2015-2016 Class A South Wrestling Preview
Teams listed in alphabetical order
BRICK MEMORIAL
Head coach: Mike Denver, third season.
Career record: 36-4.
2014-2015 record: 20-1.
Assistant coaches: Tim Brennan, Ryan Wilson, Don Miller.
NJSIAA section: Central Jersey Group IV.
District: 23.
Returning starters: Matt Wardlaw, So., 120 (10-15, 1st D23); Gianni Ghione, Jr., 126 (35-3, 1st D23, 2nd R6, 2nd NJ); Luke Vescovi, Sr., 138 (20-8, 1st D23); Anthony Mitchell, Sr., 182 (24-6, 1st D23); Nick Rivera, Jr., Hwt. (32-2, 1st D23, 1st R6, 2nd NJ).
Key newcomers: Liam Rivera, So., 106; Joe Rotundo, So., 106; Jordna Bailey, So., 113; Chris Lawrence, Jr.,. 113 (1-5); Ryan Andrus, So., 120; Sean Monaghan, Fr., 126; Ian Webster, So., 126; Justin Intile, Sr., 132;Robert Kmit, So., 132; Nour Mohamed, Fr., 132; Jake Geoffroy, Sr., 138; Caleb Alvarado, Fr., 145; Ean Mueller, Fr., 145; Chris Richardson, Jr., 145 (4-7); Casey Wines, Sr., 145 (2-3); Michael Ferrara, So., 152; Jared Prendeville, So., 152; Henry Ryder, So., 152; Jack Tango, So., 152; Chris Mittler, So., 160; Henry Thomas, So., 160; Dakota Wade, Jr., 170; Sam Williams, So., 170; Ron Hopping, So., 182 (0-2); Andre Zahlmann, Fr., 195; Roberto Harrara, Fr., 220; Matt Dyas, Sr., Hwt.
Duals to watch: Jan. 4 at Brick; Jan. 5 vs. Toms River South; Jan. 9 at Montville with West Essex/St. Peter's Prep; Jan. 16 at Roxbury with High Point; Jan. 20 at Jackson Memorial; Jan. 22 vs. Southern; Jan. 23 vs. Paramus/St. Joseph-Montvale.
Tournaments: TCNJ Pride Tournament, Dec. 19; Mustang Classic, Dec. 28.
Brick Memorial was a senior-dominant squad last season, which was the driving force in the Mustangs winning A South, the Shore Conference Tournament, the Group V title and finishing as the No. 2 team in New Jersey. Exiting via graduation were eight starters and 183 wins, including state champion Alec Donovan and state runner-up Cliff Ruggiero. That's a ton to replace, even for a program of Brick Memorial's pedigree. When you're one of the state's most storied programs, however, you get the benefit of the doubt.
Brick Memorial's feeder program is one of the best around, so names that are unknown and unproven now will end up being major contributors as the season progresses. Nothing is given in Class A South, however, so it will be interesting to see how the Mustangs move forward.
The good news for the Mustangs is they return five district champions and two state finalists. Juniors Gianni Ghione at 126 and Nick Rivera at heavyweight are two of the very best in New Jersey and will anchor their respective halves of the lineup. Ghione was a region champion in 2014 and had a very good offseason that had him nationally ranked. Rivera is still ranked nationally, coming in at No. 16 by InterMat. He is the early favorite to win the heavyweight state title.
Sophomore Matt Wardlaw was one of the feel-good stories of the postseason last year in winning a district title. Wardlaw looked overmatched at times and was just 10-15, but he turned it on at the right time to win District 23 Outstanding Wrestler. If he can turn the corner this year it will be a huge boost for a team looking for wrestlers to step up their games.
Seniors Luke Vescovi at 138 and Anthony Mitchell at 182, both of whom are returning district champions, are the lone senior starters for Brick Memorial. Mitchell is making a five-weight jump from 138, so that's something to keep an eye one. He's a home-run hitter with a repertoire of judo throws, picking up valuable bonus points in duals. As Ruggiero showed last season, that can carry a wrestler a long way in the postseason.
With such a young team there's no telling which way Brick Memorial will go. The Class A South schedule is a grind, and the Mustangs have a great nonconference schedule that includes St. Peter's Prep and High Point. It's not too often so many starting spots are up for grabs at Brick Memorial, so the chance for freshmen and sophomores to stake their claim is there.
BRICK
Head coach: Matt Opacity, 13th season.
Career record: 173-77.
2014-2015 record: 18-5.
Assistant coaches: Mike Berardinelli, Matt Santoro.
NJSIAA section: Central Jersey Group IV.
District: 23.
Returning starters: Joe Ferigne, So., 106 (16-15); Anthony Costanza, Jr., 152 (15-13); Tom Costanza, Sr., 160 (4-9); Dean Helstowski, Jr., 182 (25-8); Anthony Rusignuolo, Sr., 182 (6-10); Jack Jachim, Sr., 220 (6-9).
Key newcomers: Kadin Hickman, Fr., 113; Jacob Konstantoulas, Fr., 126; Christian Malta, Fr., 182.
Duals to watch: Dec. 30 vs. Jackson Memorial; Jan. 4 vs. Brick Memorial; Jan. 22 at Toms River South; Jan. 26 at Southern.
Tournaments: Colt Classic, Dec. 19; Hawk Classic, Dec. 28.
The theme in A South is teams being hit hard by graduation, and the Dragons have their hands full in trying to replace a fantastic senior class. Gone are 147 wins and three state medalists, plus two more district champions that comprised Brick's dominating group of middle and upperweights.
Junior 182-pounder Dean Helstowski is the team's top returner after a 35-8 season and a second-place finish in the district tournament. He is one of just three wrestlers returning that won over 10 matches last season for the Dragons. Junior Anthony Costanza will be at 152 after going 15-13 last season, and his senior brother Tom will step into a starting role after wrestling in 13 bouts a season ago. Senior Anthony Rusignuolo also has experience at multiple weights and will provide some maneuverability up top. Kelvin Tomasello had some spot starts last season, going 3-3, and will step into the full-time role at heavyweight.
With junior Jack McLafferty and his 23 wins transferring to St. John Vianney, Brick is very thin on experience in the lower half of the lineup. Sophomore Joe Ferigne was solid as a freshman at 106 pounds, going 16-15. Look for him to get over the 20-win mark this season. Sophomore Trent Adams at 120 and junior Dave Santiago at 132 pounds have prior varsity experience.
There's no doubting it will be an uphill battle for Brick. Trying to reload for a championship run while wrestling in A South doesn't afford a team much room for error. The Dragons do have a very good feeder system to pull from, so the performance of the freshman and sophomores will be something to look out for.
JACKSON MEMORIAL
Head coach: Aaron Gottesman, fifth season.
Career record: 72-17.
2014-2015 record: 19-5.
Assistant coaches: Doug Withstandley, Tony Compitello, Chris Rash, Matt Fletcher, Corey Lavin.
NJSIAA section: Central Jersey Group IV.
District: 21.
Returning starters: Mike Spino, Sr., 120/126 (28-10, 3rd D21); Matt McGowan, Jr., 120/126 (24-8); Ryan Bohringer, So., 132 (5-12); Mike Christie, Sr., 138 (13-16); Tim Hamann, Jr., 145 (29-10, 2nd D21, 4th R6); Tanner Kelly, Sr., 170/182 (18-8, 1st D21); Adante Davis, Sr., 195 (18-12). Austin Ostrander, Sr., 220 (16-11 in 2014).
Key newcomers: Kevin Hogan, So., 106 (0-3); Chris McDonald, Fr., 106; Carsten DiGiantomasso, Fr., 113; Jeremiah Nash, Jr., 113; Brandon Burkert, Fr., 120/126; Nick Tomasiello, So., 145; Dan Bergeron, So., 160; Eric Schengrund, Sr., 170/182 (0-1); Justin Martin-Cult, So., 182; Dave Lemay, So., 182; Larry Richardson, Jr., 195; Edgar Soriano, Sr., 220; Chris Mondello, Sr., 220 (1-1).
Duals to watch: Dec. 21 at Toms River South; Dec. 30 at Brick; Jan. 6 vs. Southern; Jan. 16 vs. Delsea; Jan. 20 vs. Brick Memorial; Feb. 6 at South Plainfield.
Tournaments: Robin Leff Invitational, Dec. 19; Walter Woods Tournament, Dec. 28.
The Jaguars return seven starters off last season's team that won the program's seventh sectional title and reached the finals of the Shore Conference Tournament and Group IV championship.
Five district medalists, including two state qualifiers and a state medalist are gone via graduation, but Jackson is another team with the reputation of being able to reload and continue on as one of New Jersey's best. Three wrestlers that won over 24 bouts are back with three more that won over 10 bouts.
Five of the key returners are in the lower half, led by senior Mike Spino and juniors Matt McGowan and Tim Hamann. Spino posted 28 wins and reached the region tournament, while Hamann went 29-10 and finished fourth in regions. All three should have big seasons, and Hamann specifically could really have a breakout year and become a region title contender after some very big wins as a sophomore. Sophomore Ryan Bohringer should also be a key contributor after wrestling in 17 bouts as a freshman. Senior Mike Christie adds a veteran presence at 138 pounds after a 13-win season.
Senior Tanner Kelly is one of the most underrated wrestlers in the Shore Conference and will be relied upon to pick up crucial wins at 170 or 182 pounds. A district champion last season, don't be surprised if Kelly makes a serious bid to reach the state tournament. Senior Adante Davis has 25-win potential after an 18-12 junior season, and will be at 195 pounds. The return of senior Austin Ostrander, who was 16-11 as a sophomore but missed last season, gives the Jags a reliable upperweight to help offset the graduation of dominant heavyweight and state third-place finisher Brody Graham. Junior Larry Richardson and senior Chris Mondello, who like Ostrander were standout offensive linemen on Jackson's state championship football team, have little to no varsity experience but could end up being important pieces up top. Senior Jay Epperly was 9-4 in limited duty last season and will be at 152, while senior Kyle Johnson will be at 160.
With every team seemingly in the same boat and the competition fierce as always, there's no telling how the Class A South race will shake out. The Jaguars should be right there, as always, battling for the division crown with Southern, Toms River South and Brick Memorial, while remaining a major contender for district, sectional and group championships.
LACEY
Head coach: Tom Pfister, 11th season.
Career record: 118-126.
2014-2015 record: 12-12.
Assistant coaches: Sean Mullan, Jeff Gauthier, Mike Stuppiello.
NJSIAA section: South Jersey Group III.
District: 24.
Returning starters: Luke Moynihan, So., 113/120 (32-6, 1st D24); Anthony Datello, Sr., 120/126 (9-21); Luke Gauthier, So., 126 (29-7, 3rd D24); Evan Cyphers, So., 126/132 (6-12); Sam Moynihan, Sr., 138 (6-2); Matt Garrity, Jr., 145 (24-11, 3rd D24); Riley D'Ornellas, Jr., 152/160 (11-9); Dante Soto, Sr., 152/160 (15-14); Troy Dittenhoffer, Sr., 182/195 (10-17); Eric Luna, So., 220/Hwt (3-18).
Key newcomers: Hunter Guttierez, Fr., 106; Alex Ross, Fr., 106; Tom Downs, So., 106/113 (3-1); Adam Krinic, So., 113; Zach Higgins, Fr., 132; Jake Gnad, Fr., 132/138; Mike Davenport, So., 138 (0-6); Jon Vancura, Jr., 138; Juan Caballero, Fr., 160; Liam Muzyka, Jr., 170/182; Matt Sullivan, Sr., 182/195; Sean Reilly, So., 220; Jon Rioux, So., Hwt.
Duals to watch: Jan. 2 vs. Middletown North/Central; Jan. 8 vs. Southern; Jan. 9 at Brick; Jan. 13 vs. Jackson Memorial; Jan. 20 at Toms River South; Feb. 2 at Brick Memorial.
Tournaments: TCNJ Pride Tournament, Dec. 19; Collingwood Christmas Tournament, Dec. 28.
The Lions made great strides last season with a 12-12 dual record while pushing a wrestler into a region final, and with several key starters back, including a pair of talented sophomores, the Lions will try to climb the divisional ranks against the Shore'e elite.
Lacey has 10 starters returning, headlined by junior Matt Garrity and sophomores Luke Moynihan and Luke Gauthier. Moynihan and Gauthier had outstanding freshman campaigns that resulted in district medals for each. Moynihan went 32-6 and won a district title and Gauthier was 29-7 with a third-place finish. They are the anchors of the lower weights along with returning starters Anthony Datello and Evan Cyphers. Garrity was 24-11 last season with a third-place district finish and will be at 145. The return of senior Sam Moynihan, who won 19 bouts as a sophomore but was injured for the season after just eight appearances last season, is also a big boost.
The middle portion of the lineup is strong with Garrity at 145 and junior Riley D'Ornellas and senior Dante Soto at 152 and 160. They had 11 and 15 wins respectively, last season.
Lacey will have four new starters from 170 through heavyweight, bringing back senior Troy Dittenhoffer at 182/195 and sophomore Eric Luna at 220/heavyweight.
The ingredients are there for Lacey to have its best season in years, but it won't be easy. They have an early-season matchup with Middletown North, which will be telling, and three matches in six days against Southern, Brick and Jackson Memorial will show how much of a contender the Lions will be.
Luke Moynihan and Gauthier are two of the most promising underclassmen in the Shore, so a deep run in the individual postseason for them is definitely a possibility. Sam Moynihan and Matt Garrity should also make postseason noise and push for a spot on the region medal stand.
SOUTHERN
Head coach: John Stout, 15th season.
2014-2015 record: 14-6.
Assistant coaches: Jerry Tabbachino, Dan Roy, Dan Hall, Mike Braun, Mike Case.
NJSIAA section: South Jersey Group V.
District: 24.
Returning starters: Owen Kretschmer, So., 106 (9-7, 3rd D24); Matt Barnett, So., 120 (15-14); Gianni Bennet, Sr., 126/132 (18-10, 2nd D24); Teddy Caporino, Sr., 138/145 (11-11); Seon Bowker, Jr., 152/160 (16-12, 2nd D24); Pat Mooney, Sr., 160/170 (25-10, 1st D24); Peyton Blauvelt, Sr., 170/182 (21-9, 1st D24); Joe Toci, Sr., 195 (17-15, 3rd D24); Connor Skully, Sr., 195/220 (14-7).
Key newcomers: Dillon Cardell, Sr., 106/113; Nick Pepe, Fr., 113/120; Nick O'Connell, Fr., 132/138; John Stout, Fr., 145/152; Vin Miele, So., 182; Joe Miele, So., 220.
Duals to watch: Dec. 30 at Delsea with High Point; Jan. 5 at Jackson Memorial; Jan. 9 vs. Howell; Jan. 13 at Toms River South; Jan. 22 at Brick Memorial; Jan. 23 vs. South Plainfield (at Bridgewater-Raritan); Jan. 30 at Phillipsburg.
Tournaments: Robin Leff Invitational, Dec. 19; Escape the Rock, Jan. 16-17.
If there is a team you can pencil in every season to be a top-five team in the Shore and compete for every title in its path no matter who the names are, it's Southern.
The Rams do a marvelous job year after year of replacing key parts, thanks to a great feeder program and a gauntlet of a wrestling room that constantly churns out quality wrestlers. Nine starters are back, including five district medalists, as the Rams look to hunt down the program's second NJSIAA group title.
Southern is strong up and down the lineup with four returning starters in the lower half and five in the upper half. Sophomore Owen Kretschmer returns at 106 after earning a district medal as a freshman. Sophomore Matt Barnett is at 120 and senior Gianni Bennet, a district runner-up, is at 126 or 132. Seniors Teddy Caporino and Mike Racanelli provide a veteran presence in the middle at 138/145.
The Rams look to have a strong run up top, starting with junior district runner-up Seon Bowker at 152/160. District champs Pat Mooney and Peyton Blauvelt, each 20-bout winners, will be at 160/170 and 170/182, respectively. Seniors Joe Toci (17-15) and Connor Skully (14-7) are two tough outs at 195 and 220. Sophomore twins Vin and Joe Miele step into the lineup at 182 and 220, respectively. The Rams don't have a heavyweight penciled in at the moment, but there's little doubt they will have that spot secured when it matters.
Southern's freshman class has great potential with intermediate Tri-County champions Nick Pepe (113/120) and Nick O'Connell (132/138), and runner-up John Stout (145/152).
The Rams are the early favorite in the division, but will be tested early and often. They have one of the state's toughest schedules with the divisional slate that includes defending Group V champion Brick Memorial and Group IV finalist Jackson Memorial. They will also wrestle Group III champions Delsea, Group IV champion Phillipsburg, perennial power High Point and fellow Group V contender Howell. This is why you throw out Southern's individual records when making any judgements.
TOMS RIVER EAST
Head coach: Warren Reid, 36th season.
Career record: 380-281-7.
2014-2015 record: 4-20.
Assistant coaches: Eric Priest, Chris Byrnes.
NJSIAA section: South Jersey Group IV.
District: 24.
Returning starters: Nick Wielichoski, Jr., 106 (3-28); Marco Morales, Sr., 132 (12-14); Tyler Machnik, Sr., 138 (22-9); Dante Rotella, Jr., 145 (5-20); A.J. Meyers, Jr., 160 (36-8, 2nd D24, 3rd R6); Dylan Tortorelli, Jr., 170 (1-11); Justin Hertler, Sr., 182 (16-15); Jake Dallago, Sr., 195 (10-16); Edgar Serrano, Sr., Hwt. (7-24).
Key newcomers: Jake Shuster, So., 106 (0-5); Alexander Gorlin, Fr., 113; Jeremiah Dillon, Jr., 120; Joseph Gamboa, So., 126 (1-2); Sean Ederhardt, Fr.., 126; Tyler Paar, Fr., 132; Mike Amoresano, Jr., 138; Chandler Apple, Jr., 145; Mike Moores, Sr., 152; Daniel Schieder, Fr., 152; Mohamed Ahmed, Fr., 170; Steve Carr, Fr., 220; Brandon Austin, So., Hwt. (1-1).
Duals to watch: Jan. 8 vs. Toms River South; Jan. 11 vs. Toms River North; Jan. 20 at Brick.
Tournaments: Neptune Classic, Dec. 19; Hunterdon Central Tournament, Dec. 28.
Standout junior A.J. Meyers leads a cast of nine returning starters as the Raiders look for their first winning season since 2008 under long-time head coach Warren Reid.
Meyers went 36-8 last season and was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise tough season for Toms River East. He finished second in the district tournament and qualified for the state tournament with a third-place region finish. He enters the season as a region title contender. Seniors Tyler Machnik at 138 and Justin Hertler at 182 are the other wrestlers that return with winning records. Machnik was 22-9 last season while Hertler posted a 16-15 mark.
Seniors Marco Morales at 132 and Jake Dallago at 195 are both double-digit winners from last season. There's also experience at 106 with junior Nick Wielichoski, junior Dante Rotella at 145, junior Dylan Ritornelli at 170 and senior Edgar Serrano at heavyweight.
TOMS RIVER NORTH
Head coach: Bill Wilbert, sixth season.
Career record: 54-61.
2014-2015 record: 14-10.
Assistant coaches: John DeMarco, Josh Huber.
NJSIAA section: South Jersey Group V.
District: 24.
Returning starters: Carlos Roche, So., 126/132 (5-11); Mike Johns, Jr., 138 (8-22); Pat O'Donnell, Jr., 145/152 (21-14); Mike GeGennaro, Jr., 170 (11-18).
Key newcomers: Nick Reilly, Fr., 113; Ken Faber, Jr., 120; Juan Nakano, So., 145/152; James Cauldwell, Jr., 152/160 (2-1).
Duals to watch: Dec. 30 at Lakewood with Jackson Liberty and Colts Neck; Jan. 12 at Toms River East; Jan. 13 at Brick.
Tournaments: Colt Classic, Dec. 19; Hawk Classic, Dec. 28.
The Mariners were decimated by graduating, leaving just four returning starters and one wrestler with a winning record as they try to rebuild under sixth-year head coach Bill Wilbert.
Junior Pat O'Donnell is Toms River North's standout after going 21-14 and placing second in the district tournament. He will be at either 145 or 152 pounds. Junior Mike DeGennaro posted 11 wins as a sophomore and will be at 170 pounds. Juniors Carlos Roche at 126/132 and Mike Johns at 138 are the other returning starters.
TOMS RIVER SOUTH
Head coach: Ron Laycock, 19th season.
2014-2015 record: 18-5.
Assistant coaches: Paul Sternlieb, Devon Masenko.
NJSIAA section: South Jersey Group IV.
District: 24.
Returning starters: Nick Gallicchio, So., 126 (24-8, 1st D24); Zach Martin, Jr., 126 (19-12, 2nd D24 in 2014); Owen McClave, Sr., 132 (35-2, 1st D24, 1st R6, 5th NJ); Cole Corrigan, So., 138 (30-6, 1st D24, 2nd R6); Francesco LoScrudato, Sr., 152/160 (13-15).
Key newcomers: Tim Yuro, Fr., 106; Riley Cheong, Fr., 113/120; Kenny Kelly, Jr., 145; Josh Mendez, Jr., 182/195 (0-1); Teddy Suarez, So., 182/195; Nick Florio, So., 220; Daniel Morales, Jr., 220; Jon Kobus, Jr., Hwt.
Duals to watch: Dec. 21 at Jackson Memorial; Jan. 5 at Brick Memorial; Jan. 13 vs. Southern; Jan. 20 vs. Lacey; Jan. 22 vs. Brick.
Tournaments: TCNJ Pride Tournament, Dec. 19; Walter Woods Tournament, Dec. 28.
Senior Owen McClave headlines a standout group of lowerweights that Toms River South hopes can offset major losses to graduation from its upperweights.
Just five starters return from last season's team that reached the SCT final four and the South Jersey Group IV championship. Four of them are hammers, however, led by two-time region champ McClave. Sophomore Nick Gallichio, junior Zach Martin, McClave and sophomore Cole Corrigan give the Indians an awesome run in the lower weights. Martin, however, will be sidelined until January as he recovers from an offseason injury. Gallicchio and Corrigan won district titles as freshmen, and Corrigan also reached the region finals. They are two of the best sophomores in the Shore. McClave won his second region title last season and finally broke through in Atlantic City with a fifth-place finish. He's a state-title contender as a senior.
Senior Francesco LoScrudato is the only other returning starter. He went 13-15 last season. A freshman that could make an instant impact is 113-/120-pounder Riley Cheong, who was an accomplished youth wrestler.
With many holes to fill and Martin out for a few more weeks, it's going to be tough for the Indians to stick with Southern, Jackson, Brick Memorial and even Lacey in the A South race. As the season progresses they should get better, but the individual postseason is where they could really shine.
More From Shore Sports Network
