Wrestling: Gentzle resigns, what's next for P'burg?

In a stunning move, Brad Gentzle resigned from his post as the head wrestling coach at Phillipsburg just months from the start of the 2023-24 season.

Gentzle informed the wrestlers and parents that he was stepping down on Wednesday afternoon. Both he and school officials were not immediately available for comment.

Phillipsburg (15-3) is coming off winning the program's 40th sectional championship and a Group 5 state runner-up finish last season.

P'burg will begin a search for its 14th head coach

Under Gentzle, the Stateliners went 31-4 over his two seasons at the helm, winning a pair of North 2, Group 5 sectional titles and the 2022 Group 5 championship, the program's 23rd state title. 

Maybe most importantly to Phillipsburg fans, Gentzle's teams went 2-0 against archrival Easton. The 'Liners have won four straight and seven of the past nine meetings in that storied series since 2014, but are just 21-62 against the Red Rovers in a series dating to 1948.

This has without doubt been one of the craziest Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area wrestling offseasons in recent memory, as North Hunterdon (Dave Bell) and Warren Hills (KC Wanamaker) hired new head coaches, while High Point legend John Gardner is set to serve his final season as the boys' head coach.

The search is on for Phillipsburg's 14th head coach as the program heads into its 76th season. Longtime youth coach and current assistant Tim Longacre appears to be the frontrunner to succeed Gentzle, who is expected to remain on staff. In essence, they would swap roles for 2023-24.

Longacre is a former P'burg wrestler and starter on the 1992 Group 3 championship team -- a run that included a 56-8 win over Belleville in an infamous sectional tournament final at The Pit in which there was a mid-match melee between fans and ended with six straight forfeits (eight in all) by the visiting team. 

Gentzle

Longacre received the second forfeit in that stretch at 152 pounds. He has gone on to become one of the most popular and respected coaches, and he worked well with former coach Dave Post and Gentzle. Longacre was a strong candidate the last time around, when the job opened following the 2020-21 season.

Gentzle, an assistant under Post, was hired on June 21, 2021 during a trying offseason. Former P'burg coach Rick Thompson, who served three terms with the Stateliners, also applied for the job but did not get an interview.

It will be interesting to see who applies this time around. Former P'burg star and state runner-up John Garriques' name surfaced back in 2021, but the longtime and successful Centenary University men's wrestling coach did not submit an application. His son, Owen, an accomplished youth wrestler, will enter Phillipsburg as a freshman this fall.

Wrestling: Wanamaker set to guide Warren Hills

We're just past the halfway point through another calendar year, and Warren Hills has the program's next leader in place for the 2023-24 season.

Longtime assistant coach and former wrestler KC Wanamaker was approved as the Blue Streaks' ninth head coach during a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday evening.

This move comes nearly two weeks after North Hunterdon landed Dave Bell, who previously guided national power Bergen Catholic. Bell was unanimously approved as the Lions' ninth head coach in program history at a BOE meeting on June 27.

"Above anything else, it's about the kids," Wanamaker said via phone interview on Tuesday afternoon. "We will put the kids at the center of everything we do." 

Wanamaker (far middle left) and Hills celebrate a sectional title

Warren Hills started its search when Dave Sbriscia resigned after five seasons on June 2. As first reported by Open Mike, Sbriscia was recently named the first head women's wrestling coach at Centenary University in Hackettstown. 

The Cyclones' inaugural season will be 2024-25. 

Wanamaker, a 2012 Warren Hills graduate (60 career victories and one-time Region 1 qualifier) and former wrestler at King's College, emerged as the Streaks' choice during a a second round of interviews conducted early last week. According to sources, fellow Streaks assistant coach Zach Fisher and former Paramus head coach Steve Klass were also in the mix.

The first round of interviews also included current Streaks head football coach Marcus Gurdineer, who was a wrestler during his high school days at Minisink Valley in Slate Hill, N.Y. 

Fisher, a former Phillipsburg standout, who also has served as a head coach in both boys cross country and track and field at Warren Hills, is employed by the district as a Social Studies teacher. Wanamaker does not work in the district, but he works from his home near the middle school. 

Wanamaker

Wanamaker, 29, said that Fisher, who is in the building, will stay on staff, which should make for a seamless transition. Both are currently with the team at a camp hosted by the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Wanamaker also said that Gurdineer will be part of the coaching staff, and that he would love for former Streaks state champion Marty White to also return.

"Zach and I are really close friends. We're going to do this together as a team," Wanamaker said during a break at camp. "He'll lead a lot of things and I will lead things. We're better together than apart. Zach and I are smaller guys so Marcus can help with the upperweights."

Klass, a former two-time PIAA Class AA state placewinner at Wilson Area High School in the Lehigh Valley, has served as an assistant on legendary coach Dave Crowell's staff at Nazareth (Pa.) for the past five years. 

Klass, a science teacher at Paramus and Easton (Pa.) resident, placed fourth (125 pounds in 1992) and second (135 in '93) in Pennsylvania during Crowell's tenure at Wilson. Klass, who went on to wrestle and graduate from Bucknell University, was also a candidate at Warren Hills when Sbriscia was hired as head coach in the spring of 2018. 

Klass previously coached at Wilson, Seton Hall Prep and Paramus, which became a major force in New Jersey during his 10 seasons at the Bergen County school. The Spartans made six sectional finals appearances and captured the North 1, Group 3 title in 2015 (finishing as the Group 3 runner-up and beating Sparta, 29-24, in the sectional final) during Klass' nine seasons at the helm. 

Hills won the Caldwell Tournament title in 2022.

Paramus also won a sectional title in 2012, the program's sixth overall and first since 1999. The 2016 also won a sectional championship that season after Klass' dismissal on Jan. 26 for using an ineligible wrestler. 

Under Sbriscia, Hills went 78-23 overall (earning the program's 800th victory in 2023) and enjoyed a bit of a rebirth with its back-to-back North 2, Group 3 sectional championship runs -- falling short to Delsea in 2022 and '23 in the quest for the Warren County school's third Group 3 title and first since 1997. 

Warren Hills (18-4) is coming off one its most successful seasons (the program's 87th overall) in which it captured the program's seventh sectional title overall and just its third since going back-to-back for the only other time in 1997 and '98. The Streaks ranked No. 13 (fifth among public schools) in the final New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20.

The Streaks return five key wrestlers for 2023-24, including Region 3 runners-up Charlie Piccione (32-9 at 113) and Tyler Redfield (27-8 at 120), both juniors. Josh Lee (33-9), a senior with 63 career wins, finished third in Region 3 at 126 pounds. Augie Szamreta (25-13 at 106) and Davey Rhinehart (29-9 at 113 and 132), both sophomores, were Region 3 qualifiers.

Wrestling: Dave Sbriscia out as Warren Hills coach

This is certainly shaping as the craziest offseason in high school wrestling in recent memory around the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area.

After weeks of rumors and speculation, Warren Hills on Friday morning announced it's looking for the program's ninth head coach. Former wrestler Dave Sbriscia, who has guided the Blue Streaks to back-to-back sectional titles and Group 3 finals appearances the past two seasons, will not return for the 2023-24 campaign.

Sbriscia confirmed via text message that he informed the wrestlers of his resignation. According to sources, he is expected to be named head coach of the inaugural women's program at Centenary University in Hackettstown.

Athletic director Mike Jones thanked Sbriscia for his contributions to the Warren Hills program.

"I wish him well," said Jones, who hopes to have a replacement by the July 11 Board of Education meeting. "Dave took care of all the summer stuff, which I give him credit for."

Warren Hills celebrates a sectional title win

Warren Hills (18-4) is coming off one its most successful seasons (the program's 87th overall) in which it repeated as North 2, Group 3 sectional champions -- the program's seventh title overall and just its third since going back-to-back for the only other time in 1997 and '98. The Streaks ranked No. 13 (fifth among public schools) in the final New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20.

Sbriscia addressed the Warren Hills community via Facebook:

I have spent the past 20 years being a part of the Blue Streak wrestling family. Carrying the roles of wrestler, camp clinician, volunteer coach, assistant coach, and head coach. I have made many friends along the way, some I refer to as family. I cannot thank those who have supported me enough as I have followed my dream to lead my alma mater. It is with a heavy heart at this time I announce my resignation from the position of head wrestling coach at Warren Hills Regional. At this stage in my life it’s time to close one door and open another. I wish nothing but the best to my Blue Streak wrestling family and will miss each and every one of you mat side. A special thank you to my wife Kristyn and my children Emily, Tucker and Brody who have supported me along this journey through the countless highs and lows. I would also like to thank my parents Donna and Duane; Dad knew I could do this even before I knew I could.

Go Streaks 

David Sbriscia

“Proud to Be a Blue Streak”

Sbriscia, a two-time district champion (2005 and '06) and state qualifier for Warren Hills, was named the school's eighth head coach in 2018 after his coach, former Phillipsburg wrestler and coach Jarrett Hosbach, stepped down after 13 seasons.

Under Sbriscia, Hills went 78-23 overall over the past five seasons (including earning the program's 800th victory in 2023) and enjoyed a bit of a rebirth with its championship runs -- falling short to Delsea in 2022 and '23 in the quest for the Warren County school's third Group 3 title and first since 1997. 

The Streaks also captured a three-way share of the Skyland Conference Raritan Division title -- their fifth straight division championship (three outright). 

Warren Hills also accomplished something the program had done just once previously (1997-98) as the Streaks captured their seventh sectional title and second straight in North 2, Group 3 with an impressive 41-21 win over Cranford in Washington Township. The victory also avenged a 33-22 loss to the Cougars in the 2017 title match.

Sbriscia coached 24 district champions (including a program-record 11 in 2022), along with four region champions (Duro Ajayi in 2019, Tyler McCatharn in '20, Stephen Malia in '22 and Jarett Pantuso in '23) and four state placewinners (McCatharn sixth at 285 in '21 and '22 and Pantuso eighth at 215 in '21 and fifth in '23). That five-year run of district winners was the most since 1947-51, when the former Washington High School crowned 27 under the legendary John Goles.

Former Paramus and current Nazareth (Pa.) assistant Steve Klass, who applied when Sbriscia was hired, is expected to be a leading candidate. 

Current assistant coach and former Phillipsburg wrestler Zach Fisher could also be a candidate for the vacant Streaks post. Former state champion Marty White and Streaks wrestler K.C. Wanamaker are also on staff, but White already coaches two sports at Delaware Valley (girls soccer and baseball) and had indicated previously that he was happy in his current role as assistant.

The search for Sbriscia's successor is underway as North Hunterdon continues seeking a replacement for Chris Hrunka, a teammate of Sbriscia's and a 2007 region champion for Warren Hills. Hrunka stepped down following the 2022-23 season after six seasons in charge and a pair of Group 4 state championships under his watch.

North appeared to have its new head coach last month, but the Lions and former Somerville coach Brent McGuinness could not come to terms, according to sources, though Open Mike learned that former Bound Brook star Nick Accetta was offered the North job. Former Delaware Valley state champion Ricky Krieger, who served as head coach at Franklin and Wilson Area (Pa.), was among those to interview with the Lions.

Over in Sussex County, iconic High Point coach John Gardner announced the 2023-24 season will be his last in charge of the boys program. Gardner will focus on the girls, while longtime assistant and former 'Cats state champion Billy Smith will take over the boys for 2024-25.

Wrestling: Gardner, Smith shifting roles at High Point

You could call it a changing of the guard somewhat for High Point's wrestling program as iconic head coach John Gardner is transitioning from his everyday duties with the boys to be more involved on the the girls side -- effective at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Gardner informed Open Mike late Wednesday evening that this winter will be his last in charge of a boys program that became a consistent New Jersey powerhouse during his 25 seasons at the helm.

Smith and Gardner 

The plan is for former Wildcats state champion Billy Smith, who's been the heir apparent since joining the staff seven years ago straight out of Rutgers University, to be promoted from assistant to boys head coach for the 2024-25 season. 

Longtime boys assistants Mickey Thomas and Mark "Otto" Veltri are also expected to remain in their current roles beyond 2023-24 -- meaning the entire staff essentially remains in tact. Erin Bang will continue as Gardner's assistant on the girls' side.

A wrestling room dedicated solely to the girls is also in the works at the Wantage-based school.

"I think it's the perfect time," said Gardner, who led the High Point boys to a Sussex County-best 30th North 1, Group 2 sectional title and its seventh state championship this past season. "We have a lot of horses coming up [in the youth program on the boys side] and I think it's one of the best decisions in the interest of the program."

It's the second major coaching change in the area this offseason as Chris Hrunka stepped down as head boys coach at North Hunterdon. The Lions captured their third sectional title and second Group 4 state championship in four years. 

As first reported by Open Mike, former Somerville head coach and Rutgers alum Brent McGuinness was the favorite to succeed Hrunka, but the sides were recently unable to come to terms, according to sources, and the search has opened back up. This past Tuesday's Board of Education meeting had no candidates for approval on the agenda and the next regular session is scheduled for June 27.

Gardner, whose teams have gone 406-122-2, wanted to make it clear that he isn't going anywhere. But he feels this move is necessary in order to get the girls program where it needs to go, while also giving Smith a long-awaited and deserved opportunity to be a head coach.

High Point celebrates its 7th state team title

High Point (12-9), which stood at 5-5 on Jan. 21 and took on Group 5 kingpin (Southern) and the Group 3 (Delsea) champion and runner-up (Warren Hills) along the way, rallied to reclaim the Group 2 title with a 36-34 win over Governor Livingston at Jersey Mike's Arena.

In doing so, the 'Cats earned the program's 780th victory in 57 seasons and its seventh state championship -- matching Pope John and moving one back of archrival Kittatinny, which ranks 10th on the state's all-time list with eight, for the Sussex County lead. Sparta (Group 2 in 1983) is the only other county program to win a state title.

"The goal is not to go undefeated in [dual meets], but to be ready when it comes time for Groups," Gardner said leading up to the 2023 postseason.

Gardner, a four-time region and 1990 state champion at 189 pounds for the 'Cats who ranks seventh on the school's all-time wins list as a wrestler (131-8-1 from 1986-90), joined Kittatinny's John Gill (629), Hunterdon Central's Russ Riegel (533 with the Red Devils and another 305 with Harrison County High School in Kentucky) and Phillipsburg Hall of Famer Rick Thompson (477 overall and 347 in New Jersey with P'burg, Hackettstown, Voorhees, Franklin and Mountain now West Orange) as the only Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex coaches to log 400-plus wins.

HP  celebrated Gardner's 400th coaching win on Jan. 24

"I've been very lucky. I really enjoy what I do," Gardner said earlier this season after that milestone victory.

In all, High Point, which sits behind only Paulsboro (42) and Phillipsburg (40) with 30 sectional titles in New Jersey wrestling history, is now 7-11 in state championship matches -- winning its first in 2008 and all seven (two in Group 3) under Gardner, a member of four sectional championship teams guided by former coach Jeff Hull.

Smith, 29, a special education and history teacher, has been on staff at his alma mater since the 2016-17 season. He was a key member of those great High Point teams (98 wins in his four years) in the mid-to-late 2000s -- going 138-20 overall from 2007-11. The 'Cats finished No. 1 in New Jersey for the 2007-08 and 2010-11 seasons. The only public school since to rank No. 1 was South Plainfield in 2011-12.

During that time, High Point won three sectional and two Group 3 championships, including the program's first in '08. Smith was a three-time district and two-time region champion, capturing the 285-pound state title in '11, one of three 'Cats seniors to win gold medals, along with three-timer Nick Francavilla, two-timer Ethan Orr and Drew Wagenhoffer during that magical 2011 state tournament in Atlantic City. 

All four will be inducted into the High Point Athletic Hall of Fame next month. Gardner's nephews and former 'Cats state placewinners, Joe and Jason Gaccione, are now serving as coaches at the youth level.

Smith went on to a successful collegiate career at Rutgers -- one of just four wrestlers for the Scarlet Knights at the time to make four consecutive national tournament appearances, joining Scott Winston (2009, 2011-13), Dan Rinaldi (2010-13) and Andy Roy (2002-05). Smith, who finished a round shy of All-American status at 285 pounds as a senior, went 105-39 overall and was one of just 16 to record 100 wins at the school upon graduation.

Gardner's teams were consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey from 2006-11, with the 2007-08 club arguably the best of them all. That team finished No. 1 in the state with a school-record 30 victories against one loss and captured the Group 3 title. The 'Cats have won 17 sectional titles under Gardner, who has coached 81 district ( a school-record nine in 2008 and at least one every year but 2000, '01 and '03), 34 region and 11 of the Sussex County program's 13 individual state champions since winning his own, including the only three-time winners in Brian Soldano (2020-22), now a starter at Rutgers University and Top 16 finisher at 184 pounds in this year's NCAA Division I Tournament, and Francavilla (2009-11). Gardner, Francavilla and Soldano are the school's only four-time region champs.

Additionally, Gardner's second region champion David Zabriskie, a 2005 district and state champion as well that season, made collegiate history as the first three-time heavyweight All-American at Iowa State, where he became the only NCAA Division 1 champion (2010) produced by the 'Cats. Zabriskie, who placed fifth (2009) and sixth ('08) his junior and sophomore seasons, finished 116-22 overall for the Cyclones. 

Wrestling: McGuinness among 2 vying for North job

It appears that North Hunterdon is zeroing in on its next head wrestling coach.

According to sources, former Somerville head coach Brent McGuinness appears to be the clubhouse leader among the candidates who recently completed a first round of interviews with administrators at the Hunterdon County school.

A second round of interviews, said to be scheduled for Monday, will also include North assistant coach Shawn Flesche, a social studies teacher in the district.

A decision is expected to be reached by the next scheduled Board of Education meeting on May 23.

Hrunka (with GR trophy) and Flesche (top left)

The North job opened when Chris Hrunka resigned following six seasons in charge of the Lions shortly after the 2022-23 campaign.

"It was not something easy to do, turning away from the [high school] program," Hrunka said in a March interview.

Former Delaware Valley state champion Ricky Krieger, who had head coaching stints at Franklin and Wilson (Pa.) Area High School, confirmed that he did submit an application. Roselle Park head coach Ryan Rooney was also thought to be a candidate.

Along with Hrunka, 33, who is now running Warren Hills' youth program, longtime and well-respected assistant coach Joe LaSpada, a 1971 state champion at 106 pounds for Bernards, decided not to return after spending 37 of his 40-year coaching career with the Lions. 

McGuinness, whose son, Dylan, will be a freshman in North Hunterdon's program next season, makes for an interesting and logical choice, despite the fact he hasn't coached in nearly a decade. The Rutgers alum currently is employed as a special services supervisor at Millburn High School. 

As a co-head coach with former Madison star Ben Weiland, McGuinness guided Somerville, his alma mater, for 10 seasons (2004-14) and had a state champion under his watch Jimmy Kirchner (125 pounds in 2008). McGuinness was inducted into the Somerset County school's Athletic Hall of Fame in '09. 

North coaches with state champ Logan Wadle in AC

McGuinness, 44, was a two-time Region 5 champion and three-time New Jersey state tournament qualifier (top-eight finish as a junior at 160 pounds in 1995) for the Pioneers under 2023 National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee Mike Suk. McGuinness certainly has strong ties with the North program overall as he also serves as wrestling director for BaseCamp 31, an athletic facility in Clinton Township. 

Also involved with the club in some capacity, according to its web site, are former North wrestlers Eric Eisenhart (strategic advisor, board liason), Dr. Justin Bagley (team physician, coach), Mike Ciavarro (coach and 2014 state placewinner), three-time placewinner Ryan Pomrinca (coach) and Lions great Ricky Frondorf (coach), a two-time state champion (2001-02) and four-time medalist.

Additionally, Steve Kempinski, a former Phillipsburg state finalist and youth coach for North, also is on the club's staff.

Flesche, 30, who has also served as an assistant coach in North's field hockey program, was a former standout wrestler at Old Tappan (2011 graduate) and the University of Scranton, where he was a four-year letterwinner. He compiled an overall record of 77-45, and ranked fourth on the school's all-time wins list and second in pins (29) upon graduation. Flesche was voted District 13 assistant wrestling coach of the year for 2021-22.

Hrunka, a standout wrestler for Warren Hills and Edinboro University, succeeded former Phillipsburg star Tim Flynn, now the school's vice principal and Phillipsburg youth coach, as North's eighth head coach. But Hrunka felt it was time to lighten the workload. He lives in the Warren Hills district and said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, Ellie, and their two young children -- Raymond (6), a youth wrestler for the Blue Streaks, and Ruby (5).

It's hard to imagine going out on a higher note.

North (15-5), ranked No. 15 in the final the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20, captured its second North 2, Group 4 sectional (third since 2020) and Group 4 state championships in three years. There were no team tournaments in '21 due to the pandemic. 

In addition, three wrestlers placed in the 90th State Championships at Boardwalk Hall in March, including senior Logan Wadle (35-2), who snapped the program's 20-year title drought with his victory at 106 pounds.

Hrunka, who also presided over North's 800th victory (59-15 vs. Montgomery on Jan. 4), is the second Lions head coach to capture two state team titles during their tenures. Fred Pierrro's teams, which went 83-28 from 1977-85, won Group 3 championships in '82 and '84.

During his reign, Hrunka's teams went 95-18 overall with two of the program's four 20-win campaigns, including North's only perfect season -- a school-record 23 wins in 2019-20. 

Wrestling: End of era as Hrunka steps back at North

North Hunterdon's wrestling team is coming off one of the most successful stretches in the program's 67-year history. But head coach Chris Hrunka felt it's time to lighten the workload after six seasons in charge.

Hrunka, 33, informed his wrestlers on Friday morning that he resigned from his post. He also confirmed that longtime ace assistant Joe LaSpada, a 1971 state champion at 106 pounds for Bernards, won't return after spending 37 of his 40-year coaching career with the Lions. The search for North's ninth head coach is underway as positions will be officially posted on Monday.

Hrunka (with G4 trophy) celebrates with his staff

It became known in small area circles during the preseason that Hrunka, a Health and Physical Education teacher at North, would likely resign at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. 

"I just wanted [the wrestlers] to focus on this season and not worry about what's next," said Hrunka, who will continue run things on the youth level. "It was not something easy to do, turning away from the [high school] program."

It's hard to imagine going out on a higher note.

North (15-5), ranked No. 15 in the final the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20, captured its second North 2, Group 4 sectional (third since 2020) and Group 4 state championships in three years. There were no team tournaments in '21 due to the pandemic. In addition, three wrestlers placed in the 90th State Tournament last weekend, including senior Logan Wadle (35-2), who snapped the program's 20-year title drought with his victory at 106 pounds.

Hrunka, who also presided over North's 800th victory (59-15 vs. Montgomery on Jan. 4), is the second Lions head coach to capture two state team titles during their tenures. Fred Pierrro's teams, which went 83-28 from 1977-85, won Group 3 championships in '82 and '84.

North celebrates the program's 17th sectional title

Hrunka was certainly burning the candle at both ends. In addition to high school duties, he also ran the youth program. It became too much, leaving high school practices and going straight to youth practices, along with attending club meetings, which made for some late nights.

"It was a lot. It was hard coaching two teams," said Hrunka, who plans to be a volunteer, along with two-time North state placewinner Chris Vidak, on the next high school staff should the new head coach approve. Vidak, who's been on the current staff and also has two young daughters, was a state runner-up in 1993 and third in '92 at 152 pounds.

Hrunka, who lives in the Warren Hills district, wants to spend more time with his wife, Ellie, and their two young children -- Raymond (6) and Ruby (5).

"My kids are getting older," he said. "I'm not one to do this halfway."

North celebrates the program's sixth Group title

During his reign, Hrunka's teams went 95-18 overall with two of the program's four 20-win campaigns, including North's only perfect season -- a school-record 23 wins in 2019-20. That magical year, which included handing Phillipsburg (39-3) just its third sectional finals loss, culminated with the Lions' first state championship since 2002 and their fifth overall at the time. It was the first unbeaten campaign (ninth overall) by a Hunterdon County school since Voorhees went 22-0 and captured the Group 3 title in 1986-87. Beating P'burg twice that season was also county first. 

The coaching staff also continued a tradition at Finnagels Pub and Restaurant on Route 31 in Clinton by clipping off the bottoms of their ties to hang over the bar.

"It all started when Jason Hawk's team [won a Group 3 title in 2002]," Hrunka said. "When we won in 2020, they wanted us to give them something to go over the bar and we cut off the [school] emblems on our polos. This year it was the ties."

Hrunka coached 28 district and nine region champions to go with 12 state placewinners -- including the Lehigh-bound Wadle, a three-time medalist (runner-up in 2021 and third in '22), along with two-time state placers Alex Uryniak (fifth in 2023 and seventh in '21) and Brendan Raley (fourth in '23 and eighth in '22, plus 81 career victories). Wadle (109-17) and Uryniak (111-19) became the 13th and 14th members of the program's 100 wins club this season.

The 2021-22 team produced eight district champs (second-most to a North record 10 in 1969) and four region winners, which had been done only once previously (1985) in program history. 

"It's been fun. It's been my baby for a long time," said Hrunka, who was busy this week tying up some loose ends and getting the high school girls program in order. "We're making changes with the girls [hiring a full-time coach]. I wanted to leave the program in good shape."

Wadle got his 100th win the district semifinals

North is expected to be in rebuilding mode next season with the loss of eight seniors, including the trio of state medal winners, as well as Daniel DeLusant (83 career wins), who, along with Wadle, is one of just 20 Lions to win three or more district titles. North, which had four sophomores in the lineup, also graduates everyone from 165-285 and doesn't return a wrestler with more than 38 career wins.

But sophomore Joseph Celentano (27-13 at 106-113) and junior Brian Wilson (22-13 at 157), a 2023 district champion, had solid campaigns, They will be counted on to lead a fairly young team next season, which looks to compete in what should again be a wide-open race for the Group 4 title.

"North brings back a solid core of kids who will be good next season," Hrunka said. 

The high school team will also get some help from the ranks below. Mason Tettambel was a New Jersey Grade School League champion at 130 pounds, while Kieran Raley was a runner-up at 100. Matt Esposito finished third at 106. 

"They'll start bringing in good young kids next year and they'll just keep coming," said Hrunka, who is excited to spend more time with a youth program that saw its numbers rise to 150-plus this season (40 more than the previous year). 

Uryniak (second from left) on the podium in AC

Hrunka, whose resignation ends an era spanning 23 seasons, learned the coaching ropes from two of the area's all-time best coaches -- serving as an assistant for six seasons from 2011-17 during Jason Hawk and Tim Flynn's tenures. Hrunka succeeded Flynn, who resigned after the 2016-17 campaign. Hawk (117-48 from 2000-09) stayed on as an assistant when Flynn (118-48) took over as the former Phillipsburg stars combined for 235 wins, four sectional titles and a Group 3 championship in 2002 (which was the program's first since 1994). 

LaSpada, who's widely regarded as one of the top assistants around, served under four North head coaches dating to the third of Dennis Haughey's 16 seasons at the helm in 1986-87. Haughey stands as the Lions' all-time victories leader (231-76) and his .752 win percentage ranks behind only Hrunka's program-best .841.

Hrunka also enjoyed success as a wrestler, winning district and region titles for Warren Hills his senior season in 2007 (91-27 career record), He went on to start at Edinboro University, where he twice placed fourth in the Eastern Wrestling League Championships at 174 pounds in 2011-12.

With his son wrestling in the Washington Y (Warren Hills) system, Hrunka should stay plenty involved in the sport. And much like Flynn, who also never ruled out a future return to coaching and now runs the Phillipsburg Middle School program, perhaps there may be a sequel for Hrunka down the road.

"I'm not saying I'll never coach again," he said.  "I love it. It's in my blood."

Wrestling: Wadle's gold big plus for AC by numbers

Before we take one final look by the numbers at the 90th New Jersey State Wrestling Championships at Boardwalk Hall, let's hit some highlights, including another review of North Hunterdon's strong showing in Atlantic City.

For a second straight season, North, which finished No. 15 in the final New Jersey Writers Top 20, brough home three medals. But the bigger stat is that one was gold for the first time in 20 years. In doing so, senior Logan Wadle snapped the skid with his title victory at 106 pounds -- the program's 13th overall and first since four-time medalist Ricky Frondorf went back-to-back at 152 pounds in 2002-03.

Chris Vidak (2nd from L) was 2nd (1993) and 3rd (1992) for NH

Wadle (35-2), a three-time placewinner (second in 2021 and third in '22), is just the second to win a state title in the lightest weight class -- joining Gary Bendel, who made a Cinderella run to the 101-pound crown as a sophomore in 1983 at Princeton's Jadwin Gym. Bendel did not get back on the podium again until a third-place finish 122 pounds in '85.

The Lehigh-bound Wadle is the first to collect three medals for the Lions since Ryan Pomrinca, another Lehigh product and Hunterdon-Warren's all-time wins leader (155-13), placed seventh at 113 in 2012 and third twice at 126 in '14 and '15).

North also made a little history with three top-five placers as seniors Alex Uryniak (fifth at 190) and Brendan Raley (fourth at 215) earned their second medals. It's the first time three Lions finished that high on the podium in the same tournament since James Hughes (106), Steve Hemhauser (148) and Rich Boehmer (178).were fourths in 1972.

Now, here's everything you never knew you needed to know about the 2023 state championships: 

13 -- Wadle, who capped a tremendous career by winning his first state title and snapping the program's 20-year drought, moved the Lions into a tie with High Point and Hunterdon Central (13) for the fourth-most winners in the HWS area and 14th all-time in New Jersey. Brick Memorial raised its total to 14 and 13th all-time as senior Anthony Santaniello captured his second championship. St. Joseph-Montvale, which got a bump with wins by Michael Dellagatta (190) and Jimmy Mullen (285), and South Plainfield also stand at 13 overall. Wadle, a three-time district champ who  finished 109-17 overall, which is tied for fifth all-time at North -- joining Andrew Gapas (109-26 from 2008-14), Jack Delia (109-26 from 2007-11) and Chris Cancelliere (109-33 from 2007-11) -- and 61st in the Hunterdon-Warren area. Uryniak (111-19) ranks fourth on North's list and tied for 54th in H-W history. (122 have reached the century mark and 103 for Sussex).

Wadle on top of the podium at 106

41 -- Hunterdon County has now produced four state champions in the last five years. Wadle became the county's 41st overall, while Hunterdon Central's Brett Ungar and Voorhees' Lewis Fernandes, the Vikes' first two-time winner, won in 2019. Delaware Valley's Matt Roche brought home the Terriers' first medal since Kyle Lightner won the program's ninth state title in 2017. Matt Kolonia also was a seventh-place finisher that season. Central was shut out on the medal stand for the first time since 2015, but junior Anthony Rossi, who beat Old Bridge champ Logan Roman this season, and freshman Rhett Washleski, whose brother, Colton, was a two-time placewinner for the Red Devils, will be good bets in 2024.

141 -- Warren Hills senior Jarett Pantuso ran the program's string with at least one state medal to three straight years (28 total since 1990) as he earned his second medal with a fifth-place finish after taking seventh at 215 pounds in 2021. He's also the Blue Streaks' highest placer since Jon Slack (third at 285 in 2010). Hills, which now has 141 state medals as a program and ranks second on New Jersey's champions list with 46, has not had a finalist since Justin Colaluce went back-to-back in 1997-98. 

Pantuso capped his career with 90 victories

12 -- Hackettstown junior Aiden Scheeringa, who lost 4-2 to Wadle in the semifinals, finished sixth at 106 pounds -- giving second-year coach Jim Berringer, a state placer for Hopatcong in 1999, his first medal. Scheeringa (34-8) was bidding to become the Tigers' fourth finalist and first since Hank Deibel (second at 122) in 1979. The late Doug Blake is the program's only state champ (1967-68). Overall, the Warren County school has a dozen medals and Scheeringa's is the highest since Alex Carida, also a semifinalist, placed third at 145 in 2018.

13 -- The five public schools to win state team championships this season combined for 13 medals -- up seven from last year -- in Atlantic City. Group 5 champion Southern led the way with six, including the program's first champ since 2009 (Matt Henrich at 150), while Group 4 champion North Hunterdon --Wadle, Uyrniak (fifth at 190) and Raley (fourth at 215) -- and Group 3 winner Delsea each had three. Delaware Valley (Group 1) had one in Roche (eighth at 126) and Group 2 kingpin High Point was shut out for the first time since 2017. 

Who will be No. 34 for the 'Liners?

33 -- P'burg still hasn't had a state champion since Brandon Hull (220 in 2012), who's also the last for Warren County. The Stateliners' total stands at 33 -- fourth all-time behind Newton (82), Warren Hills (46) and Union (40). But sophomore Luke Geleta (sixth at 138) and junior John Wargo (seventh at 285) snapped a program-first three-year drought on the podium and gave the 'Liners a pair of medals (a first since a trio in 2018). If you didn't see Geleta's fifth-place bout with Raritan's Zach Reilley, you missed arguably the best matchup in the tournament -- five lead changes and a 15-point second period with both on their backs late. Reilley, who is the Rockets' 11th placewinner in program history and had the last three takedowns going into OT, prevailed, 14-12, by converting his fourth takedown 36 seconds into sudden victory. Sophomore Gavin Hawk (132) fell a win shy with his second loss in the Blood Round. The HWS area as a whole went 3-5 in that round (4-7 in 2022). Amazingly, P'burg has produced just two boys state champs in 23 years, while it's captured 14 of its 23 Group titles during that span. 

Congratulations to Jarett Pantuso for finishing 5th in the state at 215lb. Excellent career, we are proud of your accomplishments and are excited to see you compete at the collegiate level. #pushthepace @WHRSDAthletics pic.twitter.com/oTmgw6zaIF

— Warren Hills Wrestling (@WHR_Wrestling) March 4, 2023

69 -- The Non-Public schools are as usual a hot topic with the most medalists -- 69 (including Pope John's Carson Walsh's fifth at 126) out of a possible 112 -- since district and region realignment was introduced in 2017. The Non-Public totals -- 38 in '16 -- leading up to this season were: 33 in '17, 34 in '18, 40 in '19, 36 in '20, 41 in '21 and 59 in '22. Of the 344 schools in New Jersey, 30 are private. That's 8.7 percent. The Non-Publics made up 53% of the quarterfinalists (59), 59% of the semifinalists (33, including all four at 120 and 144), 68% of the finalists (19, only 132 and 215 involved two publics) and 57% of the champions (8). Interestingly, Non-Public medals totaled 21 from 106-120 (all eight at 120) and just 13 from 175-285 (only two at 215).

24 -- Region 2 dusted the field once again with 21 medals (24 in 2022). Region 3 was next with 17, including a tournament-best six finalists and four champs from Delbarton for a second straight year -- Tyler Vazquez (138), Alessio Perentin (157), Louis Cerchio (165) and Simon Ruiz (175), who helped push Morris County's title total to 85, along with Roxbury's Luke Stanich (R2's only winner at 126 among four finalists). Region 4 (three finalists, one champ) was next with 14, followed by Region 1 (three finalists, two champs) and Region 8 with 13 medalists (two finalists, one champ). Region 5 (five finalists, three champs, including Old Bridge junior Logan Roman (113) and Rumson-Fair Haven junior Hudson Skove who are the first for their schools) and Region 7 (two finalists, one champ) each had 12 and Region 6 had 10 (three finalists, one champ). Region 1 had just two weight classes without a state placer (138 and 157), while Region 2 had at least one at all 14 weights. Region 3 had just one weight (126) without a state medal.

As you can clearly see, the balance of power is up north, but you conveniently won't hear the powers that be (namely the Shore Conference) talking about an unfair advantage (47 medals (42%) total between Regions 5-8). Region 6 accounted for 8.9%. Ironic, isn't it? 

9 -- Delbarton junior Daniel Jones (first at 106 in 2021), DePaul sophomore Adrian DeJesus (a winner at 106  in '22) and Brick Memorial sophomore Harvey Ludington (first at 175 in '22) were thwarted in their bids to win a second title as a total of nine wrestlers who have won at least one championship could be in next year's field. St. John Vianney sophomore Anthony Knox won his second title and the 120-pounder sure looked like the best wrestler in the arena. Ludington dropped a 3-2 decision to Delbarton's Ruiz, a four-time medalist who won his second straight gold. St. Joseph-Montvale stud Jim Mullen won his third at 285 -- in thrilling fashion with a buzzer-beating takedown in a 5-3 victory over Paramus Catholic's Max Acciardi --  and very well could have been a four-timer if not for taking a season off in 2021 to compete at the Cadet World trials.

Boardwalk Hall hosted its first tournament in 1992

27 -- Boardwalk Hall has been the tournament home for 27 of the last 31 years. Atlantic City has hosted five more than Princeton University's Jadwin Gym (22 from 1970-91) -- as the event shifted to AC in '92. It's since been there for all but four years -- a disastrous stint at the AC Convention Center (pillars and all) when Boardwalk Hall was unavailable due to a Lady Gaga concert in 1999, a two-year move to the Meadowlands in 2000 and '01, as Boardwalk Hall underwent renovations, and at Phillipsburg in 2021 due to the pandemic. Others sites include the Elizabeth Armory (nine times, 1947-55), Rutgers (seven from 1959-65) and Asbury Park Convention Hall (four, 1966-69). Besides Phillipsburg, there have been 10 other high school sites -- Union, Somerville, Roselle Park, Teaneck, Grover Cleveland Jr. (Elizabeth), Springfield, Thomas Jefferson, Rahway and Belvidere (1946). Union hosted the first four tournaments from 1934-37.

136 -- Bergen County is the all-time leader with 136 state champions, surpassing Union County (129) within the last six years. In 2017, Union led Bergen by 10, but Bergen Catholic, St. Joseph-Montvale and Don Bosco Prep have produced a combined 14 since that time. Westfield's Christian Barber (2011) is the last champ from Union County. Sussex ranks third with 121, while Morris County, which has gotten a big boost from Delbarton in recent sesasons, moved into a fourth-place tie with Warren County at 85. The Green Wave has produced 15 winners since 2017, and is tied with Bergen Catholic and Bound Brook for eighth place on the state's all-time list with 25. Warren has produced only four winners since 1996 (Phillipsburg's Brandon Hull was the last in 2012 and the Stateliners' 33rd overall). Next up is Ocean (72), Gloucester (67) and Somerset (66). Rounding out things out are: Camden (62), Monmouth (47), Middlesex (44), Hunterdon (40), Essex (34), Burlington (26), Passaic (25), Atlantic (20), Cumberland (12), Hudson and Salem (8), and Cape May and Mercer (4).

1,100 -- Total number of state champions in New Jersey history. This year's tournament was the 90th overall since 1934 -- when Newton's Leo Snover won the first state title and started the Sussex County school's run to a state record 82 champs. The last winner for the Braves was current assistant coach Andy Iliff, who won went back-to-back in 1986-87.