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GMC WRESTLING: Red Division team previews

Greg Tufaro
@GregTufaro

EAST BRUNSWICK

Coach: Matt Pazinko, 7th season (overall 55-44).

Last year: 10-8 overall, 3-3 Red Division.

Key losses: Jon Schleifer (38-0, 1st state, 1st region, 1st district, 1st GMC at 160); Mike Quintin (33-4, 1st GMC, 1st district, 3rd region at 220); Sam Kim (20-10, 1st district, 3rd GMC at 170); John Krayowski (16-8 at 182); Tyler Gallegos (15-15, 6th GMC at 120).

Probable lineup: 106 - Mitch Polito (Fr.); 113 - Mark Schleifer (So., 22-11, 4th GMC, 3rd district at 106); 120/126 - Tyler Schwartz (Sr., 18-11, 6th GMC, 4th district at 113) or Alec Gleason (So., 8-8 at 120); 132 - Jason Minikel (So., 7-15 at 126); 138 - Paul Pichirallo (Jr., 3-22 at 138); 145 - Harrison Cosentino (Jr.); 152 - Aditiya Pillai (Jr., 3-6 at 138); 160 - Matt Miskanic (Jr.); 170 - Anthony Tamayo (Sr., 6-14 at 145); 182 - Raph Pescasio (Sr., 0-3 at 160); 195/220 - Sam Walker (8-19 at 195) or Tyler Tiongson (So.); 285 - Kevin Eid (Sr., 21-10 4th GMC, 3rd district at 285).

Outlook: The Bears will try to overcome the loss of state champion Jon Schleifer and GMC champion Quintin with strong lower weights and experience scattered throughout the lineup. The 106 class could be filled with freshman Polito who will gain experience in the room from a strong lower lineup of experienced varsity wrestlers including Mark Schliefer, Schwartz, Gleason and Minikle. The middle weight wrestlers have some experience at 138 and 145 where Pillia and Pichirallo split time at 138 last season. Tamayo battled through a knee injury last season and has worked hard in the offseason. Pescasio has limited varsity experience but has done well in scrimmages. Walker and Eid will finish the lineup with varsity experience. Eid hopes to return to the regions in the same weight class as last season.

EDISON

Coach: Tom White, 6th season (51-48).

Last year: 17-6 overall, 5-1 White Division.

Key losses: Alex Naiduk (14-16 at 113); Fernando Encarnacion (4th region, 2nd district, 5th GMC, 29-8 at 119); Juan Montes (12-17 at 126); Michael Crowley (19-14, 4th GMC at 132); Dino Gagula (21-14, 5th GMC at 160); Christian Cuevas (8-16 at 170); Kevin Karvaski (27-11, 2nd district, 4th GMC at 182/195).

Probable lineup: 106 - Ryan Maurath (So.) or Julian Burke (So.); 113 - Aaron Eisen (So.); 119 - Robert Cleary (So., 36-3, 1st district, 2nd region, 1st GMC at 106); 126 - Peter Tomasino (So.); 132 - Ryan Naiduk (So.); 138 - Billy Povalac (Sr., 41-2, 1st GMC, 1st district, 3rd region, 5th state at 138); 145 - Joe Montuoro (Sr., 19-12, 7th GMC at 145); 152 - Russell Rivella (Sr.); 160 - Eric Nolan (Sr., 23-14, 6th GMC, 3rd district at 152); 170 - Alex Robinson (Sr.); 182 - Christopher Cuevas (So.); 195 - Vlad Torres (Sr., 18-14, 7th GMC at 182); 220 - Carlos Botero (Sr., 26-4, 3rd GMC, 1st district at 220); 285 - Keith Serio (Sr., 25-11, 3rd GMC, 1st district).

Outlook: The experienced Eagles return five region qualifiers – including four district champions – and seven GMC place-winners. Incumbent state tournament qualifiers Cleary and Povalac, who placed fifth in Atlantic City, are the cornerstones of the program. Edison won the District 19 title last season for the first time in 17 years and narrowly lost the division title to Monroe after challenging itself with a difficult schedule. Edison returns to the Red Division this winter. The Eagles hope to make a second consecutive NJSIAA Team Tournament appearance.

MONROE

Coach: Billy Jacoutot, 6th season (69-46).

Last year: 20-6 overall, 6-0 White Division.

Key losses: Brandon Hyman (8-7 at 138); Justin Gaffrey (19-15, 2nd district at 145); Anthony Aversano (17-14, 7th GMC at 145); Harrison Utter (32-5, 2nd GMC, 1st district, 4th region at 152).

Probable lineup: 106 - Andy Lombard (Fr.,); 113 - Nick Lombard (So., 33-6, 3rd GMC, 1st district, 4th region at 106); 120 - Shawn Gardini (Sr., 17-19 at 120); 126 - Joe Zargo (Sr., 24-13, 3rd GMC, 2nd district at 113); 132 - Sal Profaci (Sr., 41-3, 1st GMC, 1st district, 3rd region, 4th state at 126); 138 - Chris Muce (Sr., 31-9, 1st GMC, 1st district, 3rd region at 132); 145 - Donny Albach (So., 16-13, 7th GMC, 4th district at 126); 152 - Jared Parisen (Jr.); 160 - Chris Turchio (Sr.); 170 - Kevin Creech (Sr., 17-19, 2nd district at 160); 182- Kaylon Bradley (Fr.); 195 - Pat Dressel (Sr., 31-7, 2nd GMC, 2nd district at 195); 220 - Nick Goff (Jr., 26-13, 5th GMC, 3rd district at 220); 285 - Nick Fromhold (Sr., 21-17, 5th GMC, 3rd district at 220).

Outlook: Monroe returns 10 starters including eight region qualifiers from a team that captured the school's first ever district and White Division championship. Profaci, who placed sixth in the prestigious Super 32 Tournament and recently committed to the University of Michigan, leads the Falcons along with Muce. Andy Lombard, who placed eighth in the state middle school tournament, is among the top newcomers. Turchio transfers from Barnegat. Parisen won 15 of 16 jayvee bouts last season. They are two of three newcomers spanning the 152 through 182 weight classes, where Utter will be missed.

OLD BRIDGE

Coach: Bryan Garnett, 1st season.

Last year: 8-10 overall, 5-1 Red Division.

Key losses: Kyle Brown (26-6, 1st GMC, 1st district, 3rd, region at 120); John McCarthy (16-6, 1st district at 145).

Probable lineup: 106 - Mike Botte (Fr.) or Jake Wiatrouski (Fr.); 113 - Dylan Ur (Fr.) or Rich Ritter (Fr.); 120 - Steve Nadera (Jr., 26-10 2nd district at 126); 126 - Dennis Remotti (So.) or Evan Hodges (So.); 132 - Tanner Corbett (Jr., 10-19 at 106); 138 - TJ Angstadt (So., 13-13 at 132); 145 - Xavier Jenkins (Jr., 2-10 at 145); 152 - Mike Murphy (Jr., 0-3 at 145); 160 - Akuamoah Fosuhene (So.) or Frank Balzano (Jr.); 170 - Josh Escalante (Jr., 2-7 at 160); 182 - Mike Gargano (Sr., 20-4, 1st GMC, 1st district at 170) or Mike Yuhas (Sr., 11-5 at 182); 195 - Dan Makagon (Jr., 13-16, 3rd district); 220- Jeffrey Pabon (Sr., 6-17 at 220); HWT - Christian Manzanares (Sr., 6-5 at 285) or Dakota DeSantis (Jr.).

Outlook: Garnett, a popular mentor who coached the Knights from 2006-11, compiled a 78-32 record during that stint. He has 28 years of coaching experience and looks to reestablish the school's winning tradition. Old Bridge returns seven starters. Garnett said the staff will be looking to find the right chemistry to produce a winning lineup. Old Bridge has an excellent feeder program which is starting to produce some very talented freshmen. Some will be part of the lineup this season. The current work ethic should produce a promising season.

PERTH AMBOY

Coach: Mike Giordano, 26th season (261-230-2).

Last year: 6-16 overall, 0-6 Red Division.

Key losses: Alex Rodriguez (7-12 at 126); Raul Tijerino (22-13, 2nd district at 132); Johnny Valdez (7-12 at 145); Riner Rosario-Sosa (5-19 at 152); Abrian Batista (14-15, 3rd district at 160); Adam Soto (17-12, 2nd district at 170); Estarlin Roche (18-14, 3rd district at 182); Marvin Ramirez (9-21 at 195); Noel Diaz (17-10, 3rd district at 220); Cameron Crisco (13-8, 2nd district).

Probable lineup: 106/113 - Joe Pacheco (Fr.) or Norberto Torres (So., 27-14, 3rd district, 5/6 region at 106); 120/126 - Pedro Vera (Sr.) or Justin Justiniano (So., 5-6 at 113); 145 - Jerry Valdez (Sr.); 160 - Joe Schenck (Jr.); 170 - Yunior Castano (Jr., 0-4 at 152); 220 - Jerimiah McNear (Jr.); 285 - Jose Caceres (Jr.) or Dwicea Pitter (Sr.).

Outlook: With a bevy of talent lost to graduation and transfer, the Panthers are young and inexperienced. Torres and Pacheco form a potent tandem at the lower weights. Giordano has some promising first-year wrestlers. Perth Amboy wrestles a rugged schedule in and out of the conference.

PISCATAWAY

Coach: Bill Pavlak, 3rd season (16-24).

Last Year: 9-10 overall, 2-4 Red Division.

Key Losses: Alan Cruz (2nd district, 24-9 at 220); Jorge Diaz (17-14 at 170); Corey Neiper (12-7 at 160); Matt Oliva (2nd district, 23-13 at 195); Javiair White (1st district, 3rd region, 37-5 at 152).

Probable Lineup: 106 - Robert McEvoy (So.); 113 - Erick Valentin (Fr.); 132 - Arcelio Aponte (Sr., 3rd district, 12-17 at 126); 145 - Mike Yeboh (Sr.); 152- Jordan Cooke (Jr., 3rd district, 20-14 at 145); 160 - Michael Petite (Fr.); 170 - Elijah Pitt Goodson (Fr.); Nick Zamdomenego (Jr.); 182 - Sam Rogers (So.); 195-Eti-ini Udott (Sr., 1st district, 4th region 34-5 at 182); 285 - Kyle Mitchell (Fr.).

Outlook: The Chiefs graduated more than 100 individual wins and will be filling many of those weights with first-year varsity starters. Aponte, Cooke and Udott form a solid stretch beginning at 182 pounds. Starters the past three seasons, they will provide leadership for the young Chiefs. McEvoy and Gomero are the only other returning starters at Piscataway. They will be hoping for some immediate help from the 14 freshmen vying for a varsity position.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Robert Januska, 3rd season (26-29).

Last year: 10-16 overall, 1-5 Red Division.

Key losses: Gordon Thompson (2nd GMC, 2nd district, 53-40 at 285); Jake Daniel (8th GMC, 4th district, 38-42 at 120); Jon DiBartolo (20-18 at 138).

Probable lineup: 106 - Mathew Castimore (Fr.), Sean Lubiak (Fr.) or Roger Sheffmaker (Fr.); 113 - Roger Sheffmaker (Fr.), Jonathan Peters (Fr.) or Albert Wang (So.); 120 - Joe Mastro (Sr., 17-38 at 132); 126/132 - Nick Daza (Jr., 3rd district, 18-13 at 106) or Andrew Chang (Jr., 2-6 at 126); 138 - Brian DiBartolo (Jr., 17-18 at 126); 145/152 - Dylan Nagy (Jr., 13-22 at 152) or Jake Foeldes (Jr., 0-2 at 145); 160 - Tyler Schwarz (Sr., 3rd District 20, 28-39 at 160); 170/182 - Adi Yeragudi (Jr., 0-2 at 160), Alexi Rissiotis (Sr.) or Hunter Delfa (Sr.); 195 - Max Rhoden (Jr., 19-15 at 195); 220 - Josh Hypolite (Jr., 5-20 at 220); 285 - Dean Elmenayer (Jr., 0-1 at 285).

Outlook: South Brunswick seniors Mastro and Schwarz look to lead the team through the always challenging Red Division. They will anchor a corps of juniors that showed promise a year ago. Of the juniors, five have extensive varsity experience while the remaining four are being called upon to fill voids graduation created. A large freshman class is working hard to have the opportunity to contribute at the lower weights.

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Kevin McCann, 13th season (251-32).

Last year: 22-6 overall, 6-0 Red Division.

Key losses: Lucio Avelar (4th GMC, 1st district, 21-16 at 220); Luigi Gerardi (4th GMC, 2nd district, 24-14 at 195); Ray Jazikoff (1st GMC, 1st district, 2nd region, 35-5 at 145); Collin Lynch (2nd GMC, 1st district, 20-11 at 182); Scott Quiroga (2nd GMC, 1st district, 5th/6th region, 23-8 at 170); Inan Sikel (2nd GMC, 1st district, 2nd region, 35-5 at 152).

Probable lineup: 106 - Joe Heilmann (Fr.); 113 - Jake Giordano (So., 3-1 at 106); 120 - Ryan DuHamel (Jr., 5th GMC, 1st district, 18-17 at 113), Jacob Painton (So., 4-1 at 113) or John Restrepo (Sr.); 126 - Ryan Walsh (Sr., 2nd GMC, 1st district, 3rd region, 30-10 at 120), Josh Stasenko (Jr., 3-0 at 113), Mike Marrero (Fr.), or Brad Guerrero (Fr.); 132 - Jeff Plungis (Jr., 2nd GMC, 2nd District, 21-12 at 106), Kyle Bythell (So., 4th district, 5-7 at 138), Constantino Statiroudis (So.) or Alejandro Garcia (Fr.); 138 - Dan Hedden (Jr., 2nd GMC, 2nd district, 3rd region, 34-9 at 126); 145 - Frank Ferraro (Sr., 14-17 at 132) or Nick Ruzika (Jr.); 152 - Ben Lundy (So., 5-1 at 132), Chris Maszczak (Jr., 5-0 at 120) or Javier Cruz (Sr.); 160 - Jordan Handwerger (Sr., 4th GMC, 2nd district, 5th/6th region, 29-10 at 160) or George Pittenger (Jr.); 170 - Tommy Dunn (Sr., 5-6 at 138) or Nick DiFrancesco (Jr.); 182 - Christian Gonzalez (Jr., 6-11 at 138) or Ryan Marston (So., 3-4 at 152); 195 - John O'Sullivan (Sr., 1-1 at 160), Dion Pender (Jr.) or Tyler Vronka (Fr.); 220 - Dakota Pauls (Sr., 4-4 at 220), Joe Bermudez (Sr.) or Julio Gonzalez (So., 2-0 at 195); 285 - Matt Szeman (Sr., 10-13 at 285).

Outlook: The Tigers return eight starters from a team that ended last season ranked No. 20 in the New Jersey Wrestling Coaches Association final poll. South Plainfield's tremendous tradition and feeder program will keep the Tigers in the mix for another state title. A challenging schedule will have South Plainfield battle-tested. The Tigers are looking to repeat as Red Division, GMC, and District 12 champions. South Plainfield is led by incumbent state qualifiers Dan Hedden and Ryan Walsh. The Tigers are looking for leadership from their seniors, Jordan Handwerger (captain), Frank Ferraro, Dakota Pauls and Matt Szeman.