'I love P'burg': Geleta, Hawk among 'Liner greats

ATLANTIC CITY -- It probably won't sink in right away, but when Phillipsburg seniors Luke Geleta and Gavin Hawk take a moment to reflect on what they were able to accomplish over four years on the high school mats, it should be with a tremendous sense of pride.

Though neither achieved their ultimate goal of winning an individual state title, Geleta and Hawk will forever be linked as two of the most successful Stateliners to ever don a Garnet and Grey singlet. The Nos. 1 and 2 career leaders for wins also earned their second state medals on Day 3 of the 92nd State Championships at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. 

Hawk is P'burg's 62nd state finalist (Tom Smith/Shore Sports Insider)

"We haven't really talked about it because we still had more to come for both of us," said Geleta (40-3), who finished seventh at 144 pounds with a 10-9 decision over Paramus Catholic's Seach Hibler, a 2024 runner-up. "Now that [it's over], we'll definitely be talking about it and looking back at just how awesome it was that we could accomplish those great things."

The list is a lengthy one. 

Hawk (40-2), who fell in the Blood Round in 2022 and '23, suffered his second straight state finals loss -- 3-2 to Southern's Wyatt Stout in the ultimate tiebreaker at 157 pounds -- ending the Stateliner's 32-match win streak dating to a 16-4 loss to two-time PIAA Class AAA state champion and Virginia Tech commit Collin Gaj of Quakertown in the Bethlehem Holiday Classic finals on Dec. 29. The Princeton University recruit was looking to become Phillipsburg's 34th champion and first since Brandon Hull won at 220 pounds in 2012.

After trading escapes in regulation, Hawk and Stout went into overtime. Stout, a Penn recruit, whose father, John, is a former Southern head coach, needed just five seconds to escape in the first 30-second rideout, while Hawk got out in just four in the second session. Since he had scored the first point, Hawk opted to take bottom in the ultimate. He appeared to be on the verge of getting out with 19 seconds left, but a questionable potentially dangerous call halted action with Stout briefly throwing in a leg as they both stood up. Stout sealed the win with a couple of strong mat returns in the closing seconds.

Geleta (far right) is among 154 state placers for P'burg

For Geleta, his performance came with a customary sense of satisfaction after falling here in the Blood Round as a junior coming off a sixth-place finish in 2023. It also capped a stellar career, which included three district and county titles, as well as joining Hawk as a Region 1 champ this season after three straight runner-up finishes. Geleta and Hawk also joined former state champion and head coach Bob Jiorle (1968-71) as the only 'Liners to appear in four region finals. 

"It feels great to be [back] on the podium, but I didn't achieve my goal," Geleta said, just shortly after winning his final high school bout on Saturday afternoon. "After four years, I'm beyond satisfied with my career and [I thank] my coaches and teammates for supporting me.

"For the next level, I'll be training even harder considering I didn't get my goal [of a high school state title]."

Hawk, a two-time region champion and OW this season, is among only nine to win four district titles for P'burg and became the school's first to win four Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament titles earlier this season. Geleta is the only other 'Liner and one of just 10 in the tri-county area to win at least three.

Geleta, who lists Columbia and Binghamton among his college choices, finished second on the P'burg wins list at 142-28, while Hawk, who also holds the pins record with 93, sits on top at 150-21, passing former state runner-up Brian Meyer (131-35), who set the previous program mark in 2018. Hawk is also Warren County's career leader and ranks third behind Ryan Pomrinca of North Hunterdon (155) and Lewis Fernandes (153) on the H-W list. Geleta is seventh in the group and tied with Hackettstown's Alex Carida for third all-time in Warren County, behind Belvidere's Quinn Melofchik (147).

Hawk and Geleta after winning Region 1 titles

With 292 career wins, seven district and county titles, three region and four state medals, Geleta and Hawk rank right up there among the all-timers at New Jersey's most storied wrestling program. But most importantly, they are two of the most humble and respectful young men you will ever come across.

"We pushed each other every day, working on being better wrestlers and better people, too," Geleta said. "Iron sharpens iron and that's what we've been doing the last four years. The results have shown."

The numbers don't lie. Phillipsburg will certainly miss two of its favorite sons, who helped lead the 'Liners, who finished No. 13 in the final NJWWA Top 20, to an overall mark of 66-9 the past four seasons, along with four Skyland Conference and sectional titles, and four state championship appearances, including a Group 5 title in 2022.

"The town of Phillipsburg is like no other," Geleta said. "You wrestle at Phillipsburg, you play football at Phillipsburg, every sport is a big deal. You have so many people supporting you, which shows in the results we've had in the past how every many years. It's awesome being in an environment like that ... always a packed crowd, all of our friends in the [student] section cheering us on. I love P'burg."

Championships

113 -- So. Cameron Sontz (39-0), Delbarton, d. Jr. Charles Esposito (36-9), St. Joseph-Montvale, 4-2.

120 -- So. Paul Kenny (33-2), Christian Brothers Academy, d. Jr. Johnathon McGinty (34-6), St. Joseph-Montvale, 1-0.

126 -- Sr. Anthony Knox (37-0), St. John Vianney, md. Jr. Nathan Braun (23-7), Bergen Catholic, 18-4.

132 -- Jr. Sammy Spaulding (41-3), Camden Catholic, d. So. Ryan DeGeorge (32-10), Delbarton, 9-6 SV. 

138 -- Sr. Caedyn Ricciardi (30-1), St. Peter's Prep, p. Sr. Carson Walsh (36-3), Pope John, :57.

144 -- Sr. Blase Mele (31-2), Princeton, d. Sr. Donny Almeyda (20-1), Pope John, 7-1.

150 -- Jr. Jayden James (43-0), Delbarton, p. Sr. Jamar Dixon Jr. (38-4), Delsea, 1:50.

157 -- Sr. Wyatt Stout (38-2), Southern, d. Sr. Gavin Hawk (40-2), Phillipsburg, 3-2 UTB.

165 -- Sr. Alessio Perentin (42-1), Delbarton, md. Sr. AJ Falcone (32-6), Christian Brothers Academy, 12-3.

175 -- Sr. Ryan Burton (40-1), St. Joseph-Montvale, md. Sr. Jordan Chapman (39-5), Cranford, 20-6.

190 -- Sr. Harvey Ludington (41-0), Brick Memorial, d. Sr. Vincenzo LaValle (42-4), Hanover Park, 7-3.

215 -- Sr. Anthony Harris (18-0), St. Joseph-Montvale, tf. Jr. Dante DeLuca (30-1), Don Bosco Prep, 21-5, 3:54.

285 -- Sr. Rocco Dellagata (32-0), St. John Vianney, d. Jr. Cristian Alvarez (33-3), St. Joseph-Montvale, 7-1.

106 -- Fr. JoJo Burke (37-3), St. Joseph-Montvale, d. So. Killian Coluccio (32-2), Lacey, 4-3.

Outstanding Wrestler (Donald Ringler Award) -- Ryan Burton, St. Joseph-Montvale.

Coach of the Year -- Sean Romano, Caldwell.

Third-place consolations

106 -- Fr. Sean Kenny (32-6), Christian Brothers Academy, d. So. Santino DiMatteo (32-9), Brick Memorial, 4-2.

113 -- Jr. Carmine Sipper (44-5), Caldwell, d. Jr. Anthony Mason (39-6), Southern, 1-0.

120 -- Fr. Tommy Marchetti (33-8), Delbarton, d. So. Richard DeLorenzo II (27-4), Toms River East, 7-5.

126 -- Jr. Anthony DiAndrea (39-3), Watchung Hills, d. Jr. Colton Hagerty (37-8), Washington Township, 3-2.

132 -- Sr. Vincent Paino (33-4), St. Joseph-Montvale, d. Jr. Giovanni Schinina (28-6), St. Peter's Prep, 4-0.

138 -- Sr. Chase Quenault (33-10), Delbarton, d. Jr. Chase Hansen (43-2), Lower Cape May, 5-2.

144 -- So. Sonny Amato (45-2), Rumson-Fair Haven, d. Jr. Anthony Depaul (34-9), St. Augustine, 6-0.

150 -- So. Jackson Weller (42-4), Delran, d. Jr. Michael Craft (36-6), Camden Catholic, 3-1.

157 -- Jr. Kage Jones (39-6), Camden Catholic, d. Sr. Maxwell Nevlin (35-8), St. Peter's Prep, 7-3.

165 -- Jr. Santino Rodriguez (36-6), Don Bosco Prep, d. So. Jake Clayton (41-3), Point Pleasant Boro, 4-0.

175 -- So. Brock Oizerowitz (26-7), Christian Brothers Academy, d. Jr. Jaden Simpson (35-7), 8-2.

190 -- So. Tanner Hodgins (37-8), Howell, d. Jr. Carl Betz (36-4), Delbarton, 6-4.

215 -- Jr. Salvatore Marchese (42-5), Delsea, d. Jr. Nicolas Gonzalez (37-6), Mount Olive, 5-3.

285 -- Jr. Mateo Vinciguerra (43-3), Woodstown, d. Sr. Benjamin Shue (35-8), Bergen Catholic, 8-5.

Fifth-place consolations

106 -- So. Peter Terranova (34-8), Delbarton, d. So. Luke Johnston (38-8), Howell, 7-0.

113 -- Jr. Michael Daly (35-10), Cranford, d. Sr. Zachary Belverio (37-3), Johnson, 10-4.

120 -- Sr. Aundre Hill (40-8), Paulsboro, p. Jr. Joseph Rizzuto (33-9), DePaul, 3:23.

126 -- Jr. Joaquin Duque (41-8), Rumson Fair-Haven, p. Jr. Salvatore Borrometi (35-10), St. Peter's Prep, 1:39.

132 -- Jr. Robert Duffy (28-10), Christian Brothers Academy, forfeit, Sr. Patrick O'Keefe (38-6), St. John Vianney.

138 -- Sr. Adrian DeJesus (16-5), St. Joseph-Montvale, d. Sr. Scottie Sari (37-10), Southern, 7-0.

144 -- Sr. Jake Zaltsman (37-5), St. John Vianney, d. Fr. Nicholas Schwartz (26-17), Delbarton, 6-2.

150 -- Sr. Dezmond Lenaghan (26-7), St. John Vianney, md. Jr. Joseph Ruiz (31-11), St. Peter's Prep, 13-0.

157 -- Jr. Sean Love (36-4), Piscataway, forfeit, Jr. Morgan Schwarz (37-7), St. Joseph-Metuchen.

165 -- Jr. Tyler Whitford (36-6), St. Joseph-Metuchen, d. Sr. Cole Stangle (29-9), St. John Vianney, 4-1.

175 -- Sr. Ethan Dalling (41-5), Kittatinny, p. Jr. Anthony Verdi (35-10), St. Peter's Prep, 4:30.

190 -- Jr. Alexander Reyes (41-6), Holmdel, forfeit, Sr. Kaleb Jackson (25-7), St. Joseph-Montvale.

215 -- So. Anthony Jackson (34-2), Paul VI-Haddonfield, p. Jr. Tyler Palumbo (18-10), Christian Brothers Academy, 2:33.

285 -- Sr. James Lynch (38-5), Toms River East, p. Sr. Ben Szuba (38-9), Brick Memorial, 2:42.

Seventh-place consolations

106 -- Fr. Cade Collins (40-10), Southern, md. Fr. Matthew Mulligan (29-9), 10-2.

113 -- Sr. Dom Digiacomo (19-3), Camden Catholic, md. Jr. Augie Szamreta (37-7), Warren Hills, 13-4. 

120 -- Sr. Anthony Pellegrino (23-7), Seton Hall Prep, md. Sr. James McGinty (35-7), Parsippany Hills, 13-2.

126 -- Sr. Jaden Perez (39-5), Delaware Valley, tf. Sr. Joseph DeAngelo (16-3), Point Pleasant Boro, 15-0, 4:59.

132 -- Sr. Jackson Slotnick (25-3), Williamstown, d. Jr. Dalton Weber (26-6), Pope John, 5-2.

138 -- Fr. Gideon Gonzalez (33-7), Bergen Catholic, d. Jr. Armani McCann (21-5), Jackson Liberty, 7-1.

144 -- Sr. Luke Geleta (40-3), Phillipsburg, d. Jr. Seach Hibler (23-7), Paramus Catholic, 10-9.

150 -- Jr. Rhett Washleski (41-5), Hunterdon Central, d. Jr. Sowzrawca Tsay (25-11), Bergen Catholic, 4-1. 

157 -- So. Ryan Gavrish (31-11), St. John Vianney, forfeit, Jr. Trevor Jones (32-9), Delbarton.

165 -- Sr. Jordan Ayyash (30-6), Jackson Liberty, d. Sr. Cristian Gioia (40-6), Governor Livingston, 4-2.

175 -- Sr. Temuulen Mendbileg (40-5), St. Benedict's Prep, d. Sr. Genti Idrizi (26-13), 13-6. 

190 -- Jr. Nevin Mattessich (36-5), Don Bosco Prep, p. Jr. Jake Zemsky (38-5), Westfield, 2:43.

215 -- Sr. Nathan Faxon (41-3), Governor Livingston, forfeit, Jr. Rocco Salerno (26-3), Seton Hall Prep.

285 -- Jr. Thomas Borgia (43-3), West Morris, md. Sr. Clifford Dirkes (36-5), Ocean City, 9-1.

Wrestling: Poalillo raises bar as HP's 2x girls champ

ATLANTIC CITY -- As the face of High Point girls wrestling, sensational sophomore Ella Poalillo is gladly bearing the responsibility to help forge the same tradition as its storied boys program. 

Safe to say that there is no one more capable of doing so as Poalillo continues to inspire teammates and make a case as New Jersey's top pound-for-pound female wrestler by becoming the Wildcats' and Sussex County's first two-time champion in the seventh annual Girls State Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. 

Poalillo (2nd from back left) and Changaris (3rd from bottom left) with all the champs

Poalillo (35-0) capped one of the most dominant seasons for any lady wrestler in the Garden State by decking Middletown South's Thea Rowland, who was seeking her second straight title, with a nasty arm bar in 3:17 to win the title at 152 pounds.

"It feels pretty good," said Poalillo, who is the only High Point wrestler to win titles in their first two high school seasons and one of two 2024 champs to repeat along with Hanover Park OW Gabriella Conte at 107. "I'm really excited for the years to come."

High Point freshman phenom Elle Changaris won her first title and also derailed another 2024 champ in their bid to repeat with a wild 19-14 decision over Howell's Kylie Gudewitz at 114 pounds. The two titles for one team in a single state tournament are also new program and county marks. Sussex had four finalists for the first time as well with Newton-Kittatinny stars Eva Barry (138), a two-time runner-up, and Paige DeCaro (165) falling short in their bids to become the first female winners for their school.

In all, the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area took home 13 state medals on the girls' side, including five others from Sussex County -- Angelina Qualitieri of Lenape Valley (fifth at 100), Paige Weiss of Sparta (fourth at 120), Stella Ramos of Newton-Kittatinny (fourth at 152) and Vernon's Rowan Waite (seventh at 185) and Caitlin Hart (fifth at 235). 

Delaware Valley's Lydia Bagley (seventh at 100) and Emmy Hotz (seventh at 235), Hunterdon Central's Emma Peake (fifth at 120) and Phillipsburg's Ellie Kisselbach (fourth at 114) were first-time placers.

Poalillo improved to 64-3 in her career

Poalillo, who started the quest to become High Point's first four-time champion with her title win at 138 pounds (3-1 over Barry) last season, had little trouble repeating against a clearly overmatched Rowland (26-2). Poalillo led, 3-1, after converting a first-period takedown and went to work on top in the second after a reversal -- turning her opponent twice with savage arm bars and eventually securing a fall.

"My go-to [move]," Poalillo said of the pinning combo. "I've been drilling it the whole season and I'm really excited to do it in the state finals match."

There isn't much that Poalillo, a Beast of the East and two-time North 1 region champ, hasn't done in an impressive two-year career. This season, she tallied 27 pins, four technical falls and one major decision to go with three forfeits. Only one bout -- a 12-1 victory in the HWS Tournament finals over Ramos -- went the full six minutes, while Poalillo logged two pins and one tech in three state tournament wins. 

"I kind of like the pressure that's on me," Poalillo said of being one of the biggest title favorites. "I haven't had [an offensive] point scored on me all year, so I feel like I have to keep that reputation. I'm really excited to have a chance for [two more state titles] the next two years."

Changaris earned HP's 15th girls state medal since 2019

Poalillo aspires to bigger things after high school, especially in freestyle, which is the competitive system used in the women's collegiate ranks. She hopes it will one day be implemented across the high school ranks.

"[I plan to] keep training in freestyle, it's a lot more exciting," Poalillo said of her offseason regimen. "I wish [high school girls wrestling] was freestyle, it's my strong suit actually. I would love to see all these girls wrestling freestyle. It [will offer] so many better opportunities and help them in college."

High Point coach John Gardner, who just wrapped up his first full season on the girls' side, is hoping the individual success of his biggest star, can also help build a consistent winner from a team standpoint.

"[Poalillo] is a positive force and very much a wrestler/coach in the [practice] room," said Gardner, who's been on the bench for 14 of the school's 17 individual state titles (four girls), while also winning a state gold at 189 pounds in 1990.

"She's a smart girl who understands what we're trying to do. I think individually, she has some very lofty goals, but I think she realizes that we can have a pretty good program, too, if kids just keep believing in the process."  

With her goal of winning four state gold medals halfway complete, Poalillo is eager for the opportunity next season to join Wildcat boys greats Nick Francavilla (2009-11) and Brian Soldano (2020-22) as the program's only three-time winners.

"It's a little overwhelming now, but I'm really excited to continue, and continue to grow and come back next year," Poalillo said. "I love wrestling in Atlantic City and I'm so glad they brought the girls back here [after a three-year hiatus at Phillipsburg High School from 2021-23]. I'm proud to be a part of the girls wrestling community."

Championships

152 -- So. Ella Poalillo (35-0), High Point, p. So. Thea Rowland (26-2), Middletown South, 3:17.

165 -- Sr. Solaris Paul (24-1), Paterson Kennedy, d. Sr. Paige DeCaro (35-3), Newton-Kittatinny, 7-1.

185 -- Sr. Shaelie Young (30-3), Gateway-Woodbury, p. Jr. Jade Hahn (26-2), Central Regional, 4:41.

235 -- Sr. Caroline Biegel (10-3), DePaul, md. Jr. Saharia Quamina (28-4), Bloomfield, 9-1.

100 -- Jr. Francesca Gusfa (17-1), Ridgewood, d. Jr. Madison Rucci (42-2), Jackson Memorial, 11-5.

107 -- So. Gabriella Conte (15-1), Hanover Park, tf. Jr. Princessstorm Woody (21-1), Trenton Central, 16-0, 3:49.

114 -- Fr. Elle Changaris (37-1), High Point, d. Jr. Kylie Gudewitz (36-1), Howell, 19-14.

120 -- Jr. Reagan Roxas (33-0), Kingsway, d. So. Jocelyn Danbe (20-3), River Dell, 7-4.

126 -- Sr. Jada Pichardo (32-0), Pennsauken, d. Sr. Alexa Cilliotta (22-3), Montville, 1-0.

132 -- So. Lamiah Berry (24-5), Absegami, p. Fr. Lily Massenzio (19-1), DePaul, 2:39.

138 -- Sr. Saniyah Queen (32-2), St. Thomas Aquinas, d. Jr. Eva Barry (31-2), Newton-Kittatinny, 12-6.

145 -- Jr. Olivia Georges (18-0), DePaul, p. Sr. Sonia Balwas (20-5), Paramus, 3:08.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Gabriella Conte, Hanover Park.

Coach of the Year Award -- Eric Bollette, Newton-Kittatinny.

Wrestling: 'Cats 'wild' about Changaris' 1st state title

ATLANTIC CITY -- High Point freshman Elle Changaris wouldn't have it any other way. The crazier a match is the better in her mind. Who can argue with the end result? 

True to form, Changaris won a 19-14 thriller over returning Howell champion Kylie Gudewitz to capture the 114-pound title in one of the most entertaining bouts of all time in the New Jersey Girls State Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Changaris earned HP's 15th state medal overall

"I wanted it to be wild," said Changaris (37-1), who finished her rookie season with a 30-match win streak after being pinned by Calli Gilchrist of Choate Rosemary Hall in the Girls Beast of the East finals on Dec. 20. "I wanted to put her down and I sort of did, I guess. I knew it wasn't going to be as easy as my matches from [during the season]. I knew if I continued to work hard and put my mind to it, and don't think about it too hard. Just do it."

High Point pulled off a program and Sussex County first on the girls' side with two winners in a single state tournament as sophomore sensation Ella Poalillo started off the finals by pinning Middletown South's Thea Rowland with a vicious arm bar in 3:17 to become the Wildcats' first two-time female champ. Noelle Gaffney won the first of four gold medals (165 pounds in 2022) for the 'Cats, while Sparta's Paige Weiss (100 pounds in '23) is the only other female Sussex wrestler to win a state title.  

Changaris (37-1), a North 1 region champ, visualized adding her name to a list that includes 13 boys championships, including girls head coach John Gardner (189 pounds in 1990), when first arriving at the high school.

"I'm so excited for my name to be right there," Changaris said. "Since I first came to high school and walked past that wall [outside the gym] where all the plaques are, I knew my name was going to be on there. Now, it's going to be there."

Changaris came out blazing with a five-point move to put Gudewitz (36-1), who won at this weight class in 2024, in an early first-period hole. Up 7-0 in the third, Changaris hit a headlock for seven more and was on the verge of a technical fall when Gudewitz reversed Changaris to her back and cut the gap to 14-7. An escape for Changaris and a takedown for Gudewitz made it 15-10, as Changaris got two more reversals in the third to help seal the win.

"I knew there was a chance she could come [back] because I don't always wrestle the third period," Changaris said when asked why she opted to go for big moves despite a commanding lead. "It's very rare that I do. My breathing, my wind is not fit for three periods, yet."

Changaris and Poalillo (2nd and 4th from right) with the other champs

That's understandable considering that Changaris went the full six minutes for only the second time this season and first in nearly three months (7-3 win at the Beast of the East). In all, she racked up 29 pins, five technical falls and two regular decisions to go with two forfeit victories.

"I knew if I had the mindset of I'm going to win ... I'm going to win," Changaris said. "I came out on top and it feels awesome."

Poalillo, who could stake a claim as the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the girls tournament, became a role model for Changaris, who credits her teammate for helping to make her title dream a reality.

"During the season, I was trying to focus on myself and not look to other people," Changaris said. "We were the only ones [who qualified for High Point] and we shared a [hotel] room. When we first got to the room, I realized this was real and I wanted to be like her, and use her freshman year as an example for myself. 

"She helped me through almost everything -- directions on where to go and how it is [being in AC], and what's going to happen. I think if I didn't have her here, it would have been way more stressful."

Wrestling has its share of sacrifices, none greater perhaps than refraining from indulging on favorite foods. So what else does one do after satisfying a hunger on the mats? 

"I think I'm going to go eat a cheeseburger," she said. "The weight cut was worth every minute of me standing on that podium and wrestling in that match."

Championships

152 -- So. Ella Poalillo (35-0), High Point, p. So. Thea Rowland (26-2), Middletown South, 3:17.

165 -- Sr. Solaris Paul (24-1), Paterson Kennedy, d. Sr. Paige DeCaro (35-3), Newton-Kittatinny, 7-1.

185 -- Sr. Shaelie Young (30-3), Gateway-Woodbury, p. Jr. Jade Hahn (26-2), Central Regional, 4:41.

235 -- Sr. Caroline Biegel (10-3), DePaul, md. Jr. Saharia Quamina (28-4), Bloomfield, 9-1.

100 -- Jr. Francesca Gusfa (17-1), Ridgewood, d. Jr. Madison Rucci (42-2), Jackson Memorial, 11-5.

107 -- So. Gabriella Conte (15-1), Hanover Park, tf. Jr. Princessstorm Woody (21-1), Trenton Central, 16-0, 3:49.

114 -- Fr. Elle Changaris (37-1), High Point, d. Jr. Kylie Gudewitz (36-1), Howell, 19-14.

120 -- Jr. Reagan Roxas (33-0), Kingsway, d. So. Jocelyn Danbe (20-3), River Dell, 7-4.

126 -- Sr. Jada Pichardo (32-0), Pennsauken, d. Sr. Alexa Cilliotta (22-3), Montville, 1-0.

132 -- So. Lamiah Berry (24-5), Absegami, p. Fr. Lily Massenzio (19-1), DePaul, 2:39.

138 -- Sr. Saniyah Queen (32-2), St. Thomas Aquinas, d. Jr. Eva Barry (31-2), Newton-Kittatinny, 12-6.

145 -- Jr. Olivia Georges (18-0), DePaul, p. Sr. Sonia Balwas (20-5), Paramus, 3:08.

Outstanding Wrestler Award -- Gabriella Conte, Hanover Park.

Coach of the Year Award -- Eric Bollette, Newton-Kittatinny.

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

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

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

Hawk is Phillipsburg's 62nd state finalist

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

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

On a mission

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

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

Hawk and Geleta have combined for 291 wins

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

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

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

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

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

Lion-hearted

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Back points

Bollette and presenter Rachel Daddio (East Brunswick)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling it

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

Perez (second from right) on the podium in 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be smart

Dalling fell in the 3rd wrestlebacks in 2024

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

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

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

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

Quarterfinal matchups

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

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

Back points

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

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

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

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

Wrestling: State Tournament information, stats, picks

What: 92nd New Jersey State Wrestling Championships.

Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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

Boardwalk Hall has hosted 30 state tourneys since 1992

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

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

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

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

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

Returning medal winners by region

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

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

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

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

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

Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area qualifiers (38)

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

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

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

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

Warren Hills (4) -- Augie Szamreta (113), Charlie Piccione (120), Davey Rhinehart (126), Tyler Redfield (132)

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

Hackettstown (1) -- Joseph Rowinski (113)

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

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

Kittatinny (1) -- Ethan Dalling (175)

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

Open Mike championship picks

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

Wrestling: Ten best shots for state medals (HWS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gavin Hawk (36-1), Phillipsburg -- The only thing left to do in an otherwise fabulous career is to capture that elusive state gold after a runner-up finish in 2024, following two straight losses in the Blood Round his first two seasons. The Stateliners' all-time wins and pins (93) leader and only four-time HWS Tournament champion, hadn't been pushed much outside the practice room this season until a 6-2 victory over Bergen Catholic junior and state medalist Joey Canova, a fellow Princeton recruit, in Saturday's Region 1 finals. They could very well hook up again in the state semis as Canova drew the No. 4 seed. Hawk has reeled off 28 straight wins since a 16-4 loss to Quakertown's Collin Gaj, a two-time PIAA Class AAA state finalist and champion in 2023 in the Bethlehem Holiday finals on Dec. 29. 

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

Career mark: 146-20.

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

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

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

Career mark: 138-26.

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

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

Perez (second from right) on the podium in 2024

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

Career mark: 120-21.

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

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

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

Career mark: 92-15.

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

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

North matched P'burg with 6 state qualifiers

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

Career mark: 65-18.

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

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

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

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

Career mark: 131-16.

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

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

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

Career mark: 108-23.

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

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

Washleski is 36 shy of matching HC's wins mark

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

Career mark: 107-13.

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

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

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

Career mark: 71-32.

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

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

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

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

Career mark: 115-33.

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

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

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

Career mark: 131-24.

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

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

Other area qualifiers (27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hackettstown -- Joseph Rowinski (113)

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