BY MATTHEW MANGAM
Sports Editor
Logan Roman, Tyler Sagi and Daniel Fishman earned spots in the NJSIAA State Tournament through their success in the district tournament on February 19 and regions on February 26.
Based on his dominant performance in districts, where he gave up only one point to his first opponent and pinned his second, Roman entered regions as the one seed, but he didn’t let that go to his head. “Being seeded number one was cool to see but, it doesn’t really mean anything. Anything can happen in postseason because we all start with records of zero and zero,” said Roman, a sophomore.
Roman continued his success in regions by pinning his first two opponents before falling to the number two seed in the finals, allowing him to move on to the state tournament. “I feel great because making it to states was a goal that I set for myself,” said Roman.
Sagi finished his day Saturday by pinning number four seed Nick D’Alessio of Middlesex in 51 seconds. In districts a week before, the same two wrestlers faced off in the finals, where Sagi won on a tech fall after 5:28. Sagi revealed, “When I wrestled him in regions, I saw an opportunity to get a turn on him.” This led to a quick pin, which sealed his victory.
Fishman, a senior, entered regions with the toughest path to AC because of his position as the twelve seed, he but didn’t let it affect his performance and mindset. “I just had to take it one match at a time and not think about the next match,” said Fishman. “I didn’t look at seeding until the day before. I don’t like to look at the seeding because it’s just a starting point and doesn’t affect how you’ll finish. I was happy to upset my way into the semis and again in the consi-semi.”
Sagi, a junior, entered regions as the three seed and finished third with two pins and major decision, but as far as he is concerned, he hasn’t finished his work yet. “I’m happy I made it to states, but I didn’t get to avenge the kid I lost to in preseason.” With his focus already on the coming weekend, Sagi hopes to get another shot at his rival in states.
Since the season has ended for the rest of the team, the three advancing wrestlers have a complicated practice schedule. “Me and the other two state qualifiers are going to Howell to practice with their team because they have more people we can wrestle with, and they invite other teams in their room as well,” said Fishman.
Roman said he is working to keep a positive mindset and to fight to achieve his next goal. “This week I am preparing just like I would be for any other tournament. I’m watching my weight, practicing daily and working on things that I need to fix,” said Roman.
Fishman revealed what he plans to focus on for states. “I’m just going to focus on finishing shots when I get blocked by my opponents and move out from the bottom position. I’m also going to focus on getting ready mentally for the tournament.”
Sagi shared that he plans to prepare for states the same way he prepares for all of his tournaments. “I am making sure my mental game is down and that my mindset is right. I am also watching film of my matches.”
Sagi, Roman, and Fishman will travel to Atlantic City this weekend to compete at states at Boardwalk Hall. Follow the team on twitter (@OBKWrestling) or instagram (oldbridgewrestling) for updates.
Posted on 3/2/22
Photos by Tim O’Neill
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