Wrestling — 2014-2015 Preview: Class A South

“A South”.It has a certain ring to it in the wrestling community. The crown jewel of the Shore Conference and likely New Jersey’s toughest division is loaded yet again in 2015 with four of its eight teams ranked in the state top 20 and five teams ranked in the Shore Sports Network Preseason Top 10.

Southern won its seventh division title and first since 2005 last season en route to reaching the Group IV final and finishing No. 1 in the Shore. The Rams took a hit via graduation, but as usual with Southern, it will be among the top teams in the state and a contender for a state championship.

Brick Memorial brings back 10 starters, including eight district medalists and three state qualifiers, and will also be in the mix for the Group V title. Jackson Memorial also returns 10 starters and has plenty of balance as it tries to end a two-year sectional title drought. Brick has a great group of upperweights led by region champion Dean Sherry and looks ready to join the race for the division title. Toms River South returns most of its lineup and will also be a factor, and Toms River North returns all its major pieces as the program continues its rise back to prominence. It’s highly possible A South will have six teams ranked in the top 10 at some point this season. Winning this division is more difficult than winning most state sectional brackets.

Teams listed in alphabetical order

Brick Memorial

Head coach: Mike Denver, second season

2013-2014 record: 15-3 (6-1, second place A South)

Returning starters: Gianni Ghione (So., 113), Luis Bocalman (Sr., 12), Luke Vescovi (Jr., 132), Jose Bocalman (Sr., 138), Anthony Mitchel (Jr., 145), Alec Donovan (Sr., 152), Rob Ruggiero (Sr., 160), Cliff Ruggiero (Sr., 170), Connor Owen (Sr., 182), Nick Rivera (So., Hwt).

Key losses: Joe Ghione, Nick Costa, Tyler Poling.

Newcomers: Matt Wardlaw (Fr., 106), Chris Richardson (So., 120).

A strong and balanced lineup that features 10 returning starters and includes eight district medalists and three state qualifiers will look to lead Brick Memorial back to championship status in 2015.

Despite graduating two state place winners from last season plus a prior two-time state medalist, Brick Memorial has plenty of returning talent and will again be among the top teams in New Jersey. The lower half of the lineup has the roster’s only two new varsity members with freshman Matt Wardlaw at 106 pounds and sophomore Chris Richardson at 120. In between is sophomore Gianni Ghione, was outstanding as a freshman in winning the Region VI title at 106 pounds. Senior Luis Bocalman (16-12) is at 126 and junior Luke Vescovi (16-11) is at 132. Vescovi was second in District 23 at 113 pounds last season. Region qualifier Jose Bocalman (16-17) is at 138 and junior Anthony Mitchel is at 145 coming off a 17-9 season and a trip to the region tournament.

The Mustangs’ group of upperweights begin with a bang. Senior Alec Donovan, who was seventh in New Jersey at 145 pounds last season, is at 152, followed by twins Rob (23-6) and Cliff Ruggiero (16-9) at 160 and 170 pounds, respectively. Both were district runners-up last season. Senior Connor Owen was a 15-match winner last year and returns as a starter at 182 pounds. Seniors Bob Mitler and Kyle Poling step into starting roles at 195 and 220. At heavyweight is sophomore Nick Rivera, who was outstanding as a freshman in going 19-7, winning the District 23 title and being the only freshman or sophomore heavyweight to reach the state tournament. He will be among New Jersey’s best heavyweights this season and gives Brick Memorial a huge advantage on most teams up.

The schedule is brutal as always, but the pieces are there for Brick Memorial to be in contention for everything from the A South title all the way to the Group V title.

Brick

Head coach: Matt Opacity, 12th season

2013-2014 record: 19-6 (4-3, fourth place A South)

Returning starters: Kyle Marino (Sr., 113), Thomas Wright (Sr., 126), Anthony Costanza (So., 132), Jack McLafferty (So., 138), Nick Pollara (Sr., 152), Will Scott (Sr., 160), Kyle Wojtaszek (Sr., 170), Dean Sherry (Sr., 182), Ray Fattaruso (Sr., 195), Jack Jachim (Jr., 220), Kelvin Tomasello (Jr., Hwt).

Key losses: Dan Rackliffe, Connor Mulligan, Ryan Jachim.

Newcomers: Joe Ferigne (Fr., 106), Frank Savannah (Fr., 106), Richard Cosgrove (Fr., 120), Dean Helstowski (So., 182 - transfer from St. Peter’s Prep).

One year after advancing to the first Group III final in program history, Brick has 11 starters back and a potentially devastating group of upperweights as it looks to join the race for the A South title.

The Dragons were fourth in A South last year but won a sectional title and reached the Group III final to finish as a top 20 team in New Jersey - a testament to the division’s depth. They begin 2015 as one of the aforementioned state-ranked teams behind a group featuring nine double-digit match winners and fifth region qualifiers.

The top half of Brick’s lineup is no doubt its strength. Senior Nick Pollara is at 152 after going 21-9 last season and is followed by senior Will Scott at 160. Scott was 31-6 and second in District 23 at 145 as a junior. Next up at 170 is senior Kyle Wojtaszek, who finished seventh in  New Jersey at 152 last season. Senior Dean Sherry is a returning region champion after taking the 170-pound title and going 37-2 last season. Senior Ray Fattaruso re-joined the team toward the end of the season and was a big factor in going 12-2 and reaching the Region VI Tournament. He’ll begin the season at 195 pounds. Juniors Jack Jachim (220) and Kelvin Tomasello (Hwt) look to build on varsity experience from a season ago. Further bolstering the group is sophomore Dean Helstowski, who transferred in from St. Peter’s Prep during the fall. Helstowski was 8-5 last season behind standout Christian Collucci on a top-five team in the state, so his impact could be substantial. It’s an imposing group for sure.

Senior Thomas Wright and sophomore Jack McLafferty are the returning wins leaders among the lower weights after each posted 18 last season. Wright, a region qualifier, is at 126 and McLafferty is at 138. Senior Kyle Marino (12-9) is at 113 and sophomore Anthony Costanza is at 132. Junior Billy Breen looks to take over as the starting 106-pounder after going 6-0 as a freshman, and freshman Richard Cosgrove is the starter at 120 pounds. At 145 is sophomore Nick Wojtaszek.

Brick has a great feeder program, so it wouldn’t be out of the question for the freshman to make an immediate impact. If that can happen, Brick can make a serious run at its first A South title. The Dragon are now in Central Jersey Group IV, and will contend with Jackson Memorial for the sectional crown.

Jackson Memorial

Head coach: Aaron Gottesman, fourth season

2013-2014 record: 19-4

Returning starters: Mike Spino (Jr., 113), Fred Terranova (Sr., 120/126), Tim Hamann (So., 138), Hunter Reese (Sr., 145), Sean Leahey (Sr., 152), Jarret DiGiantomasso (Sr., 152/160), Connor Bohringer (Sr., 182), Austin Ostrander (Jr., 220), Brody Graham (Sr., Hwt).

Key losses: Ken Bradley, Austin Clarke, Zack Baker.

Newcomers: Jared Mullen (Jr., 106), Ryan Bohringer (Fr., 126), Chris Mondello (Jr., Hwt).

A balanced lineup featuring two 30-match winners and three other 20-match winners lead a Jaguars team that will once again be a championship contender.

Jackson has been on an insane run over the last 10 years with six sectional titles and four group championships, including being the No. 1 team in the state in both 2006 and 2007. The Jaguars have done it with balance, but also with its fair share of hammers. The Jaguars went 19-4 last season and were a top 15 team in New Jersey, but went without an individual state medalist for the first time since 2004. They’re getting it done with grit and toughness up and down the lineup, and remain as dangerous as ever.

Senior Fred Terranova leads the group of lowerweights after going 33-6 and reaching the state tournament at 106 pounds last season. He’ll jump up two weight classes to 120 this season. Junior Mike Spino at 113, sophomore Tim  Hamann at 138 and senior Hunter Reese at 145 all return as starters after each posted at least 17 wins last season. Sophomore Matt McGowan at 106 and junior Mike Christie at 132/138 could be in line for breakout seasons after having success in limited varsity action last season. Freshman Ryan Bohringer is slotted in at 126 pounds and will see time when Terranova stays at 120.

Jackson has four wrestlers that won at least 23 matches last season to lead a strong group of upperweights. The stretch starts at 152 with senior Sean Leahey (23-12) and senior Jarret DiGiantomasso (26-9) at 160. Both were region qualifiers last season. Senior Connor Bohringer was 33-3 last season and fourth in regions at 182 pounds and returns in the same spot. Senior Brody Graham was 27-9 and a region qualifier at heavyweight last season and will be one of the Shore Conference’s top big men this year. Adding depth and experience to the group are junior Kyle Johnson at 160, sophomore Tanner Kelly at 170, junior Adante Davis at 195 and junior Austin Ostrander (16 wins) at 220.

Jackson has some marquee matches set outside of the division, so its schedule is again very tough. The road to the division title will be grueling as it is for the other challengers and road to the Central Jersey Group IV title, although easier minus Brick Memorial and Howell, is no picnic with Brick in the section. Still, this is a Jackson team that will be there from start to finish as it chases division, conference and state titles.

Lacey

Head coach: Tom Pfister, 10th season

2013-2014 record: 6-18 (0-7, eighth place A South)

Returning starters: Anthony Datello (Jr., 113/120), Sam Moynihan (Jr., 132), Connor Garrity (Sr., 138), Dante Soto (Jr., 145), Matt Garrity (So., 152), Kyle Brandt (Sr., 160), Troy Dittenhoffer (Jr., 195), Ray DiBenedetto (Sr., Hwt).

Key losses: Nick Vecci, Andrew Garrity.

Newcomers: Tim Downs (Fr., 106), Luke Gauthier (Fr., 106/113), Luke Moynihan (Fr., 113/120), Kevin Tranz (Sr., 126), Tristan Stiffler (Fr., 126), Evan Cyphers (Fr., 132), Eric Luna (Fr., 195/220).

The Lions return a pair of district medalists, including 30-match winner Connor Garrity, as they try to climb out of the A South basement.

Garrity is the top returner after going 31-5 and placing third in District 24 at 138 pounds. He is back at 138 pounds as a senior. Fellow senior Kyle Brandt went 24-11 last season and placed third in districts at 152 and will jump up one weight class to 160 pounds. Lacey also has sophomore Matt Garrity (21-6) at 152 pounds and junior Sam Moynihan (19-15) at 132 pounds to round out its top returners. Other returning starters who should benefit from varsity acton last season are junior Anthony Datello at 113/120 pounds, junior Dante Soto at 145, junior Troy Dittenhoffer at 195 and senior Ray DiBenedetto at heavyweight.

The Lions also have six freshmen ready to jump into the fray and make in impact. Tim Downs is at 106 and Luke Gauthier will split time between 106 and 113. Luke Moynihan will jump between 113 and 120 pounds, and Tristan Stiffler will be at 126 pounds. Evan Cyphers backs up Sam Moynihan at 132 and Eric Luna looks to be the starting 220-pounder.

Realistically, competing for the division title is out of the question for Lacey, but wrestling a brutal schedule has its benefits with a handful of wrestlers that can make some noise in the individual postseason getting quality matches every week.

Southern

Head coach: John Stout, 14th season

2013-2014 record: 20-1 (7-0, first place A South)

Returning starters: Frank Amiano (Sr., 113), Chris Crane (Sr., 120), James Knoeller (Sr., 132), Matt Wilhelm (Sr., 160),Joe Toci (Jr., 170), Peyton Blauvelt (Jr.,. 182), Pat Ferraro (Sr., 195).

Key losses: Andrew Tonneson, Bryan Brown, Zach Wilhelm, Nick Racanelli, Gerardo Jorge, Jesse Bauta.

Newcomers: Chris Lawson (Jr., 106), Owen Kretschmer (Fr., 106), Matt Barnett (Fr., 113), Mike Racanelli (Jr., 138), Tedy Caporino (Jr, 138), Nick Suriano (So., 170), Connor Skully (Jr, 195).

Losing six starters that combined for 195 wins, six district medals, five region medals and two state medals would be crippling for most programs the year after. Southern is not most programs, however. Year in and year out, Southern manages to remain among the top programs in the state thanks to a great feeder program and relentless style.

Even with a heavy hit from graduation, the cupboard is far from bare in Manahawkin. Five district medalists return, led by region champion Matt Wilhelm, as Southern looks to defend its division, district and sectional championships. Depth is a huge strength of Southern’s program, so wrestlers that had little impact a season ago routinely burst onto the scene with big year, so there’s an expectation that will happen again. Down low, the Rams bring back senior Frank Amiano (18-12) at 113, senior Chris Crane (27-5) at 120 and senior James Knoeller (30-6) at 132. Crane was the District 24 120-pound champion last season and Knoeller just missed out on a trip to Atlantic City with a fourth-place region finish. Juniors Gianni Bennet (5-2) and Pat Mooney (6-2) will get there chance as starters at 126 and 145 pounds, respectively. Newcomers Chris Lawson (Jr., 106), Owen Kretschmer (Fr., 106), Matt Barnett (Fr., 113), Mike Racanelli (Jr., 138) and Teddy Caporino (Jr., 138) round out what should be a tough first seven weights for the Rams.

In the upper half of the lineup, sophomore Sean Bowker steps into a starting role at 152 pounds after going 8-3 in limited action as a freshman. Wilhelm (29-5), the District 24 and Region VI champ at 138 pounds last season, is up at 160 and will be in the hunt for a spot on the medal stand in Atlantic City. Junior Joe Toci (11-8) gets a starting role at 170 with junior Peyton Blauvelt (14-10, second place District 24 at 160) up two spots at 182 pounds. Senior Pat Ferraro returns as the starting 195-pounder after going 18-12 and taking second in districts. Sophomore Nick Suriano is also in the mix at 170 pounds and j junior Connor Skully is also at 195. Sophomore Josh Bento is the starting heavyweight after seeing action in 14 bouts last season.

The schedule is of course tough for Southern, but at this point the Rams have earned the benefit of the doubt they’ll be right there at the end of the season competing for division, conference, district, sectional and group championships.

Toms River East

Head coach: Warren Reid, 36th season

2013-2014 record: 7-21 (1-6, seventh place A South)

Returning starters: Yoseph Borai (Sr., 120), Tyler Machnik (Jr., 132), Nick D’Arcy (Sr., 138), Eric Socks (Sr., 15), Justin Hertler (Jr., 182), Jake Dallago (Jr., 195), Edgar Serrano (Jr., Hwt).

Key losses: Alex Austin, Joe Dietrich.

Newcomers: Joseph Cevallos (So., 145), A.J. Meyers (So., 152), Bradley Correia (Jr., 170), Antonio Colvin-Martinez (Sr., 170), Anthony Amoresano (Sr., 220), Brandon Austin (Fr., Hwt).

Senior 120-pounder Yoseph Borai leads a Toms River East team looking to get back into contention under longtime head coach Warren Reid.

Borai was 28-13 last season with a third-place finish at at 113 pounds in District 24. He moves up one spot to 120 this season and will anchor the lower half of the Raiders’ lineup. Junior Tyler Machnik is the other top returner down low after winning 17 matches last season. Several other starters should benefit from varsity time a season ago, like senior Jordan Mitchell at 113, senior Nick D’Arcy at 148 and senior Eric Socks at 145. Sophomores Nick Wielichoski and Dante Rotella step into starting roles at 106 and 126 pounds, respectively.

The upper half of the lineup is light on experience with just one senior with varsity matches under his belt. Junior 182-pounder Justin Hertler is the returning wins leader of the group with 12. Junior Jake Dallago wrestled in 32 matches last season and will be at 195 pounds looking to improve his win total. Junior Mike Moores is at 152 with either senior John Hrabar or junior Joseph Casella at 160. Newcomers Bradley Correia, a junior, and Antonio Colvin-Martinez, a senior, will battle for the starting 170-pound slot. Junior Rahmel Dyer and senior Anthony Amoresano are at 220 and junior Edgar Serrano and freshman Brandon Austin are the heavyweights.

Outside of Borai and Machnik, the Raiders don’t have any other returning starters that had winning records last year, so the rebuilding process is still ongoing. But after fielding a very young squad last season, the hope is the Raiders can be more competitive in A South and push individuals deeper into the postseason tournaments.

Toms River North

Head coach: Bill Wilbert, sixth season

2013-2014 record: 17-10 (2-5, sixth place A South)

Returning starters: Shawn Kurinzi (So., 106), Ricky Diaz (Sr., 113), Walter Orellana (Sr., 120), Pat O’Donnell (So., 132), Vinny Fichera (Sr., 138), Ryan O’Donnell (Sr., 145), Anthony Concepcion (Sr., 152), Mike DeGenarro (So., 160), Dylan DaSilva (Sr., 170), Tyler MacLaine (Sr., 192), Alex Scherer (Sr., 195, Franco Galasso (So., 195), Mike Siwiec (Sr., 220), Andres Espinosa (Sr., Hwt).

Key losses: none

Newcomers: Eddie Hernandez (Fr., 106), Jake Matus (So., 106), Carlos Rohe (Fr., 120), Mike Johns (So., 126), Joe Orgo (Jr., 132), Joe Antinozzi (Sr., 160).

After a few down seasons, it appears Toms River North is ready to jump back into the fray as a top 10 team with a balanced lineup and several standout individuals.

The Mariners return essentially their entire lineup from last season’s squad that went 17-10 and reached the South Jersey Group IV semifinals, including six district medalists and nine wrestlers that won double-digit matches. The bottom half of the lineup features a solid three weight stretch from 132 to 145 with sophomore Pat O’Donnell (21-14, second place District 24), senior Vinny Fichera (24-11, third place District 24) and senior Ryan O’Donnell (26-10) all returning. At 106 pounds is sophomore Shawn Kurinzi, who wast just 8-12 as a freshman in a very tough weight class but still finished third at districts. Senior Ricky Diaz is at 113 after 20-8 season, and senior Walter Orellana (12-6) is at 120.

North also has some hammers up top in seniors Dylan DaSilva, Tyler MacLaine and Mike Siwiec, along with 19-match winner Alex Scherer. DaSilva was 34-6 and took second in districts at 152 pounds last season and moves up to 170 for this season. MacLaine was 28-9 and the District 24 champ at 182 pounds, and returns in that same spot. Siwiec was 32-5 with a second-place finish at districts and a fourth-place region finish, and should be among the top 220-pounders in the Shore this season. Seniors Anthony Concepcion and Anthony Berardi will be at 152 pounds while either senior Joe Antinozzi or sophomore Mike DeGenarro will start at 160. After DaSilva and MacLaine is Scherer at 195. The heavyweight is senior Andres Espinosa.

The gauntlet of A South and the South Jersey Group V section (Southern, Howell, Brick Memorial) will be tough for the Mariners to crack, but this is a balanced team with plenty of firepower that should be among the Shore’s best this season, and its individuals could be in for big postseasons come February.

Toms River South

Head coach: Ron Laycock, 18th season

2013-2014 record: 17-9 (3-4, fifth place A South)

Returning starters: Zack Martin  (So., 113/120), Owen McClave (Jr., 120/126), James Olivera (Sr., 132), Antrez Clagon (Sr., 160/170), Joe Salvato (Sr., 170/182), Quinten DeCarlo (Sr., 182/195), James Kearney (Sr., Hwt).

Key losses: Brandon Murray, Richie Gonzalez.

Newcomers: Nick Gallichio (Fr., 113/120), Cole Corrigan (Fr., 126/132), Conor Panzarella (Fr., 138/145), Marquis Alexander (Jr., 170), Colin DeRome (Jr., 195), Chris Madigan (Fr., 195/220).

Two years after winning the program’s first sectional title, Toms River South is back as a championship contender with five district medalists and two state qualifiers.

Junior Owen McClave, the 2014 Region VI 113-pound champion, leads the way for an Indians team that is yet another championship contender from A South. McClave was 38-3 last season and finished one win away from a medal in the state tournament. He has 77 wins in his first two seasons and will be one of New Jersey’s best at whichever weight he settles into, 120 or 126. He and sophomore Zack Martin, who won 28 matches and finished second at 106 pounds in District 24, anchor the lower half of the lineup that also returns starters James Olivera (Sr., 132) and Francesco LoScrudato (Jr., 145/152). Freshman Cole Corrigan was a standout middle school wrestler and should make an immediate impact at either 126 or 132 pounds. Freshmen Nick Gallichio at 113 or 120 and Conor Panzarella at 138 or 145, plus sophomore Dylan Parks at 132 or 138.

A quartet of seniors who combined for 118 wins and three district medals lead the way in the upper half of the lineup. Antrez Clagon is coming off a 36-5 season in which he won the District 24 title at 170 pounds and finished second at regions. He’ll be at either 160 or 170 this season with junior Marquis Alexander also in the mix at 170. Joe Salvato was 26-4 last season and a district champ, and finished fourth at regions at 160 pounds. He will be up at either 170 or 182 pounds. Senior Quentin DeCarlo is coming off a 26-10 season and is slotted at 182/195 pounds, and senior James Kearney was a district runner-up at heavyweight with a 30-9 record. The upper weights also get a boost from the return of senior Mike Rutter, who missed last season but won 17 matches as a sophomore. He’ll be at 220 and heavyweight to give the Indians even more depth. Junior Ajhaun Johnson (152/160), junior Colin DeRome (195) and freshman Chris Madigan round out a very good group.

The Indians have a hole at 106 right now, so that will need to be settled if they want to be there in the end competing for championships, but there’s not doubt the talent and experience present for Toms River South can carry it to lofty heights in 2015. And with McClave, Clagon, Salvato and co., the Indians could have several individuals make deep postseason runs.