. Sr. Kristian Barrett (3-1), 9-8.
220 -- Jr. Tom Smith (1-0), K, p. Sr. Dante James (2-2), 3:17.
285 -- Jr. Liam Hinks (1-2), K, forfeit.
106 -- Fr. Zach Merkey (2-1), p. Fr. Adam Reffi (0-1), 1:35.
113 -- Jr. Christian Silva (3-1), K, p. Fr. Aaron Merkey (2-2), 4:34.
120 -- Fr. Aaron Arzon (4-1), LV, md. So. Thomas Chernati (0-1), 16-2.
Records -- Kittatinny 1-0, 1-0; Lenape Valley 0-1, 0-1.
For the first time in 32 years, Kittatinny lined up for a dual meet without Crawn sitting on the bench and cheering on his boys, as it thumped Lenape Valley, 54-16, on Wednesday in the NJAC Freedom Division opener for both Sussex County rivals.
Crawn, a larger-than-life figure who could tell a story with the best of them, died unexpectedly in August. The former Newton wrestler battled several health issues over the years that had limited him to attending only home matches in recent seasons.
Anyone who had befriended Crawn -- and I count myself as one of those lucky ones -- or wrestled for him will tell you that this season, or future ones, just won't be the same without him. It's a harsh reality for longtime Kittatinny head coach John Gill, who referred to Crawn as his "right arm" when contacted this summer about his good friend's passing.
Even after a nice win, Gill couldn't help but feel a little sad that Crawn wasn't there to share in it.
"It was so weird when we came here [on the bus from Hampton Township] -- even though he hadn't been riding the bust the last couple of years," said Gill, who notched career win No. 466. "This was the first one without him [Gill and Crawn had been together for 32 of 33 seasons]. We miss him tremendously."
Gill and assistant coach Steve Butler are now trying to assimilate themselves to playing Crawn's role of master strategist and lineup juggler. It won't be easy. It came naturally to Crawn, who was called on by rival coaches to do the same for their programs. Newton coach Eric Bollette and even High Point coach John Gardner -- the Cougars' fiercest team rival -- picked Crawn's brain and benefited from his vast knowledge of wrestlers both locally and statewide.
"We are agonizing over decisions that Linn used to make so calmly and collectively," Gill said.
They aren't alone, however. In sifting through Crawn's personal belongings, a book that contained scouting reports on every team in New Jersey for the 2012-13 season -- amazingly all hand-written since he did not use computers -- was discovered by one of Crawn's sisters.
So, at least for this season, Crawn is still working his magic for the program.
Bollette, a former Kittatinny star wrestler, was especially close to Crawn. During his ride home on Wednesday after Newton's 39-27 win over Wallkill Valley, Bollette said something was different during a phone conversation with Open Mike.
"No offense, but I'd be talking to him right now instead of you," Bollette said. "It's tough."
Kittatinny plans to honor Crawn prior to Thursday's night home match against Wallkill Valley. Gill said there will be a moment of silence and a few words spoken in his memory. In addition, a motion to rename Kittatinny's Cougar Classic -- held between Christmas and New Year's -- in Crawn's honor is pending school board approval in the coming days.
It will then be forever known as the "Linn Crawn Memorial Tournament."
This season, wrestlers are wearing blue buttons with "LC" in white on their warmup tops in tribute to their beloved coach, for whom they dedicated the season to.
"We hope to do our best to honor him," Gill said.
Crawn would have been proud of their efforts in the opener, as the Cougars won 10 bouts, including six pins. The biggest came from sophomore 138-pounder Tom Murphy, who decked Region 1 finalist Glenn Haines in 2:50.
Murphy, a District 3 runner-up last season, tilted Haines three times in the second period before stacking his opponent for the surprising fall.
"I thought it would be a close match. I was very surprised at the result," said Murphy, who lost 17 bouts as a freshman, mostly by one or two points.
"What a great second period," Gill said. "He found a weakness, at least a weakness tonight, and he capitalized on it."
Nick West (126), Trevor Schutte (132), Dylan Wunder (182), Tom Smith (220) and Christian Silva (113) also had pins in the victory. The lopsided affair also gave Gill the chance to rest several regulars, including district champion Nick Romyns (145).
In another good matchup, state qualifier Jake Brook gutted out a 9-8 win over Lenape Valley senior Kristian Barrett at 195. Brook, third in Region 1 last season, trailed, 7-4, after two periods after getting dumped to his back for four points in the opening period. In the third, Brook converted two takedowns, including the winner with 0.7 seconds left on the clock.
Lenape Valley was without the services of sophomore Peter Lipari (concussion), a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex champion as a freshman, as well as two-time District 2 champ Matt Benvenuto (illness) and heavyweight Bobby Sperling (knee).
In the preseason, this looked like a match that could decided this year's division champion.
"In our Freedom Division, we certainly respect Jefferson and Lenape Valley -- and I never count Newton out," Gill said. "Certainly, Lenape is among the top three teams. We came out storming tonight. This is a great start to our division [schedule]."
KITTATINNY 54, LENAPE VALLEY 16
126 -- Jr. Nick West (1-2), K, p. Jr. Adam Chavarria (0-1), :39.
132 -- So. Trevor Schutte (1-0), K, p. So. Anthony Mulford (0-1), :16.
138 -- So. Tom Murphy (4-1), K, p. So. Glenn Haines (2-2), 2:50.
145 -- Jr. Kevin Jelinek (1-0), K, forfeit.
152 -- Jr. Dominic LaBell (4-0), LV, d. Sr. Connor Zandarski (1-4), 6-2.
160 -- So. Joe LaBell (3-1), LV, d. Sr. Dave Popek (2-2), 6-3.
170 -- Jr. Kieran Gerrity (3-1), K, d. So. D.J. Barrett (2-2), 3-0.
182 -- Jr. Dylan Wunder (3-1), K, p. Sr. Billy Underwood (0-1), 1:44.
195 -- Sr. Jake Brook (3-1), K, d. Sr. Kristian Barrett (3-1), 9-8.
220 -- Jr. Tom Smith (1-0), K, p. Sr. Dante James (2-2), 3:17.
285 -- Jr. Liam Hinks (1-2), K, forfeit.
106 -- Fr. Zach Merkey (2-1), p. Fr. Adam Reffi (0-1), 1:35.
113 -- Jr. Christian Silva (3-1), K, p. Fr. Aaron Merkey (2-2), 4:34.
120 -- Fr. Aaron Arzon (4-1), LV, md. So. Thomas Chernati (0-1), 16-2.
Records -- Kittatinny 1-0, 1-0; Lenape Valley 0-1, 0-1.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Wrestling: Phillipsburg at North Hunterdon preview
What: Phillipsburg Stateliners at North Hunterdon Lions.
Where: North Hunterdon Regional High School, Clinton Township.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Skyland Raritan Division.
Records: Phillipsburg 0-0; North Hunterdon 0-0.
Coaches: Dave Post (29-9, third season); Tim Flynn (43-21, fourth season).
Series history: Phillipsburg leads 46-8-1 dating to 1961, including last year's pair of wins, 33-25 in the regular season and 34-21 in the North 2, Group 4 semifinals. P'burg's last trip to North resulted in a 40-21 win. North Hunterdon's last victory was 36-21 at home on Jan. 6, 2007. The Lions' other wins came in the Group 3 final (1982, '84 and '93), and dual meets in 1961, '62, '65 and '75. The schools tied, 22-22, at The Pit in 1964. Teams have met seven times in the postseason.
Note: Phillipsburg wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- Fr. Brandon Paetzell (3-3) vs. So. Paul Robinson (1-2).
113 -- Sr. Zach Fisher (3-3) vs. Fr. Derek Ciavarro (2-2).
120 -- So. Steve Friedman (4-3) vs. So. Ryan Pomrinca (4-1).
126 -- So. Corey Zinsmeister (6-2) vs. Sr. Matt Moncourtois (4-3).
132 -- So. Donald Agans (0-2) vs. Fr. Brian Smolinsky (0-0) or Jr. Eric Martin (2-2).
138 -- So. Max Elling (5-2) vs. So. Michael Sicola (0-0) or Jr. Jim Hughes (0-0).
145 -- Sr. Andrew Kaluzny (2-2) vs. Jr. Mike Ciavarro (5-2).
152 -- So. Jimmy Schuitema (3-1) vs. Sr. Brendan Balzano (0-0).
160 -- Jr. Jake Kocsis (4-2) vs. Jr. Joe Guzzo (1-2).
170 -- Jr. Broderick Bupivi (3-2) vs. Sr. Brandon Loftus (2-2).
182 -- So. Coleton Hart (0-2) vs. Sr. Liam Korbul (4-2).
195 -- Sr. Kyle Kinney (1-2) vs. Sr. Dan Pepe (2-2).
220 -- So. Tim Hinkle (2-2) vs. Sr. Brad Straight (0-2).
285 -- Sr. Jarrett Williams (5-2) vs. Jr. Anthony Buygi (0-2).
Breakdown: P'burg won both meetings a year ago, including the sectional semifinals. These teams figure to meet again down the road. North's lineup is in a state of flux right now as 138 and 152 are question marks. P'burg is still without Johnson, who missed the King of the Mountain due to disciplinary reasons. Without him, this one could be a bit closer. North will only be favored at 120, 145 (slightly) and 182. Key bouts are 126, 132, 145, 170, 195 and 220. Stateliners won head-to-head meetings in two at KOM -- Zinsmeister's 6-3 victory over Moncourtois and Bupivi's 3-0 win over Loftus. Those bouts at KOM were close and North is hoping to reverse those outcomes. The Lions would need four, possibly five of the key bouts to have a shot. You always have to like the chances for a big upset in a bout or two when these teams get together. I think the 'Liners have the opportunity for more bonus points and win more of the close ones.
Prediction: Phillipsburg, 37-20.
Where: North Hunterdon Regional High School, Clinton Township.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Skyland Raritan Division.
Records: Phillipsburg 0-0; North Hunterdon 0-0.
Coaches: Dave Post (29-9, third season); Tim Flynn (43-21, fourth season).
Series history: Phillipsburg leads 46-8-1 dating to 1961, including last year's pair of wins, 33-25 in the regular season and 34-21 in the North 2, Group 4 semifinals. P'burg's last trip to North resulted in a 40-21 win. North Hunterdon's last victory was 36-21 at home on Jan. 6, 2007. The Lions' other wins came in the Group 3 final (1982, '84 and '93), and dual meets in 1961, '62, '65 and '75. The schools tied, 22-22, at The Pit in 1964. Teams have met seven times in the postseason.
Note: Phillipsburg wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- Fr. Brandon Paetzell (3-3) vs. So. Paul Robinson (1-2).
113 -- Sr. Zach Fisher (3-3) vs. Fr. Derek Ciavarro (2-2).
120 -- So. Steve Friedman (4-3) vs. So. Ryan Pomrinca (4-1).
126 -- So. Corey Zinsmeister (6-2) vs. Sr. Matt Moncourtois (4-3).
132 -- So. Donald Agans (0-2) vs. Fr. Brian Smolinsky (0-0) or Jr. Eric Martin (2-2).
138 -- So. Max Elling (5-2) vs. So. Michael Sicola (0-0) or Jr. Jim Hughes (0-0).
145 -- Sr. Andrew Kaluzny (2-2) vs. Jr. Mike Ciavarro (5-2).
152 -- So. Jimmy Schuitema (3-1) vs. Sr. Brendan Balzano (0-0).
160 -- Jr. Jake Kocsis (4-2) vs. Jr. Joe Guzzo (1-2).
170 -- Jr. Broderick Bupivi (3-2) vs. Sr. Brandon Loftus (2-2).
182 -- So. Coleton Hart (0-2) vs. Sr. Liam Korbul (4-2).
195 -- Sr. Kyle Kinney (1-2) vs. Sr. Dan Pepe (2-2).
220 -- So. Tim Hinkle (2-2) vs. Sr. Brad Straight (0-2).
285 -- Sr. Jarrett Williams (5-2) vs. Jr. Anthony Buygi (0-2).
Breakdown: P'burg won both meetings a year ago, including the sectional semifinals. These teams figure to meet again down the road. North's lineup is in a state of flux right now as 138 and 152 are question marks. P'burg is still without Johnson, who missed the King of the Mountain due to disciplinary reasons. Without him, this one could be a bit closer. North will only be favored at 120, 145 (slightly) and 182. Key bouts are 126, 132, 145, 170, 195 and 220. Stateliners won head-to-head meetings in two at KOM -- Zinsmeister's 6-3 victory over Moncourtois and Bupivi's 3-0 win over Loftus. Those bouts at KOM were close and North is hoping to reverse those outcomes. The Lions would need four, possibly five of the key bouts to have a shot. You always have to like the chances for a big upset in a bout or two when these teams get together. I think the 'Liners have the opportunity for more bonus points and win more of the close ones.
Prediction: Phillipsburg, 37-20.
Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings
As we get set for the first full week of dual meets, here's our first edition of the team rankings in the Open Mike area.
Some big matches this week, starting on Wednesday when Phillipsburg travels to North Hunterdon for a Skyland Conference Raritan Division matchup. On the same night, Lenape Valley hosts Kittatinny in a match that very well could decide this year's winner in the NJAC Freedom Division.
We close out the week strong with a great quad at Warren Hills on Saturday, including High Point, along with Timber Creek and Howell. In the afternoon a few miles down Route 31, Hunterdon Central takes on Voorhees.
1. Phillipsburg (0-0) -- Stateliners opened the season in impressive fashion with a fourth-place finish at the rugged King of the Mountain Tournament. Super sophomore Jimmy Schuitema finished second at 152 pounds and was among eight medal winners for coach Dave Post's squad. P'burg has its sights set on another run to the Group 4 championship and a potential rematch with Brick Memorial, which has several wrestlers out with injuries right now. By the way, anyone else notice that former Hamilton West standout Jared Staub, third in Region 7 last year, is now wrestling for the Mustangs?
Up next: at North Hunterdon on Wednesday; at Franklin on Thursday.
2. High Point (0-0) -- Wildcats opened the season with a strong showing at the CBA Colt Classic, as sophomore Dom Gallo (106) and freshman Jared Kobis (120), along with sophomores Mike Derin (132) and Jason Gaccione (145) and junior Kyle Stoll (195) all won individual titles. Connor McHugh (126), Chris Auer (132) and Gunny Wassong (220) finished second, as High Point advanced 12 to the semifinals. High Point will face some stiff competition on Saturday at Warren Hills, so we'll get a good look at coach John Gardner's team which figures to contend for a Group 2 title.
Up next: Pope John at home on Thursday; at Warren Hills quad with Howell and Timber Creek on Saturday.
3. Warren Hills (3-0) -- Blue Streaks opened with three wins in South Jersey on Saturday -- beating Egg Harbor, Clearview and Voorhees. State qualifier Joe Kratochvil (132) went 2-0 on the day, which wasn't without some bad news as junior Justin Pidoto (138) sustained a head injury and is unavailable for at least this week. Keep an eye on sophomore Austin Pidoto (106), who started the season 3-0. He was behind state qualifier Max Nauta last season and is very talented. Nice Warren County matchup with the County Seaters on Friday night before Saturday's big quad.
Up next: at Belvidere on Friday; High Point, Howell and Timber Creek at home on Saturday.
4. North Hunterdon (0-0) -- Lions also had a nice showing this past weekend at the King of the Mountain Tournament, as state medal winners Ryan Pomrinca (120) and Liam Korbul (182) finished second and fourth, respectively. Matt Moncourtois (126) and Mike Ciavarro (145) also placed at KOM. Coach Tim Flynn's squad only had 12 wrestlers in the tourney. They'll take on a very strong P'burg team this week in what's become a bit of a grudge match with Flynn and assistant coach Jason Hawk being former Stateliner wrestlers. It will have division implications now with P'burg moving into the Raritan.
Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Wednesday; Bridgewater-Raritan, JFK-Iselin and Somerville at home on Saturday.
5. Voorhees (2-1) -- Vikings went 2-1 on Saturday, beating Egg Harbor (55-12) and Clearview (36-28) before a 33-28 loss to Warren Hills in South Jersey. Senior Jadaen Bernstein (170) started off 3-0 and enters the week four wins shy of 100 for his career. Coach Eric Hall's squad will give plenty of teams trouble this season. Always hungry for Hunterdon County wins, the Vikes are gearing up for the first of several in-county encounters as they go up against Hunterdon Central on Saturday as part of a tri-meet with Hillsborough. Should be a good one.
Up next: at Somerville on Wednesday; Hillsborough and Hunterdon Central at home on Saturday.
6. Hunterdon Central (0-0) -- Red Devils opened their season with a strong second-place showing at the Caldwell Tournament, finishing one spot and two points ahead of Kittatinny. Senior Tim Higginson set the place on its ear with a title at 145 pounds and earning the outstanding wrestler honors in the process. He missed most of last season with a broken hand. State runner-up Gary Dinmore (138), Dylan Cote (152), Tyler Cote (160) and David Fenton (170) also won titles. Central might have a better tournament team than a dual meet squad this season, but it can cause matchup problems for opponents.
Up next: at Ridge on Wednesday; at Voorhees with Hillsborough on Saturday.
7. Kittatinny (0-0) -- Cougars started their season off with a third-place finish at the Caldwell Tournament on Saturday. David Popek (152), Kieran Gerrity (170), Dylan Wunder (182) and Jake Brook (195) all finished second. Coach John Gill's squad features some talented freshmen and it may take awhile for this group to get going. The season is dedicated to former assistant coach Linn Crawn, who died unexpectedly over the summer. This team will get better as the season progresses with a tough schedule that includes a potential showdown with Bound Brook on Jan. 5 at the Patriot Duals -- a rematch of last year's Group 1 final won by the Crusaders.
Up next: at Lenape Valley on Wednesday; Wallkill Valley at home on Thursday; Governor Livingston and Mahwah at West Milford Duals on Friday.
8. Lenape Valley (0-0) -- Patriots finished second at Dover's Kris Hicok Memorial Tournament on Saturday, as Matt Benvenuto (138), Dominic LaBell (152) and Kristian Barrett (195) captured individual titles. Freshman Aaron Merkey (113), D.J. Barrett (170) and Dante James (220) finished second. Region 1 runner-up Glenn Haines was third at 145. Coach Doug Vetter's troops open the NJAC slate with a tough one at home against Freedom Division favorite Kittatinny on Wednesday. For you Sussex County fans, the match will be taped for replay on Service Electric's Channel 10.
Up next: Kittatinny at home on Wednesday; Delaware Valley and North Warren at home on Saturday.
9. Delaware Valley (0-0) -- Terriers started off slowly with a fourth-place finish at Princeton's Garden State Classic on Saturday. The big story was the absence of two-time state medal winner Mike Pongracz, who is out indefinitely with an illness, according to coach Andy Fitz. Making matters worse, Kody Eichlin (170) was also out with an illness, while Nour Mays (160) and Luke Zehnbauer (182) each wrestled one bout before exiting with injuries. Heavyweight Marat Tomanek is out for awhile with a broken wrist, so the Terriers were down five starters on opening day. They'll need to get healthy quick as it doesn't get any easier with the state's top team coming to Alexandria Township on Friday.
Up next: at Hopewell Valley on Tuesday; South Plainfield at home on Friday; at Lenape Valley with North Warren on Saturday.
10. Belvidere (0-0) -- County Seaters enjoyed a nice showing at the Hopatcong Tournament on Saturday as Jesse Thorsen (145) and Evan Bray (182) won titles, while J.B. Lawson (220) and Ryan Appleby (285) finished second. Coach Dan McIntyre's team is primed for another run to the finals in the North 2, Group 1 section, which also features defending champion Hanover Park. The Seaters open the week with a Skyland Conference Valley Division clash before turning their attention to the Blue Streaks in what is a good old-fashioned local showdown on Friday.
Up next: Bernards at home on Wednesday; Warren Hills at home on Friday.
Some big matches this week, starting on Wednesday when Phillipsburg travels to North Hunterdon for a Skyland Conference Raritan Division matchup. On the same night, Lenape Valley hosts Kittatinny in a match that very well could decide this year's winner in the NJAC Freedom Division.
We close out the week strong with a great quad at Warren Hills on Saturday, including High Point, along with Timber Creek and Howell. In the afternoon a few miles down Route 31, Hunterdon Central takes on Voorhees.
1. Phillipsburg (0-0) -- Stateliners opened the season in impressive fashion with a fourth-place finish at the rugged King of the Mountain Tournament. Super sophomore Jimmy Schuitema finished second at 152 pounds and was among eight medal winners for coach Dave Post's squad. P'burg has its sights set on another run to the Group 4 championship and a potential rematch with Brick Memorial, which has several wrestlers out with injuries right now. By the way, anyone else notice that former Hamilton West standout Jared Staub, third in Region 7 last year, is now wrestling for the Mustangs?
Up next: at North Hunterdon on Wednesday; at Franklin on Thursday.
2. High Point (0-0) -- Wildcats opened the season with a strong showing at the CBA Colt Classic, as sophomore Dom Gallo (106) and freshman Jared Kobis (120), along with sophomores Mike Derin (132) and Jason Gaccione (145) and junior Kyle Stoll (195) all won individual titles. Connor McHugh (126), Chris Auer (132) and Gunny Wassong (220) finished second, as High Point advanced 12 to the semifinals. High Point will face some stiff competition on Saturday at Warren Hills, so we'll get a good look at coach John Gardner's team which figures to contend for a Group 2 title.
Up next: Pope John at home on Thursday; at Warren Hills quad with Howell and Timber Creek on Saturday.
3. Warren Hills (3-0) -- Blue Streaks opened with three wins in South Jersey on Saturday -- beating Egg Harbor, Clearview and Voorhees. State qualifier Joe Kratochvil (132) went 2-0 on the day, which wasn't without some bad news as junior Justin Pidoto (138) sustained a head injury and is unavailable for at least this week. Keep an eye on sophomore Austin Pidoto (106), who started the season 3-0. He was behind state qualifier Max Nauta last season and is very talented. Nice Warren County matchup with the County Seaters on Friday night before Saturday's big quad.
Up next: at Belvidere on Friday; High Point, Howell and Timber Creek at home on Saturday.
4. North Hunterdon (0-0) -- Lions also had a nice showing this past weekend at the King of the Mountain Tournament, as state medal winners Ryan Pomrinca (120) and Liam Korbul (182) finished second and fourth, respectively. Matt Moncourtois (126) and Mike Ciavarro (145) also placed at KOM. Coach Tim Flynn's squad only had 12 wrestlers in the tourney. They'll take on a very strong P'burg team this week in what's become a bit of a grudge match with Flynn and assistant coach Jason Hawk being former Stateliner wrestlers. It will have division implications now with P'burg moving into the Raritan.
Up next: Phillipsburg at home on Wednesday; Bridgewater-Raritan, JFK-Iselin and Somerville at home on Saturday.
5. Voorhees (2-1) -- Vikings went 2-1 on Saturday, beating Egg Harbor (55-12) and Clearview (36-28) before a 33-28 loss to Warren Hills in South Jersey. Senior Jadaen Bernstein (170) started off 3-0 and enters the week four wins shy of 100 for his career. Coach Eric Hall's squad will give plenty of teams trouble this season. Always hungry for Hunterdon County wins, the Vikes are gearing up for the first of several in-county encounters as they go up against Hunterdon Central on Saturday as part of a tri-meet with Hillsborough. Should be a good one.
Up next: at Somerville on Wednesday; Hillsborough and Hunterdon Central at home on Saturday.
6. Hunterdon Central (0-0) -- Red Devils opened their season with a strong second-place showing at the Caldwell Tournament, finishing one spot and two points ahead of Kittatinny. Senior Tim Higginson set the place on its ear with a title at 145 pounds and earning the outstanding wrestler honors in the process. He missed most of last season with a broken hand. State runner-up Gary Dinmore (138), Dylan Cote (152), Tyler Cote (160) and David Fenton (170) also won titles. Central might have a better tournament team than a dual meet squad this season, but it can cause matchup problems for opponents.
Up next: at Ridge on Wednesday; at Voorhees with Hillsborough on Saturday.
7. Kittatinny (0-0) -- Cougars started their season off with a third-place finish at the Caldwell Tournament on Saturday. David Popek (152), Kieran Gerrity (170), Dylan Wunder (182) and Jake Brook (195) all finished second. Coach John Gill's squad features some talented freshmen and it may take awhile for this group to get going. The season is dedicated to former assistant coach Linn Crawn, who died unexpectedly over the summer. This team will get better as the season progresses with a tough schedule that includes a potential showdown with Bound Brook on Jan. 5 at the Patriot Duals -- a rematch of last year's Group 1 final won by the Crusaders.
Up next: at Lenape Valley on Wednesday; Wallkill Valley at home on Thursday; Governor Livingston and Mahwah at West Milford Duals on Friday.
8. Lenape Valley (0-0) -- Patriots finished second at Dover's Kris Hicok Memorial Tournament on Saturday, as Matt Benvenuto (138), Dominic LaBell (152) and Kristian Barrett (195) captured individual titles. Freshman Aaron Merkey (113), D.J. Barrett (170) and Dante James (220) finished second. Region 1 runner-up Glenn Haines was third at 145. Coach Doug Vetter's troops open the NJAC slate with a tough one at home against Freedom Division favorite Kittatinny on Wednesday. For you Sussex County fans, the match will be taped for replay on Service Electric's Channel 10.
Up next: Kittatinny at home on Wednesday; Delaware Valley and North Warren at home on Saturday.
9. Delaware Valley (0-0) -- Terriers started off slowly with a fourth-place finish at Princeton's Garden State Classic on Saturday. The big story was the absence of two-time state medal winner Mike Pongracz, who is out indefinitely with an illness, according to coach Andy Fitz. Making matters worse, Kody Eichlin (170) was also out with an illness, while Nour Mays (160) and Luke Zehnbauer (182) each wrestled one bout before exiting with injuries. Heavyweight Marat Tomanek is out for awhile with a broken wrist, so the Terriers were down five starters on opening day. They'll need to get healthy quick as it doesn't get any easier with the state's top team coming to Alexandria Township on Friday.
Up next: at Hopewell Valley on Tuesday; South Plainfield at home on Friday; at Lenape Valley with North Warren on Saturday.
10. Belvidere (0-0) -- County Seaters enjoyed a nice showing at the Hopatcong Tournament on Saturday as Jesse Thorsen (145) and Evan Bray (182) won titles, while J.B. Lawson (220) and Ryan Appleby (285) finished second. Coach Dan McIntyre's team is primed for another run to the finals in the North 2, Group 1 section, which also features defending champion Hanover Park. The Seaters open the week with a Skyland Conference Valley Division clash before turning their attention to the Blue Streaks in what is a good old-fashioned local showdown on Friday.
Up next: Bernards at home on Wednesday; Warren Hills at home on Friday.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Wrestling: 'Liners, Blue Streaks good for openers
Here are some thoughts and observations from an eventful opening weekend of high school wrestling in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area:
1. Kudos to the Phillipsburg Stateliners on their fourth place finish at the rugged King of the Mountain Tournament. Despite having zero champions, tough sophomore Jimmy Schuitema finished second at 152 pounds, while Brandon Paetzell (106), Zach Fisher (113), Steve Friedman (120), Corey Zinsmeister (126), Max Elling (138), Jake Kocsis (160) and Jarrett "Big Kat" Williams (285) all took home medals.
The 'Liners competed without two starters -- Region 1 runner-up Anthony Johnson (132) and sophomore Joe Maso (182) -- making their weekend even more impressive. I'm anxious to see Paetzell, a freshman whom I've been hearing about for several years. Have to consider him the early favorite for District 1 and Region 1 titles.
2. In keeping with the KOM theme, North Hunterdon sophomore Ryan Pomrinca opened some eyes by taking Bethlehem Catholic star Darian Cruz to the limit in the finals at 120 -- a 3-2 loss. Pomrinca, seventh in the state last year at 113, reportedly initiated most of the action in the final period, as Cruz escaped for the winning margin. Cruz, a Lehigh recruit, won a PIAA Class AA state title last year and is nationally ranked. Senior Liam Korbul, also a state placewinner, finished fourth for the Lions at 182.
3. Warren Hills started the season off in fine fashion with three dual-meet wins in South Jersey -- 52-18 over Egg Harbor, 37-23 over Clearview -- which some think is a sectional contender in Group 4 -- and 33-28 over Hunterdon-Warren rival Voorhees. The win over the Vikings was a nip-and-tuck affair, as senior Kevin Bundschuh came through with a clutch 2-1 win in an overtime tiebreaker at 145 against Voorhees' Christian Okulicz. Junior Nate Detrick sealed it with a 13-2 major at 152 with one bout left. Senior Joe Kratochvil also added an 18-8 major of Tyler Yarnell at 132.
On a down note, the Blue Streaks may have potentially lost junior 138-pounder Justin Pidoto for the second time in as many seasons with a head injury. Pidoto, a Region 1 qualifier as a freshman, sustained a concussion against Kittatinny early last year and never returned to the mats. It would leave a big void in a very good Warren Hills lineup. Warren Hills coach Jarrett Hosbach said Pidoto will be re-evaluated this week.
4. Delaware Valley finished fourth at Princeton's Garden State Classic on Saturday, but the real eye-opener from that one was the absence of senior Mike Pongracz from the list of finalists. The star 126-pounder and two-time state medal winner is on the shelf with an "illness" according to Terriers coach Andy Fitz, who also was without the services of Kody Eichlin (170), also ill. Additionally, Nour Mays (160) and Luke Zehnbauer (182) each wrestled once before bowing out of the tourney with injuries.
5. The Caldwell Tournament isn't what it once was, but it's starting to pick up steam after appearing to be heading south in recent years. The addition of St. Peter's Prep, which won the team title, was a good one. But the story of the day was Hunterdon Central's Tim Higginson -- who won the 145-pound title and earned outstanding wrestler honors by virtue of his 7-6 win over Region 1 champion Tyler Kozimor of Hackettstown. It's even better when you consider that Higginson sustained a season-ending injury very early a year ago and was 1-3. Another eye-opener was Central's David Fenton's 11-3 major of Kittatinny state qualifier Kieran Gerrity at 170. The Cougars had four in the finals -- David Popek at 152, Dylan Wunder at 182 and Jake Brook at 195 -- but zero champs.
1. Kudos to the Phillipsburg Stateliners on their fourth place finish at the rugged King of the Mountain Tournament. Despite having zero champions, tough sophomore Jimmy Schuitema finished second at 152 pounds, while Brandon Paetzell (106), Zach Fisher (113), Steve Friedman (120), Corey Zinsmeister (126), Max Elling (138), Jake Kocsis (160) and Jarrett "Big Kat" Williams (285) all took home medals.
The 'Liners competed without two starters -- Region 1 runner-up Anthony Johnson (132) and sophomore Joe Maso (182) -- making their weekend even more impressive. I'm anxious to see Paetzell, a freshman whom I've been hearing about for several years. Have to consider him the early favorite for District 1 and Region 1 titles.
2. In keeping with the KOM theme, North Hunterdon sophomore Ryan Pomrinca opened some eyes by taking Bethlehem Catholic star Darian Cruz to the limit in the finals at 120 -- a 3-2 loss. Pomrinca, seventh in the state last year at 113, reportedly initiated most of the action in the final period, as Cruz escaped for the winning margin. Cruz, a Lehigh recruit, won a PIAA Class AA state title last year and is nationally ranked. Senior Liam Korbul, also a state placewinner, finished fourth for the Lions at 182.
3. Warren Hills started the season off in fine fashion with three dual-meet wins in South Jersey -- 52-18 over Egg Harbor, 37-23 over Clearview -- which some think is a sectional contender in Group 4 -- and 33-28 over Hunterdon-Warren rival Voorhees. The win over the Vikings was a nip-and-tuck affair, as senior Kevin Bundschuh came through with a clutch 2-1 win in an overtime tiebreaker at 145 against Voorhees' Christian Okulicz. Junior Nate Detrick sealed it with a 13-2 major at 152 with one bout left. Senior Joe Kratochvil also added an 18-8 major of Tyler Yarnell at 132.
On a down note, the Blue Streaks may have potentially lost junior 138-pounder Justin Pidoto for the second time in as many seasons with a head injury. Pidoto, a Region 1 qualifier as a freshman, sustained a concussion against Kittatinny early last year and never returned to the mats. It would leave a big void in a very good Warren Hills lineup. Warren Hills coach Jarrett Hosbach said Pidoto will be re-evaluated this week.
4. Delaware Valley finished fourth at Princeton's Garden State Classic on Saturday, but the real eye-opener from that one was the absence of senior Mike Pongracz from the list of finalists. The star 126-pounder and two-time state medal winner is on the shelf with an "illness" according to Terriers coach Andy Fitz, who also was without the services of Kody Eichlin (170), also ill. Additionally, Nour Mays (160) and Luke Zehnbauer (182) each wrestled once before bowing out of the tourney with injuries.
5. The Caldwell Tournament isn't what it once was, but it's starting to pick up steam after appearing to be heading south in recent years. The addition of St. Peter's Prep, which won the team title, was a good one. But the story of the day was Hunterdon Central's Tim Higginson -- who won the 145-pound title and earned outstanding wrestler honors by virtue of his 7-6 win over Region 1 champion Tyler Kozimor of Hackettstown. It's even better when you consider that Higginson sustained a season-ending injury very early a year ago and was 1-3. Another eye-opener was Central's David Fenton's 11-3 major of Kittatinny state qualifier Kieran Gerrity at 170. The Cougars had four in the finals -- David Popek at 152, Dylan Wunder at 182 and Jake Brook at 195 -- but zero champs.
The week ahead
Here are some of the top matches this week:
Wednesday -- Phillipsburg at North Hunterdon; Kittatinny at Lenape Valley
Friday -- Warren Hills at Belvidere
Saturday -- High Point, Howell and Timber Creek at Warren Hills; Hunterdon Central at Voorhees
Saturday, December 15, 2012
High Point-Long Branch set to resume mat rivalry
It was one of the best wrestling rivalries in New Jersey for an all too brief period. And, if we are lucky, it could be once again.
Well, get ready folks. High Point and Long Branch are set to renew acquaintances when the two programs meet in a rugged quad on Jan. 5 that also includes highly-regarded Don Bosco Prep and host Jackson Memorial. And it may be the first of two meetings between High Point and Long Branch as the teams could very well match up later this season at the Group 2 championships in Toms River.
"I think it's good [for wrestling]," said veteran High Point coach John Gardner. "I'm looking forward to our dual during the season, and hopefully we'll be able to be [in Toms River] at the end. There are certainly a lot of quality teams in Group 2."
It wasn't that long ago that High Point and Long Branch were battling for the state's No. 1 ranking from 2008-10. They met twice previously in absolute classic dual meets -- one at the RAC in 2009 and the other in Wantage the following season.
I covered both nail-biters, as Long Branch prevailed on most bouts won in the first meeting, a 27-27 tie on the scoreboard. In Part 2, Joe Gaccione's 6-1 win in overtime against Doug Cornell sparked the Wildcats to a 24-23 win in front of a sellout crowd at High Point. That second one was a humdinger, as only two bouts resulted in bonus points. All others were by decided by seven points or fewer.
"The were good -- both battles," Gardner said. "No matter if you rooted for High Point or Long Branch -- people came to see good matches and they certainly did."
Both of those matches featured star-studded lineups on both sides. High Point with Nick Francavilla, Drew Wagenhoffer, Ethan Orr and Billy Smith -- who all finished their careers with at least one state title -- while Long Branch featured two-time state champ Nick Visicaro and one-timer Scott Festejo.
And of course, adding more fuel to the fire, was Sectional Gate in 2009. A Phillipsburg win over Long Branch at the Easton Invitational, coupled with High Point's first and only win over Phillipsburg at The Pit and a late-season win over Eastern, had the Wildcats seeking the No. 1 ranking.
However, the opportunity for redemption never came about as High Point was banned from the sectionals when it was "discovered" that the Wildcats had not wrestled 70 percent of their dual matches against New Jersey competition. The "mole" that tipped off the NJSIAA -- later confirmed by numerous sources -- came from the Long Branch camp. Needless to say, this set off another feud between both sets of fans and the animosity between the two groups still reigns today.
Long Branch won the Group 2 title and finished as the state's No. 1 team. High Point, which would have been a heavy favorite to win its second Group 3 crown, was the top team in New Jersey the previous year.
This season, both are expected to contend for the Group 2 title. High Point won two Group 3 titles, before dropping to Group 2 last season where it lost to champion Raritan in the semifinals. Coach Dan George's Green Wave won three straight Group 2 titles from 2008-10.
George is class act and I've had the pleasure of interviewing him on several occasions. He was extremely gracious to our Channel 10 crew when we broadcast that second match live at High Point.
It will be a lot of fun to see these programs go at it once again. And it will be great for wrestling.
Well, get ready folks. High Point and Long Branch are set to renew acquaintances when the two programs meet in a rugged quad on Jan. 5 that also includes highly-regarded Don Bosco Prep and host Jackson Memorial. And it may be the first of two meetings between High Point and Long Branch as the teams could very well match up later this season at the Group 2 championships in Toms River.
"I think it's good [for wrestling]," said veteran High Point coach John Gardner. "I'm looking forward to our dual during the season, and hopefully we'll be able to be [in Toms River] at the end. There are certainly a lot of quality teams in Group 2."
It wasn't that long ago that High Point and Long Branch were battling for the state's No. 1 ranking from 2008-10. They met twice previously in absolute classic dual meets -- one at the RAC in 2009 and the other in Wantage the following season.
I covered both nail-biters, as Long Branch prevailed on most bouts won in the first meeting, a 27-27 tie on the scoreboard. In Part 2, Joe Gaccione's 6-1 win in overtime against Doug Cornell sparked the Wildcats to a 24-23 win in front of a sellout crowd at High Point. That second one was a humdinger, as only two bouts resulted in bonus points. All others were by decided by seven points or fewer.
"The were good -- both battles," Gardner said. "No matter if you rooted for High Point or Long Branch -- people came to see good matches and they certainly did."
Both of those matches featured star-studded lineups on both sides. High Point with Nick Francavilla, Drew Wagenhoffer, Ethan Orr and Billy Smith -- who all finished their careers with at least one state title -- while Long Branch featured two-time state champ Nick Visicaro and one-timer Scott Festejo.
And of course, adding more fuel to the fire, was Sectional Gate in 2009. A Phillipsburg win over Long Branch at the Easton Invitational, coupled with High Point's first and only win over Phillipsburg at The Pit and a late-season win over Eastern, had the Wildcats seeking the No. 1 ranking.
However, the opportunity for redemption never came about as High Point was banned from the sectionals when it was "discovered" that the Wildcats had not wrestled 70 percent of their dual matches against New Jersey competition. The "mole" that tipped off the NJSIAA -- later confirmed by numerous sources -- came from the Long Branch camp. Needless to say, this set off another feud between both sets of fans and the animosity between the two groups still reigns today.
Long Branch won the Group 2 title and finished as the state's No. 1 team. High Point, which would have been a heavy favorite to win its second Group 3 crown, was the top team in New Jersey the previous year.
This season, both are expected to contend for the Group 2 title. High Point won two Group 3 titles, before dropping to Group 2 last season where it lost to champion Raritan in the semifinals. Coach Dan George's Green Wave won three straight Group 2 titles from 2008-10.
George is class act and I've had the pleasure of interviewing him on several occasions. He was extremely gracious to our Channel 10 crew when we broadcast that second match live at High Point.
It will be a lot of fun to see these programs go at it once again. And it will be great for wrestling.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Wrestling: King of the Mountain results Day 1
Phillipsburg finished the opening day of the rugged King of the Mountain Tournament sitting in third place, as three Stateliners navigated their way through to the final day in the hunt for gold medals.
Senior Zach Fisher (113 pounds), along with sophomores Max Elling (138) and Jimmy Schuitema (152) are the 'Liners still alive in the winners' brackets. Six other P'burg wrestlers: freshman Brandon Paetzell (106), sophomores Steve Friedman (120), Cory Zinsmeister (126), juniors Jake Kocsis (160) and Broderick Bupivi (170), and senior Jarrett Williams (285), are still going in the wrestleback rounds.
Donald Agans (132), Andrew Kaluzny (145), Coleton Hart (182) Kyle Kinney (195) and Tim Hinkle (220) were the 'Liners eliminated with two losses. Agans and Hart were subbing for starters Anthony Johnson (team suspension) and Joe Maso (injured).
North Hunterdon, which is in 19th place, advanced two wrestlers through to the winners' brackets: state placewinners Ryan Pomrinca (120) and Liam Korbul (182). Senior Matt Moncourtois (126) and Mike Ciavarro (145) are alive in the consolation rounds. The Lions did not have entrants at 138 and 152.
Here are the results involving P'burg and North wrestlers:
Round 1
106 -- Brandon Paetzell, P, bye; 2-Jonathan Gabriel, Bedford, p. Paul Robinson, NH, 2:31.
113 -- 6-Zach Fisher, P, p. Brandon Koehler, General McLane, 1:07; 10-Hayden Hldlay, Mifflin County, p. Derek Ciavarro, NH, 2:54.
120 -- Ryan Pomrinca, NH, md. Kyle Mehle, Bedford, 13-1; Steve Friedman, P, p. Kody Cox, Dubois, 2:34.
126 -- Cory Zinsmeister, P, md. Mitch Blose, Redbank Valley, 10-2; 8-Noah Stewart, Mifflin County, d. Matt Moncourtois, NH, 3-2.
132 -- Eric Martin, NH, d. Quinn Moore, Council Rock South, 6-0; Mason McCollum, Reynolds, d. Donald Agans, P, 5-4.
138 -- 5-Max Elling, P, p. Luke Gallo, Redbank Valley, 2:48.
145 -- 12-Andrew Kaluzny, P, p. Tyler Kauffman, Boiling Springs, 3:31; Mike Ciavarro, NH, d. 11-Gage Thomas, Southwestern, 7-1.
152 -- 3-Jimmy Schuitema, P, bye.
160 -- Jake Kocsis, P, md. Connor Murphy, Boiling Springs, 11-3; Joe Guzzo, NH, p. Riley Shaffer, Line Mountain, 2:12.
170 -- Broderick Bupivi, P, p. Eli Humes, Fort Lebeouf, 3:08; Brandon Loftus, NH, p. 7-Brandon Bailey, Redbank Valley, 2:42.
182 -- 2-Liam Korbul, NH, p. Kyle Taylor, Boiling Springs, 5:12; Joe Palmissano, Stroudsburg, tf. Coleton Hart, P, 15-0, 3:20.
195 -- Dan Pepe, NH, d. A.J. Jones, Southwestern, 8-5; Kyle Kinney, P, md. Rayce Boyer, Line Mountain, 13-2.
220 -- Ben Kenis, Council Rock South, d. Brad Straight, NH, 7-4; Tim Hinkle, P, p. Cory Warford, 3:04.
285 -- 3-Sean Heist, Parkland, p. Anthony Bugyi, NH, 3:31; Jarrett Williams, P, d. 8-Nate Conit, Fort Lebeouf, 3-0.
Round 2
106 -- Gabriel, d. Paetzell, 3-1 SV.
113 -- Fisher, P, d. 11-Noah Kuba, Mifflinburg, 6-3.
120 -- Pomrinca, NH, d. Saurab Faruque, Cumberland Valley, 7-0; 4-Paul Deitz, Erie McDowell, d. Friedman, P, 7-2.
126 -- Trevor Corl, Bellefonte, d. Zinsmeister, P, 9-8.
132 -- 1-Jason Nolf, Kittanning, p. Martin, 2:30.
138 -- Elling, P, d. 12-Tony Lombardo, Bethlehem Catholic, 4-2.
145 -- 5-Cody Nolan, Erie McDowell, d. Kaluzny, P, 8-3; 6-Josh Ortman, Parkland, d. M. Ciavarro, NH, 7-4.
152 -- Schuitema, P, d. Taylor Jack, Kittanning, 1-0.
160 -- 1-TC Warner, Cumberland Valley, p. Kocsis, P, 1:01; 4-Taylor Fox, Fort Lebeouf, d. Guzzo, NH, 7-1.
170 -- 2-Tyler Hendricks, General McLane, d. Bupivi, P, 9-3; 10-Tom Shaaltiel, Council Rock South, d. Loftus, NH, 7-2.
182 -- Korbul, NH, d. Alex Thayer, General McLane, 8-5.
195 -- 1-P.J. Steinmetz, Council Rock South, tf. Pepe, NH, 19-3, 4:05; 4-Nezar Haddad, Parkland, d. Kinney, P, 8-2.
220 -- 2-Aram Moffitt, p. Hinkle, P, 1:05.
285 -- 9-Gene Ringer, Reynolds, d. Williams, P, 5-2.
Wrestleback 1
113 -- D. Ciavarro, NH, d. Richard Otero, Dieruff, 5-3.
126 -- Moncourtois, NH, p. Justin Reid, Juniata, 3:35.
132- Adam Barrick, Juniata, d. Agans, P, 6-5.
182 -- Eric Maholtz, Penn Trafford, d. Hart, P, 7-2.
220 -- Brendan Rigney, Cumberland Valley, p. Straight, NH, 2:57.
Wrestleback 2
106 -- Robinson, NH, d. Isaac Bengal, Fort Lebeouf, 7-6; Paetzell, P, tf. Jonathan Day, Boiling Springs, 17-2, 3:00.
113 -- D. Ciavarro, NH, d. 8-Keanan Bottorf, Central Mountain, 9-5.
120 -- Friedman, P, d. Eric Mills, Greater Latrobe, 5-0.
126 -- Moncourtois, NH, d. 7-Ethan Stas, Greater Latrobe, 7-0; Zinsmeister, P, d. Kevin Novick, Cumberland Valley, 8-2.
132 -- Martin, NH, d. Zach Musser, Bellefonte, 7-2.
145 -- Kaluzny, P, d. Thomas, Southwestern, 5-3; M. Ciavarro, NH, d. Kauffman, Boiling Springs, 9-2.
160 -- Kocsis, P, p. Robert Whittaker, Pen Argyl, 3:54; Craig Slepsky, Penn Trafford, d. Guzzo, NH, 4-2.
170 -- Bupivi, P, d. Taylor Foster, Juniata, 3-0; Loftus, NH, d. Utoa Agai-Naipo, Jersey Shore, 4-3.
195 -- Pepe, NH, p. Ty Treaster, Juniata, 2:49; Garrette Reinwald, d. Kinney, P, 5-3.
220 -- Hinkle, P, p. Logan Robb, Kittanning, 2:35.
285 -- Bryce Hanley, Central Mountain, d. Buygi, NH, 4-3 SV2; Williams, P, 7-Brady Mutton, Pen Argyl, 2-1.
Wrestleback 3
106 -- 10-Brady Mentzer, Biglerville, d. Robinson, 2-0; Paetzell, P, p. Chris Confer, Central Mountain, 4:02.
113 -- Nick Palmer, Council Rock South, d. D. Ciavarro, NH, 7-1.
120 -- Friedman, P, d. Hunter Hendricks, General McLane, 7-6.
126 -- Moncourtois, NH, d. Jimmy Coyne, Cuyahoga Valley Christian, 3-1 SV; Zinsmeister, P, d. Matt Williams, Pen Argyl, 3-1.
132 -- 9-Garrett Thomas, Bedford, p. Martin, NH, 2:08.
145 -- M. Ciavarro, NH, d. Brandon Wilson, Mifflin County, 7-4; 13-Luke Nanna, Juniata, d. Kaluzny, P, 7-4.
160 -- Kocsis, P, p. Elliot Zydonik, Kittanning, 2:15.
170 -- Bupivi, P, d. Loftus, NH, 3-0.
195 -- 8-Michael Brett, Bedford, p. Pepe, NH, 1:55.
220 -- Rigney, Cumberland Valley, p. Hinkle, P, 2:59.
285 -- Williams, P, d. Andrew Dunn, Bethlehem Catholic, 4-3.
Senior Zach Fisher (113 pounds), along with sophomores Max Elling (138) and Jimmy Schuitema (152) are the 'Liners still alive in the winners' brackets. Six other P'burg wrestlers: freshman Brandon Paetzell (106), sophomores Steve Friedman (120), Cory Zinsmeister (126), juniors Jake Kocsis (160) and Broderick Bupivi (170), and senior Jarrett Williams (285), are still going in the wrestleback rounds.
Donald Agans (132), Andrew Kaluzny (145), Coleton Hart (182) Kyle Kinney (195) and Tim Hinkle (220) were the 'Liners eliminated with two losses. Agans and Hart were subbing for starters Anthony Johnson (team suspension) and Joe Maso (injured).
North Hunterdon, which is in 19th place, advanced two wrestlers through to the winners' brackets: state placewinners Ryan Pomrinca (120) and Liam Korbul (182). Senior Matt Moncourtois (126) and Mike Ciavarro (145) are alive in the consolation rounds. The Lions did not have entrants at 138 and 152.
Here are the results involving P'burg and North wrestlers:
Round 1
106 -- Brandon Paetzell, P, bye; 2-Jonathan Gabriel, Bedford, p. Paul Robinson, NH, 2:31.
113 -- 6-Zach Fisher, P, p. Brandon Koehler, General McLane, 1:07; 10-Hayden Hldlay, Mifflin County, p. Derek Ciavarro, NH, 2:54.
120 -- Ryan Pomrinca, NH, md. Kyle Mehle, Bedford, 13-1; Steve Friedman, P, p. Kody Cox, Dubois, 2:34.
126 -- Cory Zinsmeister, P, md. Mitch Blose, Redbank Valley, 10-2; 8-Noah Stewart, Mifflin County, d. Matt Moncourtois, NH, 3-2.
132 -- Eric Martin, NH, d. Quinn Moore, Council Rock South, 6-0; Mason McCollum, Reynolds, d. Donald Agans, P, 5-4.
138 -- 5-Max Elling, P, p. Luke Gallo, Redbank Valley, 2:48.
145 -- 12-Andrew Kaluzny, P, p. Tyler Kauffman, Boiling Springs, 3:31; Mike Ciavarro, NH, d. 11-Gage Thomas, Southwestern, 7-1.
152 -- 3-Jimmy Schuitema, P, bye.
160 -- Jake Kocsis, P, md. Connor Murphy, Boiling Springs, 11-3; Joe Guzzo, NH, p. Riley Shaffer, Line Mountain, 2:12.
170 -- Broderick Bupivi, P, p. Eli Humes, Fort Lebeouf, 3:08; Brandon Loftus, NH, p. 7-Brandon Bailey, Redbank Valley, 2:42.
182 -- 2-Liam Korbul, NH, p. Kyle Taylor, Boiling Springs, 5:12; Joe Palmissano, Stroudsburg, tf. Coleton Hart, P, 15-0, 3:20.
195 -- Dan Pepe, NH, d. A.J. Jones, Southwestern, 8-5; Kyle Kinney, P, md. Rayce Boyer, Line Mountain, 13-2.
220 -- Ben Kenis, Council Rock South, d. Brad Straight, NH, 7-4; Tim Hinkle, P, p. Cory Warford, 3:04.
285 -- 3-Sean Heist, Parkland, p. Anthony Bugyi, NH, 3:31; Jarrett Williams, P, d. 8-Nate Conit, Fort Lebeouf, 3-0.
Round 2
106 -- Gabriel, d. Paetzell, 3-1 SV.
113 -- Fisher, P, d. 11-Noah Kuba, Mifflinburg, 6-3.
120 -- Pomrinca, NH, d. Saurab Faruque, Cumberland Valley, 7-0; 4-Paul Deitz, Erie McDowell, d. Friedman, P, 7-2.
126 -- Trevor Corl, Bellefonte, d. Zinsmeister, P, 9-8.
132 -- 1-Jason Nolf, Kittanning, p. Martin, 2:30.
138 -- Elling, P, d. 12-Tony Lombardo, Bethlehem Catholic, 4-2.
145 -- 5-Cody Nolan, Erie McDowell, d. Kaluzny, P, 8-3; 6-Josh Ortman, Parkland, d. M. Ciavarro, NH, 7-4.
152 -- Schuitema, P, d. Taylor Jack, Kittanning, 1-0.
160 -- 1-TC Warner, Cumberland Valley, p. Kocsis, P, 1:01; 4-Taylor Fox, Fort Lebeouf, d. Guzzo, NH, 7-1.
170 -- 2-Tyler Hendricks, General McLane, d. Bupivi, P, 9-3; 10-Tom Shaaltiel, Council Rock South, d. Loftus, NH, 7-2.
182 -- Korbul, NH, d. Alex Thayer, General McLane, 8-5.
195 -- 1-P.J. Steinmetz, Council Rock South, tf. Pepe, NH, 19-3, 4:05; 4-Nezar Haddad, Parkland, d. Kinney, P, 8-2.
220 -- 2-Aram Moffitt, p. Hinkle, P, 1:05.
285 -- 9-Gene Ringer, Reynolds, d. Williams, P, 5-2.
Wrestleback 1
113 -- D. Ciavarro, NH, d. Richard Otero, Dieruff, 5-3.
126 -- Moncourtois, NH, p. Justin Reid, Juniata, 3:35.
132- Adam Barrick, Juniata, d. Agans, P, 6-5.
182 -- Eric Maholtz, Penn Trafford, d. Hart, P, 7-2.
220 -- Brendan Rigney, Cumberland Valley, p. Straight, NH, 2:57.
Wrestleback 2
106 -- Robinson, NH, d. Isaac Bengal, Fort Lebeouf, 7-6; Paetzell, P, tf. Jonathan Day, Boiling Springs, 17-2, 3:00.
113 -- D. Ciavarro, NH, d. 8-Keanan Bottorf, Central Mountain, 9-5.
120 -- Friedman, P, d. Eric Mills, Greater Latrobe, 5-0.
126 -- Moncourtois, NH, d. 7-Ethan Stas, Greater Latrobe, 7-0; Zinsmeister, P, d. Kevin Novick, Cumberland Valley, 8-2.
132 -- Martin, NH, d. Zach Musser, Bellefonte, 7-2.
145 -- Kaluzny, P, d. Thomas, Southwestern, 5-3; M. Ciavarro, NH, d. Kauffman, Boiling Springs, 9-2.
160 -- Kocsis, P, p. Robert Whittaker, Pen Argyl, 3:54; Craig Slepsky, Penn Trafford, d. Guzzo, NH, 4-2.
170 -- Bupivi, P, d. Taylor Foster, Juniata, 3-0; Loftus, NH, d. Utoa Agai-Naipo, Jersey Shore, 4-3.
195 -- Pepe, NH, p. Ty Treaster, Juniata, 2:49; Garrette Reinwald, d. Kinney, P, 5-3.
220 -- Hinkle, P, p. Logan Robb, Kittanning, 2:35.
285 -- Bryce Hanley, Central Mountain, d. Buygi, NH, 4-3 SV2; Williams, P, 7-Brady Mutton, Pen Argyl, 2-1.
Wrestleback 3
106 -- 10-Brady Mentzer, Biglerville, d. Robinson, 2-0; Paetzell, P, p. Chris Confer, Central Mountain, 4:02.
113 -- Nick Palmer, Council Rock South, d. D. Ciavarro, NH, 7-1.
120 -- Friedman, P, d. Hunter Hendricks, General McLane, 7-6.
126 -- Moncourtois, NH, d. Jimmy Coyne, Cuyahoga Valley Christian, 3-1 SV; Zinsmeister, P, d. Matt Williams, Pen Argyl, 3-1.
132 -- 9-Garrett Thomas, Bedford, p. Martin, NH, 2:08.
145 -- M. Ciavarro, NH, d. Brandon Wilson, Mifflin County, 7-4; 13-Luke Nanna, Juniata, d. Kaluzny, P, 7-4.
160 -- Kocsis, P, p. Elliot Zydonik, Kittanning, 2:15.
170 -- Bupivi, P, d. Loftus, NH, 3-0.
195 -- 8-Michael Brett, Bedford, p. Pepe, NH, 1:55.
220 -- Rigney, Cumberland Valley, p. Hinkle, P, 2:59.
285 -- Williams, P, d. Andrew Dunn, Bethlehem Catholic, 4-3.
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