Class A North

Teams: Christian Brothers Academy, Colts Neck, Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan, Marlboro, Middletown North, Middletown South.

Defending champion: Howell

(Teams listed in alphabetical order)

Christian Brothers Academy

Head coach: Russ Witt, third season (34-11)

Coaching staff: Andrew Skove, Jimmy Speidel, Mike Baldi, Dave Santamaria (volunteer).

District: 22

Section: Non-Public A

2012-2013 record: 15-5

Team accomplishments: NJSIAA Non-Public South A sectional champs, 5th place District 22, Class A North division runner-up, 10th place Walter Woods Tournament, 7th place CBA Colt Classic.

Varsity returners: Sebastian Rivera, So., 106/113; Carl Vasti, So., 106/113; Dylan Van Sickell, So., 126; Erik Beshada, Sr., 132/138; Christian Casselli, Sr., 138/145; Tyler Mabry, Sr., 138/145; Ben Kuhn, So., 152; Chris Koutzen, So., 160; Jack LaCorte, So., 170; Will Oxley, So., 182; Michael Oxley, Sr., 195; Alex Petrocelli, Jr., 220/Hwt.

Newcomers: Liam Gallagher, Jr., 120;  Austin Cannon, Fr., 145; Billy Groesbeck, So., 220/Hwt.

Season outlook: The Colts return nine wrestlers who won at least 10 matches last season, led by senior Mike Oxley, the defending Region VI 195-pound champion, who went 34-5 while also winning a District 22 title. Senior Erik Beshada, a three-time district champion, and senior Christian Caselli, a three-time district finalist, anchor the lower weights along with sophomores Carl Vasti (14-10, district runner-up) and Dylan Van Sickell (17-7). Sophomores Ben Kuhn, Jack LaCorte and Will Oxley, and junior Alex Petrocelli all eclipsed 10 wins last season, but would like to get to the right side of .500 to give the Colts a strong group of upperweights. Freshman Austin Cannon is one to watch after winning an intermediate school state championship last season. He is slated to wrestle at 145 pounds. With a couple of hammers in Oxley and Beshada (91 career wins), and experience throughout the lineup, the Colts have the potential to be a top-10 team in the conference throughout the season and appear to be Howell’s primary challenger to the division title.

 

Colts Neck

Head coach: Brett Jankos, second season (8-17)

Coaching staff: Jason Barch, Jimmy Somma

District: 21

Section: Central Jersey Group III

2012-2013 record: 8-17

Team accomplishments: Sixth place District 21, 8th place A North, 5th place Buc Classic, 5th place Haddon Township Tournament, 13th place TCNJ Pride Tournament.

Varsity returners: Andrew Ciccone, Jr.; 113; Dane Bogartz, Jr., 113; Nick Ottaviano, Sr., 120; Austin Maltez, Sr., 126; Dylan Campbell, Sr., 138/145; Ian Pearson, So., 138/145; Will Hoffbauer, Sr., 170; Pat McAteer, So., 182; Fred Womack, Jr., 220; Joe Machu, So., Hwt.

Newcomers: Dominic Esposito, Fr., 106; Ben Sammarco, Fr., 113; Gavin McDonnell, Fr., 120; Brennan Allmers, So., 120; Nick Cilea, Fr., 120; Brandon Russo, Sr., 126; Alberto Rodriguez, Fr., 126; Rob Robisky, Jr., 132; Matt McAteer, Fr., 138/145; Jake Flores, Jr., 152; Steve Barsky, Fr., 152; Joe Giacalone, Fr., 160; Vinny Gargiulo, Fr., 182; Ligouri Frankhauser, Fr., 195.

Season outlook: Senior 120-pounder Nick Ottaviano (78 career wins) leads the Cougars’ returning cast after going 31-6 and winning a district championship last season. He anchors the bottom of the lineup with junior Andrew Ciccone (17-15) and senior Dylan Campbell (22-13). Senior Austin Maltez is a double-digit match winner and will slot in at 113, giving Colts Neck some solid options down low along. Senior Will Hoffbauer, sophomore Pat McAteer, junior Fred Womack and sophomore Joe Machu give the Cougars experience in the upper weights, and if they can move their records over .500 it will give Colts Neck some length to its lineup. Hoffbauer and McAteer are out indefinitely to start the season, however, and Ryan Carl, a district medalist in 2011 who was injured for most of last season, is out for the year with another injury. The Cougars are a young team which will take some lumps this season, but have a strong group of freshman to build around.

 

Freehold Township

Head coach: Mike Gaeta, first season (0-0).

Coaching staff: Walter Bayne, George Herbert

District: 21

Section: Central Jersey Group IV

2012-2013 record: 11-14

Team accomplishments: Ninth place District 21, 6th place A-North, 2nd place Kinnelon Tournament, 11th place Walter Woods Tournament, 11th place TCNJ Pride Tournament.

Varsity returners: Nick DePierro, Sr.,120; Nino Gagliano, Jr., 138; Kevin Patten, Jr., 145, Connor Heinzman, Sr., 145, Ken Carrier, Sr., 145; Darius Thomas, Sr., 160; Mike Romano, Jr., 170; Justin Archinaco, Sr., 182; Jake Elias, Jr., 195; Ray Tobia, Sr., 220.

Newcomers: Vinny Fontana, Jr., 106; Mike Plaska, So., 113, Alec Archinaco, Jr., 132; Teddy Hadjimarkos, Sr., 152; Mike Beltrami, Sr., 170; Nick Mangini, So.

Season outlook: Mike Gaeta, a region champ and state medalist for Manalapan in 2003, takes over for Jack Withstandley at the helm of the Patriots after a three years as an assistant. He inherits a squad that is led by two-time district medalist Nick DePierro (88 career wins), who was third in Region VI at 113 pounds last season with a 39-9 record. He anchors a solid group of lower weights that includes junior Nino Gagliano (25-8 at 106) at 138 pounds and junior Kevin Patten (14-11 at 138) at 145 pounds. Seniors Connor Heinzman Ken Carrier each won over 10 matches last season and will see time in the middle of the lineup. The only significant loss to graduation among the upperweights was heavyweight Hunter Gellman (31-10). Junior Mike Romano (24-9 at 152) is the leader of the top half of the lineup at 170 pounds. The Patriots don’t have a 126-pounder or heavyweight slotted to start the season, and there is a lot of inexperience among the upperweights. Down low is where the Patriots will have to win matches. Freehold Township is usually a solid dual meet team against a solid schedule and since 2007 has had a pair of state medalists in Gene Accardi and Ken Brophy. Expect the same trajectory from DePierro, who reached the third round of wrestlebacks in Atlantic City last season.

 

Howell

Head coach: John Gagliano, 17th season (301-63)

Coaching staff: Todd Going, Chris Provow, Jason Brandl; Jason Eckloff, Rich Famularo, Mike Verrochi, Zac Cunliffe, Harry Turner (volunteers).

District: 21

Section: Central Jersey Group IV

2012-2013 record: 26-4

Team accomplishments: District 21 champions, Central Jersey Group IV finalists, Shore Conference Tournament semifinalists, Class A North champions, Rebel Classic Champions.

Varsity returners: Peter Dee, So., 106; Nick Ciaccia, So., 106; Mike Sisolak, Jr., 113; Jimmy Slendorn, Sr., 120; Anthony Piazza, Jr., 126; Anthony Gagliano, So., 126; Kris Lindemann, So., 132; Josue Pierre-Louis, Sr., 138; Jake Esposito, Jr., 138; Jack Rada, Sr., 145; David Nocks, Jr., 152; Anthony  Pozsonyi, Jr., 152; Mike Christie, Sr., 160; Joey Schultz, Sr., 170; Nick Lurski, Jr., 182; Stephen Boncimino, Sr., 195; Kyle Cocozza, Sr., 220; Nate Litowsky, Sr., Hwt.

Newcomers: Hunter Leyden, Jr., 132; Frank Leonardis, So., 152; Sean Reed, Jr., 160; Mark Reed, Jr., 160; Austin Silverstein, Jr., 170; Jack Kirk, So., 182; Sean Silverstein, Jr., 195; Ryan Demian, Jr., Hwt.

Season outlook: Howell lost a couple of key cogs with the graduation of region champ Ben Esposito and state medalist Ashanti Maurice, but as usual the Rebels are primed to reload and continue their run as one of the Shore Conference’s elite programs. Coach John Gagliano’s squad has 10 wrestlers returning that won at least 14 matches last year, including eight that eclipsed 20 victories. Seniors Jimmy Slendorn (27-14 at 106/113) and Jack Rada (21-9 at 138) will be at 120 and 145, respectively after winning district medals last season. Sophomore Kris Lindemann is the one to watch among the lower weights after a 28-2 season as a freshman. He missed the individual postseason with an injury, but was impressive against great competition until being sidelined. Juniors Mike Sisolak (14-5), Anthony Piazza (18-16) and Anthony Gagliano (21-7) give Howell and very strong lineup from 106 through 145. From 170 pounds and up, the Rebels will be too much to handle for most teams. Senior Joey Schultz is coming off a 35-9 season at 160 pounds in which he won a district title and placed second in the region tournament to advance to Atlantic City. Seniors Stephen Boncimino, district champ Kyle Cocozza and Nate Litowsky are arguably the best consecutive upperweight trio in the Shore, and if the Rebels decide to bump Schultz to 182 those four could decide a match. Schultz (81), Slendorn (78) and Litowsky (66) could all reach 100 career wins this season, as well. There are a few spots that will be manned by unproven wrestlers, but in a wrestling room as packed as Howell’s those wrestlers are usually ones that were simply waiting for their turn. The Rebels should be among the top teams in the state this season, and will be in contention for division, conference, district and sectional titles yet again.

 

Manalapan

Head coach: Scott Pressman, 7th season (160-89)

Coaching staff: Frank O’Shea, David Greenberg, Ed Redmond, Lee Vodofsky.

District: 21

Section: Central Jersey Group IV

2012-2013 record: 18-10

Team accomplishments: Second place District 21, 4th place Class A North, 3rd place Walter Woods Tournament, 5th place Neptune Classic.

Varsity returners: Joe Hamias, So., 113; Chris Baran, Sr., 132; Joe Santamarco, Jr., 138; Nick Macchio, Sr., 145; Grant Papln, Sr., 145; Jake Kaminsky, Jr., 152; Steve Chandler, Jr., 160; Anthony Benedetti, Sr., 182; Anthony Torrillo, Jr., 195; Ben Aquilina, Sr., 220.

Newcomers: Matt Mustillo, Fr., 106; Mike Goebel, Fr., 106; Mike Behar, Sr., 120; Ed Vergalasov, So., 126; Justin Obermeyer, Fr., 126; Ronny Ghaida, Fr., 132; Tyler Klecan, Jr., 138; Joe Thompson, So., 152; Vinny D’Angelo, Sr., 160; Bryan Dabreau, Jr., 170; Imamu Mayfield, Jr., 170; Peter William, Jr., Hwt.

Season outlook: The Braves said goodbye to a solid senior class that included seven double-digit match winners and featured district medalists Ed Chandler, Muhab Elgamal, Mike Aronson (2012) and Luke Becker, along with state third-place heavyweight Johnny Appice. Five region qualifiers return, though, to form the nucleus of a team that could make a run at the top 10 in the Shore Conference. The teeth of the lineup is in the middle with five straight double-digit winners from 132 through 160 with senior Chris Baran (15-10) at 132, junior Joe Santamarco (24-13, 3rd D-21) at 138, junior Jake Kaminsky (25-10, 2nd D-21) at 152 and junior Steve Chandler (24-10, 3rd D-21) at 160. Senior Nick Macchio missed all of last season but won 14 matches as a sophomore. Grant Paplin battled through injuries last season, as well, and was only able to wrestle 10 bouts. They are both back in the fold this season at 145 pounds. Seniors Anthony Benedetti (21-11, 2nd D-21) at 182 and Ben Aquilina (29-9, 3rd D-21) at 220 pounds anchor what is a very solid top half when Kaminsky and Chandler are factored in. Junior Imamu Mayfield, a running back on Manalapan’s 11-1 football team, could be a surprise at 170. The lower portion of the lineup is where Manalapan has the least experience, with sophomore Joe Hamias serving as the lone varsity returner. Freshmen Matt Mustillo and Mike Goebel at 106 and Justin Obermeyer at 126 will look to give that unit a spark.

 

Marlboro

Head coach: Will Werntz, 12th season

Coaching staff: William Terrell, Keith Masi

District: 21

Section: Central Jersey Group IV

2012-2013 record: 8-14

Team accomplishments: Fifth place District 21, 7th place Class A North, 4th place Hawk Classic, 6th place Colt Classic.

Varsity returners: Eric Delgado, So., 106/113; Shane Mullan, So., 113/120); Rob Gluck, Sr., 126/132; Dan Saraiva, Jr., 145/152; Pete Powell, Jr., 138/145; Jeff Goldrosen, Sr., 152/160; Altan Oren, Sr., 220/Hwt; Alex Schnitler, Jr., 220/Hwt.

Newcomers: Mike Doukas, Fr., 120/126, Mike DeFaria, Fr., 132/138; Ben Berman, Fr., 170/182; Kyle Carusso, Jr., 160/170; Rob Cromer, So., 182/195); Chris Owens, Fr., 195/220.

Season outlook: Five wrestlers who won at least 16 matches, including three district medalists in a strong middle portion of the lineup, return for the Mustangs. Juniors Pete Powell (24-6, 3rd D-21) and Dan Saraiva (23-7, 2nd D-21) will wrestle from 138 to 152 pounds with senior Jeff Goldrosen (19-11, 3rd D-21) at either 152 or 160. Sophomore’s Erik Delgado and Shane Mullan both started as freshman with Mullan posting a 16-14 record. Junior Alex Schnitler went 20-8 last season and will be available at both 220 and heavyweight. The Mustangs also have a pair of promising freshman in Mike DeFaria at 132/138 and Chris Owens at 195/220. DeFaria was an intermediate school state champion last season while Owens finished seventh. It’s always tough for a freshman to wrestle among the upperweights, but Owens has the potential to help offset the graduation of Dan Hwang, who was second in District 21 and fourth in Region VI at 195 pounds last season. Not only could they find individual success, but may help put Marlboro over the top and get the program back over .500.

 

Middletown North

Head coach: Matt Sirchio, 8th season (72-89)

Coaching staff: Joe Marotta, Matt Rosner; Tom Booth, Alex Dulin (volunteers).

District: 22

Section: Central Jersey Group III

2012-2013 record: 17-8

Team accomplishments: Sixth place District 22, 5th place Class A North, 7th place Walter Woods Tournament, 5th place Mount Olive Tournament.

Varsity returners: Eddie Walz, So., 106; Andrew Provenzano, Jr., 113; Jimmy Shopp, Sr., 120/126; Matt Oden, Sr., 120/126; Paul Capaldo, So., 138; T.J. Aleo, Jr., 152/160; Fred Svenson, Jr., 160; Anthony Vetrano, So., 170; Anthony Fabiano, Sr., 182; Chad Freshnock, So., 195.

Newcomers: Dwight Wilkerson, Fr., 132; Thomas Anderson, Fr., 152.

Season outlook: The Lions graduated a pair of 30-match winners in district medalist Tyler Wilton and heavyweight Amani Rodriguez, but have an exciting young nucleus to build around heading into head coach Matt Sirchio’s eighth season. Sophomores Anthony Vetrano (24-10) and Chad Freshnock (33-5, 3rd D-22) burst onto the scene last season in combining for 57 wins, and they’ll bookend senior Anthony Fabiano (27-9, and D-22) to form the heart of the Lions’ lineup from 170 to 195. Junior Andrew Provenzano (14-14) will be at 120, junior Paul Capaldo (18-7) is at 138 and junior Fred Svenson (15-15) is at 160, and continued improvement by all three will help lengthen Middletown North’s lineup. Sophomore Eddie Walz (106/113), junior T.J. Aleo, and seniors Matt Oden (145) and Jimmy Shopp (126) each wrestled in at least 18 matches last season to gain valuable experience they hope will lead to a turnaround in their records this season. Vetrano, Fabiano and Freshnock all have the ability to make deep postseason runs, and if the rest of an experienced lineup follows suit the Lions could be a surprise team. The teams’ first win will put Sirchio at the top of the program’s all-time coaching wins list, as he is currently tied with John Evans (1970-1976) at 72.

 

Middletown South

Head coach: Dan Ling, 1st season (0-0).

Coaching staff: Tom McGowan, Cullen Isenberg; Joe McGowan, Brian Stevens (volunteers).

District: 22

Section: Central Jersey Group III

2012-2013 record: 17-10

Team accomplishments: Third place District 22, 3rd place Class A North, 8th place Walter Woods Tournament, 3rd place TCNJ Pride Tournament.

Varsity returners: Dom Franciosi, Sr., 126; Garrett Rumsby, Sr., 145; Matt Best, Jr., 152; Kevin Fisher, Sr., 182/195; Trent Giglio, So., 182/195; Tayler Hendrickson, Sr., Hwt.

Newcomers: Noah Diodato, Fr., 106; Kyle Bandilla, So. 113; Eric Green, Fr., 120 ;Alex Asfar, So., 120; Louis Avena, So., 132; Nick Koehler, Jr., 138; Josh Bardell, Sr., 138; Jack Buchalski, Jr., 160; Rob Hulse, So., 160; Dylan Rogers, So., 220.

Season outlook: Dan Ling takes over as the Eagles’ head coach as the program goes for its seventh straight winning season. A good portion of the lineup was lost to graduation, including state qualifying heavyweight Trevor Finn and district champ Andrew Blasco, leaving Middletown South with several newcomers stepping into starting roles. The good news is that senior district champ Dom Franciosi (30-7) returns to start at 126 pounds while junior Matt Best (25-11, 3rd D-22) is at 152. Senior Garrett Rumsby (15-12) starts at 145 to give the Eagles a solid trio in the lower half of the lineup. Senior Kevin Fisher and sophomore Trent Giglio will wrestle in the 182 and 195 pound spots after each won over 10 matches and finished the season just under .500. Senior Taylor Hendrickson, a star defensive end for the Eagles football team, could be a solid replacement for Finn after going 7-1 in limited action last season. Franciosi, a two-time region qualifier, is 34 wins away from reaching 100 for his career. He would be the fifth Middletown South wrestler to reach the century mark.

 

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