Brick Memorial’s Gianni Ghione Commits to Princeton

Brick Memorial junior Gianni Ghione said Tuesday than he has verbally committed to wrestle Princeton University.

Technically Ghione has committed to the admissions process at Princeton and still has to be formally accepted, but he has made it clear that Princeton is where he looks to continue his career. He had garnered interest from programs in the Big 12, ACC and Ivy League.

"It's the No. 1 school in the country academically and the wrestling team has had a 100 percent placement rate on Wall Street, which is my dream profession," Ghione said. "It's close to home and the campus is gorgeous. I honestly think it was the perfect fit."

Ghione finished second in the NJSIAA Tournament last season after playing a major role in Brick Memorial capturing the NJSIAA Group V title, the program's record 15th Shore Conference Tournament title and the Class A South division title. The Mustangs also finished ranked second in New Jersey as the top public school.

As a sophomore Ghione went 35-3, won his first District 23 title and finished second in the Region VI Tournament before making a run to the state final at 113 pounds. He enjoyed instant success as a freshman in going 27-8, placing second in District 23 and winning the Region VI title at 106 pounds before an injury derailed his chances at a medal in the state tournament.

Ghione will enter the 2015-2016 season with a 62-11 career record and as one of the top lowerweights in the state. He will join a Princeton roster that includes a handful of former New Jersey high school standouts such as state champion Jonathan Schleifer from East Brunswick.