Wrestling — 2014-2015 Preview: Class A North

The Shore Conference’s Class A North division has been owned by Howell since 2006 when the Rebels started a string of nine consecutive division titles, and it’s going to take a huge effort to change that in 2015.

Howell is coming off its best season in program history after winning the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV tournaments for the first time, and returns an exceptional lower half of its lineup led by returning state medalist and sophomore national champion Kris Lindemann. The Rebels have some key pieces to replace among the upperweights, but for a program with huge numbers that shouldn’t be a problem.

Christian Brothers Academy has been hot on Howell’s heels for some time now, and will look to stop the Rebels from winning a 10th straight title. Junior Sebastian Rivera is coming off a remarkable sophomore season that saw him finish fifth in the state at 106 pounds and win a NHSCA sophomore national title to lead a balanced and experienced Colts team.

Middletown North is a dark horse with standout juniors Chad Freshnock and Anthony Vetrano, along with senior 30-match winner Paul Capaldo, while Manalapan is usually competitive with the teams at the top of the division.

With the divisions being realigned this season, Colts Neck is out and Freehold enters from B North.

Teams listed in alphabetical order

Christian Brothers Academy

Head coach: Russ Witt, fourth season

2013-2014 record: 18-7 (6-1, second in A North)

Returning starters: Sebastian Rivera (Jr., 113), Carl Vasti (Jr., 120), Dylan Van Sickell (Jr., 126/132), Liam Gallagher (Sr., 138/145), Garrett Fitzgerald (Jr., 152), Chris Koutzen (Jr., 160), Justin Kieslor (Sr., 170/182), Will Oxley (Jr., 195/220), Alex Petrocelli (Sr., Hwt).

Key losses: Mike Oxley, Erik Beshada, Christian Casselli.

Newcomers: Rich Koehler (Fr., 106), Ben Kuhn (Jr., 138/145).

Rivera leads the way for the Colts after a breakout sophomore campaign in which he went 40-3 with a District 22 title, second-place finish in the Region VI Tournament and a fifth-place finish in the state tournament. He followed that up by winning an NHSCA sophomore national title as part of a great offseason. He’s at 113 this season, where he is nationally-ranked and among the favorites to win a state title, which would be CBAs first since 1969 and second all-time.

The lower half of the Colts’ lineup is its strength with junior District 22 medalists Carl Vasti and Dylan Van Sickle at 120 and 126, respectively. Senior Liam Gallagher will wrestle at 138 and 145 pounds coming off a 15-win season, and junior Ben Kuhn rejoins the fold after winning 10 matches as a freshman but missing all of 2014.

Up top, junior district medalists Chris Koutzen at 160 and Will Oxley at 195/220 are the top returners. Oxley was 22-12 last season and second in districts at 182, and could approach 30 wins and a trip to the state tournament this season.

The Colts graduated 93 wins, including a state medalist, from last season’s team that won the District 22 title, and although on paper it looks like an uphill battle to catch Howell in Class A North, CBA should be in the mix to make a run at the Non-Public South A sectional title.

Freehold

Head coach: Matt Shepherd, seventh season (ninth overall)

2013-2014 record: 9-16 (2-4, fifth in B North)

Returning starters: Noah Weiss (So., 106), Colin Monahan (Sr., 113), Dom Theodosatos (So., 132), Dominic Matteo (Sr., 145), Nick Kousoulides (Sr., 220).

Key losses: Andrew Cicalese, Will Zembricki, John DiBari, Chris Hazell, Dom Ciarricco.

Newcomers: Lucas Staples (Fr., 106), Robert Meyers (Fr., 120), Cody Cisco (So., 120), Jake Feldan (Sr, 126), Billy Theodosatos (So., 138), Shane Connelly (Sr., 138), Andres Cardenas (Jr., 145), Jerry Torres (So., 160), Liam Tibbet (So., 170), Dan Giovinazzo (So., 182), Kevin Hranj (So., 220, transfer from New Egypt).

The Colonials lost nearly all their top wrestlers to graduation - 83 total wins - and will enter the 2015 season with a relatively young and inexperienced lineup. They do have one hammer, though, in senior 113-pounder Colin Monahan, who went 30-9 last season with a third-place finish in the District 21 tournament. He’ll be in the mix to be Freehold’s first district champion since 2010.

The lower weights are where the Colonials have the most returning wins, led by Monahan at 113 and senior Jake Feldman at 126. Feldman returns to the team after missing last season, and was 19-12 as a sophomore. Sophomore Noah Weiss took his lumps as a freshman at 106, but should be improved after the experience of 30 matches. Sophomore Dom Theodosatos won 11 matches as a freshman and will start at 132 pounds.

Freehold will be breaking in several new starters among its upper weights with sophomores Jerry Torres (160), Liam Tibbet (170) and Dan Giovinazzo (182) preceding senior Nick Kousoulides at 220 pounds.

Freehold Township

Head coach: Mike Gaeta, second season

2013-2014 record: 12-14 (2-5, fifth place A North)

Returning starters: Vinny Fontana (Sr., 113), Mike Plaska (Jr., 120), Josh Nastarowicz (So., 132), Nick Mangini (Jr., 138), Nino Gagliano (Sr., 160), Romano Valentin (Sr., 182), Jake Elias (Sr, 195)

Key losses: Nick DePierro, Ray Tobia.

Newcomers: Kyle Cleary (Fr., 106), Mike Cenname (Fr., 126), Kyle Hillermeier (Fr., 126), Joe Bucciero (Jr., 152), Michael Romano (Sr., 170), Jimmy Purcell (Sr., Hwt), Gianni Mazzone (Jr., Hwt).

The Patriots graduated the program’s all-time wins leader and 2014 state medalist Nick DePierro, but enter 2015 with a veteran cast looking to climb the ladder in A North. Senior Nino Gagliano, a second-place finisher at 138 pounds in District 21 last season, leads the way at 160 pounds. Senior Michael Romano is back in the fold after not wrestling last season. He was 24-9 as a sophomore and will be at 170 pounds, giving the Patriots a solid back-to-back punch in the middle of their lineup. Senior Jake Elias at 195 is another key returner among the upper weights after posting a 16-13 mark last season.

The Patriots also have a solid one-two combination among their lower weights with senior Vinny Fontana and junior Mike Plaska at 113 and 120, respectively. Fontana was 22-13 last season while Plaska had a solid junior season with a 20-8 record. They will be surrounded by freshmen as Kyle Cleary (106), Mike Centime (126) and Kyle Hillermeier (126) enter the program. Junior Nick Mangini is at 138 after posting 11 victories last season.

Again, the top of the division will be tough to crack, but with a mostly veteran lineup, the Patriots will be an interesting team to watch as the season unfolds.

Howell

Head coach: John Gagliano, 18th season

2013-2014 record: 28-4 (7-0, first place A North)

Returning starters: Mike Sisolak (Sr., 113), Peter Dee (Jr., 120), Anthony Gagliano (Jr., 132), Kris Lindemann (Jr., 138), Nick Lurski (Sr., 170), Austin Silverstein (Sr., 182), Sean Silverstein (Sr., 220).

Key losses: Jimmy Slendorn, Jack Rada, Josue Pierre-Louis, Joey Schultz, Stephen Boncimino, Nate Litowsky, Kyle Cocozza.

Newcomers: Kyle Slendorn (So., 106), Will Rittweger (So., 120), Nick Ciaccia (Jr., 126), Daniel Esposito (Fr., 126), Jon Friedman (So., 132), Nick Sulkowski (So., 138), Ryan Marter (Jr., 145), Hunter Leyden (Sr., 145), Frank Leonardis (Jr., 160), Jamal Williams (Sr., 160), Jack Kirk (Jr., 170), Eric Keosseian (So., 195 - transfer from Manasquan), Tim DeAngelo (Sr., Hwt), Jacob Nash (So., Hwt).

The Rebels are coming off their greatest season ever and will enter 2015 as the defending Shore Conference and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV champions for the first time. It’s striking to see all that Howell graduated - one state medalist, three state qualifiers, a total of seven district medals and 196 wins from seven starters - but few programs in the Shore are as equipped to reload as well as Howell.

The anchor of Howell’s lineup will be its standout group of lowerweights, which returns 116 wins from its four top wrestlers. Junior Kris Lindemann enjoyed a breakout season while serving as an instrumental part of Howell’s team success. Lindemann finished second in the Region VI tournament at 132 pounds and then placed sixth at the state tournament. He went on to win a sophomore national championship and enters his junior year with high expectations. He’ll be at 138 pounds. Senior Mike Sisolak returns at 113 pounds after going 25-8 last season, and junior Peter Dee is at 120 after going 32-7 and reaching the state tournament last year. Junior Anthony Gagliano was one of the more underrated wrestlers in the Shore last season, going 26-9 and taking second in districts. He’ll be at 132 to give Howell four studs among its seven weights through 145 pounds.

How the newcomers from 152 through heavyweight develop will be the key for Howell in its efforts to repeat as conference and sectional champions. The Rebels graduated four 20-match winners, including state medalist Joey Schultz (160) and region champ Kyle Cocozza (Hwt), along with district medalists Stephen Boncimino and Nate Litowsky. Senior Nick Lurski is the returning wins leader of the bunch after going 16-11 last season, and will wrestle at 170.

Senior Austin Silverstein is at 182 after a 14-11 year, and senior Sean Silverstein, who won a district medal despite a 6-7 record, returns at 220 pounds. Seniors David Nocks and Anthony Pozsonyi were also varsity lettermen, so there is experience up top despite the loss of firepower. The Rebels also get a boost with sophomore Eric Keosseian transferring in from Manasquan after going 22-7 as a freshman. He will wrestle at 195 pounds. Senior Ryan Demian went 6-0 last season and looks to take over as the starting heavyweight.

There is plenty of production to be replaced from last season's squad, but Howell has a history of plugging in new starters and not missing a beat, so the Rebels should once again be in contention for conference, sectional and group championships.

Manalapan

Head coach: Scott Pressman, eighth season

2013-2014 record: 16-11 (4-3, fourth place A North)

Returning starters: Matt Mustillo (So., 113), Mike Goebel (So., 120), Joe Hamias (Jr. 120), Ed Vegalasov (Jr., 132), Joe Santamarco (Sr., 145), Jake Kaminsky (Sr., 152), Justin Obermeyer (So., 160), Steven Chandler (Sr., 170), Anthony Torrillo (Sr., 195), Peter Williams (Sr., Hwt).

Key losses: Chris Baran, Nick Macchio, Anthony Benedetti, Ben Aquilina.

Newcomers: A.J. Sortino (Fr., 106), Anthony Coposky (Fr., 126), Nick Coposky (Jr., 132), Tyler Klecan (Sr., 138), Jeremy McFadden (Jr., 138), Cory Holder (Sr., 152), Jake Staklinski (So., 170), Peter Benedetti (Fr., 220).

The Braves returns 10 wrestlers who either started or saw significant time last season, led by district medalists Joe Santamarco, Jake Kaminsky and Steven Chandler. All three reside in the upper half of Manalapan’s lineup to form the team’s strength. Santamarco is at 145 pounds after going 28-7 and finishing third in District 21. He is followed by Kaminsky, who went 32-6 and won the District 21 title at 145 last season, at 152 pounds. Chandler is at 170 coming off a 29-10 year when he finished second in districts. Seniors Anthony Torrillo (195) and Peter Williams (Hwt), and junior Joe Marano (195) each won 10 or more matches last season, so an improvement on those numbers would give the Braves a very solid upper half. Freshman Peter Benedetti is slated to be the starter at 220 pounds.

Freshmen A.J. Sortino (106) and Anthony Coposky (126) enter the lineup in the lower half, where sophomore Mike Goebel (120) and junior Joe Hamias (120) are the returning wins leaders with 13.

The middle of the lineup is Manalapan’s backbone with Santamarco, Kaminsky and Chandler, and an improvement from the rest of the upperweights would give the Braves a tough stretch from 152 through heavyweight. How good Manalapan will be hinges on the development of its lowerweights.

Marlboro

Head coach: Will Werntz, 12th season

2013-2014 record: 5-18 (0-7, seventh place A North)

Returning starters: Justin Sheinwald (Sr., 106), Eric Delgado (Jr., 120), Shane Mullan (Jr, 126), Mike Doukas (So., 132), Pet Powell (Sr.,. 145), Dan Saraiva (Sr., 160), Alex Shtindler (Sr., 220), Bhanu Chadalawada (Jr., Hwt).

Key losses: Jeff Goldrosen.

Newcomers: Dan McGrath (So., 113), Mike DeFaria (So., 138), Lawrence Katsman (So., 152), Joe Vitale (Sr., 170).

The good news for Marlboro is that it graduated just two seniors, so this is a team with both youth and experience as it tries to climb up from the basement in A North.

The Mustangs will be led by senior Dan Saraiva, a three-time region qualifier who went 29-7 last year and finished second at districts at 145 pounds. Saraiva is up at 160 pounds this season as he looks to advance to the state tournament for the first time. The Mustangs also have senior Pete Powell (19-9) at 145 pounds and senior Alex Shtindler (15-9) at 220 pounds to give them three strong wrestlers in the middle and upper weights. Shtindler was also a region qualifier last season. Newcomers Lawrence Katsman and Joe Vitale are at 152 and 170, respectively, and the 182 and 195 pound spots have yet to be decided, so there’s still some question marks among the group. Junior Bhanu Chadalawada is the heavyweight.

Junior Shane Mullan was 24-8 and a region qualifier at 120 pounds last season, and leads a lower half with potential to turn into the team’s strength. Senior Justin Sheinwald is at 106 with either sophomore Dan McGrath or sophomore Jared Sheinwald at 113. Junior Eric Delgado is at 120 after an 11-win season as a sophomore, followed by Mullan at 126 and sophomore Mike Doukas (15-12) at 132. Sophomore Mike DeFaria gets a bigger role this season as the 138-pound starter after wrestling in just two bouts last season. Powell completes the stretch at 145 pounds.

There are plenty of question marks up top, but a solid run of middleweights could have the Mustangs moving up in A North this season.

Middletown North

Head coach: Matt Sirchio, ninth season

2013-2014 record: 18-9 (5-2, third place A North)

Returning starters: Logan Santos (Jr., 113), Eddie Walz (Jr., 126), Jack Van Sant (Jr., 126/132), Paul Capaldo (Sr., 145), Scott Svenson (Jr., 152), Thomas Anderson (So., 160/170), Fred Svenson (Sr., 160/170), Anthony Vetrano (Jr., 182), Chad Freshnock (Jr., 195), Jake Fish (So., 220/Hwt).

Key losses: Anthony Fabiano, Matt Oden.

Newcomers: Sean Deering (So., 106), Stanley Wojdylak (Fr., 120), Drew Wentworth (Jr., 138), Jake Goldfarb (So., 220/Hwt), Vin Pianoforte (Sr., 220/Hwt), Tyler Bienkowski (Sr., Hwt), Austin Dewise (Fr., Hwt).

Three wrestlers who won at least 27 matches and advanced to the Region VI Tournament lead the way for a young and talented Middletown North squad ready to take the next step after a solid 2014.

The Lions went 18-9 last season and finished third in A North, losing only to Howell and CBA. They did so with a relatively young team that finished strong in winning 15 of its final 17 duals and sending five wrestlers to regions. The heart of Middletown North’s roster is a six-weight stretch in the middle of its lineup from 145 through 195 pounds.

Senior Paul Capaldo is at 145 after going 31-9 and placing second in District 22. He’s followed by junior Scott Svenson, who won 10 matches as a sophomore, at 152, and sophomore Thomas Anderson (23-11) and senior Fred Svenson (25-9) splitting time between 160 and 170 pounds. Junior Anthony Vetrano went 27-9 and was third in districts last season, and is at 182 pounds. Rounding out the great run is junior Chad Freshnock, who went 37-7 last season, reached the Region VI final at 182 pounds and wrestled in four bouts at the state tournament. The Lions can pile up points in a hurry with this group and should be dangerous in dual matches because of it.

Elsewhere, the Lions have juniors Eddie Walz and Jack Van Sant at 126 and 132 pounds. Walz won 15 matches last season and Van Sant won nine, so a jump to 20 and 15 wins, respectively, would be a big boost to the lower half of the lineup. Junior Logan Santos is at 113 between sophomore Sean Deering at 106 and freshman Stanley Wojdylak at 120 pounds. Senior Brandon Tanglao and junior Drew Wentworth are at 138 pounds. After Freshnock at 195, there are several options at 220 and heavyweight with sophomores Jake Fish and Jake Goldfarb, seniors Vin Pianoforte and Tyler Bienkowski and freshman Austin Dewise.

The Lions should win matches with the middle of their lineup alone, and some production around those six weights could have them making a run at a top 10 spot in the Shore.

Middletown South

Head coach: Dan Ling, second season

2013-2014 record: 13-12 (3-4, fifth place A North)

Returning starters: Nick Koehler (Sr., 145), Louis Avena (Jr., 145), Matt Best (Sr., 152), Brendan Rumsby (Jr., 160), Trento Giglio (Jr., 170), Sean Killeen (Jr., 195), Dylan Rogers (Jr., 220).

Key losses: Dom Franciosi, Garrett Rumsby, Connor Spreen, Tayler Hendrickson.

Newcomers: Hugh MacLellan (Fr., 106), Danny Ward (Fr. 113), Mark Walker (So., 120), Dylan Murphy (Jr., 132), Christian Desanctis (Jr., 132), Will McCauley (So., 132), Alex Carter (Jr., 138), Justin Weimer (Fr., 138), Mike West (Jr., 152), Jack Hardzewicz (Fr., 160), Jack Buchalski (Sr., 170), Adam Markmann (Fr., 220). Kian Ciuro (So., Hwt).

Middletown South will be a very young team in 2015 with nine freshmen or sophomores expected to see extended time, and with just three returning starters that had winning records, there will be plenty of new faces in the Eagles’ lineup.

Senior Matt Best is South’s top returner after going 32-6 and winning the District 22 title at 152 pounds. He will be at 160 pounds this season. Junior Dylan Rogers was 9-6 a season ago and will be at 220, and junior Trent Giglio is coming off a 10-win season to slot in at 170 pounds. Junior Brendan Rumsby (160) wrestled in 24 matches last season and junior Sean Killeen (195) had 22 bouts to add some experience to the upper half of the lineup.

The lower half of the lineup had just two returning starters in senior Nick Koehler and junior Louis Avena, but both are slotted in at 145 pounds. The rest of the lower weights had just four combined wins last season and will feature five weights with no wrestlers having varsity experience, so there’s some work to do in that area.