GMC Wrestling Team Preview Capsules
GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE
RED DIVISION
EAST BRUNSWICK
Coach: Matt Pazinko, eighth season (72-59)
Last year: 8-10, 2-5 in Red Division
Key losses: Harrison Consentino (9-10 at 145); Matt Miskani (18-14, 6th at GMCT, 3rd at District 20 at 160).
Probable lineup: 106 - Matt Wendel (Sr., 6-2); 113 - Mitch Polito (Jr., 33-4, 2nd at GMCT, 1st at District 20, 1st at Region 5); 120 - Mark Schleifer (Sr., 35-6, 2nd at GMCT, 1st at District 20, 2nd at Region 5, 6th at state tournament); 126 - Alec Gleason (Sr., 31-5, 2nd at GMCT, 2nd at District 20, 4th at Region 5); 132 - Luis LaRocca (So., 2-6); 138 - Trent Stocki (Sr., 11-14); 145 - Nader Lasheen; 152 - Christian Perrine; 160 - Mina Meshreky (5-20); 170 - Jason Minikel (Sr., 7-4, 2nd at District 20); 182 - Keyrolos Danyal (3-8); 195 - Damien Ruiz (9-6, 2nd at District 20); 220 - Tyler Tiongson (Jr., 8-20, 3rd at District 20); 285 - Alexis Olivera (Jr., 2-14).
Outlook: The Bears will have a strong group in the lower weights with state qualifiers Schleifer and Polito and fourth-place Region 5 finisher Gleason. Minikel missed most of last season with a knee injury but was able to return for the postseason and finish top eight in Region 5. Tiongson and Ruiz reached Region 5, but did not advance to Friday. Wendel (who was behind Polito last year) is ready to have an impact in his senior year. LaRocca, Stocki, Meshrinky, Danyal and Olivera have a year of experience to build on. The last two weights will be filled by Lasheen and Perrine. East Brunswick returns more experience than last year and hopes to improve on last years 8-10 record.
WRESTLING PREVIEW: SOUTH PLAINFIELD LOOKS TO BUILD ON WINNING TRADITION
MORE: COURIER NEWS WRESTLING TEAM PREVIEW CAPSULES
EDISON
Coach: Tom White, eighth season (75-67)
Last year: 8-13, 0-7 in Red Division
Probable lineup: 106 - Michael O'Brien (So.); 113 - Michael Rodriguez (Sr.); 120 - Alex Reyes (So.); 126 - Julien Burke (Sr.); 132 - Jhon Botero (Jr.) or Henry Maurath (So.); 138 - Ryan Maurath (Sr.); 145 - Ryan Naiduk (Sr.) or Kirk Ianni (Sr.); 152 - Peter Tomasino (Sr.); 160 - Robert Firestone (Sr.); 170 - Matthew Johnson (Sr.); 182 - William Goggel (Sr.); 195 - Dean Escobar (So.); 220 - Christopher Cuevas (Sr.); 285 - Jack Karvaskii (Sr.).
Outlook: Edison returns with a senior-heavy line up with two Region qualifiers, Tomasino and Burke both placed third. This lineup will be supported by a sophomore class that has a lot of potential. Edison will look to show further improvement by the end of the season and expects to be competitive in the District 19 Tournament. The Eagles are depending on a large group of experienced seniorss for leadership this season, mixed in with some potentially exciting newcomers breaking into the lineup. The goals this season are for an improved dual meet and division record, a strong finish in the GMC Tournament and a potential apperance in the sectional tournament.
MONROE
Coach: Billy Jacoutot, eighth season (100-56)
Last year: 16-5, 5-2 in Red Division
District/Region: 20/5
Key losses: Nick Goff (2nd at GMCT, 2nd at District 20, 3rd at Region 5); Jared Parisen (4th at GMCT, 1st at District 20); Ryan Craver (7th at GMCT, 3rd at District 20).
Probable lineup: 106 - Joey Fiordaliso (Fr.); 113 - Nick DePalma (Jr., 7th at GMCT, 3rd at District 20); 120 - Mike Bilardo (So., 4th at District 20); 126 - Cooper Boyum (Fr.); 132 - Andy Lombard (Jr., 15 wins in 2014-15, out last season with injury) or Steve Piszar (Sr., 4th at District 20); 138 - Donny Albach (Sr., 3rd at GMCT, 2nd at District 20, 5/6 at Region 5); 145 - Nick Lombard (Sr., 1st at GMCT, 1st at District 20, 2nd at Region 5); 152 - Ian McCabe (Fr.) or Kyle Comerford (Sr.); 160 - Nick Weikel (So.) or Johnny Profaci (Fr.); 170 - Justin Hopman (Jr.) or Justin Whitacre (So.); 182 - Jack Richards (Fr.); 195 - Kaylon Bradley (Jr., 3rd at District 20); 220 - Greg Nekrasovas (Sr.); 285 - Lou Ceras (Sr., 7th at GMCT, 2nd at District 20).
Outlook: Monroe will feature a blend of youth and experience this season as the lineup will be anchored by seniors Donny Albach, Nick Lombard and Lou Ceras. Lombard was a state qualifier last year at 126, and he may also see time at 138 as the season progresses. Andy Lombard returns after missing his entire sophomore campaign due to injury. He had a solid season as a freshman at 106. The Falcons will look to move along their underclassmen to create a balanced, dual meet lineup and improve on its record of 83-28 in dual meets over the last five seasons.
OLD BRIDGE
Coach: Bryan Garnett, ninth season (109-40)
Last year: 16-4, 6-1 in Red Division
Key losses: Stephen Nadera (37-7, career 126-26, 2nd Dist. 20, 3rd Region 5); Nezzar Dimes (20-15, 3rd Dist. 20); Xavier Jenkins (34-4, 1st GMC, 1st Dist. 20); Mike Murphy (13-7, 4th Dist. 20); Josh Escalante (21-12); Dan Makagon (30-9, 1st Dist. 20, 2nd Region 5); Dakota DeSantis (26-12, 3rd Dist. 20).
Probable lineup: 106 – Justin Schifter (Fr.); 113 – Jake Wiatroski (So., 2nd Dist. 20, 3rd Region 5); 120 – Mike Botte (So., 20-13, 2nd GMC, 1st Dist. 20); 126 – Alec Meyers (So.); 132 – Dylan Ur (Jr., 8-19, 4th District 20); 138 – Rich Ritter (Jr.); 145 – Javier Espinosa (So.); 152 – Luigi Luppino (Jr.); 160 – TJ Angstadt (Sr., 21-13, 3rd Dist. 20); 170 – Artyom Grigoryans (Jr.); 182 – Chancellor Cooper (Jr.); 195 – Ata Tok (Sr.); 220 – Dan Layne (Sr.); 285 – Antonio Bejarano (So.).
Outlook: The Knights plan on continuing the proud tradition of wrestling. This season, they have a young team with only two seniors in the lineup. Although there are a few wrestlers with experience, the majority of the lineup is filled with talented but inexperienced wrestlers. The coaching staff is working hard to prepare them for a tough schedule. Judging from the intensity in the practice room, the wrestlers seem determined to make this season a success.
PERTH AMBOY
Coach: Mike Giordano, 29th season (280-229)
Last year: 14-9, 3-4 Red Division
District/Region: 20/5
Key losses: D'Angelo Morales (132, 19-16, 4th at District); Jacob Rivera (152, 4-4, 4th at District); Anibal Arrieta (170, 12-7); Joe Schenck (182, 23-12, 2nd at District); Jeremiah McNear (220, 7-4, 4th at District); Jose Caceres (285, 26-13, 2nd at District, 3rd at Region 5).
Probable lineup: 106/113 - Joe Pacheco (Jr., 30-11, 2nd at District 19, 4th at Region 5 at 106); 120 - Norberto Torres (Sr., 30-8, 2nd at District 19, 4th at GMCT, 5/6th at Region 5, Morris Knolls Tournament champion); 126 - Alexis Soriano (Sr., 24-12, 3rd at District 19); 132 - James Rodrigues (Fr.); 138 - Gabriel Villanueva (Sr., 12-9) or Lewis Abrue (Sr., 1-0); 145 - Michael Lopez (Sr., 14-13); 152 - Victor Valdez (Jr., 0-3); 160 - Luis Colon (So., 0-2); 170 - Adalphi Jimenez (Sr., 8-16); 182 - Ismael Nunez (So.); 195 - Carlos Quinones (Jr.).
Outlook: The numbers are back up for Perth Amboy this season, as there was a good freshman turnout, especially in the upper weights. The team will be a blend of experience and youth, and with some unexpected injuries and some no-shows, it's made things interesting for the Panthers. Pacheco, Torres, Soriano, Lopez, Rodriguez, Abrue and Jimenez have all put in extensive time during the offseason in the weight room and on the mat, and if the injuries heal and other matters get resolved, it could be a very nice season for Perth Amboy.
PISCATAWAY
Coach: Dan Smith, first season
Last year: 18-6, 4-3 in Red Division
District/Region: 18/5
Key losses: Jordan Cooke (1st at GMCT, 2nd at District, 31-5); Tyler Underwood (1st at District, 3rd at Region, 18-5).
Probable lineup: 106 - Joseph Dulog (Fr.); 113 Max Parra (Fr.); 120 - Erick Valentin (Jr., 21-28); 126 - Robert McEvoy (Sr., 33-50); 132 - Chris Aikens (Sr., 11-18); 138 - Aron Wright (Jr., 20-20); 145 - Gabriel Rodrigues (So., 4-5) or Evan Okamoto (So., 3-6); 152 - Joseph Hatcher (So., 1st District, 3rd Region, 37-4); 160 - Mike Petite (Jr., 2nd District, 2nd Region, 8th State, 69-14); 170 - Nick Recine (So., 17-9); 182 - Elijah Pitt-Goodson (Jr., 10-9); 195 - Paris Foster (Jr., 4-10); 220 - Samuel Rogers (Sr., 34-14).
Outlook: Piscataway lost some key components of its lineup due to graduation, but returns 10 starters from last year’s sectional semifinalist team. The Chiefs have some talented underclassmen looking to improve and fill the gaps. State place-winner Mike Petite and state qualifier Joseph Hatcher look to help lead the team to another successful season. The Chiefs will be looking for added leadership from seniors Robert McEvoy, Sammy Rogers, Chris Aikens and Andrew Walsh.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Bobby Januska, fifth season (50-53)
Last year: 10-13, 1-16 in Red Division
Key losses: Nick Daza (4th at GMCT, 1st at District 20, 30-8 at 145); Max Rhoden (2nd at GMCT, 1st at District 20, 4th at Region 5, 32-6 at 195); Josh Hypolite (14-11 at 220); Dean Elmenayer (19-17 at 285).
Probable lineup: 106 - Jonathan Lamprecht (Jr., 13-16 at 106); 113 - Clay Stadler (Jr.); 120 - Sean Lubiak (Jr., 14-8 at 106) or Jonah Boulware (Jr.); 126 - Mathew Castimore (Jr., 27-11 at 113); 132 - Sajah Singh (Jr.); 138 - CJ Smith (So., 3-13 at 138) or Devin Lazare (Jr.); 145 - Brandon Brown (Jr.); 152 - Giuseppe Favaloro (Fr.) or Ryan Collins (So.); 160 - Giuseppe Favaloro (Fr.) or Ryan Collins (So.) or Nick Jairdullo (Fr.); 170 - Nick Jairdullo (Fr.); 182 - Gustavo Palacio (Jr., 13-14 at 182) or Jalen Nock (Sr.); 195 - Gustavo Palacio; 220 - Open; 285 - Akil Murugan (Fr.).
Outlook: With the loss of Nick Daza and Max Rhoden, South Brunswick looks to its core group of juniors to help lead the team through the challenging Red Division. The Vikings are expecting continued success from Lamprecht, Lubiak and Castimore at the lower weights while looking to newcomers to fill the upper weights.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Bill Pavlak, first season
Last year: 28-2, 7-0 and 1st in Red Division, GMC Tournament champions, Group III champions.
Key losses: Nick DiFrancesco (3rd at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 5/6th at Region 3, 27-8 at 160); Ryan DuHalem (5th at GMCT, 4th at District 12, 17-17 at 120); Christian Gonzalez (2nd at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 2nd at Region 3, 33-2 at 182); Dan Hedden (3rd at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 1st at Region 3, 33-7 at 152); Christoper Maszczak (2nd at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 27-8 at 170); Dion Pender (195); George Pittenger (195); Jeff Plungis (3rd at GMCT, 2nd at District 12, 23-12 at 145); Nick Ruzicka (152); Josh Stasenko (126).
District/Region: 14/4
Probable lineup: 106 - Tommy Fierro (So., Round of 12 at Prep Nationals, 29-11 for St. Benedict's Prep); 113 - Alex Amato (So., 8-2 at 113/120) or Frank Mannino (Jr.); 120 - Joe Heilmann (Jr., 1st at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 1st at Region 3, 5th at state tournament, 42-2 at 106) or Sebastian Santos (So., 8-0 at 106); 126 - Jake Giordano (Sr., 1st at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 3rd at Region 3, 32-8 at 113); 132 - Jacob Painton (Sr., 6th at GMCT, 4th at District 12, 17-19 at 126) or Colby Huber (Fr.) or E-Jay Jones (Fr.) or Arjun Patel (Fr.); 138 - Joe Sacco (So., 3rd at GMCT, 3rd at District 12, 24-12 at 132) or Xavier Nunez (Jr., 2-0 at 138) or Dave Guevara (So.); 145 - Kyle Bethell (Sr., 1st at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 1st at Region 3, 30-7) or Gabe Mont (Fr.) 152 - Connor Adams (Jr., 3-2 at 152) or Jake Hoffman (Sr.) or Mike Marrero (Jr.) or Jeremy Medina (Sr.) or Divon Pender (So. 1-0 at 145) or Constantino Statiroudis (Sr.); 160 - Ben Lundy (Sr., 8-6 at 170); 170 - Brenden Hedden (So., 5-4 at 145) or Cody Hunterton (Fr.); 182 - Ryan Marston (Sr., 5th at GMCT, 2nd at District 12, 4th at Region 3, 19-16 at 195); Joe Nardacci (Jr., 2-0 at 170) or Greg Algarin (Fr.); 195 - Luke Niemeyer (So., 6-0 at 182) or Anthony Rendon (Jr.); 220 - Zach DelVecchio (So., 1st at GMCT, 1st at District 12, 1st at Region 3, 7th at state tournament, 38-3) or Saabir Ahmed (Fr.); 285 - Julio Gonzalez (Sr., 4th at District 12, 5-15).
Outlook: The Tigers graduated seven starters from the 2016 campaign that won a NJSIAA Group III title and earned them a No. 2 ranking in the New Jersey Writers Association final poll, as well as the NJSIAA State Coaches Poll. While returning half the team, South Plainfield will look to repeat as Red Division and GMC Tournament champions, as well as win the district title in the newly-formed District 14. With several promising newcomers, the Tigers will once again set their sights on a successful run at the sectional and Group III title. South Plainfield will have another difficult schedule this seasaon that will leave the team battle-tested and primed for postseason competition. South Plainfield boasts a lineup that includes four returning state qualifiers, Bythell, Giordano, Heilmann and DelVecchio.
WHITE DIVISION
COLONIA
Coach: Daniel Grasso, 14th season (101-119)
Last year: 12-9, 3-2 in White Division
District/Region: 16/4
Key losses: Christian Vasquez (16-13, 7th at GMC at 120); Keion Cherry (21-9, 7th at GMC, 4th at District 12 at 138); Paul Juran (14-11, 2nd at District 12 at 285).
Probable lineup: 113/120 - Sean Lambert (Jr., 10-16); 113/120 - Juilian Arteaga (Jr., 13-13); 120/126 - Matthew Sternesky (Jr., 11-16); 132/138 - Luke Pero (Jr., 28-6, 5th at GMCT, 3rd at District 12); 145/152 - Elhussain Bachir (Jr., 15-12); 152/160 - Mike Salcedo (Sr., 8-5); 160 - Zach Farawell (Jr., 18-10, 3rd at District 12); 170 - Lenny Gigantino (Sr., 3-14); 170/182 - Dominick Gaona (Sr., 4-6); 182/195 - Christian Irizarry (Jr., 9-14); 220/285 - Adam Abduelal (Sr., 9-17); 106 - Joseph DiImperio (Jr., 1-0); 132 - Andrew Pimentel (Jr.); 145 - John Poznanski (Fr.); 182 - Andrew Palmisano (Jr.); 220 - Adrian Najar (Jr., 12-18).
Outlook: With a solid junior class featuring Luke Pero and other promising newcomers, the Patriots expect to improve on last year's 12-9 record and try to compete for a White Division title.
J.F. KENNEDY
Coach: Nick Cilento, fourth season (37-22)
Last year: 12-4, 4-1 in White Division
Key losses: Victor Torress (2nd at District 19, 3rd at GMCT); Cristian Cardosa (2nd at District 19, 3rd at GMCT); PJ Pascalli (3rd at District 19); Manny Rivera (3rd at District 19); Carlos Martinez (4th at District 19).
Probable lineup: 113 - Ian Coleman; 120 - Jakub Rokita or Luis Marquez; 126 - Sergio Maglione; 132 - Aaron Coleman; 138 - Kevin Schaefer; 145 - George Kiralidize; 152 - David Lee; 160 - Giovanni Magee; 170 - Derek Hernandez; 182 - Sean Aston; 195 - Oleksander Kalynak or Jeff Smith or Kevin Moore; 220 - Gueissepi Castanza; 285 - Julius Gorbea.
Outlook: J.F. Kennedy, which sent eight wrestlers to Region 5 last year, is looking forward to the season. Aaron Coleman and Sean Aston look to lead a very young and inexperienced lineup this season, while Coleman looks to repeat as GMC and District champion and Aston looks to build on his successful 2016 campaign where he took second at District 19 and third at the GMCT. Other top returners are David Lee, Giovanni Magee, and Gueissepi Castanza. Top newcomers include Sergio Maglione and Ian Coleman.
J.P. STEVENS
Coach: Vincent Gioffre, 14th season (23-56)
Last year: 9-18, 0-5 in White Division
District/Region: 14/4
Key losses: Paul Vargas (152, 7/8 in GMC); Sam Marshall (27-7 at 170, 22 pins); Paul Kim (195, 3rd at District 19).
Probable lineup: 106 - Travis Ling (Fr.); 113 - Demetri Wojciechowski (Sr.); 120 - Nico Vargas (Fr.); 132 - Dan Ricigiliano (Jr., injured last season, 20-12 as a freshman) or Jamari Lake (Sr.) or Lance Vargas (Jr.); 138 - Abhishek Singh (Sr., 18-8, 3rd in District 19) or Luka Stepanashvili (So.); 145 - Matt Jasinski (Sr., 25-12, 7/8th in GMC); 152 - Mike Gelberg (Sr.); 170 - Jared Martinez (Jr.); 220 - Dante Negron (Sr.); 285 - Spencer Johnson (Jr.).
Outlook: Once again the Hawks will be hurt by not being able to fill all 14 weight classes. Those in teh varsity lineup will represent varying degrees of experience, skill and technique. J.P. Stevens hopes to improve on last season's record, have another place-winner at the GMC Tournament and continue its streak of sending wrestlers to the Region 5 Tournament with an eye towards the state tournament.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Coach: Jason McLean, 11th season
Last year: 21-9, 4-1 in Blue Division
Key losses: Frankel Rosario (District champ at 182, GMC place-winner, 75 career wins); Yoscar Diaz (District champ at 132, GMC place-winner, 75 career wins); Xavier Valentine (220).
Probable lineup: 106 - Orlando Bonilla; 145/152 - Cristian Pinto; 152 - Yarinel Peralta (Region qualifier); 170 - Jeffrey Garcia (GMC place-winner); 170/182 - Juan Lopez; 195 - Jovan Mercado (Region qualifier); 285 - Ramiro Osuna; 113 - Zion Blano; 120 - Joercy Pena; 132 - Steven Almanzar; 182 - Dominion Ezechibueze; 220 - Keshon Davilla.
Outlook: The Zebras will be a young team due to some key losses as well as losing a couple of returning starters to unforseen issues. New Brunswick is hoping for strong seasons from Mercado, Pinto, Peralta, Garcia and Osuna.
SAYREVILLE
Coach: Marcus Ivy, fourth season (58-28)
Last year: 9-10
District/Region: 19/5
Key losses: Anthony Porcaro (285, 4th at state tournament, 4-time GMCT champion, 3-time District 20 champion, two-time Region 5 champion; Tyler Lewis (23-9 at 182, 2nd at District 20); Frank Roman (25-13 at 113, 2nd at District 20).
Probable lineup: 106/113 - Darren Figueroa (Fr.); 106/113 - Scott Mish (So.); 120 - Bryan DeOlivera (Fr.); 126 - Brandon Alicea (Jr., 8-14); 132 - Trevor Mastorio (So., 16-15); 138 - Alec Coelho (So., 16-14); 145 - Micheal Tamburri (Fr.) or Isaac Jodar (Sr.); 152 - Kyle Cruz (Sr.); 160 - Mykhaylo Khalabudnyak (So.); 170 - Nino Oneta (So.) or Aaron Bartlett (Jr.); 182 - Kyle Wavro (Sr., 15-8); 220 - Benidict Aurther (So., 9-14); 285 - Micheal Porcaro (Sr., 4th at Region 5 in 2015).
Outlook: The Bombers look to their young lineup to keep things rolling from last season as they only graduatedf four seniors and have three seniors in the lineup this year. They are counting on a group of young, talented wresters to step up and lead the team to many victories. Sayreville is looking to get a group of wrestlers on the GMC Tournament podium and into the Region 5 Tournament. The Bombers are led by captain Michael Porcaro, who was fourth in the region as a sophomore, only to be the backup heavyweight last year to one of Sayreville’s most successful wrestlers ever, his older brother Anthony. Michael and his fellow captains Ralph Feola and Kyle Wavro are looking to lead and guide the young team along with coach Ivy.
WOODBRIDGE
Coach: Mike Carbone, 10th season (102-99)
Last year: 23-5, 5-0 in White Division, 1st at District 19.
District/Region: 14/4
Key losses: Alec Shea (113, 3rd at District 19); Elyas Azouzi (170, 29-13, 4th at GMCT, 5/6th at Region 19); Sidney Pierre (195, 16-11).
Probable lineup: 106 - Xavier Laracuente (16-14); 113 - Jaden Catalano; 120 - Forfeit; 126 - Forfeit; 132 - Forfeit; 138 - Jack Quinn (28-10, 2nd at District 19, 4th at GMCT); 145 - Harry Brand or Jacob Catalano or Gabriel Hill Sosa or Yaya Mosaad (20-12); 152 - Hunter Kiraly (20-16, 2nd at District 20, 6th at GMCT); 160 - Marquan Payne (33-9, 4th at GMCT, 2nd at District 19, 5/6th at Region 5); 170 - Bryan McLaughlin (42-5, 1st at GMCT, 1st at District 19, 1st at Region 5, 4th at state tournament, 113-17 career); 182 - Zack Cottrell (28-9, 3rd at GMCT, 3rd at District 19, 5/6th at Region 5); 195 - Nick Nyers; 220 - Vinny Zecchino (30-9, 6th at GMCT, 1st at District 19, 4th at Region 5); 285 - Alex LaGrippo (31-6, 2nd at GMCT, 1st at District 19, 5/6th at Region 5).
Outlook: Woodbridge has been decimated by injuries before the 2016-17 season even began. Returning starter Dale Alvarez and promising sophomore Devon Santiago were both lost to season-ending injuries during football season that will also make them miss the entire wrestling season. Promising sophomore Joey Brucato, who worked through an injury-filled freshman year that saw him post a 16-10 record, including pins in the sectional quarterfinals and semifinals, has also been lost for the year creating a major void that the Barrons need to fill. Due to the lack of depth in the lower weights the Barrons will rely on their strength, which is in the middle and upper weights, to carry the load. Jack Quinn, Hunter Kiraly, Marquan Payne, Zack Cottrell, Vinny Zecchino, and Alex LaGrippo all return to the lineup with Region credentials, and this year will carry a heavy burden trying to make up for the points given up on a nightly basis. Drexel University-bound senior Bryan McLaughlin anchors this line up after a state tournament run last year that saw him place fourth, and his work continued in the offseason where he placed in the top four at the Junior Nationals and Super 32, which led to him being ranked among the Top 20 wrestlers in the nation at 170 pounds. Bryan is just 27 wins shy of breaking the school record for wins in a career, which currently sits at 140.
BLUE DIVISION
BISHOP AHR
Coach: Nick Tonzola, 27th season (238-219-3)
Last year: 9-14
Key losses: John Sheedy, Dylan Jensen.
Probable lineup: 106 - Christian Diaz (Fr.) or Alijah Pitts; 113 - Simori Simon (Jr.) or Seth Acosta (Sr.); 120 - Dave Ioniewski (So.) or Gaven Ringwood (Sr.); 126 - Dylan O'Connor (Sr.); 132 - Shreyas Keyini; 138 - Jeff Schwartz (Jr.) or Guisseppi Capasso (Sr.); 145 - Nick Schroll (So.); 152 - Rob DeSantis (Jr.); 160 - Luke Vizzoni (Jr.) or Jordan Lebron (Fr.); 170 - Devin Merle (Jr.); 182 - Nick Jensen (Sr.); 195 - Andrew Brazicki (Sr.); 220 - Mike DeSantis (Sr.) or Freddie Ramirez (So.).
Outlook: The Trojans are hungry to compete for the Blue Division title this season. According to coach Tonzola, his biggest job is to give his wrestlers the opportunity to succeed, and he's hoping to do that as Bishop Ahr will wrestle one of the toughest schedules in the area. Bishop Ahr is looking to compete for a division, sectional and District 20 title this season.
CARTERET
Coach: Donald Smith, first season
Last year: 9-9, 5-2 in Blue Division
District/Region: 15/4
Key losses: Eliias Vega (38-4, 1st at GMCT, 1st at District 19, 3rd at Region 5, 8th at state tournament); Mohammad Dhillo (27-10, 3rd at GMCT, 3rd at District 19, 4th at Region 5); Ishmael Pitts (17-14).
Probable lineup: 113 - Jayden Rosado (Fr.); 120 - Shahmeer Tasaddaq (Fr.); 126 - Muavia Ahsan (So., 18-12); 132 - Brandon Cmil (So.); 138 - Usman Tasaddaq (Fr.); 145 - Jacob Vega (Fr.); 152 - Angel Pitts (Jr.) or Bryan Leigh (So.); 160 - Emmanuel Omokha (Jr.); 170 - Stefane Ruiz (Fr.); 182 - Demetrius Ruiz (Jr., 20-13, 8th at GMCT, 4th at District 19); 195 - Frank Coghan (Jr., 8-7); 220 - Farhan Khan (Sr., 35-4, 1st at GMCT, 2nd at District 19, 1st at Region 5, Top 12 NJSIAA); 285 - David Pierre (Jr., 9-15).
Outlook: While Carteret did lose over 250 career wins to graduation, it still has a solid core of young wrestlers heading into this season. Led by the only senior, Farhan Khan (Region 5 champion), the Ramblers are looking to build on the success they had last season after qualifying for the program's first sectional tournament. Carteret expects big things from Khan's fellow captains Demetrius Ruiz and Frank Coghan, while allowing a tough group of newcomers to continue to develop and get better each day.
METUCHEN
Coach: Joseph Nisivoccia and Gerry Nisivoccia, second season
Last year: 9-11
Probable lineup: 132 - Chris Little (Sr., 20 wins); 126 - Chris Kwok (Sr., 15 wins); 195 - Alex Bianchini (Sr., 10 wins); 152 - Keaton Weidmaier (Sr., 15 wins); 106 - Arun Chezian (Jr., 21 wins); 138 - Liam Walker (So., 13 wins).
Outlook: This year Metuchen is dealing with a very small squad of only seven wrestlers. The Bulldogs' main goal is to bring home as many medals as possible from the six season tournaments they are participating in this winter.
MIDDLESEX/DUNELLEN
Coach: Patrick Appello, ninth season (114-91)
Last year: 19-7, 8-0 and Blue Division champions.
Probable lineup: 106 – Ken Beck (So.); 113 – Jared Zimbardo (Fr.) or Chris Folkens (So.); 120 – Troy O’Connor (So., 6th GMC, 21-16 at 106); 126 – Tom Dinger (Sr., 7th GMC, 2nd District, 26-13 at 113); 132 – Carlos Lopez (Sr., 12-19 at 126) or Charles Zaccardi (Sr.); 138 – Bob Dinger (Sr., 2nd GMC, 1st District, 4th Region, 17-3 at 132); 145 – Jeff Johnson (Jr., 2nd GMC, 3rd District, 2nd Region, 39-5 at 138); 152 – Chris Dessino (Sr., 8th GMC, 23-11 at 145); 160 – Bryan Velasquez (Jr., 8th GMC, 17-15 at 152); 170 – Mike Gedevani (So., 9-19 at 170) or Shane Zullinger (So.); 182 – Billy Strojek (Sr.); 195 – Joe DelVecchio (Jr.); 220 – Diego Bardales (Jr.); 285 – Alex Bollin (Jr., 11-15 at 285).
Outlook: The Blue Jays are coming off a season in which they won 19 or more matches for the second year in a row. In order to keep the program moving in the right direction, they will need a strong showing from the freshmen and sophomore class. Middlesex hopes to improve and feels if a few wrestlers can step up, it will be able to compete for the Blue Division title.
NORTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Mark Salge 24th season (179-210)
Last year: 4-17 in Blue Division
District/Region: 18/5
Probable lineup: 120 - Christopher Rodriguez (Jr.); 126 - Manuel Gomez (Sr.); 132 - Cesar Lopez (So.); 145 - Lane Ackerman (Sr.); 152 - Cullen McCardle (Sr.); 160 - Alex Angeles (Jr.); 170 - Kenny Abode (Jr.); 182 - Austin Cremone (Sr.); 195 - Jeffrey Jones (Sr.); 285 - Matt Tadros (Sr.).
Outlook: North Brunswick will be a very young team this season with only five returning wrestlers.
SOUTH RIVER
Coach: Bobby Young, 13th season
Last year: 5-13, 2-4 in Blue Division
District/Region: 18/5
Key losses: Quinn Ciesielski (29-7).
Probable lineup: 106 - Issac Cruz (Fr.); 113 - Tyler Szersen (So.); 126 - Mark Pacheco (Jr.), or Alex Lizardo; 120 - Estaban Caldron (So.); 132 - Joe Zargo (Fr.); 138 - Mark Bonsante (Jr.) or Hunter Guzman (So.) or Alex Amare (Sr.); 145 - Leo Santos (Jr.) or Kevin Lacruz (Jr.); 152 - Joe Kowalski (Sr.) or Christian Juarez (Jr.); 160 - Dan Colon (Jr.) or Ben Rente (Jr.); 170 - Brandon Szersen (Jr.); 182 - Kyle Baszak (Jr.); 220 - Grayson Ciesielski (So.) or Jimmy Stewart (So.).
Outlook: The Rams are a young and up and coming team that gained a tremendous amount of experience last year and they are expecting to improve on last season's record.
SPOTSWOOD
Coach: Dan Krainski, fifth season (28-57)
Last year: 2-18, 2-5 in Blue Division
District/Region: 17/5
Probable lineup: 106 - Tom Perpente (Fr.); 113 - Alex Cohen (Jr., 2-18) or Jacob Oster (Fr.); 120 - Connor Platt (So., 11-16) or Connor Johnson (Fr.); 126 - Zain Khan (Fr.); 132 - Justin Thompson (Sr., 1-23); 138 - Matt Bohinski (Fr.) or Alexander Smith (Jr., 3-18); 145 - Michael Diaz (Fr.); 152 - Shea Obado (Jr., 15-7, 2nd District) or Joe Sorrentino (Jr., 2-7); 160 - Brandon Grover (Sr., 15-8, 4th District) or Tyler Jacobs (Jr., 10-18); 170 - Michael LeRoy (Jr., 12-17); 182 - Donald Shaffer (Jr., 7-20); 195 - Nick Komosinski (So., 3-9); 285 - Terrell Lewis (Sr.) or Alex Hartman (Jr.).
Outlook: The Chargers look to rebuild after a tough season last year as they finished 2-18 while forfeiting as many as four weight classes. This season with a larger freshman class, Spotswood should be able to fill every weight class. The top returners are Obado, who finished second at District 20, and Grover, who took fourth. Thompson's leadership should help him improve on the mat, while LeRoy, Platt and Shaffer are returners who are looking to make a big impact.