2014 Shore Sports Network All-Shore Wrestling Teams
Shore Sports Network is proud to unveil its 2014 All-Shore teams and season-ending award winners featuring the top performers from the 2013-2014 Shore Conference wrestling season.
The All-Shore teams, along with the wrestler and coach of the year, were selected by staff writer Bob Badders. The first criteria for selection is placement in the state tournament, followed by placement in the Region VI tournament. A wrestler can jump another wrestler who placed higher in the state tournament based on multiple head-to-head victories only, and only if ranked directly behind that wrestler (i.e. 2nd-team jumps to first, third jumps to second).
Scroll down for bios, pictures and video clips of all the first-team All-Shore selections as well as write-ups on the second- and third-team selections. Click here for a quick reference to view the three teams in list form.
FIRST TEAM
106 - Sebastian Rivera, So., Christian Brothers Academy
One year after struggling as a 95-pound freshman Rivera burst onto the scene as a sophomore, going 40-3 and placing fifth in the state tournament. He entered the Region VI tournament undefeated and placed second to advance to his first state tournament. In Atlantic City, Rivera reached the quarterfinals before falling to eventual state champion Ty Agaisse of Delbarton, 3-0. Rivera won a pair of matches in the wrestlebacks, pinning Morris Knolls' Garrett O'Shea in the fifth-place match. Rivera was also the District 22 champion and Region VI runner-up. He is 43-11 for his career.
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113 - Owen McClave, So., Toms River South
McClave captured his first Region VI title and his second District 24 title in finishing 38-3. His only regular season defeat came at 120 pounds. He advanced to the third round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament for the second season in a row. McClave was 3-0 against Freehold Township's Nick DePierro, who finished sixth in the state. He will enter his junior season with a 77-8 career record.
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120 - Mike Russo, Jr., Jackson Liberty
The 2014 Shore Sports Network Wrestler of the Year, Russo turned in a second straight dominant season in picking up his second top-four state medal. The Lions junior went 39-1 to finish third in the state tournament, his only loss coming to eventual state champion Anthony Cefolo from Hanover Park in double overtime. Russo wrestled back to pin Jefferson's Bryan Damon to place third one year after taking fourth at 106 pounds. He captured his second Region VI title and became the first Lions wrestler to win three District 21 titles. He is also the program's first two-time state medalist and a three-time state qualifier. Russo will enter his senior season with a 117-7 career record and is 11 wins away from the program's all-time victories mark.
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126 - Nick Ottaviano, Sr., Colts Neck
After losing in the pre-quarterfinal round of the state tournament, Ottaviano won three straight matches to secure a medal, finishing seventh after a 3-1 victory over Wayne Valley's Tyler Hrycak. Along the way he avenged a defeat at the hands of Point Boro's Ryan Budzek in the Region VI final with a 6-5 win in the third round of wrestlebacks that clinched a state medal. Ottaviano also became the program's first two-time District 21 champion and first state medalist since 2010. He is Colts Neck's all-time wins leader with 120.
132 - Kris Lindemann, So., Howell
The potential Lindemann showed as a freshman before his year was cut short prior to the individual postseason was realized this season, as he placed sixth in the state tournament and helped Howell win its first Shore Conference Tournament and Central Jersey Group IV championships. Lindemann lost in the preliminary round of the state tournament, but rebounded with four straight wins to secure a state medal. He pinned Bergen Catholic's J.P. Ascolese to reach the medal rounds, then defeated Paramus's Alex Sebahie 12-11 to reach the fifth-place match where he was defeated by Hunterdon Central's Dylan Nace. Lindemann won the District 21 title with a 4-3 win over Jackson Liberty's Matt Russo, a two-time state qualifier. He finished second to Rumson's Marcus Iwama, who did not place in the state tournament, in the Region VI Tournament. In the SCT final, Lindemann won by major decision over two-time state medalist Joe Ghione of Brick Memorial to clinch Howell's first conference title. He finished the season 33-12 and is 61-14 for his career.
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138 - Matt Wilhelm, Jr., Southern
After wrestling just two bouts during his sophomore season, Wilhelm returned to a starting role in 2014 to go 29-5 and capture his first Region VI title by defeating Brick Memorial's Joe Ghione 3-1 in sudden victory. He also won his second District 24 title while helping the Rams finish No. 1 in the Shore and reach the Group IV final. He lost to eventual state champion Ronnie Gentile of Paulsboro in his first state tournament match and was eliminated in the first round of wrestlebacks. He will enter his senior season with a 51-19 record.
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145 - Zach Wilhelm, Sr., Southern
Wilhelm erased a pair of frustrating individual postseasons by winning his first Region VI title and placing fifth in the state tournament to close out his career. Wilhelm avenged losses to Brick Memorial's Alec Donovan with a 3-2 win in the region final, and also defeated Donovan 6-3 in the state wrestleback quarterfinals. He defeated Westfield's Matt Barber 6-4 in the fifth-place bout for his second state medal. He finished eighth in the state at 112 pounds as a freshman. Wilhelm also won his third District 24 title and helped the Rams reach the Group IV final. He finished the season with a 31-6 record for a career mark of 112-42. He will wrestle collegiately at Stevens Institute of Technology.
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152 - Kyle Wojtaszek, Jr., Brick
Wojtaszek placed third in the Region VI tournament and finished seventh in New Jersey as part of a 37-6 record for the Dragons. He defeated Brick Memorial's Rob Ruggiero to win the District 23 title, and after being upended by Ruggiero in the region quarterfinals, he wrestled back to eventual defeat Ruggiero to finish third and qualify for the state tournament for the second season in a row. After losing in the preliminary round of the state tournament, Wojtaszek won three straight matches to reach the medal rounds. He finished seventh via forfeit. He will enter his senior season with an 84-27 record.
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160 - Brett Donner, So., Wall
Donner captured his second District 23 titles, first Region VI title and finished third in the state with a program-record 40 wins during an outstanding sophomore season. Donner's only two losses came to Riverside's Christian Stackhouse, once during the Mustang Classic and again in the state quarterfinals. After falling 5-2 to Stackhouse, Donner ripped off four straight wins, including victories over Jackson Liberty's T.J. Liquori and Howell's Joey Schultz, to finish third. He defeated Bergen Catholic senior Jordan Pagano 5-4 in the third-place bout. Donner also helped Wall win the Central Jersey Group II title for its first sectional title in program history. He is Wall's first state medalist since 2010 and highest place-winner since 2007. Donner's final record for 2014 came in at 40-2, giving the two-time state qualifier a 74-6 mark heading into his junior season.
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170 - Dean Sherry, Jr., Brick
Sherry had a breakout season for the Group III finalist Dragons, going 37-2 and capturing his first Region VI title. Sherry entered the individual postseason undefeated, and won the District 23 title by defeating Wall's Matt McKenzie and the Region VI title with a win over Toms River South's Antrez Clagon. Sherry finished one win away from a state medal, falling 6-4 in overtime to Phillipsburg's Jake Kocsis, the fourth-place finisher. His other loss came in the pre-quarterfinals to Franklin's Mike Fagg-Daves, who finished fifth. Sherry was 2-0 against Southern's Gerardo Jorge, who finished eighth, including an 8-1 decision in the region semifinals. He finished 2014 with a 37-2 record and will enter his senior season with a 73-19 mark.
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182 - Nick Costa, Sr., Brick Memorial
A bonus-point machine for the Mustangs, Costa closed his career by finishing fifth in the state for his second top-eight medal. He reached the semifinals before being defeated by major decision by Brearley/Dayton senior Joey Balboni. Costa won the fifth-place bout via forfeit. Costa won his third District 23 title and took home his first Region VI title, winning by fall in each final. He collected his 100th career win during the state pre-quarterfinals with a 6-3 decision over Ridge's Cort Hotz. He finished the season 30-3 and capped his career with a 102-30 record.
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195 - Mike Oxley, Sr., Christian Brothers Academy
In his second state tournament appearance, Oxley navigated a loaded 195-pound field to finish fifth in New Jersey. He won his second District 22 title by defeating Keansburg junior Tyree Sutton in double overtime, then became just the second Colt to win two Region VI titles when he edged Jackson Memorial senior Ken Bradley in double overtime. Oxley went 2-0 versus both Sutton and Bradley this season. Oxley reached the state semifinals before falling 3-2 to Franklin's Ralph Normandia. He defeated Sutton 2-1 to place fifth. Oxley finished the season 39-4 and ended his career with an 84-15 record.
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220 - Tyler Poling, Sr., Brick Memorial
Poling won his second District 23 championship, first Region VI title and finished sixth in the state at 220 pounds. He pinned Southern's Jesse Bauta in the region final. Poling topped Parsippany Hills' Steven Hill 4-1 to secure his first state medal, then edged Moorestown's Tyreek Smith, 3-2, to clinch a top-six finish. Two of his three tournament losses came to Hopewell Valley's Mike Markulec, who won by major decision in the fifth-place bout. Poling also fell to third-place finisher Justin Walker of Wayne Valley. He went 25-7 as a senior and finished his career with a 71-33 record.
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Hwt - Pat Toal, Sr., Raritan
Toal suffered a crushing, last-second defeat at the hands of Howell's Kyle Cocozza in the Region VI final, but rebounded to go 6-2 in the state tournament to place fifth and become Raritan's first state medalist since 2011. Toal wrestled the maximum eight bouts in the state tournament. He lost to Bound Brook's Michael Johnson in the pre-quarterfinals before winning four straight bouts to clinch a top-six finish. He was defeated by St. Joseph (Montvale) senior Kevin Wilkins, 1-0, in the wrestleback semifinals, and defeated Warren Hills' junior Andrew Pacheco, 4-3, to take third. Along the way he defeated Hanover Park's Nick LaShell and pinned St. Peter's Prep's Armond Cox. Toal also won his first District 22 title. He finished the season 36-4 and was 78-26 for his career. He is committed to play football at Old Dominion.
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SECOND TEAM
106 - Gianni Ghione, Fr., Brick Memorial
Went 27-8 in his first varsity season and captured the Region VI title with a 5-3 overtime win over CBA's Sebastian Rivera. Place second in the District 23 tournament and advanced to the third round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament, one win from a top-eight medal.
113 - Nick DePierro, Sr., Freehold Township
Finished sixth in the state and posted a 39-7 record. Second in Region VI to Toms River South's Owen McClave and first in District 21. Freehold Township's all-time wins leader with 127.
120 - Max Rallo, Sr., Ocean
First in District 22 and second in Region VI while finishing with a 34-6 record. Reached the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament.
126 - Ryan Budzek, Sr., Point Boro
Captured the District 23 title and won his second Region VI title. Finished one win short of a state medal, falling to Colts Neck's Nick Ottaviano in the third round of wrestlebacks. Went 27-3 this season and finished his career with 111 victories.
132 - Marcus Iwama, Jr., Rumson-Fair Haven
Won his first Region VI title to become the Bulldogs first region champ since 2003 and third in program history. Also won the District 22 title and reached the third round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament. Finished the season 31-4 and has 96 career victories.
138 - Joe Ghione, Sr., Brick Memorial
A two-time state medalist and two-time region champ, Ghione had an injury-plagued senior season that limited him to just 17 bouts. He won the District 23 title and finished second in Region VI. Finished one win short of a third state medal because of an injury default in the third round of wrestlebacks. Finished with 119 career wins. Will continue his career at Lock Haven University.
145 - Alec Donovan, Jr., Brick Memorial
Secured his first state medal by finishing seventh. Two of his three losses came to Southern's Zach Wilhelm with the other coming to state finalist Ryan Burkert of St. Peter's Prep. Won a District 23 title and finished second in Region VI. Finished the season 30-3 and has 90 career victories.
152 - Nick Racanelli, Sr., Southern
Placed first in District 24 and won his first Region VI title while advancing to the third round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament. Finished with a 31-4 record for the Group IV finalists Rams.
160 - Joey Schultz, Sr., Howell
Went 36-5 while spending most of the season at 170 pounds. Placed first in District 21 and second in Region VI. Reached the state semifinals where he lost to eventual state champion Jonathan Schleifer of East Brunswick, and finished sixth for his first state medal. Concluded his career with 117 career victories.
170 - Antrez Clagon, Jr., Toms River South
Won the District 24 title and finished second in the Region VI Tournament. Advanced to the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament and finished the season with a a 36-5 record.
182 - Chad Freshnock, So., Middletown North
Finished second in District 22 and second in the Region VI Tournament. Pinned District 22 champ Kyle Lynch in the region semifinals. Reached the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament and finished the season 37-7. Will enter his junior season with 70 career wins.
195 - Tyree Sutton, Jr., Keansburg
Finished sixth in the state to secure the first state medal in program history for the Titans. Was second in District 22 and third in Region VI to become just the second state qualifier in program history. Lost 3-1 in the state semifinals to the eventual state champion, Montgomery's Anthony Cassar. Finished the season 37-6.
220 - Shawn McCord, Sr., Red Bank Catholic
Set the program's single season (34) and career (93) wins marks this season while placing seventh in the state tournament for the Caseys' first state medalist since 1979. Won his first District 22 title and placed third in the Region VI Tournament. Is committed to St. Francis (Pa.) to play football.
Hwt - Kyle Cocozza, Sr., Howell
Won his first District 21 and Region VI titles, the latter of which came on a takedown at the buzzer to defeat Raritan's Pat Toal. Reached the third round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament and finished with a 35-6 record.
THIRD TEAM
106 - Fred Terranova, Jr., Jackson Memorial
Finished 33-6 and won the District 21 title. Placed third in Region VI and advanced to the first round on wrestlebacks in the state tournament.
113 - Denzel Tovar, Jr., Wall
Went 28-6 and finished first in District 21 and third in Region VI. Advanced to the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament.
120 - Dan Nobbs, Jr., Point Boro
Won the District 23 title and placed third in Region VI. Reached the first round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament where he had to default because of injury. Finished the season 23-2.
126 - Brandon Murray, Sr., Toms River South
Won the District 24 title and placed third in the Region VI Tournament. Advanced to the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament, and finished with a 36-8 record.
132 - Bryan Brown, Sr., Southern
Won the District 24 title and placed third in the Region VI Tournament. Reached the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament to finish with a 24-9 record.
138 - Thomas Poklikuha, Jr., Pinelands
Finished second in District 24 and third in Region VI to become Pinelands' first state qualifier since 2002. Advanced to the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament and finished with a 36-4 record. He has 85 wins entering his senior season.
145 - Romello Union, Sr., Neptune
Placed third in District 23 and third in Region VI to reach the state tournament, where he reached the first round of wrestlebacks. Finished the season with a 29-10 record.
152 - Terrence Davis, Sr., St. John Vianney
Won the District 21 title and became the Lancers' first region finalist and state qualifier since 2004. He finished second to Southern's Nick Racanelli. Reached the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament and finished the season with a 31-8 record and 114 career victories.
160 - T.J. Liquori, Sr., Jackson Liberty
Qualified for the state tournament for the first time and finished eighth in New Jersey. Was second in District 21 and third in Region VI, compiling a 35-6 record and finishing his career with 117 victories.
170 - Gerardo Jorge, Sr., Southern
Finished eighth in the state on the strength of three one-point victories, including two in double overtime in the championship bracket to reach the quarterfinals. Was second in District 24 and third in Region VI. Finished the season with a 31-10 record.
182 - Kyle Lynch, Sr., Raritan
Was the District 22 champion and placed third in the Region VI Tournament. Reached the first round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament, and finished the season with a 38-3 record.
195 - Ken Bradley, Sr., Jackson Memorial
Captured the District 21 title and finished second in the Region VI Tournament. Advanced to the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament to finish the season with a 34-4 record.
220 - Jesse Bauta, Sr., Southern
Won the District 24 title and took second in the Region VI Tournament. Reached the second round of wrestlebacks in the state tournament to finish with a 30-9 record.
Hwt - Nick Rivera, Fr., Brick Memorial
Won the District 23 title and placed third in the Region VI Tournament to qualify for the state tournament as a freshman. He was the only freshman or sophomore to qualify for the state tournament at heavyweight. Finished the season with a 19-7 record.
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