Wrestling: What's on tap (HWS) in '22?; Soldano (3)

It's safe to say that High Point ace Brian Soldano won't enter many tournaments (in and out of season) during his final year of high school as an underdog. Still, you can't blame the biggest favorite in the 88th New Jersey State Championships last weekend for relishing that role.

"Sometimes I do like being the underdog," Soldano said following his pin of Shawnee senior Isaac Dean to win the 182-pound title on Sunday -- his second straight championship and 12th overall for the Wildcats. "Coming in as the top seed is a good feeling that everybody believes you're the best."

Soldano, 10-0 this season and 89-5 overall, has left no doubt about it during the last two campaigns. Ranked among the top three in the nation at his weight class by most polls, he will head to Rutgers University in the fall of 2022. But there's some unfinished business at High Point, where he's already considered as the Sussex County school's all-time best. 

High praise considering that list contains Nick Francavilla (the 'Cats' career wins leader and their only three-time state champion), former state and NCAA Division I champ David Zabriskie and current head coach John Gardner (one of two, along with Francavilla, to win four region titles and the 189-pound state championship in 1990). Francavilla, Gardner and other program legends are in agreement that Soldano stands alone.

"It really means a lot because I really respect what they tell me," said Soldano, who will seek a fourth region title next season and was well on pace to eclipse Francavilla's total of 156 career wins following the 2019-20 campaign. "I just try to stay humble because you never know who may be out there to beat you."

That's a lesson for any young wrestler to take to heart.

HWS tourney

Among the casualties of the shortened 2021 season was the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament, by far the toughest of any such event contested in the state. Next year's tournament, scheduled for Jan. 8, 2022, should be a real good one.

P'burg will once again host the HWS Tournament.

Consider the wealth of talent in the upper weights alone, with returning state medalists Jarett Pantuso (eighth at 220) and Tyler McCatharn (sixth at 285) of Warren Hills; Pope John junior Jack Stoll (sixth at 220), whose brother, Kyle, placed twice for High Point, and North Hunterdon sophomore Alex Uryniak (seventh at 182). And for the heck of it let's throw in two-time state champ Soldano, who has yet to compete in the HWS Tournament at P'burg-- a place he's been well acquainted with over the last few years.

"It was less stressful, like a county tournament setup," said Soldano, who was in attendance for the last two HWS Tournaments in 2019 and '20, of competing at Phillipsburg last weekend in the state tournament.

Will he be on the mat for the HWS Tournament in 2022?

"Maybe," he said somewhat jokingly after his state title victory.

There is the potential to have nine state placewinners (including North Hunterdon junior and 2020 HWS champion Liam Akers who was seventh at 285 in 2020) in next year's field. North Hunterdon sophomore and 2020 HWS champion Logan Wadle (second at 106), Hunterdon Central junior Tanner Peake (sixth at 152) and Kittatinny junior Steve Dalling (eighth at 152) are the others. Dalling was a great story as his father, Steve, put the Cougars on the map with his state titles in 1990 and '91.

Fitt with coaches Ted Sibblies and Eric Bollette.

Akers, Wadle and Stoll, a 2020 runner-up, are the only state placers to make the HWS finals. How tough is this tournament? Consider that two-time medal winner Colton Washleski of Hunterdon Central (sixth in 2020 and fourth at 160 in '21), Newton senior Nathan Fitt (seventh at 126) and Kittatinny senior Jackson Crawn (third at 220 and a 2020 HWS champion) combined to win one HWS title.

Fitt (101-28) is the 11th Newton wrestler to reach the century mark (10 coached by Bollette). Crawn (106-33) also reached that milestone for Kittatinny in the postseason -- they are among 101 to do it in Sussex County overall. High Point's Clayton Utter (73) and Soldano (89) are in line next season to hit 100, along with Phillipsburg's James Day (75), Lenape Valley's Daniel Haws (74), Hunterdon Central's Peake (83) and Warren Hills' McCatharn (68). Hunterdon-Warren has produced 117 wrestlers with at least 100 wins. 

Team strength

You can only wonder what might have been for several HWS area teams regarding sectional and state championships, which were lost due to the pandemic. It's not a stretch to believe that at least seven -- High Point, Kittatinny, Pope John, North Hunterdon, Delaware Valley (very young roster), Hunterdon Central and Warren Hills -- would have won sectional titles or at the very least been in the hunt. Hackettstown also was in the mix in North 2, Group 2.

Hills won the last of its five sectional titles in 2007.

This very well could have been the year for Kittatinny to knock off Paulsboro in Group 1 and Warren Hills looked primed for a run at its third Group 3 title and first since 1997. Central also had a strong chance in Group 5. All three teams should have that opportunity in 2022, especially the Blue Streaks, who had no seniors in the starting lineup this season and return two state placewinners, as well as junior Stephen Malia, a qualifier in 2020.

It's also the first time Hills, which should be one of the area's best teams along with P'burg (14 returning starters) has had two medal winners in a season since 1997 -- Justin Colaluce (first at 145), Shane Folks (third at 135), Ryan Kanewski (fourth at 140) and the late Mitch Markle (third at 171). McCatharn is the school's ninth heavyweight placewinner and first since Andrew Pacheco (sixth in 2014).

A team to watch outside the area in the coming years could be Passaic Tech, which had a sixth-place finisher in Laith Hamdeh (138). The Bulldogs, from what I've been told, have about 90 wrestlers in the program.

Numbers crunch

The North 1 super region led the way with 36 state medals, followed by North 2 (26), South Jersey (28) and Central Jersey (22). N1 had three weights (126, 138 and 220, where all four qualifiers earned medals), while N2 (106) and SJ (145) only had one weight each where that happened. 

Here's the total broken down by traditional regions: R1 (21), R3 and R8 (17), R2 (15), R6 (14), R7 (11) R4 (9) and R5 (8). The Skyland Conference produced eight medals among its 20 schools, with the HWS area collecting seven (Watchung Hills' Blake Bahna was fifth at 160). The HWS numbers (17 schools) by themselves are impressive with 13 medals among eight programs that had at least one qualifier.

You also have to think the results would have looked much different in a traditional season where the wrestlers have to make weight multiple times over districts, regions and states (all three days in AC). With the super regions and states held on one day for selected classes, wrestlers only had to make weight twice in the span of a week. It's highly plausible that, for example, some of the 126-pounders weighing close to 140 by the later rounds.

Here's some astounding stats involving longtime powers Phillipsburg and Paulsboro. The Stateliners did not have a state placewinner for the second straight season -- something that's only happened twice before (1961-62 and 1964-65). In fact, the 'Liners have been shut out five times since 2005 after a run of missing just once (1978) from 1966 through 2004. This was the first season that both P'burg and Paulsboro were held without a medal since 1964. It was a crazy year to say the least when you also factor in that Mercer County didn't have a placewinner for the first time since 2009.

Boresch Duals

The 16th Boresch Duals are set for Jan. 15, 2022.

The highly anticipated and premiere event statewide will take place on Jan. 15, 2002. It appears that Kingsway, the top public school this season, and Paulsboro will not be back due to conflicts with the Escape the Rock Tournament held on the same date. Normally, the Boresch Duals take place on the first Saturday in January, but that's New Year's Day and the HWS Tournament is slated for Jan. 8. North Hunterdon is also sorting out its schedule, but South Plainfield, Toms River North, Caldwell and Hanover Park have already committed to attending in '22. The 2020 event featured the Group 1 (Paulsboro) and Group 4 (North Hunterdon) champions and runners-up in Group 4 (Kingsway) and Group 2 (South Plainfield).

Wrestling: Soldano (2nd title) adds to HP history

With little fanfare, High Point junior Brian Soldano goes about his business on the wrestling mat. 

And business is good.

Brian Soldano is 48-1 over the last 2 seasons.

As expected, Soldano rolled through the field at 182 pounds on Sunday to capture his second straight state title by decking Shawnee senior Isaac Dean in 3:16 in the 88th State Championships at Phillipsburg High School.

Soldano (10-0), who registered three pins and a decision on the day, is the Sussex County school's 12th champ overall and its 14th finalist. He joined Nick Francavilla (2009-11) and Ethan Orr (2010-11) as the only Wildcats to win at least two titles.

"It feels great," said Soldano, now 89-5 overall. "I still want to chase after Nick for that third one, but I'm happy to be in the big three."

In all, 13 wrestlers out of 22 from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area took home medals this weekend -- including Pope John senior Nick Lodato, the 195-pound champion and North Hunterdon sophomore Logan Wadle (second at 106). Sussex County went 6-for-7 over the two-day event with Kittatinny duo Steve Dalling (eighth at 152) and Jackson Crawn (fourth at 220), along with Pope John junior Jack Stoll (sixth at 220) and Newton senior Nathan Fitt (seventh at 126) earning their first medals.

High Point coach John Gardner, a state champ for the 'Cats in 1990, is among the program's all-time greats who view Soldano as its best ever with one year of high school remaining until he heads off to Rutgers University. 

"He's pretty special," Gardner said. "I'm happy for him. He works extremely hard and is always well prepared. He's a pleasure to coach."

True to form, Soldano came out looking to pin as he got the first takedown and immediately locked up a nearside cradle -- turning Dean for two back points and a 4-0 lead about one minute into the bout. Dean, a No. 3 seed and the South Jersey region champion, managed to avoid the pin -- with a little help.

"It was tight," Soldano said. "I saw the grey on the mat and thought I we were out of bounds. "[I let up] a little bit because I thought we were going out of bounds."

After an escape and a another takedown in the second period, Soldano iced his second championship on top where he's the most deadly with legs and a power half to record his ninth pin this season and 66th of his career. It also extended his match winning streak to 37 in a row dating to 2020 -- with only five going the full six minutes in his last 49 bouts, including Butler's Justin Chrostowski (3-0 in the quarterfinals on Sunday).

"I really wanted to get that first-period pin," Soldano said. "I just kept the pressure on [Dean] and went for it in the second."

Soldano and the medalists (Courtesy of Gardner)

As the biggest favorite in the tournament, Soldano carried that burden as well as the expectation to cruise through the bracket. But he took it all in stride and when it was over, he simply walked back to the corner, shared a congratulatory moment with Gardner and then headed over to hug his parents (Pete and Cheryl) who were proudly watching matside.

"I work hard enough that in my right mindset, I don't think anybody can beat me," Soldano said. "I'm not a fan of flexing and showboating after matches, so I try to avoid that. I just smile and go hug my parents."

Gardner wasn't the least surprised by the outcome or lack of a postmatch celebration.

"That's his approach. It's nice to see he's having fun," said Gardner, who has coached 10 of the school's state champions. "He's not real big in the celebration department. He kind of keeps it low key. The way he trains and prepares, I hate to say it, but it's almost what he expects. 

"The way he trains and practices when no one is watching is what sets him apart from other people. I imagine the work on [winning his third title] will start rather quickly."

Wrestling: State Tournament information, stats

What: 88th New Jersey State Wrestling Championships.

Where: Phillipsburg High School, Lopatcong Township.

When: Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday's schedule (106-145): Preliminaries, 10 a.m.; quarterfinals, 12:10 p.m.; wrestleback one, 1:15 p.m.; wrestleback two, 3:05 p.m.; semifinals and wrestleback three, 4:15 p.m.; wrestleback four, 5:45 p.m.; consolation finals (third, fifth and seventh), 7 p.m.; championship finals, 7:45 p.m.

Phillipsburg hosts its first state tournament.

Sunday's schedule (152-285): Preliminaries, 10 a.m.; quarterfinals, 12:10 p.m.; wrestleback one, 1:15 p.m.; wrestleback two, 3:05 p.m.; semifinals and wrestleback three, 4:15 p.m.; wrestleback four, 5:45 p.m.; consolation finals (third, fifth and seventh), 7 p.m.; championship finals, 7:45 p.m.

Returning state champions (3, 2020 weights): Jr. Evan Mougalian, Kinnelon (first-2020, 106); Sr. Joey Olivieri, Hanover Park (first-2018, fourth-2019, first-2020, 132); Jr. Brian Soldano, High Point (first-2020, 160).

Returning medal winners (43, previous finishes, 2020 weights): So. Anthony Santaniello, Brick Memorial (second-2020, 106); So. Tyler Vazquez, Delbarton (third-2020, 106); Jr. Evan Tallmadge, Brick Memorial (fourth-2020, 106); So. Jack Zaleski, Middletown South (fifth-2020, 106); So. Luke Stanich, Roxbury (sixth-2020, 106); So. Aidan Wallace, Bergen Catholic (seventh-2020, 106); Jr. Jared Brunner, Eastern (eighth-2020, 106); Jr. Joseph Cangro, Bergen Catholic (third-2019, third-2020, 113); Sr. Kelly Dunnigan, Don Bosco Prep (fourth-2019, second-2020, 113); Jr. Ty Whalen, Clearview (fourth-2020, 113); Jr. Garrett Totten, Christian Brothers (seventh-2020, 113); So. Brady Conlin, Washington Township (eighth-2020, 113); Sr. Vincent Santaniello, Brick Memorial (eighth-2018, third-2019, second-2020, 120); Sr. Ethan Fernandez, Westwood (fourth-2020, 120); Sr. Nicholas Nardone, Delbarton (third-2018, sixth-2019, third-2020, 126); Jr. Alex Almeyda, St. Joseph-Montvale (seventh-2019, fourth-2020, 126); So. Simon Ruiz, Delbarton (third-2020, 132); Sr. Anthony White, South Plainfield (fourth-2020, 132); Sr. Austin Jack, Jefferson (eighth-2020, 132); Sr. Eddie Hummel, Southern (sixth-2019, third-2020, 138); Sr. Michael Cetta, St. Joseph-Montvale (sixth-2020, 138); Jr. Andrew Troczynski, Delbarton (second-2020, 145); So. Michael Dellagatta, St. Joseph-Montvale (fourth-2020, 145); Sr. Colton Washleski, Hunterdon Central (sixth-2020, 145); Jr. Dakota Morris, Kingsway (seventh-2020, 145); St. Max Brignola, Rumson-Fair Haven (eighth-2020, 145); Sr. Aaron Ayzerov, Paramus (second-2020, 152); Sr. Dylan Weaver, Lyndhurst-North Arlington (third-2019, fourth-2020, 152); Jr. Colin Calvetti, Delbarton (fifth-2020, 152); So. Jared Schoppe, Delsea (eighth-2020, 152); Jr. Shay Addison, Rumson-Fair Haven (fifth-2020, 160); Sr. Blake Bahna, Watchung Hills (sixth-2020, 160); Sr. Nate Camiscioli, Bergen Catholic (seventh-2020, 160); Sr. Norman Cella, Hunterdon Central (eighth-2020, 160); Sr. Jack Kelly, Rumson-Fair Haven (fifth-2020, 170); Sr. Blake Clayton, St. John Vianney (third-2020, 195); Sr. Kevin Pandorf, Kingsway (eighth-2020, 195); Sr. David Szuba, Brick Memorial (second-2020, 195); Sr. Mike Misita, Williamstown (eighth-2019, third-2020, 195); Sr. Thomas Renna, South Plainfield (seventh-2020, 195); Sr. Michael Toranzo, St. Joseph-Montvale (sixth-2020, 220); Sr. Cody Thurston, West Deptford (eighth-2020, 2020); Jr. Liam Akers, North Hunterdon (seventh-2020, 285).

Previous placewinners (2, 2020 weights): Sr. Jack Maida, Shore Regional (sixth-2019, 132); Sr. Cooper Pontelandolfo, Kingsway (sixth-2019, 138).

Returning medal winners by super region (Note: Jack and Renna withdrew on Thursday):

Region 1-2 (14, Mougalian, Stanich, Wallace, Cangro, Dunnigan, Fernandez, Almeyda, Jack, Cetta, Dellagatta, Ayzerov, Camiscioli, Soldano, Toranzo)
Region 3-4 (11, Vazquez, Nardone, Ruiz, White, Troczynski, Olivieri, Weaver, Calvetti, Bahna, Renna, Akers)
Region 5-6 (9, Zaleski, Maida, Totten, Washleski, Brignola, Addison, Cella, Kelly, Clayton)
Region 7-8 (14, A. Santaniello, Tallmadge, Brunner, Whalen, Conlin, V. Santaniello, Pontelandolfo, Hummel, Morris, Schoppe, Pandorf, Misita, Thurston, Szuba)

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area qualifiers (22)

North Hunterdon -- Logan Wadle (106), Frank DiEsso (126), James Holder (170), Alex Uryniak (182), Andrew Franklin (220), Akers (285)
Hunterdon Central -- Anthony Rossi (106), Nick Canonica (138), Tanner Peake (152), Washleski (160), Cella (170)
Phillipsburg -- James Day (120), David Pierson (220)
Warren Hills -- Jarett Pantuso (220), Tyler McCatharn (285)
High Point -- Clayton Utter (113), Soldano (182)
Kittatinny -- Steve Dalling (152), Jackson Crawn (220)
Pope John -- Lodato (195), Jack Stoll (220)
Newton -- Nathan Fitt (126)

Open Mike championship picks

106 -- Nico Calello, St. Joseph-Metuchen
113 -- Evan Tallmadge, Brick Memorial
120 -- Evan Mougalian, Kinnelon
126 -- Joseph Cangro, Bergen Catholic
132 -- Nico Nardone, Delbarton
138 -- Joey Olivieri, Hanover Park
145 -- Michael Cetta, St. Joseph-Montvale
152 -- Cooper Pontelandolfo, Kingsway
160 -- Hunter Mays, Howell
170 -- Aaron Ayzerov, Paramus
182 -- Brian Soldano, High Point
195 -- Blake Clayton, St. John Vianney
220 -- Mike Misita, Williamstown
285 -- John O'Donnell, Toms River North

Wrestling: Five best medal shots (HWS), title picks

If it appears that North Hunterdon heavyweight Liam Akers seems lighter on his feet this season it's because he is -- about 25 pounds or so. 

A slimmer version of last year's seventh-place finisher at 285 should be poised to take another step toward the top when the 88th NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships commence this weekend at Phillipsburg High School. 

Brian Soldano atop the podium in 2020.

Akers (9-0), a two-way lineman in football, is among a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area-best six qualifiers for the Lions coming out of last weekend's North 2 Super Region. In all, 22 area wrestlers are in this year's Round of 16 -- which would be the second round of the tournament in a conventional season.

"He was around 275 in the offseason and we wanted him to be around 250," North coach Chris Hrunka said. "He moves so much faster. He's not that tall -- about 5-10, 5-11. He's strong and fast. Athleticism beats size all the time at that weight."

Joining Akers in the state field are North teammates Logan Wadle (106), Frank DiEsso (126), James Holder (170), Alex Uryniak (182) and Andrew Franklin (220). DiEsso is a four-time qualifier and Holder is returning at the same weight, while the other three are making their first appearances.

Akers, a No. 3 seed, will face No. 14 Matthew Jannucci of Colts Neck in the Round of 16. Watchung Hills sophomore Hunter Seubert, the No. 6 seed, will likely await the winner, provided he gets by No. 11 seed Joseph Abill of Clifton. Akers scored an impressive 8-0 major decision over Seubert in the North 2 Region finals. No. 2 seed David Szuba of Brick Memorial, a state runner-up at 195 in 2020, also resides in the lower bracket.

Here is a look at the five wrestlers (and a bonus pick) from the Open Mike area with the best chance at capturing a medal this weekend.

Colton Washleski (9-1), Hunterdon Central -- After finally getting over the hump last season, the senior is looking to climb a bit higher on the podium (theoretically since there won't be one for the traditional medal ceremony due to COVID-19 protocols). He's already faced one of the title contenders at 160 pounds last weekend in the Central Region finals -- a 14-3 loss to Howell junior Hunter Mays, a transfer from Conwell-Egan in Pennsylvania and PIAA Class AA state qualifier as a region runner-up last season. Washleski is a three-time district finalist (champ in 2019), three-time region placewinner (champion in 2020) and a three-time Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament medal winner (second in 2020). He also owns a win over No. 2 seed Dakota Morris of Kingsway (8-3 in last year's state tournament).

Career mark: 113-30.

Previous appearances: 0-2, at 113 pounds in 2018; 2-2, at 120 in '19; 3-3, sixth place at 145 in '20.

First-round opponent: North Bergen sophomore Joshua Palacio (8-2, N2-4).

Brian Soldano has won 33 straight matches.

Brian Soldano (6-0), High Point -- Hard to imagine a more prohibitive favorite among this year's field than the Wildcats junior and 160-pound champion in 2020. Soldano, who enters this weekend riding a 33-match win streak dating to 2020, is also perhaps the most dangerous wrestler, vicious on top and even better at times when going to his own back. Soldano, a Rutgers commit, went 5-0 in AC last year, with two pins, one technical fall and one major. Only four opponents overall went the full six minutes against Soldano in 39 bouts, as he recorded 29 pins (63 career including six this season), including seven in 11 postseason bouts. Only three-time champion Nick Francavilla (2009-11) and two-timer Ethan Orr (2010-11), who was the last to win before Soldano, have won multiple state titles for the Sussex County program.

Career mark: 85-5.

Previous appearances: 3-2, at 160 pounds in 2019; 5-0, first place at 160 in '20.

First-round opponent: Collingswood junior Michael Gregg (13-3, SJ-4).

Nick Lodato (12-0), Pope John -- An accomplished football player and transfer from Piscataway High School, Lodato, a senior, is making his third state tournament appearance and is lurking as a No. 7 seed at 195 pounds. He opened eyes last weekend with an impressive run to the North 1 Region title at 195, logging two pins and two decisions, including a 9-4 victory over St. Joseph-Montvale sophomore AJ Fricchione in the semifinals. Lodato fell a win shy of placing as a junior, getting pinned by third-place finisher Blake Clayton of St. John Vianney, this year's top seed at 195, in the Blood Round. 

Career mark: 73-22.

Previous appearances; 3-2, at 182 pounds in 2020; 0-2, at 182 in '19.

First-round opponent: Scotch Plains-Fanwood junior Robert Lerner (6-2, N2-4).

Jackson Crawn with coaches John Gill and Mike Gummerson at N1.

Jackson Crawn (15-1), Kittatinny -- Third state tournament appearance for the senior, who was a win shy of earning a medal last season -- falling 5-0 to West Deptford ace Cody Thurston in the Blood Round at this weight class. Crawn, a two-time region finalist and a 2020 Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion, went over 100 career wins in a third-place finish at the North 1 Region last weekend -- becoming the 18th at the Sussex County school to do so. A physical specimen, Crawn, the No. 4 seed who had 17 losses as a freshman, could be on a collision course with Pope John junior Jack Stoll, the No. 5 seed, in the quarterfinals. Crawn won, 4-2, when they met for third in North 1.

Career mark: 103-31.

Previous appearances: 1-2, at 195 pounds in 2019; 2-2, at 220 in '20.

First-round opponent: Jackson Liberty sophomore Chimdindu Molokwu (3-1, CJ-2).

Liam Akers (9-0), North Hunterdon -- Akers enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore, which culminated with a seventh-place finish at 285 in 2020. A No. 3 seed this season, Akers is among the favorites at heavyweight, which became more interesting with the absence of 2020 state champion Jimmy Mullen of St. Joseph-Montvale, a sophomore who is competing in the prestigious cadet world championships. Akers, who took a year off from football as a freshman to concentrate on wrestling, rolled to the North 2 Region title, giving up just one point in four victories, including an 8-0 major in the finals.

Career mark: 53-15.

Previous appearances: 5-2, seventh place at 285 pounds in 2020.

First-round opponent: Colts Neck junior Matthew Jannucci (3-2, CJ-4). 

Bonus medal pick

Nathan Fitt (14-1), Newton -- Making his second state appearance, Fitt, a four-year starter for the Braves and a No. 6 seed at 126 pounds, enters two wins shy of 100 for his career. He fell a win shy of a earning medal last season, dropping a 9-2 decision to nemesis Ethan Fernandez of Westwood, who is the No. 4 seed at 126. Competing at 132 for the majority of the dual meet campaign, Fitt dropped for the postseason. Tough on top and good on his feet, Fitt is a threat to go deep into the bracket, provided he can get past DiEsso for a third time in their careers in a good Round of 16 matchup. Fitt prevailed in both of their semifinal meetings last season in tournaments -- 5-2 at the John Goles Invitational and 3-1 in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament. 

Career mark: 98-26.

Previous appearances: 2-2, at 120 pounds in 2020.

First-round opponent: North Hunterdon senior Frank DiEsso (3-1, N2-2).

Other area qualifiers (16):

North Hunterdon -- Logan Wadle (106), Frank DiEsso (126), James Holder (170), Alex Uryniak (182), Andrew Franklin (220)
Hunterdon Central -- Anthony Rossi (106), Nick Canonica (138), Tanner Peake (152), Norman Cella (170)
Phillipsburg -- James Day (120), David Pierson (220)
Warren Hills -- Jarett Pantuso (220), Tyler McCatharn (285)
High Point -- Clayton Utter (113)
Kittatinny -- Steve Dalling (152)
Pope John -- Jack Stoll (220)

Open Mike championship picks

106 -- Nico Calello, St. Joseph-Metuchen
113 -- Evan Tallmadge, Brick Memorial
120 -- Evan Mougalian, Kinnelon
126 -- Joseph Cangro, Bergen Catholic
132 -- Nico Nardone, Delbarton
138 -- Joey Olivieri, Hanover Park
145 -- Michael Cetta, St. Joseph-Montvale
152 -- Cooper Pontelandolfo, Kingsway
160 -- Hunter Mays, Howell
170 -- Aaron Ayzerov, Paramus
182 -- Brian Soldano, High Point
195 -- Blake Clayton, St. John Vianney
220 -- Mike Misita, Williamstown
285 -- John O'Donnell, Toms River North

Wrestling: North 6 lead area's state charge to P'burg

North Hunterdon wasn't fazed by that COVID-19 pause after all. In fact, the Lions are doing some of their best wrestling at the right time.

With a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area-best six qualifiers, North heads to this weekend's state tournament at Phillipsburg High School brimming with confidence.

Liam Akers and Logan Wadle (front row) in 2020.

"We're wrestling well right now as a team,"  coach Chris Hrunka said. "We looked sharp [at the North 2 Super Region]. [Wrestling four to five times in a day] wasn't a big deal for us. We had some intrasquad scrimmages with referees, and we had the kids wear their singlets and make weight [last] Friday. Just to give them the feel of a match." 

North will be represented by sophomores Logan Wadle (106) and Alex Uryniak (182), along with seniors Frank DiEsso (126), James Holder (170) and Andrew Franklin (220) and junior Liam Akers (285).

Needless to say that getting six to the Round of 16 in the state tournament is a nice accomplishment for North, which didn't get a chance to defend its sectional and state titles as no team championships were held this season due to COVID-19.

"I thought we had a chance at seven, but if we got three or four, I'd probably be happy," Hrunka said, "and any more than that ecstatic. But you always get greedy and say we should have got seven."

In all, 22 wrestlers from the HWS area (15 from Hunterdon-Warren) advanced from the rugged super regionals, including 2020 state champion Brian Soldano (182), who will attempt to become just the third at High Point to win two or more championships -- joining three-time winner Nick Francavilla (2009-11) and two-timer Ethan Orr (2010-11). Junior Clayton Utter (113) also qualified for the Wildcats.

Hunterdon Central was next with five -- freshman Anthony Rossi (106), juniors Nick Canonica (138) and Tanner Peake (152) and seniors Colton Washleski (160), a 2020 medal winner, and Norman Cella (170) -- in the field.

Phillipsburg (James Day at 120 and David Pierson at 220), Warren Hills (Jarett Pantuso at 220 and Tyler McCatharn at 285), Kittatinny (Steven Dalling at 152 and Jackson Crawn at 220), Pope John (Nick Lodato at 195 and Jack Stoll at 220) and Newton (Nathan Fitt at 126) will also be represented at P'burg.

DiEsso, a four-time state qualifier, saw his first action of the season last weekend and reached the North 2 finals, along with Holder and Franklin. Akers, who placed seventh in the state as a sophomore, was the school's lone champ and perhaps its best hope for a medal this weekend. He and Soldano are the only area wrestlers to earn a top-three seed.

There are three first-round matchups involving locals, including 126, where DiEsso (92-30 overall) will look to avenge two losses to Fitt (98 career wins) last season -- 5-2 at the John Goles Invitational and 3-1 in the HWS Tournament semifinals. 

"[Frank] is getting better every match," Hrunka said. "He made a couple mistakes in the [North 2 final against Delbarton's Cross Wasilewski in a 6-3 loss]. He wrestled smart and a much more intelligent match than he would've a year ago. When he got good, clean shots, he took advantage of them."

At 170, Holder will face Cella in a rematch of last year's HWS final (won by Cella with a pin in 3:48), while Pierson and Franklin hook up for a third time this season after splitting the first two meetings (Pierson avenged a 7-6 dual loss with a 7-3 decision in last weekend's North 2 final at 220). 

Here are the first-round matchups involving area wrestlers:

106 -- 6-Wadle (9-1), N2-3, vs. 11-Fr. James Farina (4-1), Ocean Township, CJ-3.
106 -- 10-Rossi (9-1), CJ-2, vs. 7-So. Aidan Carmody (11-2), Livingston, N2-4.
113 -- 6-Utter (6-1), N1-3, vs. 11-So. Michael Camponaro (11-4), West Morris, N2-2.
120 -- 10-Day (13-1), N2-3, vs. 7-Jr. Garrett Totten (4-1), Christian Brothers, CJ-3.
126 -- 6-Fitt (14-1), N1-3, vs. 11-DiEsso (3-1), N2-2.
138 -- 10-Canonica (9-2), CJ-4, vs. 7-Sr. Luke DiGiovanni (13-2), Cranford, N2-3.
152 -- 12-Dalling (15-1), N1-3, vs. 5-Sr. Michael McGhee (3-1), Shore, CJ-2.
152 -- 6-Peake (10-1), CJ-3, vs. 11-Jr. Owen Disbrow (14-1), St. Thomas Aquinas, N2-3.
160 -- 6-Washleski (9-1), CJ-2, vs. 11-So. Joshua Palacio (8-2), North Bergen, N2-4.
170 -- 8-Cella (9-2), CJ-4, vs. 9-Holder (7-1), N2-2.
182 -- 1-Soldano (6-0), N1-1, vs. 16-Jr. Michael Gregg (13-3), Collingswood, SJ-4.
182 -- 11-Uryniak (8-1), N2-3, vs. 6-So. George Rhodes (11-1), Absegami, SJ-2.
195 -- 7-Lodato (12-0), N1-1, vs. 10-Jr. Robert Lerner (6-2), Scotch Plains-Fanwood, N2-4.
220 -- 8-Pantuso (9-1), N2-3, vs. 9-Sr. Jacob Leiva (10-3), Cliffside Park, N2-4.
220 -- 5-Stoll (9-4), N1-4, vs. 12-Jr. Dominic Petracci (10-2), Washington Township, SJ-3.
220 -- 4-Crawn (15-1), N1-3, vs. 13-So. Chimdindu Molokwu (3-1), Jackson Liberty, CJ-2.
220 -- 7-Pierson (11-2), N2-1, vs. 10-Franklin (8-1), N2-2.
285 -- 3-Akers (9-0), N2-1, vs. 14-Jr. Matthew Jannucci (3-2), Colts Neck, CJ-4.
285 -- 7-McCatharn (11-1), N2-3, vs. 10-Jr. Robby Chetirkin (13-4), Wayne Valley, N1-3.

Wrestling: Mr. Belvidere: McIntyre hits 300 wins

Belvidere coach Dan McIntyre is a wrestling lifer. He started out in the sport at 10 years old and has been hooked ever since.

McIntyre, 53, added to his already impressive resume on Wednesday night, when the County Seaters wrapped up the Skyland Conference Mountain Division title with a 60-9 victory over Rutgers Prep -- coached by former Warren Hills state placewinner Mike Lamb. 

Belvidere with the 300 banner. (courtesy of Seth Wisner)

That win was No. 300 for McIntyre, who previously served as head coach at Saucon Valley (1993-99) and Pleasant Valley (1999-2005) high schools in the Lehigh Valley's powerful District 11. Prior to those stops, he also coached at St. Anslem's Abbey, a private school in Washington, D.C.

"The last two years Manville beat us [for the division title] and prior to that we had won three in a row," said McIntyre, whose team scored a 48-27 victory over Manville on Monday, following a 14-day pause due to COVID-19. "This [season] has been awful [with COVID]. For our division, Manville has been our main rival and it's always a competitive match. I was pleased [coming off the break and having just one practice before the match]. We wrestled well and it was our Senior Night."

Belvidere (6-3, 4-0 division), like most small schools, has its share of challenges in normal seasons. But COVID-19 has undoubtedly made it tough for many schools with trying to keep numbers up and also get enough matches for wrestlers to stay invested in the program. McIntyre and his right hand, Seth Wisner, a former Seaters standout and Centenary College wrestler, are two of the most dedicated coaches around.

"Winning the division was at least something for the kids," said McIntyre, now 114-86 in 10 seasons with the Seaters and 300-219 in 29 seasons overall, who said his program lost five scheduled dual meets due to the COVID shutdown.

True to form, Belvidere's schedule has included matches against some of the traditional powers, like Kittatinny, as well as division and rivalry matchups. The Seaters will close out the dual season with North Warren at home on Tuesday and Bound Brook away on Wednesday.

With the individual tournaments two days away, junior Patrick Horvath (106), along with seniors Ty Tiedeman (120), Hunter Lensi (126) and Shane Exley (170), will represent the Warren County school in the North 2 Super Region (3-4) Tournament at Union High School this weekend. A fifth qualifier, senior Carson Grogan (3-1 at 195), was forced to withdraw from the tournament.

Horvath (8-0) may have the best chance to reach the state tournament at Phillipsburg High School to be held the following weekend on April 24-25. Stuck behind Lensi, a state qualifier at 106 in 2020, the previous two seasons, Horvath was often forced to compete up a weight at 113. 

Even so, he did score an impressive 11-3 major of Livingston's Adian Carmody, now considered one of the top 106-pounders in North 2, last season, and went 30-6 as a sophomore (going 15-2 in bouts at 106).

"Patrick has been kind of flying below the radar," said McIntyre, a social studies and special education teacher at Belvidere since 2005. "He goes to [a club in Pennsylvania] and puts in the time. He took [Carmody] down like five times in our gym [during a dual meet]."

McIntyre, who surely has an eye for talent, compiled quite an impressive resume as a wrestler in both the high school and college ranks. A 1986 graduate of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pa., McIntyre was a two-time PIAA Class AAA runner-up and District 11 champion under legendary coach Frank Gutierrez, who made quite an impact on his wrestlers.

"He was toward the later years when I wrestled in high school," said McIntyre, who went on to become a two-time NCAA qualifier and three-time Atlantic Coast Conference placewinner at Maryland, where he graduated in 1991. "He could take kids who didn't have experience, but were tough city kids, and give them discipline. I thought he was very organized and structured, and he could relate to kids. He commanded respect."

Those qualities certainly rubbed off on McIntyre, who has been successful at all three of his coaching stops in our area. None of which were traditional powers by any stretch. Belvidere didn't become a force on the state level until Kurt Weaver took over in the early 1990s, and then under Marty White, who served as Weaver's assistant before taking the reins.

McIntyre guided Quinn Melofchik to a pair of state medals in 2018 and '19.

In recent seasons, Belvidere hasn't challenged for sectional titles, but opponents know they will have a battle on their hands against the Seaters, who are always prepared and well coached.

"At Pleasant Valley, we took [that program] about as far as it could go. Saucon Valley wasn't much of a program when I started there, " McIntyre said. "We had some good kids and some state placewinners [including two-time PIAA Class AA finalist and state champion Joey Killar]. We had six or seven kids who could go with anyone in the state, but we had to hope they'd all win.

"Belvidere was refreshing because it didn't matter if scheduled matches against Group 3, 4 or 5 schools because they would always be competitive matches. At Pleasant Valley, I could predict within one match what our record would be before the season ever started.

"I love coaching. I tell the kids, 'I accomplished what I did in the sport. Now it's your turn to go out and get some recognition.'"

Well coach, it's still OK for you to get some recognition as well, and 300 wins -- and counting -- is quite a milestone. Congrats to one of the good guys in the sport.

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

We're heading into the home stretch of the high school season with individual postseason tournaments set to commence this weekend. As a result, those qualifiers (1-16 and the alternates 17-24) will be ineligible to compete in dual meets starting on Tuesday until elimination. 

High Point returned to action this week.

One interesting dual meet is slated to take place outdoors on Wednesday with High Point planning to host Newton in the parking lot. No, you read that right. Hopefully the teams will be able to pull it off after their planned "Redneck Rumble" summer match was foiled several years ago.

Dual meets from here on out will be a showcase for younger wrestlers to get some experience as we look toward the 2021-22 season.

Here are this week's area team rankings and tidbits (records through Saturday):

1. North Hunterdon (5-0) -- Lions, who were put on a COVID-19 pause, have completed their dual meet season and are prepping for this weekend's individual North 2 (3-4) Super Region Tournament. Senior Frank DiEsso (89 career wins), who did not wrestle in dual meets, is among the team's entries and is seeking a fourth berth in the state tournament. On the girls' side, juniors Jodi Holder (second at 143 pounds) and Lydia Attanasio (fourth at 151) earned the program's first female medals in the state tournament at Phillipsburg High School.

Up next: North 2 Super Region (3-4) Tournament at Union High School on Saturday and Sunday.

P'burg hosted the girls states for the 1st time.

2. Phillipsburg (8-1) -- Stateliners rolled to a 61-9 win over Watchung Hills in their only action last week -- raising the program's wins total to 998. Coach Dave Post opted to clear the dual schedule this week in advance of the North 2 Super Region (3-4) Tournament. The 'Liners are tentatively slated to close out the team portion at home against Mendham (April 20) and at Hanover Park (April 21). Juniors James Day (9-0 at 120) and Joey Innamorato (9-0 at 126) are ones to keep an eye on this weekend.

Up next: North 2 Super Region (3-4) Tournament at Union High School on Saturday and Sunday.

3. Hunterdon Central (6-0) -- Red Devils stormed back into action with a 3-0 week -- beating Delaware Valley (48-18 on Tuesday), Voorhees (76-6 on Thursday) and Warren Hills (36-25 on Friday). Juniors Nick Canonica (6-0 at 138) and Tanner Peake (6-0 at 152), who knocked off Blue Streaks standout Stephen Malia in a battle of state qualifiers, logged key decisions in the 60th renewal of that rivalry matchup to give Central, which has won six straight vs. Hills, a 46-13-1 lead in a series dating to 1960.

Up next: Central Super Region (5-6) Tournament at the Field House on Saturday and Sunday.

4. Warren Hills (4-2) -- Blue Streaks went 3-1 last week with wins over Roxbury (48-24 on Tuesday), Bound Brook (48-6 on Thursday) and West Morris (49-18 on Saturday). Coach Dave Sbriscia's team dropped a 36-25 decision to Hunterdon Central on Friday in a match that saw the Streaks go 1-4 in bouts decided by two or fewer points. Junior Jared Lee (2-1 at 138), who scored an 11-3 major in the opening bout vs. Central, eyes his first trip to the state tournament. On the girls side, junior Katrina Kling (121) finished as a state runner-up for the second straight season.

Up next: at Voorhees on Monday; Watchung Hills at home on Tuesday; Bridgewater-Raritan at home on Thursday; North 2 Super Region (3-4) Tournament at Union High School on Saturday and Sunday.

5. Kittatinny (9-1) -- Cougars cruised to a 66-6 win over North Warren on Tuesday as senior Jackson Crawn (10-0 at 220) picked up his 98th career victory, while junior Shane Nelson (9-1 at 120) got his 50th. Coach John Gill's team had scheduled matches against Jefferson and Mount Olive canceled, the former with NJAC Freedom Division title implications. Junior Brycen Mafaro (10-0 at 182) is another to watch this weekend. On the girls side, freshman Lilly Zaku-Ramos (third at 107) and junior Kierra Hubmaster (second at 161), a three-time placewinner and two-time finalist, earned state medals.

Up next: Sparta at home on Monday; at Kinnelon on Tuesday; North 1 Super Region (1-2) Tournament at Mount Olive on Saturday and Sunday.

Brian Soldano is the state favorite at 182.

6. High Point (1-1) -- Wildcats ended a second COVID-19 pause and are slated to return to action against North Warren -- coached by former assistant Kellen Bradley -- on Tuesday. It's a big week for several individual as junior star Brian Soldano (81-5 career) stars his quest for a second state title, this time at 182, while junior Clayton Utter (2-0 at 113) and senior Josh Gervey (2-0 at 138) a state medal winner last season, should make some noise. On the girls side, junior Sophia Lombardo (fifth at 143) and senior Lacey Hums (fourth at 215) gave the program an area-best eight state medals (26 combined between all HWS schools) in the tourney's three-year history.

Up next: at North Warren on Tuesday; Newton at home on Wednesday; North 1 Super Region (1-2) Tournament at Mount Olive on Saturday and Sunday.

7. Pope John (4-4) -- Lions went 1-2 last week with a win over Don Bosco Prep (56-15 on Wednesday) between losses to St. Peter's Prep (47-36 on Tuesday) and Bergen Catholic (57-15 on Thursday). Senior Nick Lodato (8-0 at 195) and juniors Peter Delaportas (6-2 at 182) and Jack Stoll (6-2 at 220) will be in the hunt for state tournament berths this weekend.

Up next: North 1 Super Region (1-2) Tournament at Mount Olive on Saturday and Sunday.

8. Delaware Valley (7-3) -- Terriers bounced back from a 48-18 loss to Hunterdon Central on Tuesday with a 39-28 win over Watchung Hills on Thursday -- victory No. 801 for the program. Senior Tyler Lagun (6-3 at 170), a district champion last season, is among the team's super region entries, along with sophomore Chris Colasurdo (8-2 at 145), junior Matt Schneider (10-0 at 195) and freshman Anderson Olcott (7-3 at 182) -- all looking to take that next step.

Up next: at Ridge on Wednesday; North 2 Super Region (3-4) Tournament at Union High School on Saturday and Sunday.

DV 39, Watchung Hills 28

Win #801

Looking forward to changing the number at the start of practice tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/d0U9fNo1u3

— Del Val Wrestling (@DVRWrestling) April 9, 2021

9. Hackettstown (8-2) -- Tigers went 2-0 last week with wins over Whippany Park (49-9 on Tuesday) and North Warren (56-6 on Thursday). Coach Frank Rodgers is winding down his career with the Warren County school as freshman Aiden Scheeringa (9-1 at 106), junior Austin Zellars (8-2 at 113), freshman Nicolas Balella (8-1 at 126), sophomore Joe Bencivengo (8-2 at 138) and seniors Bruno Dougherty (7-2 at 220) and Matthew Bremner (9-1 at 285) look to keep him busy down the stretch.

Up next: North 2 Super Region (3-4) Tournament at Union High School on Saturday and Sunday.

10. Newton (6-5) -- Braves capped a 2-0 week with a 45-24 win over North Warren on Friday coming off a 48-18 victory against Lenape Valley -- matching the program mark for consecutive wins in that series to five (2007-11) after losing five straight from 2012-16. Lenape Valley still owns a 27-21-1 edge all-time dating to 1976. Seniors Nathan Fitt (10-0 at 126) and JoJo Lotruglio (9-2 at 132) are down a weight class for the individual postseason. On the girls side, juniors Aaliyah Payne-Parris (third at 100) and Jordyn Brannick (fifth at 161) became the school's first female state medal winners.

Up next: at High Point on Wednesday; North 1 Super Region (1-2) Tournament at Mount Olive on Saturday and Sunday.